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Powered By TripAdvisorA Historic English Estate Within the Picturesque St Albans Countryside
Powered By TripAdvisorWhether you seek a romantic weekend away, a family vacation, a spa break, or an impressive business retreat, the grand and inviting Sopwell House delivers. Housed in a striking Georgian country estate with a rich history that dates back to 1603, the charming and graceful hotel is nestled within the tranquil Hertfordshire countryside. Located amid 12 acres of lush grounds just a half hour from London, it is the perfect hideaway. The expansive spa is designed to complement the dynamic needs of modern living and, combined with two restaurants and afternoon tea service, Sopwell House is a veritable treat. Highlights of the hotel include:
- 126 guestrooms and suites offering varying sizes and sophisticated designs
- Four restaurants and bars offering a sampling of food and drink options
- An adults-only spa that serves as a haven for indulgent rest and relaxation
- Cultural experiences, including afternoon tea with fresh scones and Devonshire clotted cream
Hotel Amenities
Accommodations
The 126 rooms and suites vary in size and style for couples and families alike and have a boutique feel mixed with sophisticated style and modern conveniences, such as Wi-Fi and televisions. Many rooms offer beautiful gardens and landscape views, as well as walk-in showers and Elemis toiletries. Mews Suites are separate from the hotel and set in lovely landscaped gardens. Suites may feature fireplaces, four-poster beds, in-room baths, kitchenettes, private terraces, and cedar wood spa baths. Mews guests also gain complimentary access to all Spa facilities at Sopwell House, including The Club at Cottonmill with new Spa Gardens, a Deep Relaxation Room, a Whisper Room, and a Garden Room.
If you’re a sports fan, you will welcome the fact that all guestrooms feature a BT and Sky Sports TV package. Suites are particularly appealing to families, and the hotel is a great favorite for wedding parties.
Book with PointsDining
Traditional and international fare are conveniently served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Sopwell House's two dining options, Omboo and The Brasserie, while the Octagon Bar and Conservatory Bar invite guests for light snacks and classic and craft drinks.
Omboo – Inspired by the spice routes of East Asia, the hotel's unique main restaurant serves flavorful dishes alongside a cocktail menu curated to complement the cuisine. Omboo’s creative “when ready” philosophy means meals are served from platters delivered to the table fresh from the kitchen.
The Brasserie – For a more casual dining experience, The Brasserie boasts an open kitchen and a classic menu that also features international flavors such as steaks, burgers, and teriyaki salmon. Breakfast and lunch are offered à la carte and dinner is offered à la carte or off a set menu. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Octagon Bar – Inspired by London's exceptional cocktail scene, this inviting space is outfitted with a marble-topped bar, leather bar stools, and intimate seating areas perfect for couples or small groups. Enjoy signature cocktail creations, each telling a story of Sopwell House, sipped from vintage glasses while taking in views of the picturesque lawn.
Conservatory Bar – Fresh, bright, and modern, the Conservatory is ideal for an early morning coffee, a lunchtime snack, or evening cocktails.
Activities at Sopwell House
Many of the activities found at Sopwell House are focused on health and wellness, ensuring a visit focused on relaxation. Take a swim or raise your heart rate at the state-of-the-art gym. Walk the gorgeous grounds and dine on delicious cuisine. Spend your day reveling in the Cottonmill Spa or journey outside the manor to explore the English countryside.
Featuring two distinct adults-only areas, Cottonmill and The Club at Cottonmill, Sopwell House invites guests to treat themselves to a world of calm, quiet, and rejuvenation.
Cottonmill includes use of the indoor pool, two vitality pools, a state-of-the-art gym with the latest Technogym equipment, in-studio fitness classes, sauna, steam room, poolside terrace, and sitting room. After a treatment, visitors can also rest in the Rose Relaxation Room. The Club at Cottonmill features world-class facilities, from the spa gardens and a garden room to tranquil offerings, such as a whisper room and a deep relaxation room. This area is accessible only to a limited number of guests with club packages.
For adventures outside of the hotel, travel just half an hour to the sights and sounds of London or even closer to the historic city of St. Albans, which takes its name from the first British saint. Visit the St Albans Museum + Gallery, with its collection of heritage and contemporary works, as well as the Verulamium Museum, offering ancient treasures on one of the largest Roman sites in the country. Those with children in tow can visit Willows Activity Farm to experience farmyard animals, adventure play, funfair rides, and indoor soft play.
Nearby Activities & Attractions
- The Alban Arena
- St Albans Market
- Redbournbury Watermill and Bakery
- Heartwood Forest
- Gorhambury House
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — The Making of Harry Potter
- Shaw's Corner
- Hertfordshire Zoo
Location
While Sopwell House feels wonderfully secluded, thanks to the immediate expanse of greenery that surrounds the hotel, there are plenty of nearby attractions if you are keen to explore the wider area. The Verulamium Museum, Old Gorhambury House, and Hatfield House are just a few notable names accessible if you wish to step away, however briefly, from relative solitude.
Address
Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, United Kingdom
Transportation
- Airport
- The nearest airport is Luton, which is 16 mi / 25km away.
- Heathrow is 28 mi / 45 km away.
- Train
- The nearest train station is St Albans. This is a 19-minute ride from London’s St. Pancras International.
- The hotel is just south of the market town of St. Albans and a 10-minute drive from the junctions of the M25 and the A1.
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Reviews
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Reception Team Poor
Mon Aug 18 2025 05:48:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Explorer64738349215
Generally it was a positive experience except we arrived an hour and a half before check-in and our room wasn’t ready which was fine except the receptionist promised to call us when it became available. So we went out. Upon our return it still wasn’t ready so we waited and waited until my husband went back to reception to discover it had been ready but the receptionist hadn’t bothered to inform us. Then the next morning checkout was 11.00 am ( bear in mind check-in was 3pm less than 24 hours). We returned to our room after breakfast at 11 sharp to collect our bags and our keys had already been disengaged. We found that really poor. Apart from that breakfast was excellent. The Japanese restaurant not amazing just ok.
Not worth the price
Sun Aug 17 2025 17:12:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Nikki C
Not worth the price at all. It’s not as luxurious as it seems and I was very disappointed in the spa - not what I expected at all! The food was a small poke bowl - felt like it should’ve been £5 and there wasn’t much to see.
Superb spa at Sopwell House
Sun Aug 17 2025 13:31:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by AndrewandMarion
I just wanted to express my admiration and enjoyment of the Sopwell House Spa. The ambience, facilities and service are truly outstanding, and match or exceed the best ones I’ve experienced in the UK and abroad. I recently had an excellent treatment at the Spa with Ria, which was much needed and appreciated. I’m delighted to say the massage she gave me eliminated my nagging back pain, as well as being very relaxing. Similarly, the facial treatment she gave me was also very soothing and refreshing. I will definitely return. I’m happy to actively recommend the Sopwell House Spa to anyone who wants a therapeutic and relaxing spa experience. A big thank you to Ria and the rest of the excellent Sopwell Spa team.
A Disappointing Experience – Do Not Book!
Sat Aug 16 2025 16:38:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Anon A
I rarely post negative reviews, but after giving Sopwell House over a week to respond to my concerns, I feel it’s necessary to warn others before booking. Sadly, my experience was so disappointing that I can no longer remain silent. Despite following the hotel’s recommended complaint process, I’ve received no response or meaningful resolution—so here’s my full account. 1. Unacknowledged Complaint After raising a formal complaint during my stay, I was assured by the spa manager that it would be looked into. I also spoke to reception, who reiterated the same promise of addressing the issue. Over a week later, I still haven't received any acknowledgment or follow-up, which shows a complete disregard for guest feedback. 2. Unprofessional Spa Experience My husband and I booked the same treatment for our spa visit on 8 August 2025. While my therapist was thoughtful and asked about my comfort levels, my husband's therapist didn’t engage with him at all. After just 4 minutes, my husband had to leave due to discomfort. To make matters worse, I overheard a conversation between the therapist and a staff member (Danielle) discussing my husband inappropriately in the hallway. These comments were unprofessional, disrespectful, and entirely inappropriate in front of guests. 3. Misleading Promotional Offers I received an email promoting a “Treatment of the Month” with a complimentary self-care gift worth £87. When I expressed interest, I was told there were no therapists available for this treatment. Why send out such a promotion without ensuring availability? It felt like a marketing gimmick with no substance behind it. 4. No Recognition of Special Occasion Our stay was for our anniversary, but no gestures were made to acknowledge this. No small touches like complimentary upgrades or even a simple gesture to make the occasion feel special. This was incredibly disappointing, especially for a so-called “premium” hotel. 5. Hidden Spa Charges When I booked my stay, I was not informed that access to The Club at Cottonmill (the additional spa area) would come with an extra charge. This lack of transparency was frustrating and left a sour taste in my mouth. I gave Sopwell House over a week to resolve these issues and hoped for a prompt response. However, since I’ve received no communication or apology, I am now sharing my experience for all to see. This hotel may try to attract a certain calibre of clientele, but based on my experience, they don’t know the first thing about customer care or maintaining a 4-star standard. I wouldn’t recommend Sopwell House to anyone who values customer service or expects a memorable experience. The way they handled my complaint and the issues we faced shows a complete lack of respect for their guests. I sincerely hope this review helps others avoid the same disappointment. Do yourself a favor and book elsewhere. Sopwell House is not worth the price or the hassle.
Great stay at Sopwell House
Fri Aug 15 2025 17:07:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Ursula B
Wonderful stay at Sopwell House. Surprise gift for my 60th from our daughter 💓 Jade and Catalina in the spa were just wonderful 🙏❤️ thank you both Fab served us in the brasserie who was lovely and Harry in the bar afterwards was just awesome Very attentive and ensured our glasses weren’t empty for long which was great service considering it was a pretty busy evening. Thank you all for making our stay so special 🙏❤️❤️❤️
