The ultimate couples weekend break, the new Brooklands hotel in Surrey is perfect whether you want cars, spa or some art deco glamour.
Brooklands Hotel
The USP: It's built on part of the old Brooklands race track, England's first purpose built motor racing circuit and the place to see and be seen in the 1920s and 30s. Mercedes Benz World with its driving experiences is next door plus there's spa treatments designed by Jane Scrivner, who helped bring hot stone massages to the UK, as well as facials by Lubatti.
Book it now if: You love cars (or love someone who loves cars)! Even if you couldn't care less about motoring, the special touches at the hotel referencing its history are fantastic – black roses in a vase of spark plugs, art deco chairs, propellers in the bar courtesy of its aviation background. The spa offers the hot and cold stone High Velocity massage, while there's a hot tub overlooking the Mercedes race track and skid pan. Some of the London Premiership footballers are already fans, so keep an eye out for WAGs having a manicure with the Butter London products.
Bedding down: It's hard to beat the huge fourth-floor suites. With a wraparound balcony linking the living room and equally big bedroom, you can look out to the off-roading track and the Surrey countryside. All the rooms are decorated in the hotel's black, white and red colour scheme, and the luxurious 6ft beds could comfortably sleep three.
Feed me: The brasserie is the hotel's only weak link. While some of the dishes, like the veal osso buco, are delicious and the ice cream (we tried moscato and amaretto) was incredible, other options weren't so impressive. The hotel is proud that the bread, pasta and pastries are made on site, but in fact they were some of the misses among the hits. The buffet breakfast is packed with choice.
Easily bored: Not a chance. As well as the driving experiences are Mercedes World, you're five minutes from the Brooklands Museum, with a history of the glamorous circuit and racing cars dating from 1900. And don't miss the Concorde Tour, from the quirky airline ticket desk to getting to board the first plane to carry 100 passengers at twice the speed of sound. Now the flights have stopped, it's sadly the closest you'll get to going supersonic.
What's the damage: Room rates start at around £140 per person. Or check out the spa and car package for £149 per person, including a full body massage, 30 minute driving experience and three course meal, subject to availability.
Point me in the right direction: Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL (01932 335 710/www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com)
Brooklands Hotel