The sound of the marching band flooded the high street as I
watched, from my hotel, the guards make their way to the nearby Windsor Castle
for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
I may not have been invited by the Queen to stay at the
oldest and largest occupied castle in the world but I certainly was treated
like royalty during my stay at the Castle Hotel Windsor – Mgallery by
Sofitel.
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| The Castle Hotel Windsor |
The Castle Hotel Windsor recently has undergone a facelift and is now a sophisticated melange of British tradition with an injection of French chic. So befitting for one of the most stunning Georgian buildings in Windsor that is just a stone’s throw from Sir Christopher Wren’s Windsor Guildhall.
This boutique hotel has come a long way since it began life
in 1528 as the Mermaid Inn. After a Royal Warrant was granted in the mid-1700s
turning it into an official posting inn, The Castle Inn, as it was now called,
opened a new chapter in its life. The reputation that it earned as one
of the finest in the area is as true today as it was then.
Paying homage to its past and infused with contemporary
flair, the hotel is luxurious yet also envelopes you in a homely warmth.
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| The sound of the marching band flooded the high street |
There are 108 bedrooms, five of which are executive suites
in the three sections of the hotel, main house, mews and the newer wing. The
rooms have been elegantly decorated in a neutral palette of French grey and
mushroom spiced up with splashes of colour. References to its past and the
people that helped to weave the Castle’s story are cleverly integrated into the design so that you can appreciate
its centuries-old history. The Duke of Wellington reputedly dined here after
his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
I had an executive room in the newer wing which was spacious
and decked out in calming shades with all the
modern amenities you need including a large flat-screen TV and a good
hairdryer. The free Wi-Fi worked perfectly. There were also some delicious
macaroons to nibble on while I was settling in.
The bathroom was huge and had a superb rain shower as well
as a tub which was much appreciated on a cold winter’s evening. Lavin
toiletries were arrayed on the shelf.
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| The lobby |
My heart dropped when I saw that I was looking out over the
car park but I need not have worried as I did not hear a thing. My bed was
comfy and I slept like a log.
I was there for the opening party and if the spread that
they put on is anything to go by dining here should be a real treat. The menu
is English classic served with a dollop of 21st-century flavour.
Whether you want afternoon tea or a drink in the bar, you
will find all the lounges inviting and cosy. Breakfast is a tempting buffet of
fruit, yoghurt, cereals, smoked salmon and breads. If you lust after the full
English, order from the à la carte menu.
What makes this hotel stand out from the crowd is the
excellent service. It is just the place to go to recharge the batteries.
By Daralyn Danns
Rates start at £108 per room per night. For further
information visit www.castlehotelwindsor.com
