Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon

We stayed in this hotel for our honeymoon a few years ago. At the time, I considered the cost to be reasonable for what would be a 'holiday' we'd never forget, and with hindsight, having stayed in many more hotels since, it was actually incredibly good value for staying in a 'classic' British hotel.
I had booked a small suite, which was probably about as big as one floor of a normal house, with fantastic views over the manicured lawns and the old chapel which stands in the grounds (well worth a look if you have the time). The whole room reeked of opulence and splendour - and I loved it. Breakfast was served every morning in the panelled dining room, with guests sitting in wingbacked chairs. I honestly thought I was in an Agatha Christie story, expecting Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple to enter at any point! Lunch and dinner smelt fantastic, but I have to admit we either went out in the evenings to local hostelries, or smuggled Pot Noodles back to our room!
The swimming pool and sauna were pleasant and relaxing, though little used, which added to our enjoyment of them.
Considering it was our honeymoon, I was surprised to awake one night and discover my husband had gone missing. Apparently suffering from insomnia, he had gone for a wander round the hotel and ended up chatting to the night porter, who took him on a guided tour of the lesser known areas of the hotel, including regaling him with tales of ghosties and ghouls, which I had recounted to me the next day, along with my own personal guided tour.
Perhaps because it was my honeymoon, or maybe just because this is a once-in-a-lifetime hotel (or maybe more if I'm lucky??), I would recommend this hotel, as somewhere that truly is just that little bit different, and well worth the stay.