Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

Like to burpee before brunch? The Feel Good Health Club at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel will get you moving. Whether you’re a gym bunny or total newbie, this well-equipped fitness hub has everything you need to help you train and tone.

Packed with Matrix equipment, the gym features a cardio suite, resistance machines and a free weights zone. Like to keep fit with friends? The spin and class studio offers over 20 sessions a week, from high-energy bootcamps to mindful movement like yoga and pilates.

Feeling sporty? The hotel has all-weather tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course. But if walking is more your bag, the surrounding Kent countryside offers scenic trails, including routes near Leeds Castle and the North Downs Way, where you can soak up rolling landscapes and historic landmarks.

You’ve sunk your body into warm, bubbly water at the Feel Good Health Club. Now it’s time to sink your teeth into something just as indulgent! Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or settling into a leisurely meal, you’ll find delicious dishes, elegant surroundings and more than a touch of Kent countryside charm.

The Brasserie

Overlooking the hotel’s beautiful gardens and fishing lake, The Brasserie is all about laid-back dining with a refined twist. Expect classic British favourites, internationally inspired dishes and a menu packed with seasonal ingredients. 

The Lounge

For something more relaxed, the hotel’s bar and lounge is the perfect spot to unwind. Choose something to nibble on, from sandwiches to pizza. Sip on a fine wine or a perfectly mixed cocktail, then head out to the terrace, where you can soak up the views under a sunshade - and maybe even spot rabbits and peacocks frolicking in the grounds. 

There sure is, so come on in, the water’s lovely. Found in the hotel’s Feel Good Health Club, the hotel’s 16m pool is long enough for some invigorating laps - and there’s a hot tub, sauna and steam room for after your swim, along with loungers to stretch out on. The pool is open from 6.30am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm at weekends.

There is, and many of the spa packages on offer include an overnight stay. You’ll check in and chill out in one of 126 contemporary bedrooms, ranging from comfortable Classics crammed with amenities, and Privilege rooms and Superior suites with fluffy robes and lakeside views. 

You can check in anytime from 3pm, while check out is by 11am. Want to come earlier or leave later? Contact the hotel as you can, subject to availability. For spa day packages, arrival times vary, so do check your booking confirmation.

The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes hotel looks contemporary, but it’s actually made up of the original Elsfield manor house, which forms the central part of the hotel, built in 1839. In 1934, this grand house was owned by Thomas Cook, who changed its name to The Great Danes. 

The hotel has also undergone refurbishments to honour its unique heritage, incorporating locally inspired artwork with references to nearby Leeds Castle, Kent’s agricultural history, and famous figures like King Henry VIII. You’ll also find artworks that celebrate its notable former guests, including The Beatles, who stayed there while filming their Magical Mystery Tour in the late 1960s.

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is set in 26 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. You’ll find it in Hollingbourne, a charming village nestled on the southern slopes of the North Downs. It’s right next to the famous Leeds Castle, with its gardens, a maze, and family-friendly activities. But although it has a real countryside feel, Maidstone town centre is only five miles away - great if you fancy a spot of retail therapy.

Love to spa with all your favourites? Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is perfect for families, with spacious rooms, child-friendly dining and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. 

The hotel’s Feel Good Health Club features a 16-metre swimming pool, where families can splash together from 7.45am to 7.45pm each day. Please note that you have to be over 16 to use the sauna, steam room and gym. 

Large outdoor spaces are perfect for running around and playing lawn games. But if the weather isn’t on your side, the hotel has board games for a cosy family night in.

With four family bedrooms and three triples, you can bring the whole clan. Classic Family Rooms can accommodate two adults and up to two children, thanks to one double and two single beds. Just be aware that the four-person family room is found in the Manor House and can only be accessed via stairs.

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is right next to Leeds Castle, one of Kent’s most famous attractions, where kids can explore castle grounds, adventure playgrounds, and even a maze. If you fancy a shopping trip, Bluewater Shopping Centre is just 30 minutes away, offering family-friendly restaurants, entertainment, and plenty of retail therapy.

Yes it is. Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel has three accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms, along with facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel features ramps, lifts and wide doorways, and the restaurant, lounge and health club are also wheelchair-friendly.

Whether you’re bringing your own furry friend or just want to admire all the Great Dane tributes, this hotel is a paw-some choice for dog lovers. As soon as you arrive, you’ll spot the stone statues of Great Danes, a nod to the hotel’s name and its love for this majestic breed. And if you’re lucky, you might even meet Wilma, the hotel’s resident Great Dane mascot, known for her gentle nature and VIP (Very Important Pup) status.

Your own well-behaved, quiet pups are welcome to stay overnight at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel for £30 per night. They can’t set a paw in the restaurant, but can curl up next to you in the lounge. 

But there is just one thing to keep in mind. If you’re planning a spa getaway, it’s best to leave your pup at home. Dogs aren’t allowed in the spa, and they can’t be left alone in your room, so unless they’re trained in Swedish massage they’ll need to sit this one out.

Yes it does. The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel features a nine-hole golf course, so you can have a relaxed round in the heart of the Kent countryside. Designed for both beginners and experienced players, it’s open to hotel guests, making it a great option for a leisurely round. The hotel also offers all-weather tennis courts and 26 acres of grounds to explore, so there’s plenty to keep you moving!