Location:
The Malvern Hills Hotel is situated on the A449 midway between Malvern and Ledbury and commands a spectacular location next to the Malvern Hills British Camp hillside. A hostelry has occupied the same spot for over 500 years and this charming old building holds a special place within the landscape and local heritage.
Arrival and check-in:
We’d spent the earlier part of the day exploring the charming town of Malvern so it was just a ten minute drive from there to the hotel. First impressions were very good as the property occupies a hilltop corner position overlooking beautiful countryside. Our arrival was on a sunny Friday afternoon and it was good to see so many people sitting out on the terrace enjoying bar meals and refreshing drinks.
The hotel has a large car park to the side and rear of the building and after removing our luggage from the car boot we made our way around to the front entrance where we were greeted by Dawn on reception. Check-in formalities were taken care of quickly and in a friendly manner and after entering our car registration number onto a form and choosing a time for breakfast the next morning, we were soon on our way up to our room. It was pleasing to be offered assistance with our bags but as we were just staying overnight we were able to manage ourselves.
The room:
We just had to climb up one staircase and then proceed along a corridor to reach our room which was located in a newer section of the hotel. We’d been booked into a Junior Suite which we fell in love with as soon as we opened the door. Taking centre stage was a modern take on a four poster bed with matching silver lacquered bedside tables, wardrobe and dressing table. Walls were decorated in a dark floral design with the coordinated curtains having the same design in contrasting shades.
A hospitality tray had been placed on the dressing table containing a selection of teas, coffee and biscuits and alongside the small milk pods provided was a note advising that fresh milk could be brought to the room if required. We settled in by making ourselves cups of tea, finding the armchairs by the window to be very comfortable. Views were over woodland, with the room being lovely and quiet. Also at our disposal was a large wall mounted television, retro radio, telephone, iron and board. Wi-Fi was easy to connect to and offered a fast, reliable service throughout the building.
Moving into the newly installed spacious bathroom, this came equipped with a walk-in shower, separate large bath, a heated towel rail, fragrant toiletries and a pile of thick, fluffy towels.
Dining:
Dinner is served in the Vu Restaurant which benefits from large glass doors taking in the stunning views of the surrounding Malvern Hills. The restaurant prides itself in its commitment to sourcing the finest local produce and on being shown to a window table we relaxed over glasses of Merlot whilst perusing the menu. Wine is very reasonably priced from £6.75 for a medium sized glass to around £25 for a bottle.
Service was friendly yet unobtrusive and with a large number of dishes to tempt us, it took awhile to decide. Eventually we opted for starters of whipped goats’ cheese and yoghurt red onion tart and sticky oriental beef which were both delicious and I was especially impressed with my tart as although of a generous size for a starter, it was very light and not too filling.
Moving on to mains, I ordered the grilled sea bass with a mango and chilli salsa swerved in a bed of parmentier potatoes and tender stem broccoli. This tasted very fresh and flavoursome with the clever use of salsa blending well with the sea bass adding a welcome zing to the dish. Across the table, my son was in raptures over his slow roasted pork belly which was served with a local cider sauce and sage roasted potatoes. Although the dessert menu looked very tempting, neither of us could manage to eat any more and we were more than satisfied with our two courses. It’s evident that head chef Stuart and his team make the most of locally sourced produce and with their superb preparation and presentation dining in the Malvern Hills Hotel’s Vu restaurant is a joy.
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s Reflections dining room which is contemporary styled and as with the Vu Restaurant where we’d dined the previous evening boasts stunning views from its large windows. Guests are requested to select an approximate time for breakfast in order that all guests can be accommodated without the need to queue and wait around for a table to be free. I don’t mind this at all as it encourages us to get up earlier, enabling us to make the most of the day ahead. Guests can of course opt for one of the later times if preferred.
We started the day with fresh fruit and yoghurt from the buffet table then moved onto cooked dishes of Eggs Benedict and a full English which were freshly prepared and served to the table by the waiting staff. Cappuccinos, lattes, freshly brewed coffee and pots of tea are also brought to the table with cups refilled as required.
The morning staff were all very friendly and working hard topping up the buffet table, serving food and clearing tables. We declined the offer of freshly baked croissants and toast but these did look appealing as they were delivered to nearby tables.
The Facilities:
Oak Lounge Bar
Alongside the two restaurants, the hotel boasts an 18th century oak lounge bar where one can enjoy a bar meal and cosy up in front of the log burner during the winter months. Our autumn visit was warm and sunny with many people opting to sit out on the terrace to make the most of the good weather. Furry friends are welcome both in the Oak Lounge Bar and out on the terrace and I spotted water bowls and doggy treats to keep them happy whilst their owners relaxed with a drink and some hearty pub fare.
The Secret Gin Garden
For those preferring a quiet spot to sit and relax then the smaller Secret Gin Garden fits the bill as it’s located in a secluded corner to the rear of the hotel.
Out and About:
The hotel is situated directly opposite the Iron Age hill fort, British Camp, a major landmark with a superb vista from the summit. It is perfectly positioned for walks and trails along the hills, or for exploring the local area. Entrance to the trail is directly across the road from the hotel and taking a walk in the hills is a great way to spend an hour or two.
Great Malvern:
The charming town of Malvern is located just a ten minute drive from the hotel and is a delightful place to visit. Wander along the high street browsing the town’s many small independent shops, galleries and cafes then follow my suggestions by visiting the attractions listed below.
Great Malvern Priory:
A former Benedictine monastery. With its perpendicular architecture and Norman pillars the 900 year old church is absolutely beautiful. The choir stalls are of special interest with their small carved shelves to the underside of the seats. These are known as misericords and were designed so that when the seat was tipped up the choristers could rest back on the shelf.
Join a walking tour: The town is easily walkable with the parks at the foot of the hill leading past the Priory and shopping areas with regular information boards providing a guided ‘Route to the Hills’. By following these signs visitors can continue up into the Malvern Hills that rise above the town. Guided walking tours are also available as an option and these cover the main sites and provide historical context and information.
Abbey Gateway: Home to Malvern’s museum and formerly the gatehouse to Great Malvern’s Benedictine priory which was constructed in 1480. The museum documents the town’s history and development. Malvern Museum
Priory Park: formerly the gardens of the Priory Mansion constructed in 1872 and now used as the Council House. The gardens were originally laid out as an arboretum and there are some fine examples of specimen trees providing both colour and shade in the park. Bands on the Park’ concerts take place in the Victorian bandstand during the summer months. One of these was taking place whilst we were there so we paused awhile to enjoy the music, mingling with locals who had brought along chairs and picnics for an afternoon’s entertainment.
Malvern Theatre: this large theatre which dates back to 1885 and used to be known as The Winter Gardens overlooks the park. The theatre became famous for its George Bernard Shaw productions and attracts productions straight from London’s West End. Malvern Theatre
Slightly further afield:
Croome Court
Croome Court is located at High Green, Worcester and is a National Trust property that is worthy of a short drive. The Georgian mansion is set in 650 acres of parkland designed by Britain’s most renowned landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. With walking trails of varying length to follow, it’s a pleasant place for a tranquil walk surrounded by the Malvern Hills. Visit the estate church of St. Mary Magdalene and numerous follies positioned around the lakeside. The interior of both the house and church are attributed to Robert Adam, the famous neo-classical designer and were completed in 1763. Admission includes self guided tours of the house. Croome Court
Overall: This family run hotel, while small, has been lovingly maintained by three generations and tastefully modernised for the needs of today’s discerning travellers. Please note that although there isn’t a lift, numerous ground floor rooms are available with several offering wheelchair access. I was already a big fan of Malvern and since coming across this gem of a hotel I’m certain to be heading back more often as we received such a warm welcome with everything about our stay being top notch!
Details: The Malvern Hills Hotel, Wynds Point, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6DW
During our stay we were guests of Visit The Malverns and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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