View from the Room: Three Swans Hotel, Hungerford
A stopover on route to the New Forest, what I have named Birthday Treat Number One, Three Swans Hotel proved to be more than adequate. Hungerford is a lovely village, well placed to drive to other equally pretty villages and the hotel backs on to the train station. On this occasion, we needed a car to eventually arrive at the main destination of this trip, Monkey World although another time, I’d happily come by train. I can even pop to London for a day from this base as it’s only about an hour away.
We arrived on a Sunday, which I’ve found can be hit and miss for finding restaurants in rural areas so The Tree Swans was ideal as we could book a meal upon arrival. Which turned out to be more than adequate too.
When we eventually found the car park - after parking up in the shopper’s car park opposite and running in to find out - we realised it was very conveniently at the back of the hotel. It did mean dragging baggage through the lounge and up the twisty stairs to our room. There were a number of heavy doors to get to the room in this beautiful old building although I’m sure the staff would help if you needed it.
We had a warm welcome from bar, restaurant and hotel staff alike and a cheery hello when bumping into housekeeping in the corridors.
Our comfortable room, where we found a book detailing the full history of the hotel, looked out to the High St and had everything we needed. There was also a non-fiction book by a local author (purchasable) which another time, I would have sat and read in one of the comfortable lounges.
The room had a kettle, a couple of mugs and glasses, biscuits and sachets of hot chocolate which always adds at least a half star in my book. The large TV (by my standards) is popped on the ample cupboard opposite the bed rather than hanging off a wall at an awkward angle. There are some drawers, a double wardrobe and more drawers either side of the bed which works for a longer stay. For one night, I only unpacked what I was wearing the next day and there’s a luggage rack tucked in the corner to help wiith that.
The room is furnished with plenty of handy sockets, good lighting and full-sized toiletries (shower gel, shampoo and conditioner) plus a soap meant everyone worked smoothly. It’s rare that I see a towel rail actually around the sink where it’s needed. A small thing but it all adds up to my theory that your hotel room should be at least as comfy as your home.
The double bed was snug and comfortable with spares if needed. Mercifully, the window opened and there were radiators if required. We didn’t need any heat in early October.
I’ve already mentioned the excellent dinner - seabass on a bed of risotto - as was the breakfast. You can also for traditional staples whilst also helping yourself to the buffet.
Although compact, the room it’s a comfortable base and we’d have happily stayed here a few nights.
The hotel is part of the Coaching Inn Group and I found myself looking for other locations where we could enjoy their terrific hospitality.
