Havenwood House: Clifton's BEST Family Getaway or Contractor's Dream?
Havenwood House: Clifton's BEST Family Getaway or Contractor's Dream? (Let's Get Real…)
Alright, folks. Buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. I just got back from a stay at Havenwood House in Clifton, and let me tell you, it's a trip. The marketing hype whispers of a "family getaway" and a "contractor's dream," but does Havenwood House actually deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? Warning: I'm prone to tangents.
First Impressions (and a Minor Panic Attack about the Elevator):
Pulling up to Havenwood House, you're greeted by a… well, a building. It’s got that vaguely corporate "modern but not too modern" vibe. The car park? Free! Woohoo! That's always a win. They also have a charging station which I personally don't need but it is very neat. The front desk is manned 24/7, which is reassuring when you're arriving at 2 AM, bleary-eyed and half-convinced you've lost your toothbrush.
The first hurdle? The elevator. Okay, it's there, thank goodness because the thought of lugging my enormous travel bag up multiple flights of stairs… shudder. But the elevator is SLOW. Like, glacial. It's the kind of elevator that makes you question the structural integrity of the entire building while you're waiting. I swear, I aged a year during those 30 seconds. But hey, at least it worked.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good.
I am not disabled, but I always pay attention to accessibility. Especially because it’s just plain wrong to exclude anyone! Havenwood House offers facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. They also have an elevator (albeit a slow one, as mentioned). Details are scarce, but there is an accessibility that is something that's a HUGE positive.
Rooms: Cozy, Functional, and Let's Talk About the Pillows…
My room was a non-smoking haven (thank goodness!). It had all the basics: Air conditioning (essential!), a desk (good for pretending you're working when you're actually browsing cat videos haha), a coffee/tea maker (vital!), and a mini bar (slightly overpriced, but hey, convenience!). Free Wi-Fi? Oh yes, in ALL rooms, hooray! They also had Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN. So basically every avenue of internet access you could ever want. Nice touch.
The bed? Comfy enough. The pillows, however… the pillows. They were like sleeping on tiny, fluffy rocks. I swear, I’m pretty sure they were stuffed with concrete. I spent half the night wrestling with them, trying to get comfortable. My neck is still aching. Minor grievance, but majorly annoying. On the flip side, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Slept like a baby (once I'd wrestled the pillows into submission).
They also have bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, and complimentary tea, which is a nice touch. The bathroom was clean, functional and they had everything I needed. They also had a bathtub and a shower and a mirror, which is a real win.
Cleanliness and Safety: Doing Their Best in a Post-COVID World
Havenwood House is clearly taking hygiene seriously. They touted anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. There was hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff appeared properly trained in their safety protocol. Okay, this is a huge plus! I am very concerned about anything that is not up to scratch.
That being said, it wasn’t perfect. I noticed a stray crumb on the bedside table (gasp!). It was a tiny crumb, okay? But it was there. And it served as a handy reminder that perfect cleanliness is an illusion.
I feel this is a very important section. They also offer room sanitization opt-out available, which is good!
They offer Cashless payment service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Food Glorious Food (or Not. Let’s Be Honest.):
Breakfast… sigh. The Asian breakfast was… interesting. Let’s just say my taste buds were a little confused. The Western breakfast, a more reliable source of fuel, was perfectly edible but not particularly memorable. They have a breakfast buffet as well, which is good if you are a fan of the typical fare. Coffee was the saving grace. Very strong and kept me running all day.
The A la carte in restaurant options were vast, boasting Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, & Western cuisine in restaurant.
They have a Poolside bar, Snack bar, Coffee shop, and Restaurants. They have a Vegetarian restaurant which is great.
Things to Do (and How to Relax):
The swimming pool is a definite highlight. It has a Pool with view, I spent a couple of hours just floating around, staring at the sky, and it was blissful. They also have a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, a Spa, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. I love all of these things, and it’s great that they offer them. I wasn’t brave enough for a Body scrub or a Body wrap, but I’m sure it’s great!
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks.
Havenwood House offers a whole host of services, including Air conditioning in public area, a Cash withdrawal, a Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, and a Xerox/fax in business center.
They also have Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, and Wi-Fi for special events.
They do provide a Coffee shop, which is great.
For the Kids (and the Babysitting Nightmare):
Havenwood House is family/child friendly, and they have Kids facilities which is great, and Kids meals which is also a huge bonus. They also have a Babysitting service. I didn’t use it, but I heard mixed reviews from other guests. Apparently, the babysitters are… let's just say they have a unique approach to childcare.
The Verdict: Is Havenwood House the Best?
Okay, so is Havenwood House a "family getaway" or a "contractor's dream?" The answer: it's both, and neither, and something wonderfully in between. It’s not perfect. The pillows are criminally uncomfortable. The elevator is a slow torture device. But the staff is generally friendly, the rooms are comfortable enough, the pool is fantastic, and they are genuinely trying to make your experience pleasant.
Havenwood House: The Bottom Line
Worth a Stay? Yes, for sure, provided you manage those pillow expectations. Family-Friendly? Yes, with a few caveats (babysitting!). Contractor-Friendly? Absolutely. It’s functional, efficient, and has all the basics, even if the elevator makes them scream.
Booking Recommendation: Absolutely! It has a lot going for it: cleanliness, access to high-end amenities (e.g., the spa and pool), and its accessibility features.
Because I know you’re still here, here’s a ridiculously enticing booking offer:
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Craving a break that's both relaxing and convenient?
Book your stay at Havenwood House in Clifton TODAY and get some deals:
- Book for a minimum of 2 nights and get complementary access to the fitness center and sauna!
- Enjoy discounts at their in-house spa for couples. Make it a romantic stay!
- Book a family suite with us and enjoy complimentary kids' meals.
- Free parking and free Wi-Fi!
What are you waiting for? Book your stay NOW before they hit the road!
Escape to Verona: Maddalena di San Zeno B&B Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic symphony that will be my stay at Havenwood House. Contractors, family holidays, Clifton, oh my! This isn't just a schedule; it's a map to potential meltdown and glorious triumph. Let's get messy.
Havenwood House: The Great Escape (and Potential Implosion) – A Travel Itinerary (ish)
Pre-Departure Shenanigans (AKA the Panic Phase):
The Countdown: Three weeks to go! My to-do list is currently scribbled on a napkin, stained with coffee and existential dread. It includes: "Pack," "Find passport," "Figure out what 'Clifton' even IS," and "Try to convince myself this isn't a terrible idea in the first place." (Spoiler alert: I haven’t succeeded on the last one.)
The Wardrobe Wars: Okay, packing. This is where it gets real. What does one wear in "Clifton"? Rain boots? Top hats? Is there a mandatory monocle code? I’m envisioning a scenario where I arrive looking like a bewildered tourist who wandered in from a different dimension. I’m gonna pack everything. Absolutely everything. Just in case.
The Anticipation Anxiety: My anxiety levels are oscillating wildly. On a scale of "mildly concerned" to "full-blown panic attack," I'm currently hovering around an eight. I'm simultaneously excited to get away (from the chaos of my life) and terrified of, well, everything. Especially the small talk. "So, what do you do?" shudders
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Impressions (aka, "Did I Make a Mistake?")
Travel Time: The journey! I'm already imagining a series of epic delays, lost luggage, and a near-death experience involving a rogue suitcase. I'm taking the train. I hope I don't get stuck on one!
Havenwood House Check-in: Arrive, hopefully not looking like I've wrestled a bear. Key, bags, deep breaths! I'm expecting… something. I'm not sure what. Hopefully not a haunted house. Oh God, it's probably haunted.
The First Impression: Okay, initial reactions. Is it charmingly quirky or just… quirky? Is the plumbing a potential disaster? Are the curtains chinz? Has it got a soul? I’ll probably spend a solid hour exploring the house, opening drawers, examining everything. This is the investigative phase.
Dinner & Debrief: I’ll probably be exhausted. Find a local pub (the obligatory pub visit is compulsory, right?) and attempt to order something that doesn’t involve deep frying. Dinner will be a moment of reflection, questioning my life choices and wondering how I ended up here.
Day 2: Clifton Exploration And the Curse of the Tourist
Morning: The Clifton Hunt: Rise and Shine! If the jetlag hasn't consumed me, I'll try to orient myself. Guided tour? Probably. Trying to look vaguely nonchalant while pretending I know where I'm going.
Afternoon: The Art of Wandering (and Getting Utterly Lost): I'M PROUD OF MYSELF. The inevitable "lost in translation" moment. It's the law. Trying to find… anything, will be a treasure hunt.
- An Anecdote: Once, in a foreign country, I tried to order a coffee. I ended up ordering… a bucket. Long story. I have a suspicion my Clifton experience might involve a similar level of miscommunication.
Evening: The Pub Reconnaissance: The Search for the Perfect Pint: Gotta find a decent pub! (The search for the perfect pint is a matter of national importance, in my opinion.) Attempt the aforementioned small talk. "So, are you a local?" (Praying the answer isn't "Yes, and I've seen it all).
Day 3: The Emotional Rollercoaster (aka: The Day Everything Breaks)
Morning: The Museum Mayhem: A visit to a local museum! Great. I'll try to look intelligent and cultured. Expect a lot of staring blankly at exhibits and pretending I understand what's going on. "Fascinating… very… uh… informative."
Afternoon: The Breakdown (Maybe): Something will probably go wrong. Inevitably. Maybe I'll accidentally set off a fire alarm. Maybe I'll have a dramatic fall. Whatever it is, I'll probably overreact and feel a wave of self-pity. My "I quit!" speech will be brewing.
Evening: The Sunset & The Existential Crisis: Maybe the sunset will be pretty. I will stare wistfully at it and contemplate the meaning of life, or maybe, I'll just order a pizza and watch bad TV. It's all good.
Day 4: The Unexpected Delight (aka: Did I Actually Enjoy Myself?)
Morning: The Local Charm: Perhaps I’ll stumble upon a hidden gem – a charming bakery, a quirky bookstore, a ridiculously adorable dog. Something to remind me why I’m putting myself through this.
Afternoon: The "I Did Something" Moment: Hiking? A walk? Going somewhere scenic? I'll maybe get some exercise. This will probably be the highlight of the trip; I’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
Evening: The Pre-Departure Blues and the "Maybe I'll Stay" Phase: It's almost time to go home, but I'm not ready. Where did the time go? I'll be torn between longing for the comfort of my chaotic life and wishing I could just stay.
Day 5: Departure and Post-Trip Trauma
The Final Scramble: Pack everything again. Pray I haven’t forgotten anything vital. Reassure myself that I probably didn't leave the oven on (again).
The Journey Home: The train again! More delays? More near-death suitcase experiences? Only time will tell.
The Recap: I'll probably spend the next few weeks reliving the entire experience, telling anyone who will listen about my "Clifton Adventure". The good, the bad, and the hilariously disastrous. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, there you have it. My Havenwood House "itinerary." May the odds be ever in your favor (and mine). Wish me luck. I'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Luxury Villas in Yala, Sri Lanka
So, like, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing supposed to be anyway?
Okay, but REALLY, what are *we* talking about today?
Are these answers... accurate? And do you really expect me to trust you?
What's the deal with the fitted sheet thing? Seriously, I'm losing sleep.
Do you ever feel...unmotivated?
What's your biggest regret?
What do you *actually* like?
Any advice?
