Stoke Park

Driving up to the mansion house through the beautiful grounds, just as Daniel Craig famously did in Layer Cake, was the first of many pleasures Stoke Park provided in my Weekend stay.
In the Mansion house there are 21 bedrooms, many open onto balconies where guests can enjoy breakfast or evening drinks overlooking the 350 acres of parkland and historic gardens.
However I stayed in the Pavilion, which hosts 28 bedrooms that again have magnificent views of the grounds, the grass tennis courts and Windsor Castle. My bedroom was designed with antiques, paintings and original prints, satellite television; I-pod docking station, direct dial telephone, broadband, superb marble en-suite bathroom with heated floors and mirrors, cast iron bath and a marble shower.
The room was great; however Stoke Park’s real assets lay in its sporting facilities, Spa treatments and Restaurant. As a guest, you have complimentary use of the Club's new Health and Racquet Pavilion (indoor swimming pool with hydro-seat Jacuzzis, state-of-the-art gymnasium, multi-surface tennis courts, steam rooms, and dance and fitness studios). After a tonic facial and quick stint in the gym, I felt rejuvenated and ready for an evening of fine dining.
The Dining Room which has panoramic views of the golf course and the lakes, offers modern British food with a twist, featuring plenty of Chef's signature dishes. The staff catered to all needs and I can highly recommend the open beef Wellington!
After a very comfortable night’s stay, I couldn’t resist playing the same golf course that played host to the most memorable game of golf in cinema history, when James Bond defeated Auric Goldfinger on the 18th green in Goldfinger. Although my golfing standard did not match that of Sean Connery’s, playing on such a historic and well kept course was a certain highlight to my stay.
Stoke Park’s luxury, great service, state of the art facilities and pure class definitely justified the cost, and provides an opportunity to live the millionaire’s lifestyle, even if it is only for one weekend.