Retreat to the Retreat Hotel, Elcot Park nr Newbury review ….
What a lockdown project! The Retreat, Elcot near Newbury—formerly the Mercure Elcot Park—has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now part of the newly formed Signet Collection, this elegant country house hotel is beautifully unrecognisable: stylish, welcoming, and full of charm.
From the moment you enter the main drive and step through the doors, the hotel exudes the feel of a restored hunting lodge, blending heritage with modern sophistication across its 16 acres of landscaped grounds.
The Signet Collection
I had the pleasure of meeting Alec Jeeves, Director of Sales for the Signet Group, who introduced me to the property and its facilities. The Retreat joins its sister hotel, The Mitre at Hampton Court, with more properties due to follow in this growing, characterful collection including the Alfriston Hotel, which I’m due to visit next week (watch this space).
Use the “Get In Touch” button, contact form (scroll down) or email me your venue requirements/brief to helen@mdem.co.uk and I’ll email venue options to your inbox.
Meeting Spaces
St James’s Library
Just off the main entrance, this intimate space feels more private club than boardroom, with bottles of whiskey in place of books. A cosy spot for smaller meetings or pre-dinner gatherings.
Capacity: Up to 14.
The Portobello Room
A beautiful room showcasing hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper featuring peacocks and parrots—perfect for meetings or private dining.
Capacity: Up to 36.
Adjacent to Portobello is Yu, a Pan-Asian restaurant that serves dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. During the day, it can transform into a private dining or refreshment space for meeting delegates. It connects directly to the Portobello Room via an internal door, offering full privacy and seamless flow. Even the corridor linking the two is stylish and thoughtfully detailed.
The Orangery
The largest function space within the hotel, the Orangery will hold up to 80 guests for a seated dinner, making it ideal for weddings, events, and larger conferences.
Dining & Social Spaces
From the lounge area at the heart of the hotel, guests can access several versatile dining spaces:
The Oyster Room
Perfect for private dining or pre-dinner drinks. This semi-private room overlooks the front lawn and offers direct outdoor access.
Current capacity: 14 (potential increase to 18 with new table).
1772 Brasserie
Named after the year the house was built, 1772 is the hotel’s main restaurant and a key social space within the property.
Courtyard Coffee Shop & Retail
The courtyard offers even more charm with a coffee shop, perfect for delegate refreshment breaks, and a mini-retail area that includes:
- A beauty salon
- A wine merchant
- A deli-café
The hotel also host local farmers markets and live music events in this area, creating a vibrant community hub within the hotel grounds.
Wellness & Leisure
The Retreat offers a comprehensive wellness experience:
- Infinity pool with panoramic views over the North Wessex Downs
- Three treatment rooms
- Private flotation tank
- Indoor hydro pool, sauna, and steam room
- Matrix-equipped gym
In the hotel’s extensive grounds, guests will also find:
- Tennis courts
- Children’s play area (discreetly placed away from the main buildings)
- Walled garden
A conservatory is planned to be rebuilt in the garden, potentially adding another flexible event space. And, notably, the grounds are home to the oldest Monkey Puzzle tree in the UK. Future additions may include static glamping accommodation, further enhancing the hotel’s destination appeal.
More information on the hotel’s spa can be found here.
Accommodation
The hotel offers 55 rooms, including:
- Suites
- Generous entry-level rooms (7 in total)
- Family rooms with fun, colourful bunkbeds that children will love
Guests are welcomed with a glass of wine on arrival, regardless of room category. Higher-tier rooms feature four-poster beds and roll-top baths for added luxury.
A standout touch: three complimentary snack pantries are located along the guestroom corridors, offering soft drinks and snacks—an unexpected and fun addition.
Extra Touches & Unique Features
- Day Delegate Rates from around £75/£80 inc. VAT
- One of just five venues in Berkshire licensed for hot air balloon launches
- Plans for static glamping in the grounds
Exceptional attention to detail, from corridor design to standout restrooms.
Use the “Get In Touch” button, contact form (scroll down) or email me your venue requirements/brief to helen@mdem.co.uk and I’ll email venue options to your inbox.
Final Thoughts
The Retreat, Elcot delivers a unique combination of country elegance, corporate functionality, and leisure appeal. With ongoing enhancements and the vision of the Signet Collection behind it, this hotel offers not just space—but inspiration.
What’s next? Well let’s get talking …
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Venues own website : https://retreatelcotpark.com/wedding-events/meetings/
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