Ascot, Berkshire lies six miles from Windsor Castle, the 1,000-year-old castle the Queen uses as an official residence. The area's claim to fame has more to do with outrageous hats and four-legged creatures than royalty, however. According to David Nash Ford's Royal Berkshire History, Queen Anne, enamored with Ascot's open heathland, thought it "an ideal place. . . for 'horses to gallop at full stretch.' She founded the famous racecourse there in 1711." Should you find yourself in Ascot without a castle at your disposal, several hotels are available to suit your needs.
With 126 rooms, a luxury spa. nine acres of countryside and access to the area's most popular attractions, Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa is suitable for weekend getaways or family vacations. Fodor's calls it "a magnificent neo-Gothic fantasy." An indoor pool, on-site restaurant and secluded country-house ambiance set the stage for an English holiday. Contemporary accommodations range from classic rooms to Turret Suites with views of the gardens, luxury bathrooms and separate living and dining areas. Feature rooms, set in the original manor house, are sure to make an impression; located in one of the hotel's turrets, these rooms feature a lounge, elaborate bedroom and garden views. The Hyperion Restaurant, recipient of an AA Rosette for food quality and "impeccable service," offers guests a fine dining experience; local, organic foods are used whenever possible. Casual dining is available in the Wentworth or Oak Lounges, or choose room service if leaving your room is out of the question. Vital, Berystede's candlelit spa, offers treatments such as facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.
Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa
Bagshot Road
Sunninghill
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 9JH
44-0844-879-9104
macdonaldhotels.co.uk/berystede
Clean, comfortable rooms ranging from suites to double and twin beds offer variety to the business or vacation traveler. Breakfast is included with each room along with hair dryers, Internet access and television. The staff at Brockenhurst takes pride in offering catered functions; weddings, conferences, murder mysteries and private parties can all be arranged. The hotel is family-friendly and children are welcome.
Brockenhurst Hotel
Brockenhurst Road
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 9HA
44-01344-621912
brockenhurst.com
Close to Ascot Racecourse, Sunningdale Park offers guests 272 en-suite rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, mini-gym, squash and tennis courts, meeting rooms and 65 acres of garden and woodland surroundings. As noted by World Executive, Sunningdale Park's Northcote House has been "[r]ecently refurbished to an exceptionally high standard." Two restaurants and bars provide dining. Breakfast is included in nightly rates.
Sunningdale Park
Larch Avenue
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 0QE
44-08449-802318
devere.co.uk/our-locations/sunningdale-park
