Warners review

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May I commend to all our users the fabulous Warner Breaks. For the uninitiated, these breaks are held in top class picturesque locations around the UK, and no children allowed! Whilst probably attracting mostly the over-50's, any age would surely enjoy these holidays.

We attended a weekend break (Friday to Monday, 3 night break) at Bembridge Coast Hotel, Isle of Wight in late summer of 2006. Set in picturesque surroungings with direct access to the beach, ideal for a walk by the sea, we found this modern hotel offered convenient access to all public rooms and particularly liked the fact that the beach was near the garden, which was near the patio and therefore the bars, dining facilities etc. The sun loungers on the lawns were very inviting, and luckily we had great weather. The in-house entertainment manager at Bembridge does deserve a mention as he was excellent and so versatile - his comedy routines and singing were excellent.

Mid-week breaks are also available, (Monday to Friday, 4 night break), and some people actually stay for 7 days or more – excellent discounts are available for longer stays, and also for group bookings.

We have now added Holme Lacy to our list of Warners breaks, and also have visited Littlecote. If you like historical buildings set in beautiful surroundings, then these venues cannot be recommended more highly.

Littlecote first - it was cold when we visited, but dry, so wrapped up warmly we explored the glorious grounds and also the historic house, how nice to do this when you know your bedroom and comfort not far away! The public rooms for Warners guests are set in picturesque settings and are rather attractive in that unlike a purpose built hotel, finding a little bar tucked away with oak beams is rather a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed the guided tour of the house and Littlecote has wonderful gardens too.

Holme Lacy must be one of the most attractive venues (we will advise if we find another as attractive), the sun was shining as we approached the long drive to the historic building, and how professional to be greeted at the magnificent entrance by uniformed reception staff who presented us with our room keys (our table for all meals also allocated) and politely gave us directions and offered assistance with luggage if needed. The setting is glorious and a special compliment to the gardeners - the grounds are magnificent. I defy anybody to sit on the terrace and watch the sun set over the lake and not be astonished that they are in such wonderful surroundings and it is such good value! The historic part of the building blends sympathetically with the modern extensions and take a look at the ceilings if you visit - certainly worth going on the house tour and finding out about the history of this house. We found the various sitting rooms very relaxing and in fact the ambience of the whole place made a short break feel well long enough to recharge the batteries - we left reluctantly having felt we had been pampered and were so relaxed.

All locations have the bonus of heated indoor swimming pools, and we can vouch for the clean and comfortable accommodation of a high standard. All rooms are en suite with TV and tea / coffee making facilities and upgrades are available for more superior rooms with mini-bars and DVD players. We found the staff at all venues visited to be polite and friendly and a relaxing atmosphere pervades in the superb hotels. Some of the locations have accommodation in chalets close to the hotel, so do check this before booking – the same standard applies. Disabled access is available to most areas, with waiter service in the dining room available to all, including the delicious carvery.

All venues offer beauty salons and we can boast that we have had a back massage at every location - book early if you want to enjoy this facility as they do get booked up.

The breaks feature a comprehensive entertainment programme, and Warner’s attract top class stars too – we saw Chas ‘n Dave, and other star attractions include Des O’Connor, Bradley Walsh, Jethro, Bobby Davro, Tom O’Connor and several excellent tribute bands are lined up for the future. The brochure also describes themed breaks which sound good fun; for example, why not try a Bowls break, a Big Band break or a Jazz festival.

A recent innovation is the new Experience Break - a few days away could ensure you improve your painting skills, attend a local Horse Racing meeting, or perhaps enjoy a Hot Air Balloon experience - usual Warner facilities included, i.e. excellent entertainment, and breakfast and dinner.

There is dancing and entertainment every evening in the ballroom; we participated in daily quizzes, learnt how to line-dance, played pitch and putt, bingo, and most importantly had a really relaxing time. There are all the usual things one would expect, e.g. a shop for your daily papers and souvenirs, darts, table tennis, snooker, but we did not feel pressured to take part in any activities. Many people we spoke to use the hotels as a base to then go travelling round the local area during the day.

Included in your price will be all the above, plus breakfast and evening dinner - lunches and snacks available all day at a small extra charge. Warners have now introduced the facility of a charge card, so no carrying loads of cash around! We have been very impressed with the number of waiting staff in the dining room.

Another guest told us that there are some good value breaks for singles too where single supplements do not exist.

We feel these breaks are excellent value for money – a short break recharges the batteries, and why travel abroad with all the hassle of airports etc when such good value is available without leaving the UK!

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