As part of our new feature, we welcome back Vikki Richman from Your Wedding Friend for another fantastic venue review.

Today we are visiting Hotel Cromwell, Stevenage to see why you should consider it for your venue!

For many couples the priority for their ideal venue is ensuring everything can be done in one place. Hotels are an obvious choice for this – you get the luxury of getting ready in a lovely room with breakfast delivered to you, you’re not having to hire a vehicle and can also avoid any risk of getting stuck in traffic, and you can make the preparations last right up to the last possible minute.  

With that in mind we’re looking at the fabulous Hotel Cromwell in Stevenage. Recently refurbished and independently owned, this hotel offers a high specification mixed with a good dose of old charm. The hotel looks gorgeous from the outside and the inside doesn’t disappoint either; all their rooms, event spaces and accommodation, are modern and comfortable. It doesn’t look massive from outside but looks can be deceptive. This venue has the capacity (and is licensed) to host up to 150 guests for a civil ceremony. Outdoor ceremonies can also be hosted under the gazebo in the gorgeous, if slightly compact grounds, which are still amazing given the old town centre/high street location of the hotel. 

Their average prices are based on a fairly standard capacity of 80 guests for wedding breakfast and 100 people for the evening. They can also accommodate smaller weddings, which is fantastic; you don’t get that option everywhere. The prices aren’t bad for what you get, and you can opt for a reception party-only if you’re having your ceremony elsewhere. 

The main venue space is the Cromwell Suite, which is a low-ceilinged room with its own bar and opens out to the back of the hotel. Between the event room and reception is a comfy seating area so if it all gets too much for some of your guests, they have somewhere equally nice to sit for a chat and a drink. 

Menus are traditional for a hotel, 3 courses, buffet, and you get a complimentary menu tasting. Be aware though that with the more cost-effective option you have to choose only one starter, main and dessert, which is not unusual with similar venues, but can be a bit restrictive for those with very fussy guests. 

This hotel venue has a really lovely mix of old and new styling, with all the conveniences you’d expect from a modern hotel. The town centre location is handy for visitors, grabbing supplies are a doddle here. A word of warning for older and less physically mobile guests; as with any old building is, there are stairs.

PLUS…

They’re still offering fantastic deals on their website so if you’re thinking about doing a speedy turnaround on your wedding then it’s well worth considering.

Thank you again Vikki for sharing this review of the Hotel Cromwell. Somewhere you can get ready, have the ceremony and the reception? What a perfect streamline option! Check out Your Wedding Friend for more venue reviews, and see Vikki’s review of Brickendon Grange Golf Club here.