Sopwell House’s frequently asked questions

Sopwell House has 126 bedrooms and suites, including 16 uniquely designed Mews Suites.

Yes, there’s complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including bedrooms, restaurants, and public areas.

Yes, our boutique hotel is part of the AB Hotels Group, owned and run by a father and his two sons. Find out more about our story and rich history.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate pets, but guide dogs and assistance dogs are always welcome. If you're bringing a service dog, just let us know in advance so we can ensure everything is set up for you.

Yes, we do. Get in touch with our reservations team, and we’ll be happy to chat through your needs.

Yes, the full amount will be charged if you don’t cancel or show up. We recommend checking our cancellation policy for details.

A valid credit or debit card is required to secure your booking. Your card won’t be charged at the time of booking unless you select an advanced purchase rate. Full payment is taken on arrival, along with a nightly pre-authorisation of £200 for incidentals.

Sadly not, but we do accept third-party authorisation for extras up to £100 and certain agency bookings. You can also pay by bank transfer or chip-and-pin.

Yes, but we’ll need a credit or debit card for the £200 nightly pre-authorisation deposit.

Yes we accept cheques, but we’ll need to arrange this in advance.

Yes we accept bank transfers, but we’ll need to arrange this in advance.

No, Sopwell House is a strictly non-smoking hotel.

Yes, we have plenty of free on-site parking for our guests including 3 spaces for electric charging.

Yes, about a 20-minute walk, but we recommend taking a taxi. We will happily organise this for you if you like — just speak to our reception team.

There’s plenty to see and do around our hotel. Take a look at our top recommendations.

We don’t have a golf course on-site, but Verulam Golf Club next door offers great facilities for the keen golfer.

No, we don’t have a helipad, but special arrangements can be made with advance notice.

No, we don’t offer cycle hire, but you can find cycle hire available in St Albans.

Central London is just 25 miles (40km) from Sopwell House.

The nearest airports to Sopwell House are:

• Luton: 14.3 miles (23km
• Stansted: 41 miles (65.9km
• Heathrow: 26 miles (42km)

Direct rail links are available from Luton and Gatwick, with bus services from Luton and Heathrow.

Of course, taxis can be booked through reception. Just speak to our team and we’ll be happy to help.

Yes. St Albans has two train stations, and several bus routes operate in the area.

You can find our location and some useful travel tips on our location page.

St Albans is a historic city in Hertfordshire, just 20 miles north of London.

To make a complaint, please call +44 (0) 1727 864477 or email enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk.

Yes, your personal information is always secure. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

You can cancel or amend your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before arrival (excluding prepaid events). Special advance purchase bookings can also be changed up to 48 hours before arrival, with a voucher issued for future use if cancelled.

You can check in any time after 15:00.

You can check out any time before 11:00.

That’s not a problem — our team is available 24/7. Please let us know in advance if you’ll be arriving late.

Early check-in may be available on request, subject to availability. If we can’t offer an early check-in, you’re welcome to store your luggage with us and enjoy our facilities (excluding Cottonmill Spa) until your room is ready.

Late check-out is available for an additional cost and is subject to availability. Please ask us when booking.

Not in-house, but we can arrange this through a certified agency if needed. Let us know in advance, and we’ll be happy to help.

Baby cots are free (bedding not provided). Children aged 4–12 are charged £75 per night for bed and breakfast (available in selected rooms).

Cots can be provided in most room types (bedding not provided). Junior and Corner Suites can accommodate two adults and two small children (4–12 years), with an additional charge for children.

Yes, all of our rooms include hair dryers.

Yes, all our rooms include an iron and ironing board. We also offer a dry-cleaning service.

Yes, all rooms have a TV including Sky and BT Sports.

Mini bars or fridges are only available in select Mews Suites, but fridges are available on request for our hotel rooms.

You can find more information on inclusions for each room type on our stay page. But all rooms do include:

• Air conditioning
• Flat-screen TV with national and international channels
• Sky Sports and BT Sport
• Complimentary WiFi
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Desk space
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer

Yes, that’s no problem. Just let us know 48 hours in advance so we can get it ready for you.

Of course! You’re more than welcome to pop into the Conservatory Bar or Octagon Bar for a drink or coffee.

Yes, we offer room service from 12:00 to 22:30.

Yes, absolutely. Reservations can be made on the day, though it’s subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking in advance.

We don’t serve Kosher food, but we can make special arrangements if you bring in your own. A supplement charge may apply.

Our traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, a variety of pastries, and your choice of Newby loose leaf tea or coffee. Our Champagne afternoon tea includes everything from the traditional tea, with a glass of our house Champagne.

We take our guests' safety and dining experience seriously and will do our best to accommodate dietary and allergen needs. Please give us 48 hours' notice, and bear in mind that, although we aim to be as careful as possible, we can't guarantee 100% allergen-free dishes.

We have two restaurants at Sopwell House

• The Brasserie: Classic dishes with global influences
• Omboo: Asian and Far Eastern flavours, served as sharing plates when ready.

The Brasserie’s opening times are

• Breakfast: Monday–Friday: 07:00–10:00 | Weekends and bank holidays: 08:00–10:30
• Lunch and dinner: Monday–Sunday: 14:00–22:00

Omboo’s opening times are: Tuesday–Sunday: 18:00–22:00

Find out more on our dine page.

We recommend allowing around 120 minutes for your meal.

Our menu lists allergens, which you can view on our Omboo page. While we may not be able to modify dishes without losing their flavour, please let us know your dietary requirements, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Omboo may not be suitable for children under 12 due to the flavours and spices. For a more child-friendly experience, we recommend The Brasserie, where we have a children’s menu.

If you need to take a call, we ask that you step outside the restaurant to do so, out of respect for other guests.

Yes, we have a private area available for up to 14 people, with a minimum spend of £700. A deposit is required, and cancellation must be made at least 5 days before the booking for a full refund. Get in touch with our team for more information.

We hold your reservation for up to 15 minutes. If you’re running late, give us a call on 01727 864477, and we’ll try to find another available time. If not, we may have to release your reservation.

Yes, but Cottonmill Spa is for guests aged 18+. Those aged 16–18 can visit when accompanied by an adult and have access to a limited treatment menu.

The spa opening times are:

Cottonmill Spa

• Monday–Friday: 06:30–22:00
• Weekends and bank holidays: 07:30–21:00

The Club at Cottonmill

• Monday–Friday: 08:00–22:00
• Weekends and bank holidays: 08:00–21:00

Cottonmill is for adults only, so children aged 16 and over can use the spa and pool facilities. Those aged 16–17 must be accompanied by an adult. There's also a limited treatment menu for this age group.

Those staying in our Corner or Mews Suites get complimentary access to The Club at Cottonmill facilities. The Club members, and guests booked on a Club spa day or Club spa break also have access.

Yes. The Club at Cottonmill members, guests staying in our Corner or Mews Suites, and guests booked on a Club spa day or Club spa break also have access to Cottonmill Spa facilities.

Spa treatments and access to the spa facilities are available for 16 and 17-year-olds, but they must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please note there’s a limited treatment menu for this age group.

Cottonmill is an adults-only spa, and only children aged 16 and over can use the pool and spa. During Christmas, children may have limited access to the pool. Just check with us for the details.

Yes, we do. Both Cottonmill Spa and The Club at Cottonmill offer memberships. You can find out more or become a member on our memberships page.

There are two distinct and separate areas within the spa. Cottonmill Spa is somewhere to unwind, with its swimming and vitality pools, gym, heat experiences, and the Rose Relaxation Room.

The Club at Cottonmill provides exclusive access to enhanced relaxation spaces, including our spa gardens, a Whisper Room, and Deep Relaxation Room, reserved for select members and guests on Club packages.

We have 19 flexible function suites at Sopwell House.

Yes, we offer exclusive hire, but please get in touch with us to discuss the details.

Yes, we can. Please get in touch to discuss the details with us.

Yes, we do! We can host beautiful outdoor weddings (weather permitted, of course).

Yes, we do allow external caterers for events.

Yes, fireworks are allowed, subject to terms and conditions.

Yes, you can bring your own suppliers, subject to terms and conditions.

For a more private meeting space, we recommend contacting our conference and events team. However, for smaller, informal meetings, you’re welcome to use the Octagon Bar, Lounge, or Conservatory, though these can’t be pre-booked and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sopwell House is an award-winning conference venue in Hertfordshire, offering versatile function suites for everything from small meetings to large conferences and product launches. Just 20 minutes by train from St Pancras International and under an hour by car from Central London or Heathrow, it’s convenient yet tranquil hotel away from the city.