Sopwell House’s frequently asked questions
Some good-to-knows
FAQs

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General
How many bedrooms and suites do you have?
Sopwell House has 126 bedrooms and suites, including 16 uniquely designed Mews Suites.
Is there free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel?
Yes, there’s complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including bedrooms, restaurants, and public areas.
Is Sopwell House family-run?
Yes, our boutique hotel is owned and run by the Bejerano family. Find out more about our story and rich history.
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate pets, but guide dogs and assistance dogs are always welcome. If you're bringing a service dog, just let us know in advance so we can ensure everything is set up for you.
Do you have accessible facilities?
Yes, we do. Get in touch with our reservations team, and we’ll be happy to chat through your needs.
Will my card be charged if I don’t cancel or show up?
Yes, the full amount will be charged if you don’t cancel or show up. We recommend checking our cancellation policy for details.
Why do I need to provide my credit card details when booking?
A valid credit or debit card is required to secure your booking. Your card won’t be charged at the time of booking unless you select an advanced purchase rate. An additional pre-authorisation, or deposit, of £200 per night will be taken for any incidentals during your stay. Full room payment will be taken on arrival for all other bookings. You are entitled to change your booking without charge up to 48 hours before your arrival for overnight stays, spa treatments and spa day bookings.
Can I pay for someone else's stay or extras over the phone?
Sadly not, but we do accept third-party authorisation for extras up to £200 and certain agency bookings. You can also pay by bank transfer or chip-and-pin.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, cheques (with prior arrangement), and bank transfers (with prior arrangement). Please note, a credit or debit card is required for the £200 pre-authorisation deposit per night.
Do you offer free parking?
Yes, we have plenty of free on-site parking for our guests including 3 spaces for electric charging.
Do you have a golf course?
We don’t have a golf course on-site, but Verulam Golf Club next door offers great facilities for the keen golfer.
How do I make a complaint?
To make a complaint, please call +44 (0) 1727 864477 or email enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk.
Is my personal information secure?
Yes, your personal information is always secure. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or amend your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before arrival (excluding prepaid events). Special advance purchase bookings can also be changed up to 48 hours before arrival, with a voucher issued for future use if cancelled. Terms and conditions apply.
Location
Is St Albans within walking distance?
Yes, about a 20-minute walk, but we recommend taking a taxi. We will happily organise this for you if you like — just speak to our reception team.
What is there to do in the local area?
There’s plenty to see and do around our hotel. Take a look at our top recommendations.
How far is London?
Sopwell House is located just 25 miles (40 km) from Central London. St Albans City Station is less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel, with direct trains reaching London St Pancras International in just 20 minutes.
What are the nearest airports?
The nearest airports to Sopwell House are:
- London Luton: 22 minute drive
- London Stansted: 54 minute drive
- London Heathrow: 40 minute drive
Direct rail links are available from London Luton and London Gatwick, with bus services from London Luton and London Heathrow.
Is there public transport nearby?
Yes. St Albans has two train stations: St Albans City & St Albans Abbey, both a 10 minute drive from the hotel and several bus routes operate in the area.
Stays
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
Is early check-in or late check-out available?
Early check-in and late check-out may be available on request, subject to availability and an additional charge for late check-out. If early check-in isn't possible, you’re welcome to store your luggage and enjoy our facilities (excluding Cottonmill Spa) until your room is ready. Late arrivals are no problem—our team is available 24/7, but please let us know in advance.
Do you offer babysitting services?
Not in-house, but we can arrange this through a certified agency if needed. Let us know in advance, and we’ll be happy to help.
Are you child-friendly?
Yes, we welcome children of all ages. Baby cots can be provided free of charge, although you will need to bring your own bedding. Children aged 4 to 12 are charged £75.00 per child, per night, which includes bed and breakfast. Sofa beds for children are available in select rooms. Please note that access to the Cottonmill Spa is restricted to guests aged 18 and over. Those aged 16 to 17 may use the spa if accompanied by an adult, and a selected treatment menu is available for this age group.
How many Adults/Children can be accommodated in one room?
Rooms Chic and above will be eligible for receiving cots. Junior Suites and Corner Suites can accomodate two adults and two children aged 4-12 years. Please see our Stay page for more information.
What amenities are in the rooms?
All rooms include the following amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV with national and international channels
- Sky Sports and BT Sport
- Complimentary WiFi
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Desk space
- In-room safeIron and ironing board
- Hair dryer
- Elemis toiletries (including face/body/hand wash, shampoo & conditioner)
Additionally, mini bars or fridges are available in select Mews & Corner Suites. Fridges are available upon request in main hotel bedrooms.
Dry cleaning is also available upon request.
For full details on what's included in each room type, please visit our Stay page.
Dining
Do you offer a gluten-intolerant afternoon tea menu?
Yes, that’s no problem. Just let us know 48 hours in advance so we can get it ready for you.
Can I just come for a drink or coffee?
Of course! You’re more than welcome to pop into the Conservatory Bar or Octagon Bar for a drink or coffee.
Do you offer room service?
Yes, we offer room service from 11.00 to 22:30. Please note we do not Brasserie & Omboo menu items are not available for order to bedrooms.
Can I make a dinner reservation on the day?
Yes, absolutely. Reservations can be made on the day, though it’s subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends.
Do you serve Kosher/Halaal food?
We don’t serve Kosher/Halaal food, but we can make special arrangements if you bring in your own. A supplement charge may apply.
Do you accommodate dietary/allergen requirements?
We take our guests' safety and dining experience seriously and will do our best to accommodate dietary and allergen needs. Please give us 48 hours' notice, and bear in mind that, although we aim to be as careful as possible, we can't guarantee 100% allergen-free dishes.
What kind of food do you serve in your restaurants?
We have two restaurants at Sopwell House
- The Brasserie: Classic dishes with global influences
- Omboo: Asian and Far Eastern flavours, served as sharing plates when ready.
What are your restaurant opening times?
The Brasserie’s opening times are
- Breakfast: Monday–Friday: 07:00–10:00 | Weekends and bank holidays: 08:00–10:30
- Lunch and dinner: Monday–Sunday: 14:00–22:00
Omboo’s opening times are: Tuesday–Sunday: 18:00–22:00
Find out more on our dine page.
Do you cater for allergies at Omboo?
Our menu lists allergens, which you can view on our Omboo page. While we may not be able to modify dishes without losing their flavour, please let us know your dietary requirements, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Are children welcome in Omboo?
Omboo may not be suitable for children under 12 due to the flavours and spices. For a more child-friendly experience, we recommend The Brasserie, where we have a children’s menu.
Can I take a call in Omboo?
If you need to take a call, we ask that you step outside the restaurant to do so, out of respect for other guests.
Do you offer private dining at Omboo?
Yes, we have a private area available for up to 14 people, with a minimum spend of £700. A deposit is required, and cancellation must be made at least 5 days before the booking for a full refund. Get in touch with our team for more information.
What if I’m running late?
We hold your reservation for up to 15 minutes. If you’re running late, give us a call on 01727 864477, and we’ll try to find another available time. If not, we may have to release your reservation.
Spa & Club
Are children welcome?
Cottonmill Spa is for guests aged 18+. Those aged 16–18 can visit when accompanied by an adult and have access to a limited treatment menu.
What are the opening and closing times of the spa and gym?
The spa opening times are:
Cottonmill Spa
- Monday–Friday: 06:30–22:00
- Weekends and bank holidays: 07:30–21:00
The Club at Cottonmill
- Monday–Friday: 08:00–22:00
- Weekends and bank holidays: 08:00–21:00
Do I get access to The Club if I stay?
Those staying in our Corner or Mews Suites get complimentary access to The Club at Cottonmill facilities. The Club members, and guests booked on a Club spa day or Club spa break also have access.
Do I get access to Cottonmill Spa facilities if I have access to The Club facilities?
Yes. The Club at Cottonmill members, guests staying in our Corner or Mews Suites, and guests booked on a Club spa day or Club spa break also have access to Cottonmill Spa facilities.
Do you offer spa treatments and spa days for under 18s?
Spa treatments and access to the spa facilities are available for 16 and 17-year-olds, but they must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please note there’s a limited treatment menu for this age group.
Are children allowed in the swimming pool?
Cottonmill is an adults-only spa, and only children aged 16 and over can use the pool and spa. During Christmas, children may have limited access to the pool. Just check with us for the details.
Do you offer spa and gym memberships?
Yes, we do. Both Cottonmill Spa and The Club at Cottonmill offer memberships. You can find out more or become a member on our memberships page.
What's the difference between Cottonmill Spa and The Club at Cottonmill?
There are two distinct and separate areas within the spa. Cottonmill Spa is somewhere to unwind, with its swimming and vitality pools, gym, heat experiences, and the Rose Relaxation Room.
The Club at Cottonmill provides exclusive access to enhanced relaxation spaces, including our spa gardens, a Whisper Room, and Deep Relaxation Room, reserved for select members and guests on Club packages.
Occasions
How many event rooms do you have?
We have 19 flexible function suites at Sopwell House.
Can I exclusively hire the hotel?
Yes, we offer exclusive hire, but please get in touch with us to discuss the details.
Can you accommodate Asian or Kosher weddings?
Yes, we can. Please get in touch to discuss the details with us.
Do you allow outdoor weddings?
Yes, we do! We can host beautiful outdoor weddings (weather permitted, of course).
Do you permit external caterers for events?
Yes, we do allow external caterers for events.
Do you allow fireworks?
Yes, fireworks are allowed, subject to terms and conditions.
Can I bring my own suppliers for events?
Yes, you can bring your own suppliers, subject to terms and conditions.
Can I reserve a space in your bar for a meeting?
For a more private meeting space, we recommend contacting our conference and events team. However, for smaller, informal meetings, you’re welcome to use the Octagon Bar, Lounge, or Conservatory, though these can’t be pre-booked and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why choose Sopwell House instead of a venue in Central London?
Sopwell House is an award-winning conference venue in Hertfordshire, offering versatile function suites for everything from small meetings to large conferences and product launches. Just 20 minutes by train from St Pancras International and under an hour by car from Central London or Heathrow, it’s convenient yet tranquil hotel away from the city, surrounded by countryside.