Warner Leisure Hotels Littlecote House Hotel

Dating back 1592, this Grade 1 listed Tudor-era home is where Henry VIII and Jane Seymour courted, and, many years later, it’s where the D-Day invasion was planned. The remains of a Roman villa are even on the property and open to the public. Today, though, the Littlecote House Hotel offers visitors a cozy getaway with lots of historic charm and facilities to keep busy. Some of the ivy-covered property’s most beautiful areas – such as the Great Room and Chinese Room -- are decorated with history in mind, as evidenced by burnished wood paneling and plush red velvet sofas. Speaking of history, architecture buffs should look for the Jerusalem Stairs and Dutch library, and the secret passage behind the bookcase. Gardens are also lovely, and there’s ample lawn space for walking and sitting. Areas designed in a more modern style lack the same quaint ambience, however, and the hotel overall could use some maintenance and upkeep. Fortunately, the hotel plans to undergo extensive refurbishments in 2019. This adults-only property is popular with senior couples looking for a quiet countryside getaway. Be aware, some people have claimed that this property is haunted, telling stories of spotting multiple ghosts.

Berkshire county has always been a popular spot for Londoners looking to get away from the city bustle. The Warner Leisure Hotels Littlecote House Hotel is about two and a half hours from London’s center by train or just under two hours by car. The nearest village, Hungerford, Berkshire, is a 10-minute drive by car from the property. There’s not a ton to do, but the historic market town is worth a jaunt for an off-site lunch.

Rooms are located a short walk from the dining and entertainment facilities (those with limited mobility might want to request one closer to this main building). At booking, guests can choose between a historic room  or a more contemporary room from the hotel’s 208 units. They’re all spacious and come with comfortable beds and walk-in showers. Rooms were renovated in April 2019, and while some have been done in a more modern style, with feature walls and sleigh beds, most are done in a traditional style that guests will either find classically elegant or dated.
Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, desks, sitting areas, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, and daily-replenished biscuits. Ironing facilities and safes are also provided, alongside hairdryers. Upgrading to the Signature Experience adds extra amenities such as bathrobes, pillow menus, bottles of wine, and more upscale toiletries.

The hotel offers a variety of board options to guests, and due to its fairly remote location, most guests opt to eat in the on-site restaurant. Tables are allocated to guests before their arrival, so diners have one table and often one server during their stay. Some guests complain that the cavernous restaurant floor, plus the overall lack of ambience and buffet service, feels a bit like a mass-catered dining hall, though off-the-menu service is also available. The food is mostly well-regarded, if a bit average. A new coffee area and bar opened in 2019, Master George’s Sitting Room, which replaces a bistro. Afternoon tea is available and features a traditional spread of sandwiches and sweets (an upgrade to a Prosecco tea is also available). However, book ahead to avoid disappointment as it’s difficult to get a same-day reservation.

History and architecture buffs will appreciate that the grounds are home to England’s last remaining Cromwellian chapel, and the available tour will take guests to the room where leaders sat to plot the historic D-Day invasion. Tours allow guests to get a better sense of the home’s history and include a supposedly haunted bedroom. Also on-site is the Littlecote Roman Villa, the remains of a Roman-era home and religious site that dates back to before 200 AD but was later renovated and laid with an Orpheus floor, a then-popular style for mosaic that features the mythological character playing his lyre. It’s open to the public, and the grounds have wayfinding signs for navigation.
Guests can partake in a huge variety of activities at the hotel, including tennis, archery and air-rifle shooting (again, book ahead to be sure you get a spot); however, keep in mind that these require good weather conditions. In case of inclement or cold weather, there’s not as much to do inside. Classes like aqua aerobics are available in the indoor pool , and there’s also a leisure center with a gym, steam room, and sauna.  An on-site spa offers massages and facials and is a draw for guests and non-guests alike.
Entertainment like live music from a fun resident band and dancing can be found in the concert lounge in the evenings.
Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property. Parking is available on-site, and spaces are conveniently assigned to guests.