A family break from the norm
SOMETIMES the best breaks are those that allow us to simply relax and spend time with the people we love. And that’s exactly what we got when we checked in for two nights at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, writes Kimberley Barber.
Admittedly we only live a short drive away, but the simple act of being away from home meant that chores were swept aside and the full focus was on family time.
The hotel, built in 1990 at the start of the development of the now bustling town of Whiteley, expanded in 2018 and built new ‘lodges’, basic modern rooms which enable people to stay at the location and enjoy the hospitality of the pub Parson’s Collar, but without the luxuries and the price tag of the hotel.
There are 54 of these more affordable rooms, while the fourstar hotel itself has 117, as well as a whole host of facilities including a spa, fitness suite, bar and AA Rosette restaurant.
The hotel is part of the Daniel Thwaites Group, established in
1807 as a brewer, which now owns several hotels across the country, 13 inns, as well as still producing craft beer, albeit on a smaller scale than once was, from its brewery in the Ribble Valley, Blackburn.
The first night we checked into the main hotel. The first thing that hits you is that the interior is much nicer than its 1990 architecture would have you think from the outside. There’s a roaring fire, a gorgeous bar and everything is tastefully decorated, as well as smelling fabulous.
Our room is set up for four – my partner and I in the big main bed and my two children have a single bed each, converted from an L-shaped sofa bed.
Despite the extra beds, the room is still spacious, decorated with light colours. There’s a wellappreciated Lavazza coffee machine with pods in the room and toiletries in the bathroom from the White Company.
The room is spotless and there are two gift bags for the kids with goodies, colouring, kid’s toiletries, and snacks, a nice welcoming touch. There is plenty of storage and we are delighted to see a proper bath.
A short skip down the hall, and we are at the spa, with its crowning glory a big indoor pool. There is also a sauna and steam room, and Jacuzzi, but the pool is a nice size so that even with gym users and hotel stays, there’s enough room for everyone and for the kids to play without bothering those who want to get a few laps in. The kids love the pool. The hotel has set family hours too, a nice touch that means families do not feel awkward and serious spa visitors can benefit from a few hours away from kids’ excited squeals.
For dinner, we are booked into the hotel’s AA Rosette-winning FYR restaurant which has received top plaudits for its classic British cuisine which uses the finest local ingredients. The food is as good as the service.
The children are once again catered for and made to feel special, a request for the plainest meal is not sniffed at, while the other one goes for a burger, which as with the adult version, is hand-pressed and delicious.
The adults go for the chicken supreme which comes with Hampshire watercress wild mushroom and smoked potatoes, and a venison and Stilton pie, from the special’s menu, which comes with dauphinoise potatoes, roasted root veg and red wine jus. The meals are divine, well worthy of their awards. This is classic fayre, excellently done.
The next morning, the same high standards apply for breakfast, two big breakfasts with local ingredients are served and polished off happily for the adults, while the kids enjoy fruit salad, cereal and a plate of bacon. Everyone is happy and fuelled up for the day. We walk to Whiteley Shopping Centre, 10 minutes from the hotel, where there are some big names like M&S, Fatface, H&M etc and have a trip to the multiplex cinema. There are lots of restaurants to choose from for lunch, and our family favourite Wagamama gets the majority vote for us. But you can pick from Harvester, Nando’s, Five Guys, and many more.
The second night we checked into the Lodge; it’s a smaller room, with both kids sharing a pull-out double bed, more modern and basic. There’s a shower, no bath, but it’s clean, functional and even comes with a balcony. It’s next to the Parson’s Collar, a proper pub, where we eat dinner and breakfast.
This is a much more laid-back affair than the hotel, and we go for a hearty fish and chips and burgers, and the kids enjoy ice cream sundaes after. It’s a weekend so there are a few groups in, but it’s a nice atmosphere, and after a few drinks, we are back in the room to watch some television from bed.
The next day, with two young children to tire out, we visit Rock Up, a rock-climbing centre with a soft play area which is at Whiteley Shopping Centre. It’s a hit with the family, as is a visit to Meadowside Recreation Ground for the outdoor park afterwards.
For a new town, Whiteley has a lot to offer. It may not be a traditional city break destination, but it has everything you need to spend some quality time with your family, and for those who want to spend longer and explore the local area, Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester are all within a short drive, as is Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World.
Solent Hotel and Spa has plenty of parking (a perk of being built in the 90s) and gardens and woods to explore in nicer months. With options to suit every budget, it’s a perfect base to explore Hampshire from.