A short trundle up the M25, taking the exit for Watford, you’ll land yourself in the parish village of Chandler’s Cross. It’s the rural setting for five-star retreat The Grove, an eighteenth century property set in acres of luscious green Hertfordshire countryside.
It’s one of those places that most people have already heard of, the location for a boozy party or a glitzy event, probably due to its handy 18-mile proximity to or from London and 30-minute journey to Heathrow or Luton airports. That’s because it serves multiple purposes, from spa to golf club and family hotel.
My first thought upon arrival was that the vibe was a bit stuffy and ‘golfy’ (it’s popular in the swinging community) and it felt weird hauling two dogs and a toddler through the lobby – but a glance around revealed there were others like us.
Why stay at The Grove?
There’s several reasons why you might find yourself staying at The Grove, but the most likely is that it’s a restful and luxurious stop gap between somewhere and London, or the opposite way around.
As the former residence of an earl it’s steeped in British history and charm but without the creaky hallways and lack of modern comforts. As you drive up a winding driveway to the hotel its red brick structure peeks over the hill, revealing 18th century columns and beautiful arched windows. There’s no fewer than five bustling restaurants, catering to everyone from couples fine dining to hot dogs for ravenous toddlers.
Visitors won’t struggle to find things to do either, given the amount on offer: spa treatments, a golf course that hosted the British Masters, woodland trails, axe throwing and a truly charming kids club. In that sense it’s truly family (and dog) friendly.
What are the rooms like at The Grove?
There’s 214 rooms and suites, varying in style and space. We stayed in one of the west wing’s deluxe rooms overlooking the garden, kindly allocated to us so we could accommodate our two dogs. It was modern, spacious and nicely laid out – complete with all the touches you’d expect from a five-star hotel including customisable lighting and four hundred thread count bedding from Tielle.
A sofa-bed had been lovingly made up for my three-year-old son but he had other ideas, sandwiching himself between us on the big bed but thankfully it still felt spacious. Every now and again my heart would be in my mouth as he crawled underneath an expensive-looking glass table, which is of course expected in this sort of establishment, but also left an air of anxiety that you perhaps wouldn’t get in hotels geared up to families only.
The divine-smelling Bamford toiletries and mini bar (hello, Hackney Gelato!) were exceptional. Nobody was disappointed, not even the dogs who tucked into organic treats from their welcome hamper. They had toys to keep them entertained, towels for muddy paws and big cosy beds to retreat to. My son had a mini robe and slippers, as well as Le Petit Prince bubbles for his rash-prone skin.
What are the best things to eat and drink at The Grove?
There are five different places to eat, catering to various tastes and dining preferences, dotted around the grounds of the hotel – including within their beautiful walled garden.
We ticked off one of these during our stay: the Glasshouse, which is pitched as a ‘world-class’ buffet, and appeared to be incredibly popular with guests. It is situated next to reception, with the option of dining amongst the Wisteria and perfectly preened shrubbery, is relaxed in vibe and brings together all kinds of guests from golfers to couples celebrating anniversaries. There’s multiple cuisines on offer and plenty of choices for those with dietary preferences but in essence – it’s a buffet. You either choose the wrong thing or eat too much of it.
The wine and cocktail lists are quite extensive. We chose Pimms by the pool and an English sparkling wine to accompany dinner. As is often the case when you’re parenting, I didn’t have time to sit back and sample what was on offer (translation: drink two bottles of wine by myself).
The other restaurants include an award-winning Turkish spot set in the walled garden called Skewd, New Delhi-inspired sharing plates at Madhu’s and British classics using produce from their kitchen garden in The Stables.
What is the service like at The Grove?
Service at The Grove is very good, staff are friendly and knowledgeable about all the facilities and activities on offer. There’s enough of a team for individual employees to take their time with guests.
Kids are particularly well looked after, with colouring pens and stickers laid out daily in the conservatory in case they get bored of watching their parents sun themselves around the walled garden pool. One afternoon we arrived late and although the conservatory was closing, a helpful lady from their Kid’s Club carried a train set out to the sandpit for my son to play with. Nothing is too much trouble for little ones.
What are the facilities like at The Grove?
From pony rides around the grounds, to open-air summer screenings courtesy of Everyman Cinemas – guests won’t find themselves short of activities during their stay.
I didn’t get a chance to relax in one of the 18 treatment rooms at The Grove’s Sequoia Spa but I popped my head around the door and it looked like a slice of child-free heaven. Staff told me that there are lots of treatments on the menu, inspired by Swedish, Thai and shiatsu practices, using all natural products from the UK.
My personal favourite of the facilities here is Ralph’s Beach, located inside the hotel’s pretty garden. It’s new for 2025 and boasts an outdoor heated pool, perfect for unpredictable British summers, as well as a bar serving everything from Pimms to hot dogs and Truffle flavour Torres crisps. Parents will be particularly pleased to know that there’s a large covered area of sand filled with toys to keep little ones entertained and knowing the whole area is walled means priceless peace of mind – the ultimate relaxation.
What’s the area like around The Grove?
There’s nothing much to do in Chandler’s Cross, outside of Langlebury’s Children’s Farm which is so close you could make a walking pilgrimage to pet fluffy things. But that’s just it, the idea is that you don’t need to leave the hotel grounds at all.
That said, the location is verdant, with rolling hills and plenty of woodland walks for anyone looking to secure some fresh(er) air. If you speak to staff they’ll give you one of their maps created by the Wildlife Trust and you can decide whether or not you’d like to tackle the 300 acres on bike or foot.
Why you should book a stay at The Grove:
Stay here if you’re looking for a luxurious spot in exceptionally close proximity to London, especially if you’re partial to a spa or golfing weekend. You’re guaranteed to be well looked after and those with children and dogs will appreciate all there is to do.
Address: The Grove Hotel, Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG
Price per Night: Prices for two adults and a child start at £419 per night, if booked far in advance (with buffet-style breakfast included).
Closest Transport Link: The closest major public transport is Watford Gap station.
Book Now: https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-grove-hertfordshire.en-gb.html
