It’s weirdly close to the M25. You’d think that hearing the hum of one of Britain’s busiest motorways would ruin the vibe, but somehow, once you turn off the main road and onto the winding driveway of The Grove Hotel Watford, the traffic noise just... vanishes. It’s replaced by about 300 acres of meticulously kept Hertfordshire countryside.
Most people call it London’s country estate. That's kinda true, but it's also a bit of an understatement because this place has been everything from the family seat of the Earls of Clarendon to a secret wartime HQ for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. Honestly, the history is thicker than the afternoon tea cream.
What you’re actually getting at The Grove
If you’re looking for a tiny, boutique experience where you know the gardener’s name by day two, this isn't it. The Grove is big. It has 215 rooms.
The hotel is basically split into two distinct personalities. You've got the Mansion House, which is the heart of the original 18th-century building. This is where you find the high ceilings, the creaky (but expensive) floorboards, and that sense of "old money" luxury. Then there’s the West Wing. It’s more modern, more corporate-friendly, and closer to the spa.
The Sequoia Spa situation
People travel here specifically for Sequoia. It’s not just a hotel gym with a pool shoved in the corner. We’re talking about a massive black-tiled pool that looks incredibly moody and expensive. They use ESPA and Natura Bissé products, which is pretty standard for high-end UK hotels, but the actual space feels more like a sanctuary than a leisure center.
🔗 Read more: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
One thing to watch out for? It gets busy. If you go on a Saturday afternoon, you’re going to be sharing that black-tiled serenity with quite a few other people. Pro tip: go early on a Tuesday if you can swing it. The difference in atmosphere is night and day.
The Golf: It’s kind of a big deal
You can’t talk about The Grove Hotel Watford without mentioning the golf course. This isn't just a "knock a ball around" type of place. It hosted the WGC-American Express Championship back in 2006. That was the year Tiger Woods won it.
The course was designed by Kyle Phillips. Unlike a lot of older British courses, there are no memberships here. It’s "pay and play," which sounds egalitarian until you see the green fees. But because there are no members, the club doesn't feel cliquey. You don't get those side-eyes from regulars if you're not wearing the "right" sweater. It’s professional, polished, and the drainage is legendary. Even after a classic British downpour, the greens stay remarkably playable.
Eating your way through the estate
Food here is a massive operation. You have a few main choices:
💡 You might also like: Bryce Canyon National Park: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hoodoos
- The Glasshouse: This is their "theatre of cooking" buffet. Usually, the word "buffet" makes people think of lukewarm eggs in a metal tray. This isn't that. It’s high-end seafood, rotisserie meats, and a dessert station that looks like a jewelry shop.
- The Stables: More relaxed. Think gastropub vibes.
- Madhu’s of Mayfair: This is a relatively recent addition (well, the residency is) and it brings high-end Punjabi cuisine to the Hertfordshire countryside. It’s a smart move because, frankly, sometimes you get bored of "Modern British" cuisine after three days.
The Ralph Lauren-inspired lounges in the Mansion are where you want to be for a drink, though. They have this eclectic, slightly eccentric decor—think velvet sofas, weird art, and massive fireplaces. It’s very "English Eccentric" meets "Luxury Global Traveller."
Is it actually kid-friendly?
Usually, when a hotel is this "fancy," kids are tolerated but not exactly welcomed. The Grove is the opposite. They have Anouska’s Kids Club. They have a beach. Yes, a literal sand beach in the middle of Hertfordshire, complete with a volleyball court and a wooden pirate ship.
During the summer, the Walled Garden becomes the hub of the hotel. It’s got a heated outdoor pool that feels very Slim Aarons-esque. If you have kids, this is probably the best luxury hotel near London because you don't feel like you have to constantly tell them to be quiet. The space is so big that the families and the business travelers rarely trip over each other.
A few things nobody tells you
First, the walk from the West Wing to some of the restaurants can feel like a marathon. If you have mobility issues, make sure you mention it when booking so they can put you closer to the lifts or the central hub.
📖 Related: Getting to Burning Man: What You Actually Need to Know About the Journey
Second, it’s expensive. You know that going in, but it’s the little things—the price of a gin and tonic or a side of fries—that can make your eyes water when the final bill slides under the door.
Third, the Harry Potter connection. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is literally a ten-minute drive away. This makes The Grove the de facto home base for wealthy families doing the Potter pilgrimage. Expect to see a few kids running around with wands.
The Verdict on The Grove Hotel Watford
Does it live up to the hype?
If you want a cozy, intimate romantic getaway, you might find it a bit "busy." But if you want a resort experience that feels world-class without having to fly to the Maldives, this is it. It’s a well-oiled machine. The staff-to-guest ratio is high, the grounds are stunning for a morning run, and the beds are essentially like sleeping on a very expensive cloud.
How to make the most of a visit
- Book the Glasshouse in advance. Don't wait until you check in. It fills up weeks ahead for weekend slots.
- Explore the trails. Most people stick to the main building and the pool. The woodland trails (the Musical Trail is great for kids) are actually beautiful and much quieter.
- Check the football schedule. The England national team often stays here before matches at Wembley. This is cool if you like celebrity spotting, but it can mean certain areas are cordoned off for security.
- Drive or Uber. While it's near Watford Junction, you really want a car or a reliable ride to get in and out of the estate comfortably.
If you’re planning a trip, look for mid-week packages. The "Sunday Night Stayover" deals often include breakfast and a credit for the spa or dinner, which brings the price point down from "astronomical" to "reasonable splurge." Don't forget to pack shoes you don't mind getting a bit muddy if you plan on hitting the trails—it is England, after all.