THE LOWDOWN

Slap bang in the middle of the leafy Nottingham Uni campus, this eco-friendly hotel has had a luxe upgrade with the launch of its slick new Signature Suite. A pretty special penthouse suite (ooh, the penthouse!), it comes with private roof terrace (I was amazed to see what a whopper it is) for al fresco drinks and some of the best views across the Nottingham skyline that I’ve seen.

Topsy-turvy compared to most hotels, The Orchard’s 202 bedrooms tend to be busy on weekdays with corporate and conference guests, but quieter come the weekend. If staying on a university campus sounds an odd offering, you obviously don’t know Nottingham University campus. Its 330 acres of parkland, lakes and tree-lined trails make it a gorgeous place to retreat to and gives guests the best of both worlds on their city-break – buzzy shopping and nightlife and a rural retreat. It’s a 10-minute drive from the city centre and Nottingham railway station, city buses stop on the street outside and a direct tram departs a 10minute walk away.

THE VIBE

Close to the city centre but a world away, The Orchard’s leafy position is just lovely. But rural-looking it ain’t. It came as a surprise to find such a cool contemporary, look-at-me, architect-designed beauty of a building that has the look and feel of an international hotel. The huge, spacious lobby is bathed in light thanks to the glass walls and ceiling and shiny, light marble floors. But despite its size, I found the hotel’s communal areas welcoming and cosy, with fresh apple-coloured chairs to lounge in, cosy task lighting and lots of booths and more private zoned areas.

PILLOW TALK

As you’d expect from the penthouse Signature Suite, it’s got the wow factor from the moment you open the door. Sleek, sophisticated and contemporary, a large open plan kitchen area and lounge lead round to a beautiful big superking bedroom and spacious bathroom. The bathroom’s not quite bigger than The Blue Banana, but it’s pretty darn roomy. Alas I visited alone, but that bathtub is plenty big enough for two.

The master bedroom (there’s a sofa bed for two in the lounge if you’re bringing the fam) feels grown-up and luxe, with pale grey walls, gold accent lights and bedside tables, chunky cable-knit cushions and a cool, black Eames style chair and foot stool beside the huge (super-comfy) bed. The contemporary grey canvas continues into the lounge, along with wooden-slatted panelling on the walls, vast flat-screen TV with pops of bright yellow and forest green.

All the extras you’d expect from a high-end room are here – Nespresso machine, Kettle Chips, towelling robes and toothbrushes, slippers and lots of little things-you-might-have-forgotten in the bathroom. Roll back the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and you step out onto a huge terrace furnished with loungers, chairs and tables and a view that must be one of the city’s finest.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Bramley’s Brasserie & Bar is all blonde birchwood tables and chairs, pops of apple green, contemporary wooden wall panelling, studded with a gallery wall of apple pictures. Even the waiting staff in their cute red and white gingham shirts give a nod to the basket-of-apples theme.

Considering this is an efficient, slick, corporate canteen by day, I was surprised by how lovely and intimate it looked come evening. Low lighting (a mix of sunken spots and low hanging copper pendants), candles on the tables, soft muslin curtains and clever zoning with wood panelling create a softer, more romantic restaurant feel. It’s simple, unfussy and contemporary but with a soft edge. It’s a versatile space, cleverly done and doesn’t feel corporate or impersonal.

Service is slick and speedy. My starter (a scrummy smoked salmon dish with dots of delicious, vibrant sauces) was on the table moments after ordering, giving the impression of being very used to the demands of a busy restaurant. Waiting staff were attentive and knowledegable – letting me know my fish and chip main course was elevated by the use of a local beer in the batter. Deliciously light and crispy – well above standard fish and chip fare for sure.
It gets even better with dessert – a marvellously-moist sticky toffee pudding positively swimming in a sauce that’s just the right side of sweet. A winner.
Cocktails here look good. The neighbouring table ordered plenty of fabulous-looking concoctions, but I stuck with a glass of mid-week Chablis.

The buffet breakfast here is a cut above and deserve special mention. After the previous night’s piggery I opted for the fruit bowl – but what a fruit bowl! Melon, oranges, pineapple and more with a medley of delicious-looking compotes to choose from and toppings galore – dried fruit, Greek yogurt and seeds of every kind. There’s even a slab of honeycomb (sourced from the bees on the Kings Meadow campus) to carve off a chunk of fresh honey. Foray beyond the fruit and you’ll find full cooked options, breads, pastries and cold meats and cheeses.

OUT & ABOUT

You don’t have to stroll far for the good stuff. Lakeside Arts is a short 15- away minute walk where you’ll find cultural happenings galore, from cool art exhibitions to children’s theatre. Grab a game of adventure golf at Highfields Park or just enjoy a campus walk through the gorgeous parkland. For longer forays into nature head over the road to Wollaton Hall and deer park. Shopping and nightlife more your thing? The city centre is just a short tram ride away.

Staying here also bags you a free day pass to use the flash new gym and pool at David Ross sports centre. During term-time you won’t be alone, so pick your time wisely if you want to beat sporty students to the state-of-the-art equipment.

KID-FRIENDLY?

Yep, the Signature Suite is well set up for families and there’s so much to do in the immediate area it makes a great base for a weekend escape en famille.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

Yes. Most rooms (including the Signature Suite) can accommodate dogs for a supplement of £30 per stay and £10 per additional pooch.  

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Romantic overnighters, catch-ups with friends, city-breaks with the family. Anyone who appreciates good service and contemporary surroundings will love it here.

Not for: The service is so personal here that, despite its corporate customer base, it doesn’t feel anonymous or lacking in personality. But if it’s character and quirky design you’re after, head elsewhere.

The damage: The Signature Suite costs from a reasonable £250. Catch the ‘stay in spring’ promotion and you’ll snaffle 25% off your booking if you stay 2 or more nights.

The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant, Beeston Lane, Beeston, Nottingham, NG7 2RJ.