The four-star Ashford International Hotel and Spa may not be plush but it’s stylish and comes with two restaurants, a vibrant spa, and a host of facilities. Some come for a spa break, some come on business. Both are catered for very well.
Who for
There are distinct reasons to visit the Ashford International Hotel and Spa. Spa lovers could enjoy the pool, treatments, and saunas, travellers could stop here on their way to France. There are plenty of event rooms too.
Accommodation
Ashford International Hotel and Spa bedroom
Ashford International Hotel and Spa bedroom
Ensuite bathroom
The hotel has 79 clean, airconditioned and generously spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs. Mine was room 143 on the ground floor which had a mini bar with some complimentary drinks, coffee and tea, a place to work and comfy occasional chairs a lovely ensuite with Prija toiletries and a very comfortable bed.
I did worry that rooms would be noisy due to passing main road traffic, but they are set away and are peacefully quiet.
Food & Drink
The hotel has a contemporary brasserie-style restaurant Horizon where dinner and breakfast is served. The menu offers classic British dishes with a modern twist including burgers, fish and chips, pork schnitzel and beef and ale pie. Breakfast is also served here and offers a pretty standard buffet (continental) and full English.
There’s also the informal sports bar, Quench, to enjoy a tipple or a coffee, a lounge menu too. Big TV screens show live sports events and news.
Facilities
Ashford International Hotel Ashford leisure and spa Pool
Ashford International Hotel Ashford leisure and spa Treatment Room
Ashford International Hotel Ashford leisure and spa Relaxation Room
The hotel has a popular Health club featuring a state-of-the-art gym and a 20-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Life fitness gym, relaxation suite and six beauty treatment rooms. I had the pleasure of receiving a revitalising massage which comprised a back massage and a body scrub. It worked a treat.
Lounge area
There is wifi throughout and many choose to work in the lobby that stretches the length of the hotel. Spaces have been partitioned into cosy areas for working and relaxing,
Those looking for a place to hold a corporate event can choose from 18 flexible meeting rooms, the largest of which holds up to 400 people and the free parking is useful.
How much
Double at the Ashford International Hotel and Spa costs £134 per night.
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What’s Nearby?
Ashford International Hotel is close to J9 of the M20 motorway and convenient for an overnight stop on the way to Folkestone, the Eurostar connection and the Channel Tunnel if you are heading to France.
A 15-minute drive takes you to the Jacobean Chilham Castle and just 20 minutes away by car is the Bradourne Vineyard and the Port Lympne Animal Wildlife Reserve.
Leeds Castle and Boughton Golf Club are just a 15-minute drive.
VERDICT Ashford International Hotel & Spa has a good location in Kent and makes for a pleasant overnight stay.