As the world’s first purpose-built motorsport venue, Brooklands is one of the most famous and distinctive racing circuits in history: so iconic was its loop that during the second world war, trees were planted and canvas houses erected to camouflage it from enemy bombers. The site became one of Britain’s first airfields, and was home to much pioneering aeronautics work during the 20th century: more of Concorde was built at Brooklands than any other site.
Today, über-contemporary conference facilities, super suites with private sweeping terraces and outdoor hot-tubs overlooking the historic track once again put the site into pole position for business and leisure activities. Adjacent to world-class attraction Mercedes Benz World, this 120 bedroom four star design hotel has driving experiences, pop concerts and classical extravaganzas on its doorstep.
Like sister properties Bovey Castle and the Grand Jersey, the new Brooklands Hotel prides itself on personality and individuality. Unique features like its race track spa or the ability to watch the likes of Elton John from a roll-top bath set it a world away from the more cookie-cutter corporate hotels, but still in a prime location: five minutes from the M25, 30 minutes from central London, 17 miles from Heathrow or 33 miles from Gatwick.
This style statement of a property has been designed with a knowing nod to the rich legacy of the race circuit that surrounds and runs through the hotel, but it is its sumptuous, super-sized features and facilities that really set it apart from the competition.
Super suites
Six substantial one-bedroom suites located at each end of the building take advantage of the building’s elegant curvature and offer incredible panoramic views. But it is the nine super suites – each covering 100sq m, including two bedrooms and an exceptional lounge with floor to ceiling windows – that are this hotel’s star attraction. Generously proportioned desks, dining tables and seating provide a spacious place to stay, with the option to transform living space into a meeting room.
Standard rooms are some of the largest in the UK; the smallest room is still 28sq m and many have their own private outside space with panoramic views of the Mercedes Benz track. Each room benefits from a huge amount of natural light, with floor to ceiling windows in all. Interconnecting rooms, as well as a number of rooms with sofa beds, offer flexibility perfect for couples, friends and families alike.
No destination hotel would be complete without a destination spa. Offering seven wet and dry treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, outdoor hot tubs, a meditation room with water beds as well as exercise and relaxation areas, the new Brooklands Hotel is no exception. The pièce de résistance is the property’s exclusive signature treatment menu, featuring facials by Lubatti, massages and body treatments by Jane Scrivner and manicures and pedicures by Butter London.
The super suite sharing the spa floor also boasts a cloakroom accessed from the impressive entrance lobby, original artwork and a bespoke round daybed in the lounge. A private terrace generously wraps around the suite’s elevation, while a state of the art bathroom with separate WC, shower room and a huge free-standing bath adds an element of luxurious relaxation.
Substance with style
From the original racetrack that rolls through the foyer, highlighted in riven quartz and honed granite, to the Charlie Whinny wood sculpture in the atrium and the glittering 1930s-inspired pendants behind reception, the hotel’s design is signature and exclusive. Influenced by period detail and contemporary influential designers such as Eileen Gray, Van de Rohe and Le Corbusier, the spirit and history of the site has been carefully woven throughout the hotel’s interior.
Also benefiting from an exclusive air, with an independent identity and private entrance, is the Brasserie at Brooklands, which offers inspiring yet informal dining. Created by critically acclaimed head chef Nick Bell, one of the top English/Italian chefs in the UK, it serves carefully sourced, exceptionally cooked modern British cuisine – albeit with a strong Italian influence. Sharing plates are the order of the day, allowing guests to order according to how hungry they are or how much time they have to spare. While one person may have a full four course meal, another may opt for a simple pasta dish, bowl of spicy clam fragola or a dozen oysters accompanied by a glass of wine from the extensive list.
Featuring one event suite with a theatre style capacity of 175 and seven other meeting suites suitable for a variety of combinations, the Brooklands Hotel is also home to one of the UK’s most impressive and contemporary meeting and event facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and meeting room systems include flipcharts, plasma screens and projectors; the Brooklands Hotel’s all inclusive rates ensure organisers won’t be surprised by hidden costs or supplements.
The ultimate combination of contemporary design with classical history, the new Brooklands Hotel represents the best of the new breed of independent, purpose-built hotels for business and leisure visitors alike. Built on the home of the world’s most famous racing heritage, with the style, service and standards to match, this new hotel is guaranteed to be a journey and experience to remember rather than a mere visit or stay. A hotel which is set to drive forward new standards of quality, style and energy for 2010 and beyond.
Tel: 01932 335 700; www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com
