Review: Wilton Court Hotel, Herefordshire

Dating from the 16th century this hotel has distinctive architecture and graceful riverside hotel location in Ross on Wye.

And the Wilton Court Hotel has added colour to the original Elizabethan building with an interesting collection of decorative objets d'art collected by the owners Helen and Roger Wynn during their time in the Far East.

The Wynns are experienced hoteliers and clearly fell in love with this beautiful 10 bedroom riverside hotel which was originally a local court in this historic town.

First-class food

This hotel has been a finalist in the Flavours of Herefordshire Awards since 2001. In the 2007 Awards the Wilton Court was Highly Commended in both Restaurant of the Year and Breakfast of the Year categories.

The award-winning dinners comprise three courses drawn from local specialties, always a treat in a rich agricultural area. AME Info can recommend the goat cheese and onion tart, Gressingham duck and Herefordshire fillet of beef, monkfish and the bread-and-butter pudding.

Breakfast is an equal gourmet delight with local farm products and a wide choice of options including poached haddock. The service is also friendly and attentive.

There is also a well stocked cellar and a pleasant traditional bar for pre and post dinner drinks. It is an ideal place for a romantic weekend, and one couple duly proposed during our stay meal and announced their forthcoming nuptials at dinner.

Country pursuits

Equally a reunion of old friends is suitably catered for with long country walks available to make some space for all that fine food, albeit lunch at a pub is a seductive option. And Ross on Wye is an old fashioned market town with some nice antique shops and public houses.

But the nicest surprise at the Wilton Court Hotel is your final bill. Our party stayed for two nights with breakfasts and dinners included and paid less than $150 per person per night. This is not the kind of value you normally associate with the UK and helps to compensate Gulf visitors for the dwindling value of their dollar-linked currencies.

It has to be said that the Wilton Court is in a league of its own to visitors to Herefordshire seeking a stylish and relaxing weekend or a short break with great value for money. This may not be a five-star hotel according to the usual categorisation but for good food and atmosphere some of the luxury hotels could learn a thing or two.