Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="978" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R.jpg" alt="The Mandolay Hotel, Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-50105" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R-800x522.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R-1000x652.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R-400x261.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R-768x501.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/The-Mandolay-213R-805x525.jpg 805w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sitting at the top of Guildford&#8217;s cobbled High Street, across the road from G Live, the town&#8217;s music and theatre venue, <a href="https://www.mandolay.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mandolay</a> is perfectly positioned for overnight and weekend escapes. For those looking for a longer stay, the new fully-serviced aparthotel offers an ideal home-away-from-home.</p>



<p>The Mandolay is literally a stone&#8217;s throw from the centre of this vibrant market town, a hub for arts and culture, restaurants and shopping. But it&#8217;s also tucked far enough away to feel peaceful and undisturbed.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s is a popular hotel for business travellers, but also for couples and families on short breaks and getaways. The North Downs and beautiful Surrey Hills are on the doorstep offering gorgeous countryside walks, and the towpath alongside the River Wey is ideal for cyclists.</p>



<p>Guildford is just off the A3, with excellent access by car to London and the south coast. Trains run direct from Guildford Station to London Waterloo in under an hour, and from Guildford to Portsmouth Harbour in around an hour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-189E-1.jpg" alt="The Grill at The Mandolay in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-59082" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-189E-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-189E-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-189E-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-189E-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-189E-1-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Mandolay is set behind an original white Edwardian façade that lights up dramatically in the evenings. Fun fact: it was originally a private residence &#8211; once home to the parents of Alan Turing, the famous mathematician and computer scientist. </p>



<p>Today though, The Mandolay is a clever union of three Edwardian buildings plus a newer wing that houses bedrooms, meeting rooms and event spaces. Beyond the traditional exterior, the hotel sports an elegant and contemporary vibe. Think dark timber panelling, decadent light fittings and beautiful plush soft furnishings, with pops of eye-catching artwork on the walls.</p>



<p>Just off the main entrance lobby, Bar 36 flows in an L-shape around to The Grill restaurant. There&#8217;s a pleasant unity to these spaces &#8211; which by day are light and bright thanks to the large windows at the front, and after dusk are taken over by soft mood lighting. </p>



<p>The Mandolay is a popular spot for conferences, meetings and weddings, and there are several suites and meeting rooms for up to 500 people. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-201-1E.jpg" alt="The Grill at The Mandolay in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-59081" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-201-1E.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-201-1E-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-201-1E-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-201-1E-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-201-1E-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It’s tempting in central Guildford to just step out and see where your taste buds take you, but The Mandolay has plenty to entice. The Signature Grill menu will excite foodies, and for those seeking a more classic dish there&#8217;s a wider menu with snacks, small palates, stone-baked pizza and mains, plus dessert. </p>



<p>But first, let&#8217;s start with a tipple. Bar 36 offers an extensive menu of premium pours with a particular focus on speciality gin and vodka. There are no less than 39 different gins on the menu and at least a dozen vodkas. Whisky is also a biggie, and there&#8217;s a delightful cocktail list. The wine list is cleverly curated with a satisfying choice of wines ticking the boxes for all palates and price-points. It&#8217;s big enough, but not so huge you&#8217;re head will spin.</p>



<p>Heading back to the food &#8211; the Signature Grill menu had me at venison carpaccio. It came with beetroot purée, pickled blackberry and crispy capers and was a wonderful combination of flavours, textures and flavours. Yum! Mr M was also quick with his choice going straight in for a soy and sesame tuna tartare (beautifully strong and sharp, he said).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-food.jpeg" alt="Food at The Mandolay in Guildford, Surrey.
" class="wp-image-59089" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-food.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-food-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-food-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-food-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-food-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Moving onto mains, my seared salmon with lobster bisque and garlic Parisienne potatoes, pea purée and roasted cauliflower was excellent. Across the table the sirloin of beef with heritage carrots, sautéed girolle mushrooms and crispy pancetta went down a treat. </p>



<p>We shared a bottle of Pinot Grigio, recommended by our delightful server Callum who was perfectly attentive without being OTT. </p>



<p>Who&#8217;s for pudding? Never one to skip the sweet stuff, I launched in with a vanilla and cinnamon panna cotta with caramelised pear (superb). Mr M went for the dark chocolate and Morello cherry tartlet with white chocolate mousse (rich and lovely).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-Room-63-wide-main-photo-.jpg" alt="The aparthotel at The Mandolay in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-59078" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-Room-63-wide-main-photo-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-Room-63-wide-main-photo--800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-Room-63-wide-main-photo--1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-Room-63-wide-main-photo--400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-Room-63-wide-main-photo--768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The hotel has 80 rooms and suites, ranging from the single Crash Pad to the swanky Signature Suite and the Aparthotel. Each room is individually styled by Osborne &amp; Little and includes lovely touches like luxury toiletries, 24-hour room service and Egyptian cotton bedlinen. </p>



<p>I stayed in the aparthotel, a deluxe suite with an indulgently comfy king-sized Hypnos bed, a fully-equipped Bosch kitchenette (including a fridge, dishwasher and a washer/dryer) and a fab 55-inch smart screen TV. There&#8217;s also a luxury rain shower, plenty of soft fluffy towels and luxury Molten Brown toiletries. Oh and I loved the anti-fog mirror. I considered moving in, but I think my family might miss me (&#8230; or maybe not). </p>



<p>The aparthotel is well set up for those who want to sort their own breakfast with a microwave, enough pots and pans, and an induction hob. But if you&#8217;d rather someone else do the cooking (yes please!), I can vouch for The Mandolay breakfast.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s is a buffet type affair with Continental and cooked breakfast options. Expect to find pastries, cereals and yoghurts, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, baked beans, mushrooms and cooked tomatoes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-nbsp"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-007.jpg" alt="The aparthotel at The Mandolay in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-59079" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-007.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-007-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-007-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-007-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/The-Mandolay-2025-tonyHphoto-007-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Mandolay offers Executive Triple rooms and Deluxe Suites which comes with double bed and single bed. Cots are available for an additional cost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<p>The Mandolay welcomes dogs in specific rooms and areas. All &#8220;Doggie Bookings&#8221; must be confirmed directly with the hotel to ensure appropriate room availability.&nbsp;Dogs are not allowed in The Grill restaurant. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>The public areas are wheelchair accessible and there are bedrooms equipped for disabled users. Flag up your needs with the Reservations team as early as possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1071" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Guildford-Town-Centre.jpeg" alt="Guildford Town Centre" class="wp-image-59091" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Guildford-Town-Centre.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Guildford-Town-Centre-800x571.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Guildford-Town-Centre-1000x714.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Guildford-Town-Centre-400x286.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Guildford-Town-Centre-768x548.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Guildford is a bustling market town with a vibrant arts scene and great shopping, while being surrounded by beautiful countryside. There are plenty of walks along the River Wey including a trail from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/trails/river-wey-walks-dapdune-wharf-to-st-catherines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dapdune Wharf to St Catherine’s Hill</a>.  It&#8217;s also a shoppers heaven &#8211; with a heady mix of well-known high street stores among top quality independents. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Weekend breaks, business stays and girly get-togethers. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Although children are welcome, there&#8217;s a grown-up vibe to The Mandolay. Those who want to wake up to rolling hills and countryside will want to look elsewhere.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Prices vary, but a Saturday night stay is from £150 to £280 for a double, not including breakfast. </p>



<p><strong><em>The Mandolay Hotel, 36-40 London Road, Guildford GU1 2AE. Tel: <a href="tel:01483 303030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">01483 303030</a></em></strong></p>


Review: The Mandolay, Guildford, Surrey

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