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A birthday celebration at Sopwell House

It was my husband’s birthday in October and he’s the type of person that really doesn’t like a fuss – unlike me who celebrates my birthday for the whole month of February!

He’s also not fussed about presents so I did what is becoming a bit of a tradition and took him away for the night. His birthday was very close to our two week holiday to Mumbai and the Seychelles so I didn’t want to go too far. I remembered Sima, the Curious Pixie, had stayed at Sopwell House in nearby St Albans in Hertfordshire and it looked gorgeous so I booked a Saturday night stay.

As it was a birthday celebration, I wanted to stay in one of the Mews Suites, which is separate from the main hotel. You have your own private access, a beautiful hydropool and the gardens have been landscaped by RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Gold award winner Ann-Marie Powell.

Hydropool at Sopwell House

Sopwell House is a spa hotel and, as a guest, you have access to the spa facilities. We went to have a look at the indoor pool but it was really busy and when you have an outdoor hydropool that you’re only sharing with a few other guests, it’s a no brainer where you’ll have a dip!

Mews Suites at Sopwell House
Landscaped gardens at Sopwell House

There are only 16 Mews Suites (there are 128 rooms in the main hotel) and we stayed in the Snowflake Suite. All the suites are duplex, have a private patio and are slightly different in design. Ours had a lovely fireplace, which I did light – even though it wasn’t that cold! 

The Snowflake Mews Suite at Sopwell House

Upon entering our suite, we were greeted with these lovely macaroons and a card for my husband’s birthday! Such a lovely touch.

Birthday macaroons

The suite was just gorgeous. Really beautifully decorated with pops of colour and lots of framed pictures. Downstairs is the living room with a kitchen and dining room table.

Living room in Snowflake Suite
Fireplace in Snowflake Suite
Kitchen and living room Sopwell House

Upstairs was the bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The bed was super comfy and we had a restful night’s sleep. I loved the colour combinations too and the framed pictures.

Bedroom at Sopwell House
Bedroom decor at Sopwell House

The bathroom was really spacious, with underfloor heating, steam-proof mirrors and luxury ESPA toiletries. I loved the different patterned tiles in various shades of grey – very chic.

Bathroom in Snowflake Mews Suite
ESPA luxury toiletries

I don’t know about you but I love a hotel gown and slippers! Honestly, there’s nothing better than having a bath and then putting on a fluffy hotel gown to feel totally relaxed. 

Bath robes and slippers

The Mews Suites come equipped with kitchens but we chose to have dinner at The Restaurant. Sopwell House has two restaurants – The Brasserie and The Restaurant as well as a bar area. We started with a drink in the bar and then moved on to dinner where we had a lovely meal. The food was delicious and service was very good too. There was even birthday cake!

Dinner at The Restaurant Sopwell House

St Albans is just 15 minutes on the train from West Hampstead, yet feels so far out of London with its beautiful countryside. Sopwell House calls itself ‘Your country home from home’, which certainly feels true! We walked into town from the hotel and around the corner was a field full of sheep. We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely be returning! 

A luxury stay at Sopwell House in St Albans

Kirsty Marrins

Reader, writer, occasional runner, travel lover.

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4 COMMENTS

  • the Curious Pixie

    So glad you guys enjoyed it. Really is a special stay.

    • Kirsty Marrins
      AUTHOR

      Thanks Sima, it’s a lovely hotel!

  • Rosie

    Your husband sounds like mine – I usually always buy him trips away for birthdays / Christmas too. This year, his main Christmas present is going to York to see John Cooper Clarke and staying in the Guy Fawkes Inn which is apparently where the gunpowder plot was undertaken. It’s still lit by gaslight so should be a real cosy treat. We visited St Albans for the first time in the summer and really liked it x

    • Kirsty Marrins
      AUTHOR

      We were in York for my birthday and gutted I didn’t know about this Inn! Sounds amazing, enjoy! X

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