De Vere Oulton Hall, Leeds

Author's product rating:   

Advantages:	rooms  -  service -  pool  -
Disadvantages:	maybe slightly pricey

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Oulton Hall is a splendid and grand hotel located in the outskirts of Leeds and is owned by the De Vere group. We were looking for a peaceful retreat whilst on an overdue visit to Leeds to catch up with some friends and this hotel being only ten miles from the centre of Leeds seemed to fit what we were looking for perfectly.

*Arrival & check in*

After a long drive from Oxfordshire up to Leeds, we were very happy to reach our destination. The elegant driveway spans past the golf course as it winds up to the grand old house. The hotel immediately gives an impression of finesse and classic English sophistication. The gardens and floral displays are excellently cared for and planned and the architecture of Oulton Hall itself is breathtaking.
A large marble lobby is awaiting us after we walk through the door that the concierge eagerly holds open. The hotel from its first appearance has a huge impact of something grand and very special.
The reception area is large and clean with fast, efficient and friendly reception staffs whom were eager to advise us of facilities available in the hotel and made it very clear to us that if we required anything during our stay to contact hem immediately.

*Our Room*

A member of staff lead the way to our room with our bags and on arrival was very eager to show us how to use the heating/air conditioning and promptly left us in peace.
On the way to our room we were very impressed with the interior architecture, the sweeping stair cases, the upstairs gallery, the décor and the numerous pieces of art work.
The first impressions given by this hotel were very good.
We were delighted with the first impressions from our room too. We had booked a deluxe room which basically meant that we got a few extra touches than in the standard room.
The décor was perfectly in fitting with the hotel itself and everything was designed for comfort. The bed was large and very comfortable to sleep in with lovely plump pillows and a soft feeling duvet, not the plastic kind that many hotels these days sadly choose o use. There were also extra pillows and blankets in he wardrobe should we need them.
There were two high back classic arm chairs next to a table filled with up to date magazines which looked over the view of the very well kept gardens.
The little extras that made the room special were the fluffy robes which I love in hotels, luxurious toiletries , a playstation (which we did not use, though I'm sure that my husband would loved to have), a decanter of port, fresh fruit and bottled water.
The bathroom was large with a shower and bath and was the perfect place to take advantage of lovely bath smellies that we had.

*The restaurant and bar*

Dinner in the restaurant:

We dined in the hotel restaurant for two of our three nights here. Once by ourselves and on our final night within a group with our friends.
The setting of the restaurant was overlooking the open golf course with its beautiful and extensive views. The restaurant is contemporary but elegant especially of an evening with is candle lit ambiance. The food is fabulous, classic British meals with a contemporary and a la carte twist. The service is excellent with a waiter/waitress always eager to fill up our water jug, top up our wine glasses or simply to take away our finished dishes, the professionalism of the staff was outstanding.
We thoroughly enjoyed both evenings in here as did our friends when they ate with us.

Breakfast:

Breakfast was a fabulous luxury buffet with high class ingredients to offer a locally produced English breakfast with freshly squeezed juices along with cereals, fresh fruit and a continental selection.
Breakfast was thoroughly enjoyed here on all three mornings.

Bar area:

The bar area was comfortable and over looked the gardens, with large French doors that could be opened on warm days. The seating in this area is based around tables and is a mix of comfortable chairs and sofas within a classic and elegant yet comfortable setting.
The bar has a varied and wide choice of drinks and bar snacks with something available to suit everyone.

*Swimming pool*

The pool area was great and somewhere that we spent a fair bit of our time whilst at this hotel. The pool was heated to a good temperature with shallow and deep end and manned by a life guard. The area also had a sauna and steam room and Jacuzzi.
Just above the pool area was a small café with seating area to provide drinks and snacks after swimming or to accommodate those just wishing to spectate.

*The gym*

There was also a very well equipped gym available to guests which I didn't actually spend any time in though my husband advises me that it was a very good area.

*The Spa*

The spa area was one of my favourite parts of the stay! I managed to indulge in massages, a facial and a manicure and pedicure during my stay. The facilities were relaxing, whilst the staff were professional and good at what they did. The spa area will be highly recommended from me!

*The grounds*

The grounds of Oulton Hall are extensive and tranquil. The gardens are very well kept and beautiful to walk around with beautiful features such as the fountain in the centre of the garden area. It was lovely to be able to take a walk after breakfast in the quiet surroundings whilst also taking in the beauty and fresh air of the Yorkshire countryside.

*The hotel in general*

Overall, we found this to be a very charming and beautiful hotel to stay in. All of the public areas were very well designed and furnished and matched the feel of the building very well.
The staffs were at all times professional, helpful and friendly. I don't think that here is actually anything that could be faulted with this hotel.
The price is on the high side but this is to be expected for a five star hotel with such excellent amenities.
I would thoroughly recommend a stay in this hotel for a luxury short break when visiting the city of Leeds.