Stay and Play Report - Luton Hoo

As premium stay and play resorts go in the south of England, Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is definitely up there. From the well-presented golf course, to the exceptional service from the hotel and golf staff, this country estate just north of London offers all you could imagine – and more.

From the pillared halls and elegant lounges of the Mansion House, to the Grade II* listed Robert Adam courtyard at the Country Club – which previously formed the stables of the mansion house – Luton Hoo is the perfect venue for weddings to a golfing break close to the capital.

Situated on the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire border, the resort spans 1,065 acres, and even has a 50-acre lake. All of this is just 30 miles outside central London, with the train taking less than 30 minutes into Kings Cross from Luton station.

Golf at Luton Hoo

The golf course at Luton Hoo is an attractive blend of inland links and mature parkland that meanders through the 1,000-acre estate. Measuring at 7,107 yards from the tips, it is no wonder this golf course has hosted the Challenge Tour’s Bridgestone Challenge.

Water comes into play on six of the holes, as you make your way around the Grade 1 listed parkland in which the course is situated. One interesting feature of this course is that it has no bunkers – not one. However, despite there being no bunkers, the thick rough just a couple of yards off the fairway and the well placed trees more than make up for the lack of sand.

The third hole is one of the standout holes on the course, mainly due to the tee shot. You must thread your tee shot between two water features, with the feature on the right placed perfectly on landing distance for most amateur golfers.

Hole number 11 also stands out as it carves its way down to a lake that protects the green. The professional’s actually played this 522-yard hole as par-4 during the Bridgestone Challenge, leaving many with long irons, maybe even woods, into the raised green above the water.

At the last hole, shot shaping is key. If you’re brave enough you can try and fly your driver over the close trees on the left. Or, alternatively, you can try and hit a draw around them. Any drive left out to the right hand side leaves a difficult wedge shot over a tall tree from the thick rough.

The Rooms at Luton Hoo

You really are spoiled for choice on where to stay when visiting Luton Hoo, with numerous deluxe bedrooms and suites available in Mansion House, Country Club and Warren Weir.

The deluxe bedrooms situated in the Parkland and Country Club offer views of the surrounding parkland, and feature a fully furnished room with a double bed, armchair with coffee table, a writing desk and a luxurious en-suite bathroom.

If you want to stay in the Mansion House, then an authentically styled Mansion Deluxe Bedroom is for you. These rooms are styled in keeping with the original decoration found in the Grade I listed building and feature all you would find in a standard deluxe bedroom plus double sinks, roll top or corner baths and a separate shower. Some of these rooms also feature a balcony overlooking the gardens.

Offering more room than a Deluxe Bedroom, the Executive Bedrooms provide beautiful views of the estate and parklands, as well as featuring a 6ft double or twin bed. These rooms will have you feeling relaxed in no time at all.

Finally, there are numerous suites available at Luton Hoo that are perfect for those with large families, or those looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort. With marble fireplaces, panelled walls and ornate ceilings, these rooms will be like nothing you have experienced before.

What else is on offer at Luton Hoo?

The Luton Hoo Estate is much more than just a golfing getaway. Even if your friends and family don’t play golf, they will not be short of something to do.

Wine and Dine

Luton Hoo offers a great mixture of fine dining and informal lunches throughout its three restaurants.

For those looking for exquisite fine dining, the Wenher Restaurant will be perfect for you. There are few restaurants in such a spectacular setting, as this part of the Mansion House was remodelled in the early 20th Century by architects on London’s Ritz Hotel. The exotic marble panelwork and richly coloured fabrics are just as remarkable as the food.

For a more informal style of dining, you have the Adam’s Brasserie, which is housed within the historic Stables building. On top of the outstanding food and drink, the Adam’s Brasserie also has its walls lined with stills from the many films and TV shows that have been shot on location at Luton Hoo.

Finally, the 19th is The Country Club’s themed bar, specifically designed with leisure and golf guests in mind. The relaxed setting is perfect for those who wish to have a swift, casual snack after a morning in the spa or 18 holes on the golf course.

The Spa at Luton Hoo

Set in the former stables area of The Country Club, the Spa at Luton Hoo provides a true sense of escape from the moment you set foot inside. With a large indoor infinity pool, vitality pool, heat therapy suite and a wide range of spa treatments to choose from, you will be feeling relaxed and revitalised in no time.

Shooting

As traditional country pursuits go, shooting would be high on the list of any guest looking to take in the full country living experience. Luton Hoo features eight clay pigeon shooting stands, with registered coach and instructor Pete Lee on hand to teach you all you need to know. There are also sheltered archery, air target and crossbow stands that can be booked alongside the clay pigeon shooting.

Head into the capital

That’s right; Luton Hoo is less than 30 miles from London with regular trains from Luton station into Kings Cross. The train station is just a five-minute taxi journey from the estate, or if you have your own car, you will be in central London in just 30-minutes.

How to get there?

By Car – Leave the M1 at Junction 10 signposted Luton Airport. Drive along the dual carriageway and take the 1st exit to the left signposted “A1081 St Albans and Harpenden”. Keep bearing left until you get to a roundabout.

There are brown signs saying “Luton Hoo” to the left. Take the 1st exit to the left and you will go under the dual carriageway. At the 2nd roundabout take the 2nd exit (straight on) and continue on the A1081 towards St Albans and Harpenden. Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa is approximately ½ mile on the left hand side.

By Rail - Luton Parkway Station is situated a 5 minute taxi ride away and is served by First Capital Connect with a frequent 30 minute service into the City of London. From Central London there is a regular Northern Line underground service to the International Terminal Link – St Pancras serving the Eurostar route.

By Air – Luton Aiport is just a 10-minute drive away. Alternatively you could fly into any London airport and still be in close proximity.

For more information on staying and playing at Luton Hoo, visit Golfbreaks.Com.