Hotel for family celebration that will let us stay one night?

[greyfriarskitty]

Hello people with experience of these things (I hope!)

It's my stepmother's 80th in January, and as we are scattered all over the place, we'd like to get together for a meal on the Saturday night. But this will mean most or all of us staying over, and I'm struggling to find somewhere with nice food which will let us just stay for one night. Has anyone done this, and if so where?

Thank you in advance (again, I hope!)

Whereabouts in the country are you? And how formal do you want it to be?

Where about?

How many are you? I know a lovely country house hotel near Petersfield in Hampshire, with excellent food. It's not huge though.

Oh sorry, I forgot that bit. There will be about 12 of us, so doesn't have to be huge and ideally we'd like to be near her in the Midlands as she's not comfortable driving long distances.

At this stage I am prepared to go up there and drive her if necessary, but south of Birmingham and roughly in the middle of the country would be good.

As for formality, not so bothered about that as long as the food is excellent!

Would you not consider going somewhere for dinner and a hotel nearby?

Yes we can do that, except it would be better to be able to put younger children to sleep earlier, but not end of world.

If you are struggling with the two night rule with hotels I would seriously consider an AirBnb as they can be more flexible and you can get a lot more bang for your buck and all stay somewhere lovely. Just need to make sure there is a restaurant within staggering distance.

Yes, that's a good call I think.

Rent a house and get caterers in. Try www.groupaccommodation.com

I wouldnt be happy putting my little one to bed in a hotel and staying downstairs. Could you rent an air bnb whole place for one night then get Deliveroo or caterer?

Not all hotels allow you to leave children in rooms alone.

I’d suggest finding a really nice restaurant, take the children, it’s a special occasion. Have a lovely dinner and the. Get taxi to hotel. The midlands is huge. Have you got a better idea of where you want to be?
Northamptonshire, Leceistershire?

We did this Op and my parents in law used classic hotels - we were in one near Doddington I think but I will check and it was exactly what you are looking for. Swimming/spa, super restaurant (not Michelin but caters for groups and ages). No 2 night rule when we went. I will try to find it for you.

We did this with a group of friends at the abbey hotel in Redditch. Indoor pool to take the edge off the children as an added bonus. Food isn’t amazing though

The other alternative might be to rent a large house and get caterers in. I did similar for a hen do and it was really nice. We had around 20 of us, had afternoon tea during the day and then a 4 course dinner during the evening and the caterers washed up and left everything immaculate.

Sorry realised the birthday has now been and gone.