EAST MIDLANDS - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 560

Hambleton Hall A member of the prestigious French Relais & Châteaux
group, this is one of the finest country-house hotels in England, with spectacular
views over Rutland Water and an intimate vibe, with the emphasis on comfort and
good food. Some rooms may be a little chintzy for the modern-hotel lover's taste, so
study the website for one to suit you (some are designed by Nina Campbell). For
families, the Croquet Pavilion has a double and a twin on two levels, and sitting and
breakfast rooms. The fine-dining restaurant offers the likes of assiette of rabbit with
pearl barley risotto and licorice sauce, and Whissendine veal with sweetbread ravioli
and morel mushrooms, (about £35 for a main course), though set menus at lunch and
dinner make things considerably more affordable.
Hambleton, Rutland LE15 8TH. www.hambletonhall.com. & 01572/756991. 17 units. £235-£400 double.
Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, DC, V. Free parking. Minimum 2-night stay at weekends. Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; heated outdoor pool; croquet; room service, Wi-Fi (free). In room: TV, hair dryer.
Stapleford Park Another stunning country-house hotel, this one close to
Melton Mowbray, Stapleford is full-on where Hambleton (see above) is restrained.
Though the decor remains traditional (think boars' heads, antlers, and oil paintings),
this is a resort with amenities including a Clarins spa, indoor pool, golf course, tennis
courts, kids' club, and country pursuits galore, including falconry. Summer also sees
sports camps for kids, and bikes can be borrowed. Rooms are all unique; indeed many
were created and/or sponsored by eminent designers such as Osborne & Little. There
are also two stone cottages in the grounds. There's a formal restaurant but also a
“casual dining” menu in the lounges. Highly civilized extras include a morning paper,
hot-water bottles on winter nights, and a decanter of sloe gin in your room.
Stapleford, Rutland LE14 2EF. www.staplefordpark.com. & 01572/787000. 55 units. £288-£538 dou-
ble; £685 suite. Rates include English breakfast. AE, MC, DC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar
and lounges; bikes; gym; indoor pool; room service; spa; sauna; kids' club; tennis and badminton; games
on request; falconry center; archery; shooting; kids' activity packs and treasure hunts . In room: TV/DVD,
hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).

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