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Having a bad case of the January (and February) blues is a given. Following the overindulgence at Christmas, the next two months are excruciatingly painful and long to get through. But have you given much thought to finding a way to banish the glumness? I’m not talking about joining the gym but rather a short break away to perk you up. I did precisely that last week when I went to the historic and royal town of Windsor with my mum. I figured she needed a change in scenery and suffice to say, the prescription worked a treat.
We took the relaxing journey to Windsor by train, which was so much quicker than driving and without the stress of parking. Booking in for the night at the Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery Collection, the promise to ourselves was to do as little as possible.
The newly renamed Castle Hotel Windsor recently underwent a huge refurbishment, completely transforming the appearance and ambience of the Georgian building from within. In fact if you look at the ‘before’ pictures on Trip Advisor, it’s accurate to say it’s been lifted from its dated look to something of a sight to behold.
To find it, you don’t need a map. It’s a short jaunt from Windsor and Eton Central station (via Slough if you’re coming from Paddington). Follow your nose to the grand Windsor Castle and Castle Hotel Windsor is opposite, sitting majestically on the quintessentially English high street.
From the outside, it looks rather unassuming with a classic revolving door that leads you to an elegant lounge with a fireplace. Just to the left of it is the bar which is wonderfully inviting, serving drinks but also afternoon tea.
The Castle Hotel Windsor is a 4 star hotel but it boasts the trimmings of a 5 star with doormen to greet you, attentive hotel staff, your luggage taken to your room and chocolates on your pillow. It’s these little touches that makes this hotel stand apart.
Being in such close proximity to the castle, it comes as no surprise that the Castle Hotel Windsor is steeped in history itself and sumptuously decorated with paintings yet it has been tastefully brought up to date with a modern look.
The reception is actually at the back of the hotel (or the front if you’re coming from the car park at the rear). The major difference here it is very minimal with just a table separating you from the reception staff, which I find warm and welcoming.
There are 108 rooms, each with a contemporary design and with free (and uninterrupted WiFi). We had a classic twin room with comfy single beds bigger than the average size and plumped up pillows. Attention has been given to ensuring there is enough space to walk around in the room and brilliantly, power sockets by the bedside and full length mirror for those gadgets we are addicted to.
The minibar and kettle are tucked inside the wardrobe, which also has room for a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes. Winning!
The bathroom is bright and airy with buttons to operate the shower waterfall, handheld shower and bath. Do you remember jumping into an empty tub, trying to work out how to turn the tap on but instead getting drenched in ice cold water from the showerhead above? There’s none of that with the fixtures in the bathrooms here and the temperature is easy to control too.
When it comes to breakfast, Castle Hotel Windsor cuts no corners. What is it they say? Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper. Here you certainly start the day like royalty with a fine continental selection and cooked breakfasts to order as well as pastries, fresh juices and cheeses. I had poached eggs, toast, fruit, yogurt and the most divine pain au chocolat (twice). These were exquisitely soft and delicious, and it saddens me that I’ve not sampled anything elsewhere that comes close.
For a place that’s just 30 minutes from London by train, Windsor has preserved its country feel beautifully. The shops’ exteriors are quaint and picturesque and for a mini break (or possibly a lazy get-away), the castle couldn’t be any closer. I was lucky to see the Changing of the Guard procession on the morning after.
Coupled with a stay at the Castle Hotel Windsor, if you visit Windsor you’ll leave feeling refreshed, recharged and just a little bit regal. I promise I won’t take 5 years to come back.
You can see more of my stay at the Castle Hotel Windsor in my short vlog here:
If you’re considering an escape, visit the hotel’s website where you can also book online. Prices start from £160 per night per room. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out at 12:00.
Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery Collection is at 18 High Street, Windsor, West Berkshire SL4 1LJ
Tel: +44 (0)1753 252800
*I was a guest at Castle Hotel Windsor
