For the start of our series uncovering the best Hotels to stay at during the London 2012 Olympics, today we present our review of Danesfield House Hotel, the most luxurious accommodation for those watching the rowing races.
Danesfield House Hotel and Spa is a luxury country hotel located between the fashionable boutique shopping towns of Marlow and Henley-on-Thames in beautiful, rural Buckinghamshire. A quintessentially British countryside hotel, it boasts stunning views over the Thames in an area of exquisite natural beauty. Located just 45 minutes from London, Danesfield House is epitome of unadulterated peace and tranquility, and the perfect antidote for escaping the stresses of everyday life.
Being the idyllic luxury retreat for those attending the prestigious Royal Ascot, Henley Regatta and the pageantry of Royal Windsor, Danesfield House is well-acquainted with catering for high society crowds throughout The Season. With Eton Dorney Lake just around the corner, the world-class Olympic rowing events venue set in a 400 acre park, Danesfield House is the ideal location to stay to enjoy the sights and absorb the atmosphere of the Olympic rowing races. The world-class Eton Dorney Rowing Center at Dorney Lake is a 2200m, eight-lane rowing course with a separate return lane constructed to international standards. In 2006 it played host to the Rowing World Championships. This summer, though, it will play host to the London 2012 Olympic games, featuring events ranging from men’s and women’s single skulls, to eight-man boat races and canoe sprints.
Here at CDClifestyle we were granted the unique opportunity to sample the delights of Danesfield House and report on what to expect.
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the friendly and attentive receptionist who warmly welcomed us in to this most glorious of hotels before escorting us to our elegant room, which happened to be a firm favourite as a bridal suite. The room boasted a large four-poster bed and a host of original period features rendering it practically fit for Her Majesty. Accessed via a side door was a huge stone balcony with sensational views overlooking the formal garden and the Thames. After admiring the views over a tea on the balcony, we soon made our way down the corridor over the glass walkway towards the luxury spa, where a swim and a visit to the sauna was the perfect way to relax before heading to dinner for some gourmet cuisine.
When it comes to dining , this is an area where Danesfield House defiantly excels, courtesy of first-class and in-house Michelin star chef Adam Simmonds. In fact Adam has just been named UK Hotel Chef of the Year 2011, amongst countless other accolades that adorn the renowned Orangery.
We soon tucked into some exquisite starters, including an excellent Pistou soup with scottish scallop and some incredibly artistic Tartare of Tuna , Poached Quail’s Eggs, Avocado & Cucumber.
We had an exceptional main course that was Pan-fried Fillet of Salmon, Baby Fennel, Sauce Vierge and Roasted Chix Lobster, Fricassee of Spring Vegetables & Lobster Jus which was the best meal I have had in my life.
Finally, The fabulous dessert which was Blossom Honey Parfait, Orange Salad & Almond Tuille plus a warm Chocolate Brownie with Peppermint Ice Cream & Coco Nib, which was an incredibly impressive high quality dessert.
“All-in-all the Danesfield House Hotel and Spa has to be one of the most sensational Hotels I have had the privilege to visit and the gardens simply have to be seen to be believed, providing the most romantic of backdrops for a leisurely evening walk.”
Written by: Atoosa Zand – 3/7/12
Website: www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
