Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel 296 Mansfield Rd Nottingham Ng5 2bt

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a little gem nestled in the heart of Nottingham. We're talking about the Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel, or as I like to call it, the 'Jewel of Mansfield Road'. Now, I'm not one to blow my own trumpet, but I've stayed in my fair share of hotels, and this one's got a story or two to tell.

First Impressions: The Grand Entrance

So, you've rolled up to the Mercure, and you're thinking, 'Blimey, this place looks like it's seen a few Robin Hoods in its time.' Well, you're not wrong. This place has been around since the 1800s, and it's got the charm to prove it. The grand entrance is like something out of a period drama - all sweeping staircases and ornate architecture. It's like they've taken a bit of Nottingham Castle and said, 'Nah, we'll keep that for ourselves.'

But don't worry, they've not left it stuck in the past. They've given it a bit of a modern makeover, so it's like staying in a historical figure who's just discovered the joys of a good moisturiser.

Rooms with a View: The Sherwood Suite

Now, I was lucky enough to bag myself a room with a view of the famous Sherwood Forest. I mean, I could've been looking out at the local kebab shop, but no, they had to go and give me a room with a view of the actual forest where Robin Hood and his merry men used to hang out. Talk about a room upgrade!

And the room itself? Well, it's like they've taken a bit of Nottingham's famous lace and turned it into a cozy little nest. It's all plush carpets, comfy beds, and enough pillows to make you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. I mean, I've stayed in hotels where the pillows were so flat, I might as well have been sleeping on a slice of toast. Not here, though. Here, they take their pillows seriously.

Surprising Fact: The Secret Garden

Now, here's where things get interesting. You know that little garden out the back? The one that looks like it's straight out of a Jane Austen novel? Well, it's not just for show. No, no, no. This garden has a secret. It's a hidden gem where you can enjoy a quiet drink, or even a spot of afternoon tea. I mean, who doesn't love a good secret garden, right?

Dining: The Restaurant with a Past

Now, let's talk food. The restaurant at the Mercure is like something out of a Harry Potter book. All dark wood panelling, flickering candles, and a menu that's got more going on than a Shakespeare play. I mean, I've eaten in places where the menu was so simple, I could've written it myself. Not here, though. Here, they've got a chef who's clearly got a few tricks up his sleeve.

And the best part? They've got a dish called 'The Robin Hood'. I mean, how could I not order that? It's like they knew I was coming. It's a bit of a mystery, really. I've heard whispers that it's made from the tears of the Sheriff of Nottingham, but I can't confirm that. What I can confirm is that it's delicious.

Surprising Fact: The Haunted History

Now, I know what you're thinking. 'This place sounds too good to be true. It must be haunted.' Well, you're not wrong. This place has got more ghosts than a Scooby-Doo episode. I mean, it's been around since the 1800s. Of course, it's got a few ghosts knocking about. But don't worry, they're friendly ghosts. I mean, they've got to be, right? They're living in a hotel. They're not going to cause any trouble. They've probably got better things to do. Like haunting the local pubs, or something.

Drinks: The Bar with a View

Now, I've saved the best for last. The bar at the Mercure is like something out of a James Bond film. It's all sleek and sophisticated, with a view of the city that's got more going on than a fireworks display. I mean, I've been to bars where the view was so dull, I might as well have been looking at a blank wall. Not here, though. Here, they've got a view that's worth writing home about.

And the drinks? Well, let's just say they've got a few cocktails that'll make you see stars. I mean, I've had drinks that were so weak, I might as well have been drinking my own tears. Not here, though. Here, they know how to make a drink that packs a punch.

So, there you have it. The Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel. It's like staying in a bit of Nottingham's history, with a few modern twists thrown in for good measure. It's the kind of place that'll make you feel like you're living in a storybook. And who doesn't love a good story, right?