Escape to Peak District Perfection: Ashover's Hidden Gem, Peak Edge Hotel
Okay, buckle up buttercups because we're diving DEEP into the Peak Edge Hotel. Forget the perfectly polished reviews, this is going to be a rollercoaster of honest opinions, a dash of cynicism, and a whole lotta "should you book this place?" Let's get messy, shall we?
Escape to Peak District Perfection: Ashover's Hidden Gem? Peak Edge Hotel Review (The REAL Deal)
Right, so Peak Edge Hotel… the name alone conjures up images of, you know, peaks. And that's pretty much what you'll get: a lovely spot nestled in the Derbyshire countryside. Is it a hidden gem? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. Let's break it down, warts and all:
First Impressions & Location (The "Getting There" Bit):
Accessibility is a biggie these days, and I'm happy to report, that the hotel is somewhat accessible. Wheelchair access is there, which is a GREAT start. They have an elevator, so elevator is a plus. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] and Valet parking are available. (but the terrain is a bit hilly, so not fully accessible on all sides - be aware!)
The hotel itself is a bit of a drive from the main towns, so that's taxi service ready. Airport transfer isn't applicable, so it's all about what you want/need.
Entering the Realm: Safety & Cleanliness (Not Just the Clean Bits):
Okay, this is where things get REALLY interesting. In this current climate (and let's be honest, since forever), cleanliness is KING. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Allegedly. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Sounds promising. Rooms sanitized between stays? Sounds good! Staff trained in safety protocol? HOPEFULLY. (I honestly didn't see an abundance of staff, but then it wasn't crowded when I was there, so maybe they were being efficient and I didn't see them.)
The thing that really stood out was the Hand sanitizer available everywhere. The Hand sanitizer was even present at the Breakfast [buffet]… That's something I REALLY appreciated.
CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a sense of security. Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms, also great (you'd hope they were there, right?). Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] are both options… I went with private because I like to feel like I'm the only person in the world!
And the biggie: Room sanitization opt-out available. Good show.
The Room: Home Sweet (Temporarily) Home (The "Where I Slept" Bit):
Air conditioning? Air conditioning in public area? CHECK AND CHECK. Because, let me tell you, having a decent room temperature is crucial for ANY hotel. Because, trust me, you DON'T want to be stuck with the hotness when you're on your little escape.
My room? Comfy. Not mind-blowing, but comfy for a getaway, ya know? Additional toilet? Nope, but the toilet in the bathroom was fine! Free bottled water? Yes. Coffee/tea maker? Double yes! Mini bar? Also yes. Bathrobes and Slippers? Luxury, baby! Blackout curtains were a lifesaver (hello, extra long bed!). In-room safe box? Always a good idea, even if you just want to hide your chocolate stash from yourself. Desk? Needed it, since I was still trying to work a little. Ironing facilities? Gotta have them! Hair dryer and toiletries? Yep. The Shower was great (some hotels skimp on the water pressure, but not here). The Shower and the Bathtub were separate (which is VERY nice).
Non-smoking room? Naturally. The Soundproofing was… decent. I wasn't kept awake by hallway noise. Wake-up service? If you need it. Wi-Fi [free]? AND good! And I mean, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, (which I'd kind of expect at this point!)
The Hotel's Services (The "They Do Stuff" Bit):
Daily housekeeping? Yesssss. Laundry service? Tick. Dry cleaning? Got it. Luggage storage? Standard. Concierge? Present and helpful. Cash withdrawal? Sure thing. Facilities for disabled guests? See Accessibility, above. Family/child friendly? Uhhh, yes, with Babysitting service available! Gift/souvenir shop? Yup, in case you need to bring something back.
And Now… The MOST IMPORTANT Bit… Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The "Food, Glorious Food" Bit):
Okay, listen. This is where the Peak Edge Hotel REALLY shines. You NEED to know about the Restaurants! There are Restaurants available, and a Poolside bar and a Bar… But the food? Oh. My. God.
A la carte in restaurant? Yes. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes. And not just any buffet, mind you. This was one of the best hotel breakfasts I've had in ages. Proper sausages, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, pastries… I mean, I practically skipped out of bed for it. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good. The Soup in restaurant was delicious. And the Desserts in restaurant… well, let's just say I didn't hold back. Alternative meal arrangement? Of course. They cater for most dietary needs. Breakfast service? Excellent. I would go back just for the breakfast.
Room service [24-hour]? A lifesaver after a long day. Bottle of water? Essential. Snack bar? Perfect for a post-spa nibble. (Speaking of the spa…)
Ways to Relax (The "Ahhh, Serenity Now" Bit):
Okay, this is where Peak Edge could earn your money. The Spa is something else. Pool with view? Yep. Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, and a full-sized Swimming pool? You got it. Body scrub and Body wrap? Available. Massage? Oh, yes. BOOK ONE. I had the massage, and it was glorious. I am NOT a morning person, so I loved that the therapists were ready to go!
And yes, they have a Fitness center, if you're into that (I'm not, but it's there).
Things to Do (The "Beyond the Hotel Walls" Bit):
Okay, the hotel is kind of out in the sticks, so don't plan on popping to town every five minutes. BUT… it's the Peak District! Hello hiking! Hello stunning views! Things to do are abundant!
For The Kids (The "Keeping the Little Rascals Happy" Bit):
Family/child friendly definitely. Babysitting service? Yep. Kids meal? Probably.
Is it Worth It? (The "Final Verdict" Bit):
Look, the Peak Edge Hotel isn't perfect. But it's a damn good place to escape to. The staff were overall delightful. The food is fantastic, the spa is amazing, and the Peak District is on your doorstep. There's a lack of pretension, which I really appreciated.
Here's the deal: If you want a luxurious escape, excellent food, and incredible spa treatments, this is a strong contender. If you want to be in the thick of a bustling town, then maybe not.
Final Verdict: Absolutely worth it!
Peak Edge Hotel: The Honest Offer You Can't Refuse
Tired of the Daily Grind? Escape to Peak District Perfection!
Imagine this: You, wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe, sipping a perfectly brewed coffee while gazing out at the rolling hills of Derbyshire. That's the Peak Edge Hotel, and it's waiting for you.
Here's what you'll get:
- Unforgettable Experiences: Indulge in world-class spa treatments (trust me, the massage is life-changing), swim in the indoor/outdoor Swimming pool, and explore the breathtaking Peak District views.
- Culinary Delights: Feast on a gourmet Breakfast [buffet] that will knock your socks off (seriously, the sausages are worth the trip alone). Enjoy A la carte in restaurant dining or relax with a cocktail at the Poolside bar!
- Recharge and Rejuvenate: Unwind in our Sauna, Steamroom, or simply relax in your luxurious room with free Wi-Fi and Air conditioning.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing we prioritize your safety with Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Peak Edge Hotel adventure in Ashover, Derbyshire. Forget polished itineraries, this is going to be a glorious, slightly manic, stream-of-consciousness chronicle. Prepare yourselves.
The Pre-Trip Panic & The Promise of Peak Edge (May 2024 -ish)
God, the planning! Is it just me, or does pre-trip adrenaline feel like a caffeine IV drip? Hours wasted, not really wasted, but spent obsessing over the colour of the room curtains and whether I truly need three pairs of walking boots. Which reminds me, I did forget to pack my good socks. The ones with the little sheep on them. Dammit!
Anyway, the idea was a weekend escape. Rural England, proper peace and quiet. Peak Edge Hotel, specifically. Heard whispers of roaring fires, scenic views, and food that isn’t just… fuel. The website pictures looked idyllic. Idyllic. I needed that kind of idyllic. I swear, if one more email landed in my inbox about [insert soul-crushing corporate task here] I was going to… well, I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but it wouldn't be pretty.
Arrival: Glorious Chaos and the Smell of Wood Smoke (Friday evening)
The drive…well, let’s just say the sat-nav and I had a spirited conversation involving a lot of roundabouts and some choice words muttered under my breath. Finally, finally, the hotel came into view. And it was…pretty darn gorgeous. The kind of place that makes you instantly feel like you’ve traded your life in for some kind of charming, Downton Abbey-esque dream.
Check-in: Smooth as butter. The receptionist, bless her, was genuinely smiling, not that forced corporate smile. That's a good sign. Our room? Oh, the room. Massive bed (always a good start), a proper fireplace (score!), and a view that made me actually gasp. Not a fake gasp, a genuine, "Oh. My. God." gasp. I threw my bag on the floor (already feeling instantly at home) and promptly made a beeline for the balcony with my camera.
Dinner Delights (and a Minor Carb Overload) (Friday evening)
Restaurant time! First impressions: the ambiance was perfect. Low lighting, crackling fire, the gentle clinking of glasses…and the smell of… roasted something. Heaven. I ordered the lamb. I’ve no idea what I was thinking. It was delicious. I mean, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and hum with pure contentment. And then I may have ordered a side of chunky chips. Don't judge me. The bread basket? Gone. Poof. Vanished. I'm blaming the wine. (It was excellent wine, mind you.) By the end of the meal, I waddled back to my room, feeling like a very happy, slightly overfed Buddha.
Saturday: Walks, Woes, and Wonder (the Peak District)
Morning! Bleary-eyed, I woke, the sky was a glorious shade of blue. Breakfast was the usual hotel fare, but damn tasty! I decided to go for a walk through the Peak District. I mean, it's right there. Looked up a local trail. Easy peasy they said. Lie. "Rolling hills" they claimed. More like "relentless slopes designed to mock my fitness level." I did end up getting lost, for a bit. The views, though… the views. Breathtaking. Worth the near-cardiac arrest I endured. There were sheep. Lots of sheep. One of them eyed me with a look that suggested I might, at any moment, be butted off a cliff. I stayed away from that one.
The Hotel Spa: A Moment of Utter Bliss (Saturday afternoon)
This. This was what dreams are made of. The spa at Peak Edge? A total game-changer. I opted for a massage, and it was pure magic. The therapist worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I honestly think I drooled a little. Followed by a bit of the pool and hot tub. I was a soggy, pruney mess of relaxation. My soul felt like it had been gently ironed.
I could have stayed there forever. In fact, I considered permanently moving in and becoming a professional pool-lounger.
The Dinner Disaster (but, hey, it’s a story!) (Saturday evening)
Dinner again! Oh, the excitement. Decided to try an extra special dish. Looked wonderful on the menu. Turned up at the table, and I was slightly horrified. This wasn't the restaurant's fault. This was my fault. I ordered something new. I should have ordered something safe. I don't want to get into details. Let's just say it ended up as a bit of a running joke with the staff, who were, as always, incredibly kind and patient. Thankfully, the wine saved the evening.
Sunday: Departure and Reflections (Sunday morning)
Woke up again slowly, got breakfast and the bag was packed, I felt utterly devastated to be leaving. The staff at this hotel are truly special. Incredibly friendly and efficient. They clearly enjoy what they do, and it shows.
Final Thoughts & Rating:
Peak Edge Hotel gets a HUGE thumbs up from me. It's not perfect (who is?), and there were moments of minor chaos, but that’s part of the charm, right? It's the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and good old-fashioned hospitality. I left feeling refreshed, revitalized, and already plotting my return.
Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5 sheep (minus 0.3 for the dinner incident, and the fact I forgot my sheep socks.)
Highly recommended. Go. Treat yourselves. You won't regret it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look up some recipes for lamb… and maybe some chunky chips.
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Escape to Peak District Perfection: Peak Edge Hotel FAQ… (And My Two Pennies!)
Is the Peak Edge Hotel REALLY as idyllic as it looks in the photos?
Alright, let's be honest, those photos? They've got a filter or two. But here's the thing: Peak Edge *is* beautiful. Absolutely. Picture this: you’re driving up, and bam! Rolling hills, sheep doing their thing (mostly ignoring you), and this gorgeous sandstone building just... *sitting* there. I'll admit, the first time I saw it, my jaw actually dropped. I'm not a "jaw-dropping" kind of person, usually. The views? Spectacular. Especially if you get a room facing the right way. *Important tip: request a view.* My first time, though? We had a tiny room, facing the… car park. Lesson learned: persistence pays!
What's the food like? Because, let's face it, that can make or break a weekend away...
Okay, the food. This is where it gets… complicated. The restaurant itself is really pretty. Romantic lighting, all that jazz. The menu is fancy-pants, lots of locally sourced stuff. And the *potential* is incredible. I had a lamb dish once that was genuinely divine. Utterly melt-in-your-mouth. But… and there's always a 'but', isn't there? I've also had meals that were, shall we say, *less* memorable. One time, the fish was a bit dry. Another, the service was… slow. Like, "watching the sunset" slow. (And believe me, the sunset was worth watching… at the bar while *waiting* for food!) So, yeah, I'd say it’s a bit of a gamble. Go with an open mind, and order the lamb if it's on the menu. Honestly, it could be worth the wait.
Is the spa worth it? I need some serious relaxation.
The spa… now *that's* where Peak Edge truly shines. It's small, but perfectly formed. Imagine this: a jacuzzi bubbling away, a sauna, a steam room that smells gloriously of eucalyptus, and a pool with a HUGE window overlooking the countryside. Absolute bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I swear, I could spend ALL DAY there. However, and this is a big hint: book your treatments *well* in advance. Seriously. I made the mistake once of thinking, "Oh, I'll just book a massage when I get there." Ha! Wrong. Utterly wrong. Ended up staring wistfully at the pool, wishing I'd been more organised. So, yeah, book the massage. Book the facial. Book *everything*. You deserve it. And for the love of all that is holy, take a good book. You'll need it whilst waiting!
Are there any good walks nearby? I love being outdoors.
Oh, yes! The Peak District is a walker's paradise. You literally walk out of the hotel, and you're surrounded by trails. Easy ones, challenging ones… something for everyone. I'm not exactly Bear Grylls, mind you. I prefer the "stroll with a flask of tea and a sandwich" type of walk. There's a lovely little loop from the hotel that takes you through some woods and offers stunning views. Or you can drive a short distance to the famous Chatsworth House and wander around there. Just pack waterproofs. Always. The weather in the Peak District is… unpredictable. One minute sunshine, the next, you’re soaked. Learned that lesson the hard way. Bring a spare pair of socks!
What’s the vibe like at night? Is it romantic or a bit… quiet?
It depends! I’ve been there at points where the ambiance was like something out of a movie. Cozy, romantic lighting, couples whispering sweet nothings. Then there are other times, the bar is buzzing with locals, the fire crackling, and everyone's having a good laugh. It's a really mixed bag. The main thing is there's genuinely something for everyone. I’m not sure about the "hustle and bustle" of a big city, you know? It's definitely geared towards couples or groups of friends. They often have live music on weekends, which is a nice touch – if you like that sort of thing. I do! Honestly, it is romantic. But relaxed romantic. Not "forced romance" romantic. You know? Just… lovely.
Is the hotel dog-friendly?
Yes! And thank goodness for that. I've been guilty of checking rooms for the 'dogs allowed' sticker, before checking for the other things. The Peak Edge loves pooches. There are lovely walks right on the doorstep, and they even have dog bowls and (sometimes) treats. One time, we saw a Great Dane bigger than a small car in the bar – the staff were incredibly friendly with it. It made me smile. Honestly, it's a big plus in my book. If you’re a dog person, you’ll love it. Just remember to clean up after your furry friend, please! (And maybe bring a spare blanket, just in case.)
What are the rooms *really* like?
Okay, this is important. Room quality can vary. Some rooms are *gorgeous*: big beds, beautiful views, fancy bathrooms. Others… are a bit more compact. As I mentioned earlier. The first time I went? The room was fine, but… a bit small. And let’s just say, the view wasn’t the best. Subsequent visits were much better! Definitely don't be afraid to ask for an upgrade if you're not happy (within reason, of course). Check online photos carefully, and read recent reviews that mention specific room types if you can. If you end up in a good room? You'll love it. If you don’t? Well, hopefully you won't be spending too much time *in* the room, eh? Spend more time in the spa! More time at the bar! More time smelling the fresh air. That's my mantra, anyway!
Is it worth the money?
Ah, the big question. Is it worth it? Hmm. It depends. If you’re looking for absolute perfection, every single time, then maybe not. But if you’re after a beautiful setting, a relaxingBest Hotels Blog
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