Great Fosters – Near Windsor

Great Fosters is our endlessly charming Tudor estate steeped in royal history and located just outside of Windsor in the heart of Surrey. Set in 50 acres of iconic gardens and grounds, complete with listed topiary mazes, a fountain, Saxon moat, Japanese bridge and even a sundial gifted to the Estate by Sir Francis Drake himself, the instantly recognisable red-brick facade and chimney tops of Great Fosters is a sight to behold indeed.

Inside, you will find a chocolate-box selection of 56 individually designed bedroom and suites, including the famed Historic Named Suites and The Estate Grill, our charming 2-AA rosette awarded restaurant for delicious informal dining.

All along the southern aspect of Great Fosters you will find our stunning terraces and patios which come alive in the summer months with diners enjoying breakfast, lunch, tea & supper al fresco. Last but certainly not least, the Estate also boasts a superb art-deco heated outdoor pool, which is open during the summer months.

ROOMS & SUITES
At Great Fosters, our collection of 56 suites and bedrooms are all individually styled, with some boasting grand four-poster beds, and others sprinkled with ornate trinkets that have been collected over the years.

The main house, which dates back to 1550, features a selection of beautiful historic suites and bedrooms, ideal for a memorable romantic escape, whilst The Cloisters and The Coach House offer a tempting array of suites and rooms.

Guests staying overnight have use of the heated outdoor pool & hot tub during their stay (open May – September from 8am – 8pm with children’s swim times from 8 – 10am and 4 – 6pm). We have also negotiated preferential gym & swim rates at Egham Orbit (less than a 5 minute drive away) with an initial session costing just £22 including a brief induction.

THE HISTORIC SUITES
Our luxurious historic named Suites are brimming with wondrous tales of the past. From 17th century Flemish tapestries adorning the walls, to intricately carved feature pieces dating back to Jacobean times and Grade I Listed wall features, you will feel like the Tudor royalty who once resided at Great Fosters in any one of The Historic Suites.

THE WATERLOO SUITE
The Waterloo Suite is timelessly elegant, decorated in a blush and neutral palette, with delicate cow-parsley print wall coverings and a dreamy white four poster bed. The bedroom looks out over the terracotta rooftops of Great Fosters with views of the gardens, complete with a pretty balcony from which to enjoy the vista.

The suite is complete with a separate dressing space and beautiful bathroom, with walk in drench shower and a glorious tub for two. The Waterloo Suite is set across 33m2 and is on the upper floor of the Main House.

PANEL II
In Panel II, the flamboyant and modern touches accentuating the four-poster bed which is the main feature of this Suite are undeniable, and strike a stunning contrast to the panelling of the room. The panelling is of course the namesake of this Suite which is Grade I listed, dating back to the Tudor times. Panel II is 40m2 and has views across the grand approach to the hotel.

THE ITALIAN SUITE
The style of The Italian Suite may remind you of the flamboyance of a Jacques Garcia design. It does actually pre-date the eminent designer considerably and was conceived by W.H. Romaine-Walker and G.H. Jenkins who around 1910 were commissioned to extensively redevelop Great Fosters – and their work includes the design of this spectacular suite.

Particularly famous are the quattrocento doors which the duo imported in 1912 – the entrance doors and doors to the bathroom, with fabulous murals on the front and intricate plasterwork on the reverse are exquisite. The Italian Suite is 36m2, and is positioned with views through the dappled light of the trees flanking the entrance to the hotel. A stay in the Italian Suite is truly a unique experience.

THE DOWER HOUSE
Part of the sprawling Great Fosters Estate, the Dower House offers a charming relief to the masculine red brick façade of the Main House and Tithe Barn, with original black Tudor beams and white plasterwork.

As the Estate evolved over the years, the Dower House once a brief stroll from the Main House is now found along the Cloisters promenade, flanked by ornamental gardens. The Dower House is as striking today as ever, some four centuries later.

A crown jewel in our vision for the Great Fosters Estate, The Dower House rejuvenation is an ambition our design team have been working on for several years. The Dower House will comprise of seven generous rooms and suites, all rich in original details bearing the patina of time, juxtaposed with our signature fabrics and furnishings.

Designed for indulgent weekends, get-togethers with friends and family, and perfect too for longer stays, the Dower House will once again be a grand yet understated residence, for those in the know.

The seven rooms & suites are named after the properties that have most inspired our design team over the years, with many of them being Dower Houses formerly also. Of the seven rooms, six are available to also book in interconnecting pairs.

THE BYFLEET SUITE
Each of the suites in the Dower House are named after other Dower Houses around England, with ‘Byfleet’ being one. Byfleet Manor was catapulted to global fame by the television show, Downton Abbey, where it was featured as the home of the Dowager Countess of Grantham.

The roots of Byfleet Manor can be traced back much further however, back to the 12th century where Edward II commissioned it as a Hunting Lodge which he gifted to his purported lover, Piers Gaveston. Our Byfleet Suite is on the 1st floor of the Dower House with views cross the Cloisters and the ancient roofline of Great Fosters.

It spans 35m2, and features an eclectic selection of luxurious velvet furnishings, botanic patterns and a contemporary four-poster bed, contrasting with elegant heritage paints, leaded windows and other original features. The room includes a double vanity, free-standing bath tub and walk in drench shower, a dressing area and space to dine & lounge.

SUITES
Our Spacious and Splendid Suites are arranged between the Cloisters, Coach House, Dower House and Main House respectively. In our Spacious Suites, you can expect an open-plan suite, with a separate lounge space decorated in a light, fresh palate in the Cloisters (which are also pet-friendly), whilst in the Coach House, they are on the 1st floor and feature striking botanical print wall coverings.

Our Splendid Historic Suites in the Dower House and Main House are slightly cosier than their Cloisters cousins, but are rich with historic features and quirks and enjoy the grandeur and charm of the original buildings. The Coach House Spacious Suites also offer interconnecting options, ideal for families.

SPLENDID HISTORIC SUITE
Our Historic Splendid Suites are spread across The Dower House and Main House. They’re a charming & luxurious and include many reminders of the rich legacy of Great Fosters.

From fireplaces to hidden bathrooms, expect to be delighted with the sense of history in these special rooms, some with views across the gardens, and some with views over the grand approach to the hotel. These rooms are 25 – 28m² with two rooms having a shower over a bathtub and the ‘Corridor’, Hillingdon & Clarence suites featuring a bath tub with separate shower.

COMFY KING ROOM
Our Comfy King Rooms are all found in the Cloisters and the Coach House, a walk of moments from the Main House and along the charming ornamental herb garden by the Dower House.

In the Cloisters, you can expect light and airy rooms with a mix of the old & new, whilst in the Coach House a more contemporary design awaits, with bold chartreuse striped fabrics and monochrome bathrooms.

All rooms feature a desk and separate armchairs, with most overlooking the pretty Cloisters garden. These rooms range from 16 – 19m2 and either have walk-in showers or a bath with a shower over the top and many can accommodate dogs too.

DINING
At Great Fosters, we specialise in modern English and European cuisine, created using only the finest local ingredients. Whether dining in our Michelin starred restaurant The Tudor Room, or opting for the more contemporary surroundings of The Estate Grill, take a seat and savour a delicious meal.

THE TUDOR ROOM
A unique setting, The Tudor Room is our intimate Michelin-starred dining room, that has served as a stage for some of the finest chefs in the country to showcase exceptional cuisine over the years.

The residency of our most recent chef, Tony Parkin, ended on July 13th 2022 and the Tudor Room is currently expecting the arrival of our next culinary star to dazzle diners once again – watch this space.

THE ESTATE GRILL
The Estate Grill is a stunning setting for a memorable occasion, catching up with friends or just because. With an enchanting vaulted ceiling, open fire, mullioned windows contrasting with chic contemporary furnishings and artwork, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Our 2-AA rosette cuisine is sublime too, focusing on celebrating local and seasonal produce, our Grill kitchen creates food to delight the senses. In the summer months, the Grill expands to our terraces and gardens, offering exceptional cuisine and service al fresco in our famed listed gardens.

THE AFTERNOON TEA
Served in the historic Anne Boleyn drawing room, and in the summer months on the terrace overlooking the parterres gardens, afternoon tea at the Great Fosters estate is an elegant affair indeed.

From delicate bavarois to moreish eclairs, the changing array of fancies are always delicious, and are served alongside warm, freshly baked scones and our exquisite sandwich selection. It makes a beautiful gift to a loved one, or an indulgent treat for yourself. Plus, we’re now offering our rather popular doggy afternoon tea so you can treat your four legged friend too.

SUNDAY LUNCH
Join us for the ultimate British classic, royal in all senses of the word. Sunday lunch is the perfect excuse to indulge and feast on the great, British classic as it was intended to be, in the heart of our historic Tudor Estate.

THE COCKTAIL BAR & TERRACE
Overlooking beautiful views of the parterres, The Cocktail Bar and Terraces are the ideal setting for a relaxing drink, whether you’re enjoying some all important ‘me time’ or joining us for a romantic evening with someone special. The Terraces are open throughout the day and offer a fantastic selection of coffee, drinks, afternoon tea, and deliciously tempting apéritifs and digestifs.

PRIVATE DINING ROOM
Enchanting and historic, The Great Fosters estate sprawls across 55 acres, with a series of handsome redbrick buildings and beautiful landscaped gardens with a Saxon moat, Japanese bridge and even a sundial gifted to Estate from Sir Francis Drake.

Within each building and even in the gardens you will find enigmatic private dining spaces, ideal for anything from baby showers to birthdays, anniversaries to incentive trips. Located in Egham near Windsor, we’re perfectly placed for a special occasion, and for guests wanting to rest their heads after a day or evening of revelry, we have plenty of gorgeous bedrooms available too.

THE MOWBRAY & MANDEVILLE
Reached via a private entrance and staircase, the Mowbray & Mandeville suites are charming and stylish indeed. The Mowbray, the larger of the two suites, features a stunning vaulted ceiling and our iconic mullioned windows.

The Mandeville makes the perfect spot for drinks and canapes before supper or is ideal for an intimate gathering. The two suites have access to private landing and bathrooms too. Mowbray: Seating up to 24 guests on an oval table or up to 30 guests seated on 3 round tables of 10.

THE GARDEN ROOM
Situated opposite to the Estate Grill, our The Garden Room is an elegant space with beautiful views of the gardens and direct access to the terrace. Decorated in a stunning and unique mural of pastoral England with a charm that puts us in mind of a Blake poem, it is by day light and airy and by night cosy and atmospheric, added to by the marvellous open fire. Seating up to 18 guests at one oval table.

WEDDINGS
Set amongst 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland, Great Fosters is a dreamy setting for your wedding day. With just one wedding each day, you can exchange or renew your vows in the majestic surroundings of The Orangery, host reception drinks in our Painted Hall and celebrate your wedding breakfast with loved ones in our historical Tithe Barn.

Whether you’re entering into your first marriage, a civil partnership, renewing your vows or preparing for your second marriage, Great Fosters offers the perfect location for your special day. Take a look through the pages below for more information about how we can help create your dream day.

BUSINESS VENUE
Just outside of London and surrounded by scenic gardens and parkland, Great Fosters is a fantastic venue for meetings, conferences, team building and more. Our enviable location, less than 15 minutes from London Heathrow Airport, ensures that our flexible, contemporary meeting space is the perfect choice for any gathering.

Depending on the nature of your event, we can accommodate up to 120 delegates. Our experienced events team are on hand to help ensure that every aspect of your meeting runs smoothly.

Equipped with all of the necessary mod cons, such as complimentary WiFi and great coffee, you can rest assured that your delegates will enjoy a productive and enjoyable experience at Great Fosters.

TEAM BUILDING
Greta Fosters is the perfect playground for a team build. With 55 acres of grounds including lawns, woodland and even a lake the team building options are endless. How about a spot of duck herding or a Bake off challenge or a some ‘It’s a Knockout’ style games? Firebird, our preferred partner know the hotel & its grounds extremely well and will take the stress out of organising a successful day and bring in the fun instead.

EXCLUSIVE USE
With 56 luxury bedrooms & suites, cosy lounges, six diverse meeting rooms, the magnificent Tithe Barn, a heated outdoor pool and food to get really excited about all spread across a 55 acre estate, Great Fosters is the perfect venue for an exclusive use event. Make our hotel your home and use every space as you wish.

UTOPIA RETREAT
At the heart of Utopia Retreat is our art-deco heated outdoor pool & hot tub, with treatment rooms spread across the Estate. When you’re feeling run down, fatigued and stressed or just because you deserve it – a Utopia Retreat massage or facial in one of our lovely Treatment Rooms is just the ticket.

Our treatments will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, using the essential-oil packed products from Temple Spa. Walk in and drift off. The pool is open from 8am – 8pm for hotel residents. But guess what? You don’t need to be staying with us to book in for a little me-time.

Utopia Retreat, sitting alongside Great Fosters, is comprised of treatment rooms and spaces, and our 1920s art-deco heated outdoor pool. Our Retreat Breaks include treatment time with our Utopia therapists, along with an overnight stay at Great Fosters and some other treats along the way too.

INDULGE & RELAX
Discover our curated day trip experiences at Great Fosters & Utopia Retreat, under an hour from London Waterloo. From our much-loved selection of pool days, to days on the tennis courts with picnics or afternoon teas, and treatment experiences with picnics in the grounds.

Our heated outdoor pool is now open for the season from 8am to 6pm and is available for residents to enjoy and for day guests to book our ‘pool day’ experiences. Built in the 1920s, the pool resonates art deco glamour, complete with charming original stalls for changing, bathrooms and outdoor showers.

Refurbished in 2021, guests can expect an even more indulgent experience with our signature AHC flourishes, Temple Spa amenities and more. In the event of poor weather your Pool Day can be rescheduled providing that you give us at least 7 days notice.

We carefully restrict the number of pool days sold each day to ensure that Utopia Retreat doesn’t become too crowded. Children’s swim times are 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm daily. At the weekend, Pool Day bookings are only available with treatments.

GARDENS
Nestled within 50 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland, Great Fosters is a serene vision of beauty. Originally designed by W H Romaine Walker and Gilbert Jenkins, the gardens are amongst the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Europe.

Framed on three sides by a Saxon moat, the formal gardens of Great Fosters are both extensive and exceptional. Designed to reflect the intricate beauty of a Persian rug, the knot garden is embellished with fragrant beds of flowers and herbs bordered by manicured hedges and topiary.

At the heart of it all is the Drake sundial which historians suggest may have been donated by Sir Francis Drake and is believed to date back to 1585. Under the leadership of Kim Wilkie, the last few years have seen the grounds extended, restored and enhanced to create the stunning gardens you see today.

Our gardening team are always delighted to welcome any enthusiasts who may wish to learn more about our gardens and the estate by working alongside them on a voluntary basis.

ACTIVITIES
The Great Fosters Estate is something of a playground for all the family. With 55 acres of gardens, studded with sculptures and dotted with games, there’s is much and more to explore.

From the piggery to the bee hives to the kitchen gardens, there’s plenty to excite the green-fingered or little ones excited to see the animals. For the sporty among us, there are trim trails, cycle routes (with rather distinguished Great Fosters bicycles available to hire), tennis courts and a short drive (or a brisk walk) from the estate, a fully equipped gym at the Egham Orbit.

Further afield, there’s so much to do in the local area, including historic tours of Windsor & Hampton Court, walking or cycling in Windsor Great Park, a horticultural day at the RHS’s flagship garden Wisley or perhaps a day out at Legoland or Thorpe Park. See all our suggestions. See our suggestions for lots of activities to do as a family.

TENNIS COURT
Available to our resident guests, why not book in for a spot of tennis? We’ll provide the rackets and balls of course, and we can even arrange a coach too if you’d like to brush up on your serve or perhaps even try it for the first time. Contact us below to book your slot.

WINDSOR CASTLE
Visit the largest inhabited castle in the world and one of the Queen’s three official residences (it’s her favourite!). See where Prince Harry & Meghan Markle married in St George’s Chapel and admire Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a masterpiece in miniature.

The State Apartments and magnificent formal rooms used by the Queen for state and official occasions are truly majestic and every bit as splendid you as you might imagine. There is a free multi media tour to listen to as you walk round.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is definitely not to be missed. View the timetable for the Changing of the Guard ceremony to plan your day. A 20 minute drive from Great Fosters.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE & GARDEN
Hampton Court Palace is set in 60 acres of formal gardens & 750 acres of parkland in a loop of the River Thames. Discover the spectacular baroque palace originally built for William III and Mary II and explore the magnificent gardens.

Experience the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII, his wives and children in the world of the Tudor court and admire Henry’s Great Hall, the infamous Haunted Gallery and the extensive Tudor kitchens.

The estate is home to the world’s oldest puzzle maze, a record-breaking grape vine, three National Plant Collections and a huge variety of wildlife, including the descendants of Henry VIII’s deer herd. A 30 minute drive from Great Fosters.

RHS WISLEY
The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society covers 240 acres and is one of the great gardens of the world. Wisley houses a huge plant collection and is a fabulous place to visit at all times of the year.

The gardens delight through every season: enjoy swathes of bulbs & blossom in spring, fabulous mixed borders & roses in summer, bountiful colours in Autumn, and frost-sparkled walks in winter. The huge glasshouse includes waterfalls and three separate climatic zones – tropical, moist temperate & dry temperate.

The vast array of plants, many endangered or difficult to grow are a sight to behold. There are so many gardens to explore but luckily you can refuel at one of Wisley’s renowned cafes dotted about (their cakes are excellent!). A 25 minute drive from the hotel.

KEW GARDENS
A UNESCO world heritage site, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has a magnificent scientific collection of plants from tropical, temperate, arid and alpine climates stretched across 300 acres..

Stroll along a magnificent 18m high treetop walkway to admire the views across London & Surrey before you discover one of the most diverse collections of living plants of any botanic garden in the world.

There are so many different gardens, a Conservatory and glasshouses, which house 50,000 plants and over 14,000 trees from all over the world so make sure you allow plenty of time. Download a seasonal trail before you go so you don’t miss a thing during your visit. A 30 minute drive from Great Fosters.

WINDSOR GREAT PARK
Windsor Great Park covers over 4,500 acres and offers a variety of landscapes. Take a walk or cycle round Virginia Water lake (4½ miles) or just enjoy a gentle stroll through the queen’s back garden.

Or for a longer 7 mile walk, park by the Fox & Hounds pub and walk into Windsor past the Copper Horse and down ‘The Long Walk’. The views of the castle are unparalleled and you should spot a few deer on your way.

There are stables where you can book a horse ride or why not hire a horse & carriage and enjoy a traditional horse drawn carriage ride through the park? Horticulturists will enjoy The Savill Garden and adjacent plant centre & gift shop.

Savill garden has 35 acres of interconnected gardens including the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds. Depending on where you park and which area you want to explore a 10 or 15 minute drive from Great Fosters.

PAINSHILL PARK
Painshill’s 18th century landscaped garden was created between 1738 & 1773 by the Hon. Charles Hamilton. His vision was to create ‘living paintings’ in a new style of magical garden. Inspired by Renaissance art and his Grand Tours, he created a sequence of breathtaking vistas in his 158 acre garden; stroll around the serpentine lake, wander through woodland and admire his follies including a Ruined Abbey and Turkish Tent.

Or if you’re feeling fit climb the 99 steps of the Gothic Tower to see what you can spot across four counties! For horticulture lovers there are historic plantings including the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs as well as veteran English Oak and the Great Cedar.

A kitchen garden grows a huge variety of fruit & vegetables. Other features include a restored Waterwheel, a Hermitage hidden in the woods and a vineyard. Cake is a Painshill speciality so be sure to treat yourself in Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room after your walk. A 25 minute drive from Great Fosters.

THORPE PARK
Thorpe Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping during your stay. Home to over 30 thrilling rides, attractions & live events Thorpe Park is the ultimate destination for thrill seekers featuring some of the UK’s most exhilarating roller coasters.

Reach new heights with Stealth the UK’s fastest roller coaster launching riders to 205ft at 80mph in just 2.5 seconds. Take flight on The Swarm the UK’s only winged coaster, or face one of Jigsaw’s most twisted traps with SAW – The Ride the world’s first horror themed roller coaster featuring a 100ft “beyond-vertical” drop. Pre booking is recommended to avoid queuing on arrival. A 10 minute drive from Great Fosters.

RACING AT ASCOT
Revered across the globe, Royal Ascot attracts many of racing’s finest horses to compete for more than £8m in prize money. It is also equally synonymous with sartorial elegance, being awash with exquisite fashion and magnificent millinery creations. From the arrival of the Royal Procession as the clock strikes two, to the communal singing around Ascot’s Bandstand, each of the five days must be seen to be believed.

Outside of Royal Ascot, spectacular racing takes place throughout the year, with each race day offering a unique theme and atmosphere including the QIPCO King George Weekend in July, a Beer Festival in October and a Fireworks Spectacular in October, as well as four dedicated family race days. A 15 minute drive from Great Fosters.

RUNNYMEDE MEMORIALS
Runnymede is famous as the site of the sealing of Magna Carta, but today it’s home to a collection of memorials to the struggle for liberty. As well as the monument to Magna Carta, you can also visit memorials to JFK and the Allied Air Forces of WWII.

The very moving Air Forces Memorial commemorates by name over 20,000 men and women of the air forces, who were lost WWII during operations from bases in the UK, North & Western Europe, and who have no known graves.

Park by the National Trust Tea Room next to the River Thames and see the meadow where the Magna Carta was signed before following the steep footpath through the woodland up to the Air Forces Memorial. Remember to go up the tower at the memorial to see magnificent views of London, Surrey and Berkshire. A 10 minute drive from Great Fosters.

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM
Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit and displays a wide range of Brooklands-related motoring and aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to a vast collection of civilian and military aircraft, including the WWII Wellington Bomber and Concorde.

Step back in time to the days of innovation, determination and record-breaking on the site of the world’s first racing circuit and listen to the stories of the pioneering men and women that shaped the world of motoring and aviation.

Discover supersonic flight at the home of Concorde and get up close to the aircraft designed, built and flown here. Imagine the excitement of the races as you explore the interactive collections of cars and motorbikes and learn about the real-life experiences from the Brooklands volunteers.

ETON COLLEGE TOUR
Take a tour of the historic Eton College, where generations of aristocracy, politicians and many distinguished Britons have been educated including the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The guided tour focuses on the historic heart of Eton College, featuring many of the earliest buildings and objects from the College Collections. The 90 minute tours run from April – August and take place on a Friday afternoon at 2pm and 4pm.

The tour covers School Yard, College Chapel, Upper School, Lower School, and the Museum of Eton Life. Tours must be booked in advance. At other times of the year the museums and galleries are open on a Sunday afternoon.

SHOPPING IN WINDSOR
At the heart of Windsor is Windsor Royal Station, a mostly covered area, occupying the site of an 1850s railway station: you can still see Queen Victoria’s royal waiting room.

Here you can browse brands such as Hobbs, Mint Velvet, Le Creuset and Whistles in a continental café setting; you might also be intrigued by Artique, an art gallery with a consultancy service. Steps lead down to Windsor Yards & Peascod Street, which have a range of high-street brands.

Pop into vintage store Really Me at no 44 which sells clothing, accessories, furniture, books & vinyl & helps fund Thames Hospice. Lower Peascod Street & St Leonard’s Road are where Windsorians love to shop. These roads champion the independent retailer; discover cosy cafes, homeware shops, boutiques plus great food and wine.

TOUR OF WINDSOR
Windsor has a fascinating history and a wonderfully interesting heritage. Why not learn a little more with a fun but informative tour either by foot with a Blue Badge Guide or on a hop-on-hop-off open top bus tour? Or take a self guided tour of Windsor with this heritage trail.

THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR 
The historic Theatre Royal is nestled in the heart of Windsor. With an ever-evolving calendar of fantastic productions, the Theatre Royal is the best destination locally to enjoy a diverse range of live entertainment, including musical performances, plays comedy and dramas. A 20 minute drive from Great Fosters.

Rooms: 56

Price: from 174 EUR per night

Source: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk