HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! It was my birthday on Thursday and my partner and I always try and doe something special. Just a little getaway. Nothing extravagant. Last year I stayed at a Marriott for my birthday in Central London but this year we thought we would go for a little drive out of London to Waltham Abbey. It just borders the Woodlands of Epping Forest, and is just off the M25, M11 and the M1.
So it was only about an hour journey from south east London but it did feel like I was off to the country!! There is not much in the surrounding area. A 10 minute drive takes you into town but trust me there is nothing there other then a fish and chip shop, Tescos and a couple of dental surgeries!

When we arrived there was a large area of free parking which I agree there should be and the entrance is obvious. We were greeted warmly however the receptionist seemed robot-esque. She probably says the same thing to every person. I was very surprised when she said to my partner.. "Oh Mr Smith (not his real name I must protect his identity!!) Nice to see you here again, I can see you stayed here in December". I was like EXCUSE ME!!!! When… why…. And who the flip with!!! But it's ok. We booked it for someone else I completely forgot. But i am not sure they should give out information like that. Can cause rifts if you know what I mean.

You also have free access to the swimming pool which is open until 11pm and the sauna and steam room. As well as the gym. It also has a children's pool, so although in general it does not cater for children it does have this which is a great idea. They also have an in house restaurant called seasons. However we did not eat there as it was expensive….. Around £60 for the main and drinks if you don't splash out and the food was not something that grabbed my attention. Although the room itself looked lovely, candlelight etc. We ate at a nearby old Orleans… which was very very busy, we waited 45 mins for a table but probably because there is nothing else to do around there!!
We ordered breakfast to come up to the room (you have to pay an extra £5 delivery charge per breakfast). You can choose a large range of breakfasts and you can pick the time you want it delivered. On our breakfast they forgot the cheese and salmon but it was to much hassle to complain so we just ate the croissants and toast.

So all in all it was a nice escape break but nothing mind blowing and I will not be urging to go back there next time I have a break away. But it was worth the £99.

Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey
Essex, EN93LX United Kingdom
Phone: 44 1992 717170
Fax: 44 1992 711841