Tylney Hall Hotel
Hook, Hampshire

This hotel’s elegant lounges, sumptuous bedrooms, wonderful landscaped grounds and beautifully designed Gertrude Jekyll water gardens are as impressive as the grand Grade-II-listed country house itself. Plus there is an outdoor heated pool open from Easter to Autumn

Location:

Set in 66 acres of landscaped grounds with far-reaching views over the Hampshire countryside and conveniently situated a few miles from junction 5 of the M3 motorway. It is just an over an hour by train from Waterloo to Hook station, a 10-minute taxi ride away. Basingstoke’s excellent shopping and Odiham’s canal walks are 15 minutes by car.

Style and Character:

The imposing country house that comes into view at the top of a winding driveway is an impressive sight. The lavish interior doesn’t disappoint either. An ornate blue and gold gilded ceiling imported from the Grimation Palace in Florence in the Italian lounge is exquisite, as is the elegant Wedgwood-style decor in the Grey Lounge. Dark wooden paneling and gilt framed portraits reflect a bygone era (the original house was built in 1700). The gardens(with Italian roses and azaleas), are stunning, especially the water gardens designed by influential Gertrude Jekyll, with their meandering streams and waterfalls.

Service and Facilities:

Excellent from the porter who, on our arrival, rushes into the courtyard to carry our bags to the waiter who spots a troublesome tea pot and sorts it out for us. Think silver service with a friendly twist.
The grounds and gardens are great for relaxing strolls (pre-bookable tours available) plus there’s croquet, tennis, jogging trails, snooker, bicycles to borrow and an attractive heated outdoor pool, with sun loungers and bar from Easter to autumn. There’s an indoor pool with limited lounging space and beauty salon with five treatment rooms.

Rooms:

A stylish makeover of a third of the 113 rooms provides a fresh, airy feel thanks to pretty light floral drapes, cushions and throws and nature-themed pictures (refurbishment ongoing). Rooms in the main house are extremely spacious, including marbled bathrooms. There’s no air-con, only fans. Nespresso machines add a contemporary touch.
Attractive Garden rooms opening onto the grounds are ideal for dog owners. Some rooms in the Courtyard building, previously the stables, have original beams.

Food and Drink:

Classic country house fare accompanied by truffle and mascarpone petit fours, a basil and courgette foam amuse-bouche, and mellow tunes from the resident pianist.
Scottish scallops with anchovy sauce, and a refreshing salmon tartar with white miso and kohlrabi are delicious, albeit the latter a little salty.
Mains cover all bases – venison, Chateaubriand, foraged mushroom casserole and a tasty halibut with caviar sauce. A tart elderflower and yogurt sorbet balances a light but sweet blackberry soufflé.
The extensive wine list, which includes 15 English varieties, has bottles from £26.00, better value than the cream tea at £17.00 per person.
Breakfast is continental selection of fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries and smoked salmon. Cooked options, including quality Cumberland sausages and perfectly poached eggs.

Price Per Night

From £170.00