Barceló Shrigley Hall Hotel, Macclesfield > Reviews (3)

I am the appointed social secretary for my department where I work and after a very long and arduous project our Financial Director called me into the office and asked if I could arrange a Congratulatory Team Dinner for over 150 staff for the end of a particular project. "Pick the place, reasonable budget and I want to play golf" he said. So off I went and had a think about it and decided that we would stage this event at Shrigley Hall.

All the way through the booking process the Conference Staff and all of the hotel staff were exceptional, not only were they fantastically helpful in suggesting local attractions but they organised a golf tournament for my senior managers and Finance Director to attend on the morning of the event. But I don't really want to review how fabulous our Dinner Dance was, as I really want to review the hotel itself. Although I will say that the booking process was easy and reception staff took the constant booking changes all in their stride.

The hotel has 150 en-suite rooms including four poster rooms, suites and executive rooms. The hotel's leisure facilities comprise of an on site gym, 14m swimming pool, sauna and steam room, spa and beauty salon. These are all housed in a converted chapel the hotel also has outdoor tenniscourts and a 18 hole championship golf course. Built in the 19th century and originally a stately home it sits in 262 acres of countryside, the hotel is currently owned by paramount hotels. The room rate varies dependant upon the type of room and also when you book. They also have many different special package such as the Beauty package or golf package.

The hotel itself is set in beautiful surroundings nestled in the Cheshire countryside near Macclesfield. Now as I was the event's organiser for the above event I was given one of their four poster rooms in the main part of the hotel, which was originally a stately home. From the grand entrance and after booking into reception I was escorted by a porter to my room up a grand staircase and off to the left of the building. My room had a very comfortable four poster bed and all the usual mod cons of internet access, TV, albeit with only terrestrial channels and sky news but the option of pay per view movies were on offer. The tea and coffee facilities were adequate for myself, however if him in doors was with me I would have had to ask for extra coffee. Bottled still and sparkling water was also provided but as there was no fridge in the room it was at room temperature, which unfortunately for a very hot day in August was not to my taste. The large sash windows provided extensive views across the golf course and onto the rolling green hills of Cheshire. The bathroom was well equipped with plenty of towels, corner bath with power shower, it was well lit and had the usual complementary toiletries, a pair of bathrobes were also provided which I understand you can buy from reception don't try and steal them they have your details.

The twin/double rooms are comfortable with TV, tea/coffee making facilities, trouser press etc.

The bathrooms were slightly on the small size, however the usual toiletries were provided and well stocked with towels. I found that the lighting was slightly inadequate for women applying makeup but fine for washing/shaving etc. A electric shaver point is provided in the room.

The rooms not situated in the main part of the hotel are a slight trek away from the main reception area and the signs to the car park are slightly confusing and again quite a trek from reception. It's better to drive up to the reception area check in and then drive back to the car park for those who might not be so sprightly.

As we had booked a function suite for the evening I couldn't really comment on the courtyard bar, however some of our staff had pre-dinner drinks here enjoying the evening sun and seemed to enjoy themselves. Our function bar was well stocked and manned by knowledgeable and courteous staffs that were only too happy to help when it came to picking out the tickets for our charity raffle.

All in all everyone said that they had an enjoyable stay, good food, good wine, good company and a great hotel. The only one who grumbled was my Finance Director who not only came last in the golf tournament but also was put out that he didn't get an executive suite, but as I hadn't booked one for him its hardly a fault of the hotel. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel for functions, weddings or just if you want to get away from it all for a day or so.