We held our latest team meeting the day after all the restrictions were lifted in England at Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa in Surrey, a Victorian manor with private grounds and woodland. The hotel is part of the MacDonald Hotel group.
We were interested to see how things had changed for the hotel since the restrictions had been lifted.
Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa has 96 bedrooms, 3 meeting rooms and Spa facilities. We were there on a very hot day and it was lovely to see people enjoying the sunshine in the beautiful grounds and using the Spa facilities. The hotel is conveniently located for access to the M3 and M25 and 16 miles from Heathrow Airport.
When we arrived Peter the General Manager came to introduce himself and took us to the Library which was to be our meeting room overlooking the gardens. This room can take up to 10 people for a meeting or private dinner.
We were looked after so well by Peter and his team – the food kept on coming and it was delicious! We made the most of the lovely weather and had our lunch outside.
After our meeting Peter took us around to see the rest of the Hotel – he told us that their event business has picked up in the last couple of weeks. They certainly seemed to have a busy week which is great as the last 18 months have been so hard for everyone in the hospitality industry.
Unfortunately we were unable to see any bedrooms as the Hotel was full! Great for the hotel but it was a shame. There was a mix of guests staying which included leisure (those on a staycation and spa breaks) alongside conference delegates and business travel.
Next door to the Library is the White Room which was set up for a private dinner taking place later that evening. This room can take up to 22 people and also looks out onto the landscaped gardens like the Library.
Then onto to the Frimley Suite (1 section was in use). This room is self contained room and can split into 3 sections. There is also a private reception lounge and bar making it ideal for working lunches and coffee breaks. As a whole the room can take up to 210 guests.
The grounds are also ideal for non-motorised team building activities and BBQ’s.
So how have things changed with the restrictions being lifted?
Peter explained that the hand sanitisers were still around the Hotel for people to help themselves and is encouraged (& there were plenty available) The reception staff were still behind a screen which I do think is sensible and there is also a banner in reception which explains what Macdonald as a group are doing to keep everyone safe.
We did notice that we were definitely in the minority wearing a mask when walking around the Hotel. Peter explained that it was up to the staff if they wished to continue wearing their masks (apart from the Spa where it is still mandatory) and some had chosen to and some had not.
We were very well looked after and would like to thank Peter & his team and hope they have a great Summer. Rather than our written words let’s hear what Lida had to say.
