I don’t know if you have ever Hotel hopped before but it is pretty full on, however saying that it is also very exciting and like the great Forrest Gump says, “life is a box of chocolates you just never know what you are going to get next.”
We arrived at the Stratford Manor to be met by Adam the operations manager, who trust me is a man on a mission. He and the team had arranged an action packed 24 hours for us to ensure we got to see the best of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Between the Stratford Manor and The Stratford they really had covered all bases.
Everything in the hotel is on a large-scale. It was so geared up for families and has lots of open space inside and out.The Stratford Manor in is acres of land and is a vast hotel, huge in fact.
The rooms are little plainer than some of the other hotels, yet still clean and very comfortable. The boys were thrilled as they were treated with treats and hot chocolate and marshmallows for bedtime. What really touched me was that Adam had left Jack a few bottles of lucozade with a note on.
It’s lovely that Q Hotels really try to get to know their guests and cater for their needs. Lucozade in case you don’t know is perfect for hypos. Fortunately this has only happened a couple of times in 4 years. But we always have to be prepared just in case. Adam thank you so much for the lovely thought.
Once we had unpacked we headed of to our activities, Chris and the boys to archery lessons (The Stratford Archery Centre is situated within the grounds of the hotel) and myself to the spa for a full body massage which I can honestly say was bliss, thank you so much Lottie.
I floated out of the spa to meet up with Chris and the boys, who were still discussing who was the best at Archery. It seems Joe is at Robin Hood standard whereas Jack disagreed. They had really enjoyed themselves but could not agree on who was the overall winner.
From here we spent some time in the games room, the games room was great and set out with a Wii, giant connect 4 and jenga along with colouring tables, board games and water should you need a drink. I must say when I first saw the room I didn’t think it would be the boy’s cup of tea at all. How wrong could I be?
They spend some time over a game of connect 4, then progressed onto a very serious game of jenga, which seemed to take ages but they were totally engaged and even resorted to distraction tactics to knock each other off-balance.
I will be honest after the spa I was too relaxed to get changed for dinner so we retreated to the bar where Chris and I enjoyed a glass of wine whilst we played top trumps and talked about our last couple of days. We got so comfy in our little corner of the bar that we ended up ordering a bar snack. I ordered the steak burger, which I must say, was delicious.
Breakfast the next morning was a busy yet very well organised and the staff were so attentive, totally committed to ensuring everyone in the restaurant was happy, and ensured there was a contest flow of much-needed coffee.
So what does the Stratford Manor have to offer families? Space and lots of it, kids love space don’t they and this is a place those walky talkies really came in handy. Like in all the Q Hotels we have visited so far children are welcomed with open arms, there is even a giant bowl of sweets on receptions, to be honest they had Joe from that point on ha ha.
The games room is a great addition as it the pool which the Joe loved. And the archery was a huge winner with the Christie boys. Thank you all at the StratfordManor for an action packed 24 yours we really enjoyed our stay with you.
Spa and steak burger?! Well, you’ve just summed up my ideal day! Paul and I have just been talking about doing a bit of a tour of the UK next year. We’re thinking about taking a couple of weeks off and heading for a night or two here and there. Stratford is quite high on my list to visit. I’ve stopped there for an hour but think I only say the inside of a newsagents. Not quite a comprehensive visit.
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Rachel we are loving every minute of our UK tour, its amazing what is on your doorstep that you don’t see or know about. We love Stratford it so stylish x
This is a great post, sounds wonderful. I stay in quite a lot of hotels but normally with a toddler in tow, will be nice when he’s old enough to enjoy activities like archery! Sounds like a v thoughtful family friendly hotel. Hmm and a spa, bliss! #sundaystars
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Thanks Lucy, yes it makes such a difference to stay somewhere that is so great with kids, I feel so much more relaxed x
I’ve never heard of hotel hopping before reading your post, what fun! I love Stratford, I had a long weekend there last year.
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Yes it was so much fun and we got see so much that way x
Love reading all about your Q hotel adventures sounds like so much fun Sarah xx
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Ah thank you, it really is so much fun Amy Q Hotels are such lovely people x
Love reading all about your Q hotel adventures sounds like so much fun Sarah xx
So envious of all your wonderful Q adventures. You had such a brilliant week and I love the spa/burger combination. Maybe we can repeat on Wednesday! Love the large jenga and archery too. I might get some of those walky talkies for my house!
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Ha ha Karen, they would be fab in your house and yes sounds great for Wednesday, we are having a great time with Q Hotels Karen x
How cool!! Archery classes? That’s very interesting… I would love to try that, and of course a full body massage would be a great idea 😀
Thank you for linking up with #MondayEscapes
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Thank you, and yes it was fab the massage was lovely x
Ooo spa and burger…lush! Looks like you had a fab time and it’s so lovely how personable they are. That games room looks fab! I love Stratford upon Avon – it’s one of my favourite places in the UK 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
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Thanks Lisa, yes great service makes such a difference doesn’t it x
Sounds amazing and it’s the little things that really make a trip like that isn’t it! I’ll be loitering on your blog to read your other posts in this series 🙂 x #summerdays
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Ah thank you Elaine, yes it really is the little things, we had such a great time and would definitely go back x
I’ve never been to Stratford-upon-Avon but would love to one day. Lots of space at the hotel sounds perfect, just how I like it, and a spa too. Oh I am dreaming of a spa!
#summerdays
Sabrina xx
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Ha ha thanks Sabrina yes the spa and massage was so amazing, and Stratford and the Hotels are just fantastic we loved it x
Sarah, it looks fantastic for families. I love hotels which have extra great features for families and this really ticks all the boxes. The spa sounds heavenly and looks like you guys have had a fantastic stay. What great touches with hot chocolate and the lucozade is such a lovely gesture. Can’t wait to read about your next adventures!
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Thanks Nizpah, yes it was so lovely and perfect for families. It makes such a difference to be able to relax as you know xx
Another fantastic hotel stay by the looks of it Sarah. I think my kids would love that games room, especially for the wifi access lol. Thanks for joining both #sundaystars and #summerdays xxx
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Ah thanks Katie, yes my two loved it and the WIFI is a must with Jack, teens don’t seem to be able to live without it x
I am so impressed with the service you have had from Q Hotels. So thoughtful of them to provide the Lucozade. And yes, burger and spa sounds awesome!!
Thanks for linking up with #SummerDays again. Hope to see you again next week
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Thanks Karen, yes the service was just incredible, nothing is ever too much trouble we had such a lovely time there x