Grim’s Dyke Hotel ***

The magnificent former country residence of Sir William Gilbert is set in over 40 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands. A shrine for Gilbert & Sullivan enthusiasts from all over the world, the hotel will be presenting many G&S Operettas during 2008.

British mystery spy thriller, The Saint premiered on the ITV on 4th October 1962. Starring Sir Roger Moore as the main character Simon Templar, The Saint aired for six series – a total of 118 episodes. Simon Templar was a wealthy, Robin Hood-like criminal who always left a calling card at his crimes – a stick figure of a man with a halo over his head. The double episode entitled The Fiction Makers from season six, saw the charming character acting as a bodyguard for a best-selling adventure author. They both end up imprisoned at Sword Headquarters – filmed on location at Grim’s Dyke! From 1961, the Grim's Dyke appeared in 20+ television series and films.

Life is never dull at Grim’s Dyke with other entertainment ranging from Murder Mystery and Auction Challenge Dinners to Gourmet Nights. At least that is what their website told me. The Grim’s Dyke is only 12 miles from London’s West End. I do not expect many people would make this their choice because you can ask yourself are there no hotels closer to where I need to be? The answer is likely yes. On the other hand if you need to be anywhere on the inner M25 on the North/West side, you are prob within a 15 to 30 minute drive from you location.

The reason I did not want to keep this hotel from you is because of two reasons: first the hotel has great looks and a very nice location.

The second reason is that I liked the way the staff performed. Very friendly and willing to help and explain. The bar employees and porter where just great! It was a very rainy day. When the porter showed me my room in the lodge I noticed that there was only wired internet access (and of course I did not have a cable with me). He, the porter did not hesitate a minute and said he would go back to the main building and fetch me a cable. That’s service!

The room (I stayed at the Lodge) was a bit old fashion and as said, the internet was not wireless. I booked the hotel via the internet for 95 pound including breakfast, a great deal in my opinion.

HARROW, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM