Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Norwich

After another argument with the little lady I was feeling stressed and in need of some TLC. "Right that’s it" I shouted, "We are going away for a night". To which she replied "where?”
She had a point, i am only 21, I can’t drive and i am not rich in any way shape or form. Despite this I really needed a break from reality. The Christmas bonus had just been deposited into my bank account so I thought of the closest 4 star I could think of. "We are going to that big hotel on the Wroxham Road" said I not knowing the name at the time.
So off we went, as we pulled down the seemingly endless drive from the main road I thought gosh this looks different to any hotel I had ever stayed in (i am more used to forte pothouses or similar!!). It was an impressive country manor type building with a beautiful fountain in the front courtyard. I could feel my wallet burning!!

"That will be £109 for a double room sir" said the receptionist. Well for one night only I thought and handed over a wad of cash. We began the walk to our room. We had picked the cheapest room on offer but as we went into the room we realized that we had been given a non-smoking room. We trundled back to reception. "I have no more rooms of that type ready sir" frowned the receptionist. My heart sank. "So it is company policy to upgrade you to a suite for no extra cost, sir" I felt like jumping over the counter and snogging her full on the lips but as my fiancée was with me I settled for a simple thank you.

We walked into our second room. It was huge with a separate lounge area. A marble bathroom suite and a large window overlooking the golf course. Yes I thought this is comfort.

So once I had unpacked my smalls and checked out what I was going to bring home with me (Bath robes and free coffee), I decided it was time for a dip in the pool.

The pool was a free form pool and was kept at a very nice temperature. The changing rooms were very stylish and the gym looked futuristic. I noticed the spa treatment centre, operated by e'spa, being a manly man I decided I would leave that area to my other half.

The swim was lovely and surprisingly very few other residents had bothered to use it for the full 2 hours I was in there for. I climbed out of the pool and headed for the steam room and sauna complex. Again these very of the very highest order and I came out feeling great about life.

By now I felt well on my way to spiritual enlightenment, so it was a natural progression that we found ourselves in the Gurney Bar. Old world charm and splendor are the words I would use to describe the ambience. My partner sat at the grand piano and tinkled off some relaxing tunes.

By now it was late and we needed to go to bed. We climbed on board our massive double bed and settled in. "Hun my tummy’s hungry" said Katya. I looked over the in room menu. Knowing full well that I was going to pick the cheapest item there. £6.75 for a ham and mustard sandwich, well I hope it’s big at that price we will have to share. Twenty minuets later a knock at the door, there in front of me was a feeble excuse of a sandwich, together with a bit of lettuce and about 7 tortilla chips!! So I had to order another.

The next morning I went to the driving range as katya went to the spa. Later that afternoon we decided we were really enjoying ourselves and should stay on longer. So we did. We finally checked out 4 days after going in. the cost £749.69.

To sum up: - a great hotel. But too pricey by half!!