This hotel tries to be all things to all people – conference centre, wedding venue, spa and leisure destination and ideal for a romantic weekend break, to name but four.

If you read the reviews of the hotel online, sometimes they get it spot on, other times spot off. My review, like anybody’s, is subjective and based on a recent stay by the Research Assistant and myself.

It can be a bit of a mission to find if arriving by car but follow the signs for Savill Gardens and the hotel is virtually next door, right on the edge of Windsor Great Park. The approach is impressive – a long drive graced with mature trees brings you to an imposing brick built building in the Jacobean style, but dating from the 19th century.

There was a wedding function that day so there was a bit of a wait at reception, but the formalities were conducted with the minimum of fuss. The room (66) in the Garden Wing was perfectly adequate with table and two armchairs overlooking the lawn at the back. Beyond are the majestic, magnificent oaks of the Great Park. Up in the top branches Rose Ringed Parakeets squawked raucously while numerous rabbits skittered around below.

Savill Court Hotel and Spa, Windsor Great Park, Surrey

If you don't mind dodging conferences and weddings, this is a sound place to stay near Legoland and Windsor Castle

Pennyhill Park Hotel, Bagshot, Surrey

A sensational meal and huge spa quash any doubts Ginny McGrath had about this country house hotel

BACKGROUND

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The RA pronounced the reasonably-sized bathroom (bath and separate shower) “sparklingly clean” but was a little disappointed to find the smellies and unguents were the propriety ones for the Macdonald chain and not something more expensive. Personally I’m not impressed with a full size ironing board in the clothes cupboard which seemed to take up an inordinate amount of space, but I’m sure some wedding guests would feel the opposite.

Your reviewer was massively relieved to discover a wall mounted-TV with numerous channels but most importantly the sports channel covering the Lions tour of South Africa. While I shouted at the flat screen, the RA went for a swim in the indoor pool which has an atrium roof which allowed her to enjoy the swifts, shrieking and swooping overhead, but only when doing back stroke. The full spa offers numerous treatments and it does not have a private membership; so the facilities are for the exclusive use of the hotel guests.

Dinner was taken in the Orchid Restaurant, where restaurant manager Sayed was attentive but not intrusive. He is from Egypt and is one of 18 different nationalities currently on the staff. Drinks before were taken outside on the terrace. Pint of Grolsch reasonably priced at £3.40.

Although less than 20 minutes from Terminal 5 at Heathrow it was surprisingly free of aircraft noise unlike if you stay in nearby Windsor when the flight path can be right overhead.

I had seared Scottish scallops at £8.50 (slightly disappointing that they were not served whole) on herb risotto with a lemon and chive dressing. The RA had chilled vichyssoise (£5.50) which, to use a Winnerism, was “historic”. There was a choice of four breads sun-dried tomato, olive ciabetta, walnut wholemeal and plain for me to dunk in the RA’s choice.

Main for me was seared fillet of cod, Savoy cabbage, puy lentil with red wine sauce (£16), perfectly acceptable if not mind-blowing like the soup. The RA went for fillet steak (£25). It was so tender that really there was no need for the steak knife. A shared side dish or rocket, with white shavings of parmesan and balsamic salad (£3.50) was a good palate sharpener.

The wine was Chateau Lamothe. 2002. Described as "a delightful chateau, with good structure and well balanced oaked fruit flavours, this shows classic Medoc style." Price £26.40 and was most drinkable. Other wines started at £17.50.

Sayed was happy to mix and match the desserts. I wanted a dollop of vanilla with my brioche bread and butter pudding and English custard (£6) and the RA had the British and continental cheese platter with apple and grape chutney and savoury biscuits (£6). To finish, an Irish coffee made with Jameson’s whiskey (£5.50). All in all sous chef Bob Weston did us proud.

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