Crowne Plaza, Marlow

Hidden where nobody would find it, The Crowne Plaza, Marlow is a hidden gem. Set on the banks of Thames and accessed via an industrial park, it's hard to predict your expectations on the drive to it. A typical business traveller hotel, it's tastefully decorated in a modern/contemporary design throughout the hotel which lifted it above competitor hotels in the area. Public areas are clean and modern. The rooms are very comfortable with the picture inset being a realistic reputation of the style of the rooms (the bathrooms let it down a bit, however on balance it's comfortable). There's a good size desk in the room for work, which I think is a good shout. My usual bugbear of the cost of internet access is repeated here, £14.95 for 24 hours I think is excessive, my Vodafone wireless dongle couldn't get a signal here, so you have to put up or shut up. Drinks and food are a little on the high side, typical of a big chain. A pint will set you back just short of a fiver and dinner was around £25 for two courses, although I will say that the food quality was good for a chain. Service overall was also good. Good welcome on reception, enthusiastic waiters in the bar, attentive in the restaurant. They have a nice gym, pool, mini-spa with outside hot tub, which was a nice bonus after a long day. As a regular traveller down this neck of the woods, I normally stay at The Holiday Inn at High Wycombe. If you can get a comparable rate, I would recommend you stay here instead. Official rating 4*, My rating 4P.

The Shendish Manor Hotel, Hemel Hempstead

If you're heading Hemel Hempstead way and want an alternative hotel to the well know business hotels like Holiday Inn, you could think about this place, The Shendish Manor.

First things first, it's not the easiest of places to find. It's entrance is tucked away from the main road. First time I stayed there, my SatNav couldn't find the place and I spent forever trying to track the place down. However, second time was easier. Also, don't be tricked by the room photos that you see here. Most bookings on the web are actually for the 52 hotel rooms which are in the new wing, they are more contemporary but not nearly as lush or grand. They've had a go at making them "boutique style" but they do fall well short of the standard, nevertheless they are comfortable enough.

The mobile phone network is very poor. Most of the hotel has no signal. Last time I stayed I had one of the few "signal hotspots" right outside my bedroom window and was interrupted by people talking loudly on mobiles all the time. The in-room broadband, although free, isn't particularly good either. So, comms could be a lot better.

The building itself is very pretty and the gardens at the rear are really lovely to sit and have a drink in on a warm summers evening. The main reception has been tastefully decorated and the welcome was warm. The hotel is quiet, not many people in the public areas so it's good if you want to get stuff done. Hemel Hempstead is only a short taxi ride away £5 or £6 and it's worth a ride out for something to eat at one of the restaurants in the Old Village.

In summary, if you want something different than a sanitised chain hotel, give it a try. It cost me £90 on the web (via one of the major room discounters), this included breakfast, so the value isn't bad. A hotel photo gallery can be seen here.

Official Rating: Not rated.

My Rating: 4P - (just). Broadband needs to be better. Rooms are OK but lack a bit of personality. Nevertheless, it's got bags more character than a normal business chain hotel.