Wednesday 8 March 2017

An Overnight Stay at The Vale Resort - Review

Is there anything better than having a night away from your home and enjoying an overnight stay at a hotel? We were recently invited to review a dinner, bed and breakfast package at The Vale Resort so naturally we jumped at the chance. I couldn't wait to not have to think about washing up, cleaning, ironing or feeding the girls. We were having a well deserved night off. 



I've been to the Vale Resort quite a few times before but I'd never actually stayed in the hotel. I've used their spa and I can't recommend it enough. It's my favourite one in South Wales. They do the most incredible hot stone massage. I also used to be a member of their gym which I loved.

When we arrived at the hotel, I was delighted to see that parking was free. This is a fab as there are hotels in South Wales that do charge you to park even if you are guests at the hotel which I don't agree with.

Check in was quick and easy. The girls were presented with a kids pack which contained a cute dragon teddy and some colouring paper and pencils. Eva loved this touch. We then headed off to our Junior Suite.

The suite absolutely blew us away. It was gorgeous. The bathroom was my favourite part of the room. It made me feel like I was staying in a spa. It had a large double sink, walk in shower and a bath that you just didn't want to get out of. I could've quite happily slept in there. There were White Company toiletries which is one of my favourite shops so I was very pleased to see those. There was plenty of room to bath both children and get them dressed for bed without feeling squashed in.





The bedroom was also a fantastic size. There was a lot of wardrobe and drawer space available which is a must when travelling with a family as we always have so much stuff. I adored the colour scheme of the room. It felt very inviting. The bed and pillows were comfortable. Our heads and bodies just sank into them.



The living room included a dining table, side table, sofa, sofa bed and tea and coffee making facilities. There was some chocolates and cookies which the girls thoroughly enjoyed. We also had a terrace. I popped out and had a cup of tea on it in the morning. It was cold but it was lovely and peaceful. I can imagine it would be a wonderful feature in the summer months.



I can't recommend the room enough. It's luxurious but also feels like a home away from home if you are staying with children. It had everything we needed and we didn't feel cramped at all.


For dinner we sat in the conservatory which was lovely. There was an extensive menu to choose from for both us and the girls. Ophelia had a selection of mini pizzas and Eva had Spaghetti Bolognese  Both of them enjoyed their dinner. I chose to have the steak which was cooked to perfection. The chips were also delicious. I'm salivating just remembering them. Hubby had the duck which he thought was great. We all managed to squeeze in a dessert. The girls had ice-cream and we had a fantastic cheeseboard. The waiter we had for the evening was wonderful. He was attentive, knowledgeable and excellent with the girls. I always find dining out with the girls quite stressful but he made us feel very welcome.





After a good nights sleep we headed for breakfast. Again we sat in the conservatory and we were able to absorb the breathtaking views. In the buffet there was a wide selection of hot and cold items to choose from. It was all very tasty and set us up nicely for our swim.


The swimming pool area is great. I was already familiar with it from previously having a gym membership there but that was before I had children. The changing facilities are great if you have a family. There was a separate family area which had a playpen. This is so handy when you're trying to get yourself changed and you have a baby or a young toddler. 

After a swim we relaxed back in our suite for a couple of hours. It was wonderful to just switch off and forget about everything.

We then headed for Afternoon Tea. This is one of my favourite things to do as a special treat. We tried the new spring menu which is perfect for Mother's Day and Easter. The girls were given their own smaller sized afternoon tea to share which I thought was a great touch.      All the flavours complimented each other and the desserts were light and refreshing as opposed to rich and sickly. Hubby and I also had a glass of champagne with ours which really made it special. 






Before heading home we enjoyed a cup of tea whilst the girls played in the play area which is located in the bar.


Overall, our stay was amazing. Eva said it was the best hotel ever and she cried when we left. She really didn't want to go. Hubby and I found it a wonderful experience and incredibly relaxing. The suite was exquisite, the food was all tasty and the staff were all outstanding. We can't recommend it enough. The resort is perfect for a family getaway. You can watch a video of our time there over on youtube.


We barely even scratched the surface of exploring all the wonderful facilities the resort has to offer so we are already planning our next stay. We are hoping to go again during easter half term.

If you are looking for a Mother's Day gift then the afternoon tea is ideal. Have a read about it on their website here, Afternoon Tea. There are also lots of other gift ideas over on their website, Mother's Day. I've got my eye on their spa package. If you're looking for something special and unique to do for easter then have a look at their chocolate making and cupcake making stays. Hubby always makes his own chocolate truffles so I think he'd really enjoy that stay, Chocolate Lovers StayCupcake Break.

*Thank you to the Vale for inviting us to stay. All our opinions are our own honest thoughts*




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28 comments

  1. I've always wanted to go here for afternoon tea - you've now sold me! Free parking is also essential!

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    1. It was a fab afternoon tea and the views from the conservatory where you can have it are lovely x

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  2. I like the Vale, it's such a family friendly resort and having the play room by the bar / cafe area is a great idea! The food looks really nice. Looks like you had a wonderful time, that room looks amazing!

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  3. What a gorgeous place. It looks amazing, so glad you had a wonderful time. :)

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  4. I've been to many events at the Cale and they have always been lovely but that room! It's perfect what a wonderful place. Everything you need for a relaxing stay.

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  5. This place looks incredible - the room, the food, the facilities...all of it! The perfect place to relax, unwind and eat all the delicious food :)

    Helen x

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  6. Wow that bathroom looks stunning and that food looks incredible, especially the afternoon tea x

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  7. Looks like you had a wonderful stay! The bath looks lovely.

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  8. Oh wow!! This looks AMAZING! That afternoon tea alone looks divine, and the bath!! I think I need to look at visiting here xx

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  9. OMG I am so jealous! Love a night away in a hotel, but have never stayed anywhere quite like that! The bath and the bed look to die for!

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  10. This hotel looks amazing. I love the look of the food and your daughters picked exactly what mine would have picked. I would love a stay here

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  11. What an amazing place to stay. It looks fantastic. I would definitely enjoy the afternoon tea! Fab review :) x

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  12. Oh wow! The room looks lovely and those gorgeous meals. It's so nice that you got to share it with your girl too xx

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  13. the decor, the food.. everything.. wow! It looks so stunning. Bless her crying as you left! x

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  14. I want that bath tub!! Oh and the cakes...and the play area so we could enjoy the drink.....in fact I'm totally jealous!! :-)

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  15. Oh this looks bloody gorgeous. I love a cheeky little hotel break. The cheese board and afternoon tea had me sold!

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  16. THAT BATHROOM! And I love the White Company. I'm not sure you'd get me out.

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  17. Wow! This looks like a fab hotel, all that space. No wonder the kiddies were crying when u were leaving!

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  18. Looks and sounds brilliant. The food looks superb and so many smiling happy faces. Seems like they got it soot on from sleep to food and leisure. Well worth a visit

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  19. wow the suite looked amazing an I'm rolling over the afternoon tea! oh i love wales we need a trip back.. might have to look up that hotel :)

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  20. That bath; those cakes; that food; it all looks wonderful

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  21. Wow that looks amazing. As a family of 6 we don't get to stay in nice hotels, can you imagine the cost for us. Would make a nice treat for Hubby and me though, we celebrate our 10 year Wedding anniversary this year so we are looking for a nice break somewhere.

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  22. The Vale sounds amazing. I'm planning on treating myself to a spa day before our big move (once I've finished work) and I think I'll give the Vale a go on your recommendation. The Afternoon Tea sounds right up my street too!

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  23. Afternoon tea sounds amazing and love the al the spa chat too! x

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  24. That looks amazing - that bathroom is my idea of heaven x x

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  25. This is right up my street. Look at the massive space. I always like to have more than room when staying in a hotel as a family.
    The plus is the afternoon tea. I love afternoon tea.

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