Our dog at Kesgrave Hall. Copyright Gretta Schifano
When I was invited to stay at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall with my family I said yes – as long as we could take our dog with us. I was told that this was fine but she couldn’t come in to any of the eating areas. Our dog is a whippet and her preferred position is asleep somewhere warm and comfortable so I knew she’d be OK if we took her along. So in December the whole family (apart from the cat) set off for a night at Kesgrave Hall, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion and luxury hotel.
Milsom’s Kesgrave Hall is a 23-bedroom 4-star hotel just outside Ipswich in Suffolk. When we arrive we’re shown to our interconnecting rooms in some beautifully converted outbuildings. The children are pleased with their comfortable twin beds, well-stocked drinks fridge and flat-screen TV and are very impressed by the fast, free Wi-Fi. I really like the way the rooms are decorated in a modern and welcoming style and I feel instantly at home. Our dog is delighted by the room and eyes up the comfortable sofa at the end of the huge double bed. It’s great to have interconnecting rooms rather than all squishing into one room and the hotel can also provide cots and extra roll-out beds if you need them.
Twin room at Kesgrave Hall. Copyright Gretta Schifano
When we check in we’re told that we can have dinner whenever we like. The children are keen to watch the X-Factor final that evening so we opt for an early meal. The hotel restaurant is already busy when we get there but we’re shown to a table with a great view of the bustling open kitchen. There’s a pencil and notepad on the table for us to write down our order and the eldest happily takes charge of that. The dining room is adorned with cheerful red paper decorations and tastefully draped Christmas trees. There’s a homely, welcoming atmosphere and the service is efficient and friendly. There’s a snoozing baby with his parents at the next table and a pile of highchairs in the corner but it’s the kind of place which welcomes everyone rather than being aimed at families with children.
The youngest orders spaghetti carbonara from the separate children’s menu while I go for grilled plaice. My husband chooses steak, my daughter fish and chips. The food is well-presented and tasty and we all enjoy it. The children then dash back to the room to watch X-Factor with the dog while my husband and I take our time finishing our wine and choosing puddings. Our waitress kindly sends the kids’ puddings to their room for them to eat there.
Kesgrave Hall keys. Copyright Gretta Schifano
The next morning we have a short foray around the hotel’s 38 acres of parkland with the dog. The grounds are lovely and it must be a great place to come in the summer. The lawn sweeping down from the mansion’s wide terrace looks like a perfect spot for football and running around.
Breakfast is served in the dining room and is very relaxed. We help ourselves from a side table laden with cereal, fruit, croissants and juice and then order hot dishes from the menu. I don’t eat meat but the staff are happy to make me scrambled egg and mushrooms even though this isn’t on the menu.
Relaxed and replete we pack our bags and head off for a spot of Christmas shopping on the way home. Our night at Kesgrave Hall was very enjoyable and I’d definitely recommend this hotel to families. And to their dogs.
The lowdown
We were guests at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall for review purposes. Rooms at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall cost from £125 per night including breakfast. Cots (£10/ night) and foldaway beds (£20/ night including breakfast) are available. I’ve also written about our stay for the BritMums website.
The place looks amazing I so need to get out more to place like this.x
sounds lovely! I really fancy a night or two away, feels like its been ages since we have had one!
anna recently posted…Arabic Books for Kids
That looks great – I love places where the pets can come too.
Emmys Mummy recently posted…Beaded Valentine’s Day card
That looks like a great place to stay. I love those old keys!
Shell Louise recently posted…Photo Challenge – January 25th – A day late!
Taking your dog along is such a great idea.It sounds and looks like an amazing place.
Aly recently posted…Favourite Songs From Films
It was lovely having our dog with us and I think she enjoyed herself!
This looks like a fab place to stay – even better that you can take pets too as that is important for lots of people 🙂
Vicky recently posted…#silentsunday
I know, I’ve never thought of taking our dog away to a hotel with us before but it worked well.
What a comprehensive review. The room looks AMAZING and so so cool that you get to take the dog
xx
Liska @NewMumOnline recently posted…Because Bitching is SO Last Season
This looks rather nice. Could so use a break right now!
VaiChin recently posted…Fruit Salad with Chat Masala
What a great review. This sounds like such a lovely place to stay. I am looking at hotels to surprise my husband for our anniversary this June and i shall be considering here 🙂 x
Keri-Anne recently posted…Let’s have an adventure link up II
That’s great, I’d definitely recommend it.
Look gorgeous and love the idea of writing down your order – keeps the kids occupied
Kara recently posted…Project 365 – Week 4
They enjoyed it and the waiting staff were there to offer menu advice too.
The review is great and the place looks really nice.Its good that they allowed your pet to go with you.
Nayna Kanabar (@citrusspiceuk) recently posted…How to add a cookie policy widget to Blogger Blog
Thank you Nayna, I’m glad you like the review.
Anywhere that you can take your dog is a winner with me. Looks like a lovely place.
Sam @happyhomebird recently posted…Winter is starting to drag
It’s great, we all enjoyed it there.
Get to hear of a family hotel that caters for dogs too!
Love All Blogs recently posted…An evening with Taiye Selasi
I know, it was lovely to take her along.
Kesgrave Hall is only a mile or two up the road from us, it’s a lovely place to go for a meal. We grew up near the other Milsom’s hotels/restaurants in Dedham and my Dad was friends with the Milsom brothers. My first job was as a silver service waitress at Le Talbooth!
Your dog is absolutely gorgeous by the way, I love whippets!!
Kate Thompson recently posted…Can your child’s Gaming Habit be a Positive Thing?
Wow, how lovely to have those restaurants nearby and what a great place for a first job!
Looks lovely and how brilliant that you were able to take the dog 🙂
Emily @amummytoo recently posted…Can Vanish GOLD really clear a red wine stain in 30 seconds? (sponsored review)
It’s the first time the dog has come away with us and the kids were really pleased to have her along.
That sounds fab – our dog would definitely love it there too from the sounds of it!