Escape to Hazel Cottage: Your Dream UK Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Hazel Cottage: Your Dream UK Getaway Awaits! - A Seriously Honest Review (and My Over-the-Top Recommendations!)
Okay, folks, let's talk Hazel Cottage. I've just gotten back, and honestly? My brain's still buzzing from the experience. Before I even start with the official review, let’s be real: finding a decent, dream getaway in the UK that’s more than just a B&B with slightly nicer scones is a quest of epic proportions. So, Hazel Cottage, with its promises of… well, everything listed below… had me intrigued. And, spoiler alert: mostly delivered. Buckle up, because this is going to be a whirlwind.
(Disclaimer: I’m a total sucker for a good spa and potentially dramatic, so bear with me!)
First Impressions: Accessibility &… Getting There (The Great British Adventure)
Right, accessibility. Crucial. Hazel Cottage, bless its heart, gets a solid thumbs up. I read somewhere they have (or at least claim to have) Facilities for disabled guests. I'm not directly needing those, but it's comforting to know it's something they're trying to cater to, which is a win in my book. The website details how there’s Elevator access, which is fantastic if you're not feeling up to climbing stairs. More importantly, there's Car park [free of charge]. Free parking in the UK is a godsend, seriously. The Car park [on-site] is also an option. I saw a Tesla or two plugged into Car power charging station, so even the eco-conscious amongst us are covered. A Taxi service and even Airport transfer mean you can choose your level of adventure. But be warned: British roads are… well, British. So, plan ahead! (And maybe bring an audiobook for the journey.)
The Room: My Sanctuary (or, Confessions of an Over-Packer)
First, Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential, unless you're into the damp, UK-specific version). Air conditioning in public areas? YES! This is where Hazel Cottage really shines. My room? Let’s just say by the end of it, every crevice was filled with my stuff, like a chaotic little museum dedicated to me. The Bathroom was spotlessly clean, with Bathtub and a Separate shower/bathtub. Thank the heavens for the Bathrobes and Slippers - made me feel like a pampered queen after a long drive. Extra long bed: Bless them! I'm tall, and those tiny British beds scare me. There was a Desk, perfect for pretending to work whilst enjoying a Coffee/tea maker. Free bottled water (always a plus!). A Refrigerator for the dodgy leftovers I insisted on bringing. An In-room safe box (always a must for hiding all my questionable purchases). Soundproofing: blessedly effective, because the Soundproof rooms saved me from the enthusiastic karaoke of the adjoining guests. Satellite/cable channels for when you’re just trying to zone out after a grueling day of… relaxing. The Blackout curtains were chef's kiss, because sleep is SERIOUS business on vacation.
The Spa: Surrender to Bliss (and Potential Discomfort)
Alright, the Spa. This is where Hazel Cottage really gets its groove on. They have everything: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. And… Fitness center. Because apparently, some people actually want to exercise on vacation. The Gym/fitness was perfectly equipped, but let's be honest… I ended up going for a Massage instead. It was divine. Seriously, just divine. Okay, maybe I should back off here..I felt the Foot bath at one point, then promptly fell asleep. I do regret that I didn't try the Body wrap - next time.
A WARNING: The Pool with view. I'm not kidding, the view is a view. I'm not a particularly graceful person, and slipping as I came out in a bathrobe was not the vibe. However, the view of the rolling hills after the near death experience made me forget it pretty quick. Plus, with the Poolside bar, I could easily recover with a cocktail.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Relaxation (and My Endless Appetite)
Right, food. This is where I'm a bit of a… expert. Hazel Cottage doesn't disappoint. They boast A la carte in restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western breakfast. Basically, you're guaranteed to find something you like. The Breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece. The Western breakfast was my daily go to; the Asian breakfast options provided were also a welcomed change. The food itself was spectacular, but for me it was the sheer convenience. Coffee…always. The Room service [24-hour] saved me when, let's just say, a midnight craving hit. (Don't judge!) And the Poolside bar? Unbelievable. They do a mean Mojito, and the ambiance is just… perfection. Every morning, I felt like I should have to make a sacrifice to the Gods of Food.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Sanitizing Obsession – Mine, Not Theirs!)
This is where Hazel Cottage absolutely shines, especially post-pandemic. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. I'll admit, I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I felt completely at ease. The Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere (a girl’s dream!). The staff were all wearing masks (and smiling behind them, I could tell!), and I felt unbelievably safe.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Ordinary (The Little Extras That Matter)
This is the part where Hazel Cottage really shows off. They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. From the Concierge who sorted out my chaotic itinerary to the Dry cleaning that rescued my favorite dress, they've thought of it all. The Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver. The Gift/souvenir shop was irresistible. The Terrace was perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine (and, okay, maybe a few tears of joy). The Daily housekeeping? Pure luxury. And, of course, the Wi-Fi for special events which came handy when I had a very important video call.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (and a Mom’s Sanity)
Okay, I didn’t travel with kids, but it’s worth noting Hazel Cottage has Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. So, if you're traveling with little ones, this place has you covered. Bless their heart!
Things to Do (Besides Lounging): Exploring the Area (or Just Staying Put)
This is the beauty of Hazel Cottage. You can do anything or nothing and still have an amazing time. The Things to do category isn't directly listed, but the surrounding countryside is stunning. Explore, hike, or just relax.
Access and Getting Around: Essentials (Even with my sense of direction!)
Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], *Couple
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Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because you're about to embark on a trip to Hazel Cottage, Begelly, UK – the kind of trip that sounds idyllic but will inevitably involve rain, questionable pub food, and a whole lot of "ooh, look, a sheep!" Let's do this.
Hazel Cottage, Begelly: A Hot Mess Itinerary (in progress)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Inevitability of Rain
- Morning (Mostly): Land at (likely) Bristol Airport. Ugh, airports. Always a rush, always a panic. Pray the baggage handlers have a good day, because I'm not sure I've packed my "essential travel kit" (which, let's be honest, is mostly just enough chocolate to survive).
- Transportation: Rental car – a tiny, probably underpowered beast of a vehicle. I'm already picturing myself reversing into something charmingly old.
- Rambling Aside: I'm terrible at driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Wish me luck navigating those narrow Welsh lanes. Pray to the road gods.
- Afternoon: Arrive (hopefully unscathed) at Hazel Cottage. The pictures online made it look like a fairytale. Let's hope the reality isn't a damp, cobweb-filled disappointment.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial impression: "Ooh, that's rather lovely!" Followed by a frantic search for the fuse box because, let's be honest, something will be broken.
- Evening: Settle in, unpack, and realize I've forgotten something essential (probably socks). Stroll around the cottage: check the garden for anything potentially lethal. The village pub beckons.
- Evening: Arrive (hopefully unscathed) at the Begelly Arms, feeling like I've just aged a decade. The place reeks of history! And possibly beer. The decor is…rustic. Let's just go with that.
- Anecdote: Ordered the fish and chips. It was…substantial. Let's just say I'm not sure if I'm built for this level of grease. The gravy? Questionable. But the locals? Delightful. Absolute characters! The bartender, bless his heart, probably thought I was an idiot, but he kept the pints flowing, and that's what matters.
- Quirky Observation: I sat next to a guy whose dog snored louder than the television. Magnificent.
- Emotional Reaction: Aching feet, a slightly dodgy stomach, and a profound sense of contentment. This, my friends, is the real deal.
- The Repeat: Second day, second visit to the Begelly Arms. Same fish and chips (I know, I know) and this time, the gravy improved. I swear, there was more laughter in that pub than I've had in the last year. The camaraderie was infectious. It's a feeling you just can't manufacture. This place is part of its charm.
- Evening: Arrive (hopefully unscathed) at the Begelly Arms, feeling like I've just aged a decade. The place reeks of history! And possibly beer. The decor is…rustic. Let's just go with that.
Day 2: Coastal Chaos and Sheep-Induced Panic
- Morning: Attempt to use the kitchen. Discover the oven is a relic from the Victorian era. The toast will burn. It's a certainty. Give up and head out.
- Afternoon: Coast walk. Coastal path. The walk was supposed to be "picturesque." Turns out, it's also exceptionally windy. And muddy. And I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue sheep eyeing me up.
- Anecdote: I tripped over a particularly grumpy-looking stone and went sprawling. Dignity? Lost. But the view? Bloody marvelous.
- Quirky Observation: The seagulls are ridiculously bold. They'll steal your chips right out of your hand. I'm not even kidding.
- Emotional Reaction: A mixture of awe and the cold fear of falling into the churning sea.
- Evening: Dinner. If the Begelly Arms is closed, it's a culinary adventure with the kitchen. The idea of cooking something other than toast fills me with dread.
- Emotional Reaction "The Begelly Arms is open!" I am so happy.
Day 3: Castle Dreams and Maybe a Breakdown
- Morning: Visit a castle. Because, Wales! I’ve chosen Pembroke Castle – because it looks cool in pictures, and I'm all about that.
- Rambling Aside: Castles always make me feel like I've stepped into a history book. I get caught up in the stories (and, let's be real, the potential for ghosts).
- Emotional Reaction: Standing within those ancient stone walls, I felt a strange sense of connection to the past. A bit overwhelmed. A tiny sense of peace.
- Afternoon: Attempt to visit a nearby village. Get hopelessly lost. End up in a field with more sheep. Contemplate abandoning all my plans and becoming a hermit.
- Anecdote: I spent a good hour trying to figure out how to get back to the "main road" (a subjective term, apparently). Ask a very confused farmer for directions. Realized I hadn't eaten. Hangry.
- Quirky Observation: The sheep are everywhere. And they’re judging me.
- Evening: Decide to treat myself to a fancy meal somewhere in Begelly or the nearest town.
- Emotional Reaction: "Okay, self, you're tired, you're hungry, and you’re probably covered in sheep droppings. Just breathe."
Day 4: Departure and the inevitable post-trip blues
- Morning: Pack. Scour the cottage for everything I will inevitably leave behind (there will be something).
- Afternoon: Drive back to the airport. Contemplate never returning to reality.
- Evening: Fly home. Start planning my next trip. Because, despite the damp, the questionable cuisine, and the sheep, Wales has completely stolen my heart.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet mix of exhaustion and joy. The best kind of trip.
Note: This is an evolving itinerary. I will undoubtedly deviate, get lost, and make a complete fool of myself. But isn't that the magic of travel? Wish me luck!
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1. So, Hazel Cottage... is it actually *cute*? Like, Instagram-worthy cute?
Okay, listen. I'm a sucker for a charming cottage, right? I mean, who isn't? And Hazel Cottage... yeah. It’s cute. But here’s the secret, the *real* secret: it’s not just about the aesthetics. Don't get me wrong, the photos online are accurate - think exposed beams, a proper fireplace (YES!), and a ridiculously tiny garden perfect for a morning cuppa. BUT... and this is HUGE... it *feels* lived in. Like, a place where people actually *live* and laugh and spill red wine on the tablecloth (hopefully not by me, though I’m prone to a clumsy moment). It’s got character. It’s got soul. It’s not some sterile, perfect rental. It’s the kind of place that makes your heart do a little happy dance as soon as you walk through the door. Plus, the neighbours have the CUTEST dog, a shaggy terrier who clearly knows he's the king of the village. Sold.
2. What’s the location actually *like*? Is it in the middle of nowhere? Because sometimes “peaceful” means “miles from civilisation.”
This is a valid concern! Okay, imagine... you're winding your way down a lane, trees arching overhead in a leafy embrace. Hazel Cottage nestled (actually nestled, not like some PR BS) in a small village. Not WILDLY remote, THANK goodness. You CAN get a takeaway (praise be!), there's a local pub (double praise!), and a little shop where you can buy essentials and the local paper (because yes, I still read a newspaper on holiday). It's a perfect mix of feeling secluded AND not being totally cut off from the world. I mean, I *attempted* to disconnect, but the WiFi surprisingly worked, which was a blessing and a curse. More often than not I was looking up the nearest bakery.
3. Okay, the fireplace. Is it actually usable? And, if so, is it *easy* to use? Because I’m not exactly a lumberjack...
YES! The fireplace is glorious. Utterly, utterly glorious. And yes, it's usable! They even leave a little starter kit with kindling and those weird fire-starting things (don't judge, I'm a city girl). Now, I will admit... the first night? A bit of a struggle. Let's just say there was a lot of smoke. A LOT. My face was probably covered in soot. I felt like a contestant on some medieval baking show gone wrong. But eventually... *eventually* ... I cracked it. And the feeling of sitting in front of a crackling fire, with a book and a glass of wine? Pure, unadulterated bliss. The key is the air flow, people! Figure that out and you're golden. (And maybe invest in some firelighters… just sayin’.)
4. What's the deal with the kitchen? Is it decently equipped? Because I *do* enjoy attempting to cook on holiday. Emphasis on *attempting*.
The kitchen is... adequate. Okay, it's a cottage kitchen, so don't expect a Michelin-star setup. But it has the essentials: a decent oven, a hob, a kettle (crucial!), a fridge, and enough pots and pans to whip up something vaguely resembling a meal. I even managed to (sort of) bake a loaf of bread! (It ended up looking more like a rather dense brick, but hey, I tried!). The thing to remember is, the kitchen is about experiences. It’s a small thing but the best thing was that I made a batch of cookies with my partner. Messy, flour everywhere, giggling, burning the first batch. The second batch? Still didn't taste that good, but who cares? It’s about memories. Just don’t expect to be whipping up soufflés. Stick to simpler fare, and you’ll be fine. And maybe, just maybe, order a takeaway one night. You deserve it.
5. Bedding and comfort! What's the bed *actually* like? Because a bad bed can ruin a holiday.
Oh, the bed. This is IMPORTANT. The bed at Hazel Cottage is… *good*. Not hotel-luxury good, but proper, comfy, sink-into-it-after-a-long-day-of-exploring good. The pillows are plump, the sheets are clean and crisp (freshly laundered!), and the duvet is… warm. I slept like a log. Seriously, I don't think I stirred for eight hours a night. This is a huge win. And listen, the silence! The utter, glorious silence. The only noise was the occasional hoot of an owl, which, I must admit, initially freaked me out a bit. But you get used to it, and soon you're drifting off to sleep, feeling totally and utterly relaxed. Worth the price of the stay alone. Well, almost.
6. Are there any good walks nearby? (Because I'm not really a hiker, but a gentle stroll is appealing...)
Yes! Absolutely, yes! There are *tons* of walks! And thankfully, they cater to all levels of fitness. From gentle strolls through the village (perfect for a post-pub amble) to more challenging hikes across the countryside (which I MAY have attempted… once. I got lost. It's fine). There are clear, well-marked footpaths, you're unlikely to lose your way. The scenery is breathtaking! Rolling hills, babbling brooks, charming little bridges. Pack some good walking boots, or at least, you know, not flip-flops. And maybe a map. And definitely some snacks. I learned that the hard way.
7. What's the Wi-Fi like? Because I'm a millennial, and I need to post Instagram stories of that fireplace... and tell the rest of the world.
Okay, the Wi-Fi, the modern-day lifeline. Honestly? It's pretty decent. Good enough for streaming, video calls (if you *must*!), and, yes, posting those envy-inducing Instagram stories of the aforementioned fireplace. There were a few moments it gave up the ghost. Typical. But overall, it was reliable enough to keep me connected without feeling completely tethered. Consider it like a safety device. You can choose to disconnect from the outside world or remain connected if the urge to upload your photos becomes too enticing.
8. Is there anything I should specifically bring with me?
Definitely bring: A good book (or three), comfy slippers (cottage life, baby!), some warm layers (the evenings can get chilly!), a goodBudget Travel Destination
