Andrea Wren: Journalist

Hotel review: Chester Grosvenor and Spa

Chester Grosvenor and Spa, Eastgate, Chester. Telephone 01244 324024

Seeking pure, unadulterated luxury? Then the opulent Chester Grosvenor is a real treat for a weekend escape, if you don’t mind the shopping street location. Rooms are wonderful – and if it's exra extravagence you're looking for, then the Prince William is for you.  It has a colour-changing ceiling light to stare at while allowing your mind to drift off.

Hotel review: The North Lakes Spa and Hotel

The North Lakes Spa and Hotel, Penrith, Cumbria.

Telephone: 01768 868111

Undisputedly, the jewel in the crown of this otherwise fairly ordinary spa (facilities consist of steam room, sauna, whirlpool and generous swimming pool) at this Shires hotel are the Hydrotherm treatments, which are beyond splendid.