My stay at Hoar Cross could not have been any nicer. The setting is sublime- a huge, elegant estate with Italian gardens and statuary, with tastefully decorated interiors and an attentive staff. I was in the area on business and elected to reserve a "luxury" room and was very glad I did; it had a sweeping view of the gardens and farm fields as far as the eye could see, was huge and had formal mirrors and a chandelier, a comfortable king bed and a velvet sofa. I had the two-course dinner, with a fresh carrot ginger soup and local Staffordshire rump of lamb with parsnip and plum. It was flawlessly prepared and delicious. The wine list is strong. I also had an after dinner drink at the bar and had a truly lovely conversation with a young bartender named Marek. Hoar Cross appears to attract a lot of folks for "girls spa getaways," with lots of women clearly revelling in their enjoyable mini vacations. The mood is light and joyful. Sadly, I did not realize that spa access was part of my package, and was unprepared with swimwear, so I cannot speak of the spa amenities. I'd return here in a heartbeat. read more