Two day business trip to Basingstoke

I am quite fortunate that my job sometimes requires me to travel. I enjoy this as then I can often combine business with the pleasure of seeing new places and meeting new people.

I was in for a true treat as I was to go to Basingstoke from 23-24 Feb for business and the hotel suggested was Tylney Hall. I have stayed at many different hotels in Basingstoke over the years, however this time was special as Tylney Hall is a true historic gem situated in the countryside of Rotherwick, just outside of Basingstoke. It is just as beautiful as the pictures show.

Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens
Rotherwick, Hook
Hampshire RG27 9AZ
United Kingdom
http://www.tylneyhall.co.uk/ 

History:
The hotel has a long and interesting history going back as far as the 1700's. The mansion was used as a hospital during World War I, a business headquarter for Lord Rotherwicks famous shipping line,  Clan Line Steamers Ltd, and between 1948-1985 Tylney Hall was used as a school. It re-opened on October 1st, 1985 as an hotel and Restaurant after extensive refurbishment.
For more history click here

Restaurant:
While I was here visited the Oak Room which served the breakfast buffet. Great selection of hot and cold food, toast freshly made by the staff as well as fresh coffee/tea served at the table by the pot.

I also had the pleasure of a private group dinner in one of the private dining rooms. The meal was truly a michelin star worthy and was perfectly made out local & seasonal produce.

Activities
At Tylney Hall you won't be bored as the hotel has plenty leisure activities for you. I didn't have time to use the pool but the hotel boasts of having both indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, tennis court, golf course, croquet lawn, snooker room, and mountain bikes for hire. Besides they will even arrange clay pigeon shooting or hot air ballooning if that's what you're into.

Rooms
I had booked a Deluxe Room which is a bit expensive but for the hotel standard I would say it is worth it. The room was tastefully decorated, not too modern but still contemporary in classy way. The room has a bath and a view to gardens on one side, a small river on the other. The bed was a queen size and slept like a baby in it. The room had a Nespresso machine as well as flatscreen TV with all relevant channels.

From a business perspective the hotel is ideal for external meetings and dining. The mansion and grounds would impress anyone. The staff are quick at checkin/out as well as courteous and friendly.
If I had one regret it would be that I could only stay here for a single night. The stay here was really pleasant and it will not be the last time, as I plan to return in the future. Maybe with the family.

Lübeck - for an extended weekend break

There are many good reasons for visiting Lübeck. In my case we had a few extra days during Christmas vacation so why not visit the charming medieval town which is only 3.5hr drive and ferry ride from Copenhagen. We visited Lübeck from 28-30 Dec 2016.

Lübeck is situated northern Germany, and has one of the major seafaring ports of Germany. Located on the river Trave, it dominated Baltic maritime trade (c. 1400–1800) along the coast of Northern Europe. In fact it was the leading city of the Hanseatic League an old commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and their market towns.

The history of the merchant town is visible in the layout of the city, which basically consists of a fairly small inner city on an island, surrounded by the river Trave. The inner city is very small and is easily accessed by foot. Actually parking within the inner city is both difficult and expensive. So use the designated Parking lot by the "Musik- und Kongresshalle" or parking garage the "Holstentorplatz".

Lübeck is surprisingly charmingly decorated for Christmas. The main walking streets are covered with swinging garlands and filled with small wooden shops selling everything from sweet smelling "Gluhwein" to handknitted mittens. Finding potential Christmas gifts is easy here. The town has a good combination of department stores as well as local shops.

Be sure to visit the Christmas market next to the "Rathaus" (town hall).

We stayed at the BEST WESTERN Nordic Hotel Luebecker Hof during our stay as my in-laws had a gift certificate for the hotel chain. The hotel is rated as 4-star but in my opinion it is more like a 3 star hotel. The entire hotel experience was mediocre. Furnishings very dull with wooden paneling and  furniture. WIFI was non-existant in the room as our room was away on one of the wings. The best part of the stay was the breakfast buffet and the room cost. We payed a mere 168 EUR for 2 nights. Breakfast buffet is €13.50 EUR which is worth it. Also it is worth mentioning that the naboring Italian restaurant is quite good. If you choose to stay here be sure to take into account that the hotel is situated 4.5 km or 10 min by car. The hotel charges for using their lot so find a spot down the street where it is free.

 

Tips of the trip: 
For those lingering for a small snack while strolling through the town, I can recommend the small donut shop "Springfield Donuts & Coffee". They make the tastiest donuts and just selecting between all the colorful treats will leave your mouth watering.

Springfield Donuts & Coffee
Königstrasse 100
23552 Lübeck
http://springfield-donuts.de/startseite.htm

 

Restaurant worth visiting:

If you're looking for a traditional German restaurant be sure to visit the "KartoffelKeller". It is charminly situated in a basement of bricklayed building with beautiful arches. Food is traditional, so treat yourself to a jägerschnitzel while here. Service could sometimes be slow due to the high number of guests. Just be patient and enjoy a beer in great surroundings.

Kartoffelkeller
Koberg 6-8
23552 Lübeck
http://www.kartoffel-keller.de/