Located near Hatfield Heath in Essex, Down Hall is an impressive Italianate mansion hotel that recently underwent renovations, enhancing its appeal with new family-oriented bedrooms. This hotel strikes a balance between homely comfort—where guests can be seen in bathrobes and children play on sofas—and an elegance showcased in its architecture and interior design. The main lounge features plush sofas in shades of teal and crimson, chandeliers, and the restaurant serves afternoon tea on decorative china. A terrace leading to the expansive lawn includes an outdoor bar housed in a horsebox. The service is welcoming and relaxed, attracting local families for celebrations in the spacious function room, popular for weddings, alongside city dwellers looking for a serene weekend retreat from London.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Accommodations

Rating: 8/10 Down Hall boasts 98 bedrooms spread across the historic mansion and its modern west wing, offering a variety of options. The highlight for families are the newly redesigned estate family rooms that include cleverly integrated bunk beds for children, allowing for cozy hideaways without occupying much space. These rooms come equipped with robes, slippers, board games, a Nintendo Switch, and a marble bathroom with a shower-over-bath setup. For couples, the mansion house suites, featuring four-poster beds, walk-in showers, and balconies overlooking the hotel’s 110 acres of gardens and woodlands, are a prime choice.

Culinary Experience

Rating: 7/10 The Garden Room restaurant presents a user-friendly menu, featuring dishes like Brixham crab with homemade focaccia, followed by options such as pork belly, lamb saddle, and a selection of charcoal-grilled steaks. While vegetarian and vegan choices are somewhat limited, children are well catered for with options like garlic bread, spaghetti Bolognese, and customizable pizzas. Breakfast offers a buffet of cereals, fruits, and pastries, along with à la carte options including Eggs Benedict and avocado toast for an additional charge. Afternoon tea is quite popular, served both in the restaurant and the lounge area.

Additional Amenities

The Eden Spa, accessible via a separate entry, features a wet spa area with a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool, along with treatments such as quick massages and Espa facials. Outdoor amenities include giant chess, well-maintained tennis and padel tennis courts, and a large playground for children. A complimentary scavenger hunt aims to engage school-aged kids, allowing them to explore the mansion and earn a prize, providing parents with a chance to unwind in the stylish Fox Bar or the chandelier-adorned main lounge. In addition to the Eden Spa, the hotel offers a small sauna, steam room, and gym on the ground floor.

Location Details

Rating: 7/10 Set against a backdrop of rolling fields just south of Hatfield Heath, Down Hall is conveniently located for quick access from London and is merely a few minutes’ drive from the M11 motorway. Local attractions include Audley End historic house and miniature railway, Mountfitchet Castle, and Harlow’s walled gardens. Stansted Airport is within a 20-minute drive.

• Overnight rates: B&B doubles from £192; family rooms starting at £212

• Main courses in restaurant from £30

• Family-friendly: Yes

• Accessible: Yes

• Dog-friendly: Yes

Helen Ochyra was a guest at Down Hall Hotel.