Review of The Grove, by Jamie Dunford Wood

The Grove is a most surprising hotel. Indeed, one almost hesitates to call it a hotel, as it caters to both a North London country club crowd as well as weekend golfers, spa members and people simply walking their dogs.

Set in extensive grounds, the Grove sits on top of a hill overlooking the edges of Watford, a couple of minutes from an exit on the M25. Formerly the country seat of Earls of Clarendon, and more recently a training college for British Rail, the main house dates from the 18th century, while an entirely new west wing has been added along the crest of the hill to bring the room complement up to 200+, plus function rooms, meeting rooms, a subterranean spa, and several restaurant complexes. Architecturally it is a triumph - on the outside at least. The additions are low rise with balconies and in sympathetic brick, and the gardens have been formally laid out, with water features, garden sculptures and huge plane trees. Beyond, an 18 hole golf course meanders down to the Grand Union Canal.

Inside, the style is modern - a sometimes uncomfortable mix in the main house with the traditional 18th century fabric: tubular steel and glass furnishings have been mixed with coffee tables made from upended logs, modern art and sculptures adorn the public spaces, and there's even a mini installation playing in one of the corridors, a video of a naked man wandering around his garden. They have clearly not set out to recreate a cosy country house hotel atmosphere, but rather a new concept of urban country club with a designer twist, and as far as this goes, they seem to be succeeding all too well. At weekends, the place is packed. Three restaurants are full to overflowing - of whom perhaps 10% are hotel guests - the state of the art spa is buzzing with grateful new members, golfers mill around a purpose built clubhouse, and crowds of delegates indulge in break-out sessions with coffee and biscuits.

As for the hotel, this is split into two distinct parts - the original house and the new wing. All the rooms are spacious - those in the house having high ceilings and original features, as well as metal framed four poster beds. All rooms have large flat screen plasma TVs, and bathrooms are stuffed with all the usual upmarket potions. In the west wing the rooms run to a standard format, the main difference being garden or car park view. Deluxes also have separate power showers and free standing baths, as well as pull-out sofabeds. Rooms on the first floor have little balconies, while second floor rooms have smaller windows.

The hotel opened in October 2003. Even before opening, this new hotel had enrolled as a 'Leading Hotel of the World' as well as been assessed and recommended by Johansens. It is interesting that both will happily accept joining fees without feeling in any way the necessity of sampling levels of service. For this is where the hotel, at launch, had a few things to sort out, but has now happily overcome, although service is still of the 'breezy' informal kind. The staff are young, trendily dresses, enthusiastic, and keen to please.

Still, this is an extraordinary place. The facilities are second to none, and the food is excellent. Bikes can be hired, there's a great childrens' play centre (with registered child minders), and the spa is spectacular. There's also an outdoor pool in addition to the large indoor one for summer frolics, in its own garden. Ideal for families - just do not expect a country house hotel.