Pale Hall, where everybody knows your name

A WARM WELCOME

Pulling up at the front of the impressive Palé Hall, I was immediately warmly welcomed by its friendly reception team. This would be the last time I'd need to pay any attention to my luggage and indeed my car as I was immediately relieved from the former, which I'd meet again in my room; and the latter was parked for me. I already felt as though I was being met by friends as we cheerfully chatted on our way to my Grand Room, Denbigh. A spacious room on the upper floor, reached by the quaint lift, it was sumptuously decorated in warm yellows and golds with the feel of staying in someone's home rather than a hotel. The highlight for me was the stunning view of the glorious gardens and Welsh mountains beyond.

I was initially concerned about the lack of TV (the tennis championships at Queen's Club was on at the time). I needn't have worried though as my fear turned to delight as I was shown that the impressive mirror above the fireplace was in fact the cleverly disguised telly box. What a brilliant way to maintain the character of the room without marring it with ugly modernities! Each of the 18 rooms and suites are individually decorated and named. These include the Churchill named for the wartime Prime Minister who was an occasional guest at Palé Hall during the 1950s. This same suite is also where Queen Victoria would stay, a visit that was 10 years in the making before she eventually made it to North Wales. It impressively features the original bed, bath taps and vanity unit.

Credit: Amy and Omid Photography

WHERE TO WED

Weddings are hosted in The Henry Robertson for 46 ceremony guests before it's turned around for a grand reception. Alternatively, for more intimate "I dos," exchange your vows in the Four Seasons lounge with 10 of your nearest and dearest looking on. You can then move through to the Library for your wedding breakfast.

The Main Hall too is licensed for ceremonies and can host 40 loved ones. Should you prefer to take care of the legal bit elsewhere, celebrant led ceremonies are also an option outside among the breathtaking gardens. Finally, the Venetian with it's old range, Canaletto style artworks, and wallpaper depicting the Venice landscape is licensed for 20 people.

The 18 bedrooms and four garden suites are available to you for exclusive use, allowing you to choose any one for your bridal suite. In this case, the band or disco will be hosted in the oh-so grand Main Hall once all furniture has been removed. You can even have your fur baby present as many of the rooms are dog-friendly.

Weddings here are entirely bespoke and General Manager Debbie Cappadona and her team will go above and beyond to offer whatever you dream of. You can even work with them to devise your own wedding breakfast menu, or opt for the incredible four-course or seven-course tasting menu. Your big day will be catered by the same talented chef who prepared my memorable meal.

When it comes to assembling your W-day team, Debbie has some wonderful recommendations to make, all locally-based from flowers, to entertainment and photography. They will all work expertly together to bring your vision to life.

Having been lucky enough to meet one of the hotel's charming new owners, Donna, as I was checking out, I was able to get the inside track on their plans for the future. While, Palé Hall currently excels in intimate occasions, this is soon to be expanded into larger affairs with plans to offer a marquee with a capacity of 200. There's also planning permission in place to construct an exciting orangery and spa due to be open next spring. I for one can't wait to return to check it all out.