Fat Duck, hotels for kids?

[christmasmum]

We recently inherited a little bit of money and instead of being sensible and saving it, have decided that we'd rather use it to treat my family to a lovely weekend away. My Dad has always really wanted to go the Fat Duck for a meal so we'd love to take them allmthere for a surprise. However, have been having a nightmare trying to find somewhere to stay nearby! As we have two kids (3 and 1) we need a family room nearby with a babysitter to look out for them while we have dinner. Everywhere I've found is either ridiculously expensive, far too posh to risk with our kids, or miles away.

Does anyone know the area? Have a place to recommend?

How close do you need the hotel to be? Am I right in thinking that the Fat Duck is in Bray?

Sorry yes, should have said that! I'm happy to drive (or persuade DH too!) so anywhere nearby really - I've been looking at Windsor and Maidenhead but can't seem to find anything suitable.

Hmm, I can recommend a B&B in Windsor but you'd need to contact the owners (they have young children) to see about a babysitter as it is a few miles away. Oakley Court is near, don't know about babysitting.

Not quite the same but you could always go to Heston Blumenthal's www.hindsheadbray.com/#fooddrink,childrensmenu Hind's Head?

Is Slough too far? There are lots of hotels there because of the access to Heathrow.

I had a look at the Hinds Head, sounds such nice food,(mentally imagning toddler shouting 'dont' liiiike it' and shoving food across table...) but we'd still have to find somewhere to stay as it's a long way from home.

Will check out the B+B in Windsor though - thanks for suggestion!

Oakley Court is a rip-off, I have to go there quite often for meetings, it doesn't quite deliver although some staff are lovely.

Lots of chain hotels around the area as it is near to Heathrow. If you want to keep the treat going with the hotel try the Sir Christopher Wren in Windsor. Windsor town centre to Bray would be 10-15 minutes by cab.

Do Fat Duck not Hinds Head if you want to have a really special treat. The HH is great but is gastro-pub and won't give you the wow factor.

Did you look at staying at Monkey Island?

I did look at Monkey Island but they don't mention babysitting and I wondered if it might be tricky to find someone to go there?

The St Christopher looks lovely - definitely look into that one further.

Thanks for your help, great suggestion

Maidenhead is virtually "in" Bray so probably a better option if you want to be close. Have no idea about hotels though.

We have used the agency Sitters when we've stayed away in Uk hotels. They will have people they've vetted in Windsor and Maidenhead for sure.

what about checking out the hotels recommended by legoland, they should be kid friendly one would hope!!

On the flip side as Mummyinthedark mentioned - I have worked for Sitters and babysat in hotels - give them a call.