You may not get to bend the ear of Beckham, but Mottram Hall is one of the few places you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with the stars of Manchester United and Manchester City. The guys play golf while their WAGs enjoy the spa, in this hotel and golf club situated in beautiful countryside between the villages of Prestbury, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, the Cheshire golden triangle which has become footballer heaven.
Mottram Hall was a bit of an odd bird before a recent multimillion-pound refurbishment - the place of choice for lavish local events which was a bit of a let-down for overnighters. That has changed now the refurb has taken place, bringing competitively priced rooms, many of which enjoy spectacular country views, into the 21st century with tasteful decor and modern bathrooms. Oddly, some of the suites seem to have been left out of the redesign effort - ours had a bed facing an old-fashioned, dark wood wardrobe instead of the TV, which sat incongrously between a pair of windows on the side.
One of the joys of the place is a delightful, pubby restaurant where footballers can sometimes be spotted after training sessions; both of the Manchester clubs use Mottram's training grounds. Though it's a bit chaotic at breakfast, it comes into its own for lunch and dinner, serving really good food with wines from an imaginative list.
Just a five-minute ride from Wilmslow mainline station, Mottram Hall makes a fine country base for a visit to Manchester, less than half an hour away, as well as the boutiques and wine bars of the golden triangle, of which Prestbury alone is outstandingly beautiful.
The hotel is within 15 minutes of Manchester airport – but aparently the football stars arrive by helicopter. A bit flash, unlike the hotel itself, a historic and dignified mansion with excellent service which can only get better under the direction of award-winning Q Hotels, which recently took over the property.
