The Mount Somerset Country Hotel is a place of traditional splendour in Taunton. It's part of the Von Essen collection, which has a stable of high-class, quality hotels.
Approaching the Mount Somerset Country Hotel from the driveway, you definitely get the feeling of anticipation. The building is impressive and it has a commanding location on the side of the hill. The original building has been tastefully extended to add a series of modern rooms to the original.
We were greeted by the receptionist and processed quickly. There seemed to be quite a few people around but everyone was being taken care of. We were then shown through the hotel and up to our room.
The size of our room was good with a nice sofa to watch the large TV, or read a book. The bathroom was spacious and exquisitely decorated with a large walk-in shower as well as a full-sized bath. The highlight of the room was the view. Through the large windows out onto verdant green land. It made such a difference to the experience.
We had a garden room with hot tub on the patio outside which was a nice touch. Fortunately it wasn’t overlooked, so we didn’t feel conscious about using it. The weather cooperated too, which was nice.
The hotel also contains a spa, which we sampled. It includes a pool, sauna, steam room, foot spas, experience showers and a gym. The pool was a great experience as was the shower. The “experience shower” is aptly named. It has several presets including a storm setting which includes sound effects of thunder to add to the mood.
Everything in the spa and hotel was scrupulously clean. It has just been through a large refurbishment where the extension was added. The new lick of paint and a polish has given the hotel a new lease of life.
The staff were very efficient, polite and nothing seemed like too much trouble for them. It added to our experience, even though it’s to be expected from a 5-star hotel.
The Mount Somerset Country Hotel is a great place for a weekend away from it all. It’s far enough away to leave the city behind, but near enough to get there quickly.
The Bill: £175 per night
