Macdonald Frimley Hall hotel and spa: family friendly review

A relaxing getaway in a leafy suburb

Macdonald Hotel Frimley Hall

by Georgina Terry |
Updated on

Macdonald Frimley Hall hotel is the prefect setting for an autumn getaway. The hall is an impressive, sprawling, manor house in a leafy suburb of Camberley, not far outside London, made glorious by the colours of the falling leaves on our visit.

The reception provided a hearty welcome too. Not just because of the warm, friendly, staff but quite literally from the roaring fire. As first impressions go, it was a good one.

Rooms at Macdonald Frimley Hall hotel

Macdonald Hotels Frimley Hall Suite
Macdonald Hotels Frimley Hall Suite ©Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

Our room was tucked into the eaves, a quirky space in calming neutral tones with plenty of space for our two year old, who is far from calm, to run around. There was no lift, so mention if stairs are an issue when you book, but reception staff suggested that they keep our buggy with them, which was a big help.

Ww were delighted with the two comfortable arm chairs, and our toddler delighted with the huge flatscreen TV (don't judge us - there's a time for Paw Patrol).

There was a Nespresso machine to aid the 6am starts and the mini fridge was an unexpected delight. When we rang for fresh milk, as a cheery sign tells you to do, a smiling member of staff brought us up a little jug.

The bathroom was large with a bath and shower and filled with Elemis toiletries, plentiful towels and two snuggly towelling robes.

Frankly, I'm surprised we ever left the room. But one has to eat (although room service is an option). Speaking of food...

Food at the Macdonald Frimley Hall hotel

Macdonald Hotels Frimley Hall Linden Restaurant
Linden restaurant ©Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

We experienced two different styles of breakfast. On our first day it was a la carte, top tip: the avocado and poached egg on sourdough is a treat.

The other day was a buffet with eggs, sausages, and every continental pastry you could hope for, plus juice, muesli and even Coco Pops - a big hit with our son.

For dinner, we chose garlicky bruschetta and crunchy Caesar salads. Check if you have any dietary requirements though as our salads came with unexpected bacon.

We also managed to find room for passionfruit cheesecake that was fabulous.

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Check out these 42 gorgeous autumn inspired baby names...

Gallery

Autumn Baby Name Inspiration - slider & stacked

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autumn baby names

1. AmberThis name is taken from the golden-brown hue of fossilised tree resin - and means, quite simply, 'jewel'.2. Aki / AkikoThese unusual - and pretty - girls names come from the Japanese word for Autumn.

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autumn baby names

3. Ash / AsherThese robust names come from the Middle English word 'asche' - meaning, yes, the tree. Perfect for a fall baby!4. AsterAster is a name that comes from the modern, everyday Greek word for "star" which is "asteri" - but it's also the official flower for September.

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autumn baby names

5. AureliaThis girl name is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Aurelia is "golden" - perfect for autumn.6. AutumnWell, duh! Autumn is the hottest season name, holding a spot in the Top 100 baby names for over ten years.

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autumn baby names

7. BaizeThis utterly unique girl name is french, meaning 'dark brown'.8. BrunaThis pretty Italian girl name means 'brown'.

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autumn baby names

9. BrunoRich, stylish, and VERY European, this Portuguese name means 'brown'.10. CormacThis handsome Irish boys' name means "tree trunk".

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autumn baby names

11. DaphneA classic and uber-feminine name, Daphne means 'laurel tree' - an aromatic evergreen that really comes into its own in the autumn months.12. DoryA cute name - especially when you're a Finding Nemo fan - the meaning of Dory is "golden haired". Ideal for those colourful autumn months, eh?

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autumn baby names

13. GarnetThis unique unisex name comes from the dark red gemstone.14. HazanA rich and warm girl's name, stemming from the Turkish word for Autumn.

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autumn baby names

15. HazelAnother unisex name taken from nature, this old fashioned moniker is derived from the tree of the same name.16. HunterThis was traditionally thought of as a super-masculine name, but it has been used for children of both genders in recent years. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Hunter is "hunter, pursuer".

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autumn baby names

17. JuniperJuniper is a fresh-feeling nature name - it's another evergreen shrub - with lots of energy.18. LaurelThis unisex name is taken from the laurel tree - an aromatic evergreen that really comes into its own in the autumn months.

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autumn baby names

19. LennoxThis Scottish name, related to the elm tree, conjure sup images of falling leaves and crisp autumnal days.20. LindenAnother popular unisex name, this one means "linden tree hill".

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autumn baby names

21. MapleThe rich red leaves of the maple tree lend themselves well to this unusual girl's name, don't they?22. OliveMeaning "olive tree", this is another pretty nature name which would be perfect for your autumn baby.

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autumn baby names

23. OpalThe birthstone for October, this beautiful white gem is a gorgeous name choice for an autumn baby.24. OrlaThis Irish name means "golden princess" - which is VERY apt for all the colours of the season.

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autumn baby names

25. PerryChic, functional, and friendly, this works for both boys and girls and means "pear tree."26. QiuA pretty unisex name which stems from the Chinese word for Autumn.

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autumn baby names

27. RavenRavens are highly-intelligent birds - and, with Robin and Wren both popular girls names, we predict that Raven is set to soar over the next few years in the baby name charts.28. RheaAnother nature name, this greek girl's moniker means "a flowing stream" and is taken from the earth mother of all gods. Win.

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autumn baby names

29. RoryThis strong Irish name - meaning "red king" - is good for both boys and girls.30. RowanA unisex name that's also the name of a tree with red berries and that means "little redhead."

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autumn baby names

**31. Roux (pronounced 'Roo')**This gorgeous moniker comes from a Latin word meaning russet or brownish red - and, thanks to Hunger Games's Rue, looks set to become very popular.32. RustyThis boy's name conjures to mind that gorgeous brown-red colour we all associate with the season.

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autumn baby names

33. SaffronThis girl's name has a strong hippie vibe to it - and that might have a little something to do with the fact that it's taken from a precious orange-scented spice.34. SapphireThe birthstone for September, this name is bright, dazzling and beautiful.

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autumn baby names

35. ScarlettMeaning "scarlet, red", this beautiful name is inspired by all the colours of the season.36. ScoutAn interesting choice for either gender, this name means "to listen" and was made famous by the feisty little girl of To Kill A Mockingbird.

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autumn baby names

37. SiennaA real up-and-comer, this soft and delicate name is taken from the red-bricked Tuscan town of the same title.38. SparrowAnother name taken from nature, this unisex moniker is becoming VERY fashionable.

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autumn baby names

39. ThuA unisex name, stemming from the Vietnamese word for Autumn.40. WheatleyThis means 'from the wheat meadow', making it perfect for harvest time.

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autumn baby names

41. WillowAn ancient tree that is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely and graceful name.42. WoodyCourageous and friendly, this Toy Story-inspired name means "row of houses by a wood".

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autumn baby names

41, RobinRobin is a small brown bird known for it's distinctive red chest and is common in Britain all year round.42, WrenLike the Robin, the Wren is a small finch-type bird that is native to England. These two names would be cute for twins or for a mum who wants her children's names to match.

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autumn baby names

43, DahliaThis unusual flower is the national flower of Mexico and whilst is often considered a summer flower, actually can bloom right through to December making it the perfect autumnal name.44, RaineIn case there was any doubt, this is a good reminder of our temperate British climate but is less gloomy and more glam. For boys and girls.

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autumn baby names

45, ForrestThis one is pretty self explanatory. Whether you're a Tom Hanks fan or not, this cute boys name calls to mind technicolour trees and diverse wildlife. 45, SaywerSawyer is a unisex name, meaning 'a person who cuts timber', and is also the name of our favourite character in Lost, so, there's that. 46, OakleyThe Oak is the king of the forest and likewise this earthy name conjures notions of wisdom and grandeur. Give a baby destined for big things this name.

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autumn baby names

47, MaizePronounced Maisie, Maize is a grain primarily farmed in the autumn and a core components in diets across the globe.48, AppleMade popular by Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, the name Apple brings to mind lush orchards heavy with shiny red apples, ready for bobbing and apple pies this autumn. 49, PhoenixIf autumn was a (admittedly, mythical) bird, it would be a Phoenix. In flaming reds, oranges and golds, the Phoenix perfectly represents the autumnal palette and is a kick-ass baby name to boot. 50, GaiaGaia was the Greek goddess of Harvest - a time around September when farmers plough their fields for their year's work.

Swimming pool and spa at Macdonald Frimley Hall hotel

Macdonald Hotels Frimley Hall spa
Macdonald Hotels spa ©Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

The pool has generous kids' splash times and a heap of poolside toys for our little one. Okay, strictly speaking they may have been floats and noodles but we still had fun playing with them.

There was a sauna and steam room next to the pool, and, as well as giving our pores a good open, we indulged in a spa manicure with the chatty, friendly spa staff.

Prices at Macdonald Frimley Hall hotel and spa start at £168 for dinner, bed and breakfast and £132 for bed and breakfast.

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