I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at Cottons Hotel and Spa previously and was delighted to be asked to come back to experience some of the positive changes made since my last visit.
I arrived at the Daniel Thwaites-owned hotel on a very wet Saturday afternoon in September and, as was the case last time, could see it busy with wedding guests milling around reception.
It was easy enough for me to find a parking space close to the entrance and once inside my check-in didn’t take long at all – the staff were immediately very welcoming and were able to rearrange a spa appointment I’d made ahead of my arrival.
One thing I did spot close to the reception was a lovely seating area with a roaring fire which was much-needed given how miserable it was outside.
Within five minutes of arriving, I was in my suite – the same I stayed in last time – and it was just as pristine and luxurious as before; a beautiful bathroom (which had a TV by the bath), a huge bed with plump pillows, and a nice little balcony.
A really sweet touch was a plate of fruit and treats which bore the message ‘Welcome Back!’ in white chocolate.
I’d had a particularly long week so treated myself to a soak in the tub, then got into one of the fluffy white robes in the wardrobe before plonking myself on the bed to watch some TV and relax before dinner.
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I’d pre-arranged my dinner reservation and, at 7.30pm, headed down to the restaurant on the ground floor where I was greeted by the host and shown to my table.
My waitress, who couldn’t have been more attentive throughout the whole evening, was over straightaway to talk me through the menus and take my drink order. There was no shortage of options when it came to food, and I decided to mix-and-match from the main menu and the specials.
I opted for the broccoli and stilton stoup, sirloin steak with hand-cut chips and a small cheese board.
My soft drink had barely been put in front of me before I was presented with the starter – very tasty but not as piping hot as I’d have liked.
Not long after, a gigantic piece of steak was placed in front of me – I’d asked for it to be cooked rare and it was to perfection, the chips were delicious, as was the bearnaise sauce.
Despite being full, I was able to enjoy the cheese plate, which was the perfect way to finish dinner – not too much, not too little.
Feeling satisfied and very looked after, I headed back to my room to have an early night. I slept well - you can’t hear any noise from outside or the planes flying overhead from nearby Manchester Airport.
Although the hotel has a really lovely swimming pool, I didn’t really fancy a dip this time around and instead wanted to have a leisurely morning ahead of my spa treatment.
After using the very powerful shower (and complimentary White Company toiletries), I meandered back downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast.
Once again I was met by a very attentive host who showed me to the table and explained the breakfast options and took my order; tea, orange juice, avocado on toast with poached eggs and black pudding.
As with dinner, I didn’t have to wait long to tuck in – and it was another tasty meal. Not fancying anything else I headed down to the spa area.
It’s a very tranquil and calming experience from the moment you step inside – I was shown to a private room by the therapist who talked me through the facial I requested and answered some of my questions about skincare.
I then laid down on the bed and relaxed – the detox facial felt wonderful and it was hard not to fall asleep in the ambient setting.
When the treatment was over, I was presented with some frozen grapes and given aftercare advice – my skin was glowing and I was really pleased with the results.
Sadly, it was time to depart, and after a speedy check-out I was on my way home after a thoroughly enjoyable trip away.
More about Cottons Hotel and Spa
Address: Manchester Road, Knutsford, WA16 0SU
Website: www.cottonshotel.co.uk
Telephone: 01565 650 333
Check-in: 3pm
Check-out: 11am
There are 138 rooms, including doubles, family rooms and suites. Food is served throughout the day but booking for breaking and dinner is essential. For the best rates, book direct. Contact the hotel for enquiries regarding early check-in or late check-out.
There are three dog-friendly rooms with a cosy bed for your four-legged friend to sleep on. Dogs aren’t permitted in the restaurant but are welcome in the bar and lounge area, as well as the outdoor dining area. There is also a dedicated pooch paddock for you to take your dog to. To book a dog-friendly room, call 01565 650333.
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