I recently had the pleasure of a complimentary stay at the Double Tree Forest Pines in Scunthorpe. I’ve stayed at a few Double Tree’s in the past, always in city locations though. So I was excited to see what a more rural location would offer. Me and my lovely mum packed up an overnight bag and headed just 22 miles down the road from our gaffs in Grimsby.
Idyllic Location
Okay so firstly, Scunthorpe? Rural? Well it’s actually located on the outskirts, not far from the lovely market town of Brigg. The Double Tree Forest Pines is set in 190 (!) acres of lush greenery. And includes a golf course, spa and business centre. And trust me, once you turn off the motorway, you really are transported to somewhere a whole lot more peaceful and relaxed. Fans of the Double Tree chain will be pleased to know, you still get the yummy signature cookie on arrival.
Refurbished Rooms
The hotel has recently undergone a programme of refurbishment. I think because of the sheer breadth of the property, it’s never going to have that homely or even luxurious feel to the corridor and communal areas; but the rooms themselves are a whole different world. Beautifully clean and classy, the decor is neutral and modern. Everything feels really luxurious, a real treat.
The rooms are well equipped with everything you could hope for, robes, tea and coffee, complimentary water and toiletries in the bathroom. I do love a room with a seating area too, it’s nice to have your bed, just as your bed, not sofa/dressing table/bed!
The wall sockets have built in usb ports, so no need to pack those plugs, and the desk is nice and large – perfect if you are on a working trip.
The Food
Well well, it wouldn’t be a Becky Barnes travel review without the food would it? And let me say, Forest Pines does not disappoint. In fact for me, it was the highlight of the visit. It really was that good.
I started with the Ham Hock terrine served with a delicious piccalilli which cut beautifully through the rich meat. Main was slow roasted beef, pesto mash and seasonal veg all finished off with a stunning Panna Cotta. Which I have to admit, completely defeated me. I managed half (shame on me).
The next morning, breakfast again was a treat. It was your usual hotel buffet fodder but with added extras like a gorgeous ‘hydration station’ – boasting a vast array of juices and waters. There was plenty of fresh fruit, granolas, baked goods, continental options and of course the traditional english cooked breakfast. All of whi9ch were delicious and regularily replenished.
The Spa
On the first day after we’d checked in, mum and I went over to the spa to check out the facilities. It incorporates the golf club too and has a separate bar, equipment shop and gym. The swimming pool area includes a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi and has excellent changing facilities. Everything was really well equipped. Again, it was a bit more business-y than luxury spa, but it was clean and the staff were truly lovely.
On our second day we visited the spa for some complimentary beauty treatments. Mum opted for the mini facial and a file and polish and I went for the deluxe pedicure. Now I have to say, the team were wonderful and this is wholly down to me not saying anything, but what I received wasn’t what I would call a pedicure.
What I got a was a gorgeous file and gel polish, which I was incredibly happy with, but it wasn’t what I would deem a pedicure. There was no massage, foot care or creams etc applied. Just a straight file, cuticle tidy and polish. The polish itself is still going strong after 6+ weeks so that side of things was amazing, but yeah, I was expecting a bit of a pamper. Mum on the other hand said her facial was amazing and she really enjoyed being treated.
Double Tree Forest Pines – My verdict
All in all we had a really wonderful stay. The staff and customer service was impeccable. Every member of the team was polite and friendly and nothing was too much bother. The new rooms are gorgeous and the setting is peaceful and very pretty.
For me the spa side of things wasn’t everything I had expected it to be, I think a bit of planning on my part would have helped too. We should have done the whole spa experience in one day, took advantage of the robes, had a swim in the morning, relaxed a bit more and had maybe more treatments.
If you are travelling to the area though for work or pleasure and want somewhere clean, fresh and comfortable to stay, with great food and exceptional customer service, I cannot recommend the Double Tree Forest Pines enough.
Thank you to the whole team who made our stay really special!