Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8.jpg" alt="ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOTEL ASCOT" class="wp-image-96423" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sitting (very) pretty on the Berkshire-Surrey border and just a stone’s throw Ascot, <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/royal-berkshire-hotel-ascot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Berkshire</a>&nbsp;is a zippy 20 miles from London and less than nine miles from Heathrow airport. It’s weekend away goals (and has its fair share of celebrity neighbours). The stunning red brick country pile boasts grandeur and period charm, with a glorious rotunda and good-enough-for-the-grid gardens.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2.jpg" alt="ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOTEL ASCOT" class="wp-image-96425" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Part of the seven strong line up of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exclusive Collection</a>&nbsp;hotels, Royal Berkshire is set in 15 acres of horticultural heaven and includes a pretty walled garden, a shaded woodland walk, a sun trap South facing terrace, pond with water features and several statues including a horse in the rose garden – we’re in Ascot, it’s a thing.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5.jpg" alt="ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOTEL ASCOT ORNAMENTAL POND" class="wp-image-96420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It looks more smart country club than a family-friendly four-star hotel, yet somehow strikes the perfect balance between the two. There&#8217;s croquet on the lawn, frisbee golf, chequers and tennis, as well as deck chairs for sun lounging, a small gym and private dining space. The vibe is warm, the dining is casual and there’s a cosy lounge for cocktails and catch ups. It was just what we needed after a lengthy traffic jam on the M25. We’re regretting not arriving by helicopter – there’s a helipad! Maybe next time *wink*.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Rooms-61.jpg" alt="Polo Bar Royal Berkshire hotel Ascot" class="wp-image-96444" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Rooms-61.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Rooms-61-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Rooms-61-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Rooms-61-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>Think classic country club but without the stuffiness. Royal Berkshire is fresh and inviting with a home from home familiarity – a relaxing haven for race goers who have been on their feet all day and frazzled parents who have survived the Spinning Spider at Legoland. The décor is a mix of old and new: timeworn floorboards, wood panelling and open fireplaces sit harmoniously next to modern touches. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1527" height="1019" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CRS2963.jpg" alt="Fork Restaurant Royal Berkshire Ascot" class="wp-image-96441" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CRS2963.jpg 1527w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CRS2963-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CRS2963-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1527px) 100vw, 1527px" /></figure>



<p>We loved Fork restaurant and the snazzy downstairs loos. If you&#8217;re lucky enough to have it on your doorstep, Royal Berkshire could easily become the place you go to celebrate any special occasion with family or friends. For everyone else, it is worth getting stuck on the M25 for.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3.jpg" alt="BEDROOM ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOTEL ASCOT" class="wp-image-96426" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There are 66 rooms ranging from cosy and comfortable ‘shoebox’ rooms, to six spacious family rooms and swanky treat-yourself-suites. We were in the Spencer Suite and, as the name suggests, it was fit for a Princess. Think king-size bed, bougie lounge with cosy sofa, table and chairs and built in TV &#8211; one of three in the room. There was another opposite the bed and a third in the bathroom above the jacuzzi bath (yep, you heard) which meant my other half could catch up on the Euros while I watched something far less boring in the bath!&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Brand-Day-147.jpg" alt="Exclusive Collection Royal Berkshire Ascot suite" class="wp-image-96443" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Brand-Day-147.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Brand-Day-147-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Brand-Day-147-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RBH-Brand-Day-147-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>The Molton Brown products, Nespresso coffee machine and a lovely box of welcome chocolates to greet us, were a nice touch. Decor was relatively neutral leaving the stand-out features of the room – TVs, the bath, the bed and remote-controlled curtains –to do the talking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>We began our evening in the Polo Bar for an aperitif. The drinks menu is&nbsp;<em>vast</em>, there are so many different spirits and cocktails to choose from it&#8217;s no wonder the bartender had to check how to make my Martini. Fortunately, he nailed it and I enjoyed it on the terrace with the last rays of the day. Bliss.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1310" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/drinks.jpg" alt="cocktails on the terrace at the Royal Berkshire Hotel" class="wp-image-95823" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/drinks.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/drinks-458x600.jpg 458w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/drinks-763x1000.jpg 763w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dinner is served in The Fork restaurant, casual in comparison to our room and the locale. It&#8217;s cosy bistro in style, the huge fork above the fireplace giving a sort of&nbsp;<em>Alice in Wonderland</em>&nbsp;vibe.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s nothing like getting stuck in a traffic jam to fuel one’s hunger so a pre-starter of smoked aubergine hummus and chargrilled flat bread accompanied the remainder of our cocktails while we checked out the menu of elevated bistro classics.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="881" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/duck-salad.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95815" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/duck-salad.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/duck-salad-600x529.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Though the menu is relatively modest, there was plenty of choice. To start, we happily tucked into salmon cakes with fennel salad and citrus dressing and sesame shredded duck smothered in a lip-smacking teriyaki sauce with a zingy pink ginger spiced salad which was divine.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="741" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pork.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95820" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pork.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pork-600x445.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This was followed by tender pork loin with a hash brown, sauté broad beans, baby onions and a sweetcorn puree&nbsp;and an 8oz bavette steak served with triple cooked chips, vine tomatoes and peppercorn sauce, each washed down with a full-bodied Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/choclate-dessert.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95811" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/choclate-dessert.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/choclate-dessert-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Portions were generous, we didn&#8217;t opt for sides and were left feeling comfortable with enough room for dessert – a delicious dark chocolate bavarois with chocolate ganache and creamy banana Crème Brulée, which was heaven.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="742" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/creme-brulee.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95812" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/creme-brulee.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/creme-brulee-600x445.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Breakfast is served at a leisurely 8am – 10:30am on weekends, meaning more time to snooze and enjoy your room (hello coffee in the jacuzzi bath). It&#8217;s buffet style so more relaxed, but nice to just graze on any weird and wonderful combo you fancy – full English, continental, cereal you name it, which is especially good if you have kids, fussy eaters or people who &#8220;don&#8217;t do&#8221; breakfast with you.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="848" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/wellies.jpg" alt="A selection of welly boots in the entrance to the Royal Berkshire Hotel" class="wp-image-95986" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/wellies.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/wellies-600x509.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Absolutely! There are a number of family rooms, travel cots are available and the relaxed dining, abundance of space and outdoor activities makes travelling with children so much easier. The wellies lined up by the entrance were a nice touch and contribute to that home from home atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>There is a selection of dog-friendly rooms available just mention upon booking. Elsewhere in the hotel, well behaved dogs are welcome in the Polo Bar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessible">ACCESSIBLE?</h2>



<p>Relatively, the restaurant and hotel reception are all on one floor, there are a few steps into the Polo Bar but everywhere is accessible by ramps for wheelchair users. There are also wheelchair friendly rooms with grab rails etc for a comfortable stay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1260" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hayley-bray-photography.jpg" alt="Royal Berkhshire hotel ascot wedding" class="wp-image-96431" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hayley-bray-photography.jpg 1260w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hayley-bray-photography-600x381.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hayley-bray-photography-1000x635.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Exclusive Collection/ Hayley Bray Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Royal Berkshire is also a swish wedding venue &#8211; imagine&nbsp;<em>that</em>&nbsp;garden in your wedding snaps. The Library offers a private dining space just off the Polo Bar and there is an events space for partying the night away a reasonable distance from the other hotel areas so as not to disturb other guests.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="635" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/studio-rouge-1000x635.jpg" alt="Royal Berkshire Hotel wedding" class="wp-image-96430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/studio-rouge-1000x635.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/studio-rouge-600x381.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/studio-rouge.jpg 1260w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<p>There was wedding on the night we stayed, but Royal Berkshire is so vast it didn&#8217;t interfere with our evening save for watching a few people stumbling around the grounds in their finery when we went out for an evening stroll after dinner.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-do">THINGS TO DO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/imageresizer-1.jpeg" alt="kids at Legoland Windsor" class="wp-image-96171" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/imageresizer-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/imageresizer-1-600x401.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The hotel is perfectly situated for all sorts of attractions making it ideal for a weekend away. If travelling with children Windsor is not far at all with the delights of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/">Legoland</a>&nbsp;only 5 miles away and Windsor Castle just 7 miles. And for the festive season,&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.laplanduk.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lapland</a>&nbsp;is just 3.5 miles away &#8211; I imagine the hotel itself, with its open fires and cosy vibes, looks particularly lovely at Christmas.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FcKWA744HXpHb444e5oko2tHkGHiyzXhkQVFfdgt.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-96032" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FcKWA744HXpHb444e5oko2tHkGHiyzXhkQVFfdgt.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FcKWA744HXpHb444e5oko2tHkGHiyzXhkQVFfdgt-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Of course,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ascot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ascot Racecourse</a>&nbsp;isn&#8217;t far for a spot of Gold Cup action (2 miles). If wandering round the grounds isn&#8217;t enough Virginia Water Lake is 3 miles away offering stunning views and some gentle hikes. And if you, or your partner, are golf crazy then the stunning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wentworthclub.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wentworth Golf Club</a>&nbsp;is on the doorstep (2.4 miles away).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/6-1.jpg" alt="Royal Berkshire hotel Ascot deckchairs on lawn" class="wp-image-96421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/6-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/6-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/6-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> A romantic night or two away and it’s ideal for families looking for a base camp to do Legoland, Windsor and London.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: People who prefer small, quirky boltholes, Royal Berkshire is more traditional. Those looking for a spa break should look elsewhere unless a jacuzzi bath and rainforest shower will do the trick.&nbsp; </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>Rooms range from £159pn in a shoebox room&nbsp;&nbsp;from £219pn for a family room and from £279pn for a suite. You can visit Royal Berkshire for a drink, afternoon tea and/or dinner which is again reasonable for this neck of the woods.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/royal-berkshire/?_gl=1*1ndxnvq*_ga*MjA5Mzc1NDE5My4xNzE5MzA5NTAy*_ga_FL873BD4Z4*MTcyMDc3ODE0OS44LjEuMTcyMDc4MDc2OC4zNi4wLjA.*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MjA3NzE1MDQuQ2p3S0NBanc0cmkwQmhBdkVpd0E4b282RjgwUUxyQTlTUHVTVzZxTVZCNUpEUV95NF9ibjNTbC1feEFReUhIa05FZ04xNVZZQlB1M0tSb0M2SVVRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MjEzNzM0NTE1LjE3MTkzMDk1MDI." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Berkshire</a></em>, <em>London Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 0PP</em></p>



<p><em>Review by Claire Hool</em></p>


Giddy up! Muddy stays at Royal Berkshire, Ascot

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