Room Review

The Swan, Alton, Hampshire

Location:

ONCE a coaching inn dating back to 1777, The Swan is now a 46-bedroom hotel in a historic corner of Hampshire.

This charming market town is the ideal base from which to explore the lives of its most famous neighbours – author Jane Austen and naturalist Gilbert White – at nearby attractions.

Scenic country drives link the hotel to the M3 and A3, and it is easily accessible for city dwellers wanting a break from the hustle and bustle.

Check-in:

From stepping out into the car park – free for guests – it was clear that measures were in place to enforce social distancing.

We were asked to pull on our face masks before a friendly member of staff escorted us along the one-way system from the restaurant to the reception.

Visitors are urged to use hand sanitiser stations, while receptionists are protected behind plastic screens.

On check-out we dropped our room key into a black box, from where it was taken to be sanitised before being given to the next guest.

Bedrooms:

The Swan is Tardislike and offers surprisingly large bedrooms. Our room even had its own by lobby area for bags, or removing shoes.

An old fireplace made for a lovely period feature in an otherwise modern room with a TV, sofa, super-modern bathroom and comfy bed.

We thought that maybe leaving our windows open to welcome in the breeze might be a risk, given the hotel’s location right in the town centre.

But eight hours of uninterrupted slumber confirmed Alton’s pleasingly sleepy reputation. Food & Drink:

We were keen to give Greene King’s mobile app a go to order dinner.

I found it easy to navigate, and before I knew it my prime sirloin 8oz steak and chips (£14.79) had arrived.

Breakfast was just as easy and my fry-up was cooked to perfection, while my partner’s plate of hot waffle and fruit compote was truly indulgent.