Can anyone recommend a nice country hotel, easy drive from London?

[glamourbadger]

I haven't had a night away since my twins were born 15 months ago and determined to book a break. I'm looking for a nice country hotel I can drive to from London - can anyone recommend?

My friends think I am mad planning a weekend away on my own but the thought of sprawling on a big bed all by myself, eating chocolate without having to share and reading a crap novel sounds all too inviting!!

I haven't been for a while but I really liked The Plough At Clanfield - near Oxford. Bit pricey but fab food.

How about here?

Budget?
Distance from what part of London, NSEW?
What other criteria?

I'd LOVE a night away alone, totally understand.

I would be too tempted to book one in london and go and catch a show
Lisa

Thanks for the suggestions - will check these out.

Budget - a few hundred but not several (the prices of some of the spa hotels like Champneys seem scary!). I'm in North London but happy to drive myself somewhere. Just think - I'll be able to listen to grown-up CDs and won't have drive in the slow lane while I to root around behind the seat for a furry old dummy to plug up someone's mouth .

I spend my life in London so be lovely to have a bit of countryside and maybe a wander round a nice village (sans double buggy!). Now I'm getting carried away!

From North London what about Malmaison in Oxford? or The Grove in herts although it's expensive, have heard nothing but good things about it.

Malmaison can be surprisingly good value. Do look on Laterooms for amazing deals.

How about here? Alexander House

We stayed here for our anniversary BC (Before Children) and it was beautiful.