The Brooklands Hotel, Weybridge | Review

“It’s got style, a buzzy
atmosphere, friendly
staff and there are lots of
points of interest. This
can equally be applied
to all three attractions
in the area: the all-new
Brooklands Hotel;
Mercedes-Benz World;
and the Brooklands
Museum...”

OUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE BROOKLANDS HOTEL were not great as we had seen the building works earlier and it gave the impression of a very plush office block being erected. Doubtless, we thought, it would be fitted out in the bland but fashionable brown, beige and brown.

So what a surprise when, before we even got to the entrance, we were met with a warm welcome by the lovely Clare, the Brooklands Hotel's guest reception hostess.

Another surprise awaited us on entering the spacious hall; above our heads was a great, swooping wooden sculpture. We later discovered it represents the effect of car lights circling the legendary racetrack. Underfoot, the line of the original circuit was depicted in stunning floor tiles. A real Wow! factor.

These little touches paying homage to the historic legacy of the Brooklands race circuit are evident throughout the hotel and provide a real fun element.

The rooms

Our room followed the individual and striking art deco-inspired styling of the glamorous entrance hall. A great feature light on the desk; a couple of clocks — one a large wall clock in an 'engineered' style with 'locomotive' gear wheels. The other was a tactile desk clock, its face greatly magnified, designed to roll around. In addition, a selection of coffee table books — not just of cars but also of fashion — to entertain guests. Definitely something for everyone.

The bedroom and room space was generous emphasised by expansive windows. We looked at one of the suites in which you could nearly get lost where the sliding floor-to-ceiling windows opened out on to a beautiful decked veranda overlooking the old Brooklands racing circuit. Certainly a stunning first impression, although we have to say we more than sympathise with the housekeeping staff with so many shiny surfaces to be kept gleaming.

Brooklands Hotel

And the bathroom… Well, it was large enough to entertain in with both a separate bath and walk-in shower. But most important of all, mirrors that one could actually get close enough to see in to put in contact lenses or apply the all-important mascara. Truly a properly thought-out room.

The other guests

There was an eclectic mix during the week, well-heeled business people predominating, presumably visiting some of the many new office blocks in the business park. However, during the daytime there was an influx of ladies to use and have a coffee in the spa.

The hotel boasts excellent facilities for corporate events with an event suite (a capacity for 175) and seven other meeting suites. Perfect for those all-important team building events.

Brooklands Hotel

People are also booking the suites as they can hold a fairly large party using both the veranda — big enough to play boules on! — and the spacious interior for parties. Don't worry; the soundproofing is excellent.

The Spa

As you would expect, the spa is an absolute haven with everything from wet and dry treatment rooms, outdoor hot tubs, steam room, sauna and the most heavenly meditation room with warm water beds. After a wonderfully aromatic wrap a visit to the meditation room, a first for me, proved to be one of the most incredibly relaxing experiences I have ever had. My ten minutes turned out to be forty minutes of hedonistic indulgence.

Together with its 1930s-inspired design, the spa and exercise areas are welcoming to both men and women. It really is the perfect place for anyone to spend an indulgent day or just an hour.

The Food and Drink

Venturing down to dinner we dallied in the bar, a most unusual occurrence for us, for we could not resist the curved canopy above the bar and the soft leather roll in front of the bar stools. Behind us a row of 1930s stylised polished aluminium aeroplane propellers — Biggles would have recognised them immediately — paid homage to the historic origins of the Brooklands circuit.

We were not disappointed; the array of bottles on show equipped Dan the barman with plenty of scope to create scrumptious cocktails and for once a non-alcoholic cocktail took the prize.

The restaurant provided us with really great British food combining a strong Italian influence in a relaxed atmosphere. A starter of tuna carpaccio with a salad of fennel, orange and tomato was light, vibrant and summery, and the foie gras duck liver terrine was as sumptuous and it was smooth.

So much so that we wondered whether our main courses would disappoint. But no. For here was a waiter who actually listened and the fillet steak was exactly as requested. Perfect. And, I have to say, probably a first. Grilled lobster with garlic butter was delicious and we still managed to squeeze in a light pudding each, although my crunchy pistachio wafers layered with goat's cheese was perhaps not to everyone's taste. Perhaps mixing the cheese with cream or marscapone would have produced a milder effect and let the wonderful pistachio sing. A matter of taste.

The Bottom Line

Brooklands hotel has so many attractions nearby that it is difficult to know just where to start. Just across the road is the Mercedes-Benz World Experience and close by you'll find RHS Wisley, Thorpe Park, Kew Gardens, Chessington Zoo and Sandown Park Race Course. And, of course, the only motoring museum to grab the attention of a motor enthusiast's very reluctant wife.

The Mercedes Benz-World is just like a James Bond movie set. There were cars and 4x4s being tested and challenging the drivers as they climbed mini-mountains and pirouetted on the skidpan. It is free to enter the futuristic building with its fantastic central atrium and holds enough to keep anyone entertained for hours — exhibits include current cars, some choice classics, prototypes, sports racers and a new Formula 1 exhibition. A bevy of friendly hosts with in-depth knowledge will talk you through your queries.

In addition to the above there is a cinema with a difference: the film follows the building of a car that is actually you! Drama is added as the seats bump and move as you, the car, progress through all the stages. The camera movement is rather disquieting but nonetheless very effective.

A short meander bring you to the Brooklands Museum which is not just a car museum but a slice of early 20th Century life. Great style, lots of interest and in addition to cars there are motorbikes, bicycles and aeroplanes — including Concorde.

The Brooklands Hotel is also perfectly located for Heathrow airport (17 miles) and Gatwick airport (33 miles). What more could you want for a short mid-week break, fun family weekend or business venue? — Bonnie and Tim Stevens

The details

Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 OSL. Tel: +44 (0) 1932 335700.

Also be sure to check out Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World.

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