A Journey Through Q Hotels Golf Destinations

Having recently completed an extensive tour of four Q Hotels golf resorts with my fellow golf experts Tas and Felix, I'm excited to share my insights from this comprehensive journey.

Each venue offered its own distinct character and charm, from cutting-edge modern facilities to timeless classical elegance, championship-standard courses to beginner-friendly layouts.

Here's my detailed assessment of what makes each destination special and which might best suit your golf group's needs.

Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

The Modern Marvel

Forest Pines immediately struck me as the most contemporary of the four venues, with its modern aesthetic and spacious accommodations. The resort expertly balances the needs of serious golfers with leisure guests, featuring a notably advanced spa facility that includes premium elements not found at the other venues.

Golf Experience

What sets Forest Pines apart is the variety offered by three distinct nine-hole courses that combine for different 18-hole experiences. Felix and I particularly enjoyed the "Forest Front" nine for its private atmosphere and thoughtfully designed holes. One crucial note: club hire isn't available here, so pack your own set.

My Recommendation

Drive straight to the golf complex upon arrival, trust me on this one. It's a significant walk from reception and with their strict tee times, you'll appreciate those extra 10 minutes. I'd also strongly suggest investing in a course planner; the layout complexity makes it worthwhile.

Classical Elegance Meets Championship Golf

I was immediately drawn to Belton Woods' classical atmosphere and traditional styling. The relaxed bar areas and timeless decor create an entirely different vibe from Forest Pines, despite the venues being geographically close.

Golf Experience

This was my standout golfing experience of the trip. The Woods course was in exceptional condition, the firm fairways were the best I encountered across all four venues. Felix and I both appreciated the tremendous variety in hole designs; it's clear why this venue has built such a strong reputation for quality golf.

Facilities

The practice facilities here surpass the others and I particularly enjoyed the outdoor seating areas with their excellent views of the 18th hole—perfect for that post-round debrief.

My Recommendation

Consider hiring buggies due to longer walks between some holes, the in-buggy GPS system is excellent and well worth using.

Intimate Atmosphere with Scenic Charm

Oulton Hall captured our attention with its impressive "wow factor" and intimate dining atmosphere. The restaurant's softer lighting and generous table spacing created the most romantic setting of our journey. The hotel's gardens are genuinely beautiful, a perfect spot for quiet reflection.

Golf Experience

While the course provides an adequate experience, it truly shines in its offering of genuine value for newer golfers or groups with mixed abilities, thanks to its approachable and non-intimidating design. My playing partner, Tas, who is newer to golf, found it particularly enjoyable and accessible.

Spa Notes

The spa facilities are functional but slightly smaller compared to the other venues, though the sauna and steam room are worthwhile.

My Recommendation

Buggies are absolutely essential here due to the hilly terrain, walking this course would be quite the workout!

Shows Potential

When we arrived at Telford, it was apparent that the course had been affected by the very dry summer conditions. Despite this, the course clearly has good potential and we would not hesitate to visit again.

Golf Experience

The greens were in excellent condition and rolled beautifully, despite the challenging heat, which understandably led to firm fairways, but we all agreed that the course layout shows significant potential. We believe the course would truly flourish and offer an even more exceptional experience during cooler periods, allowing the turf to fully recover. It was an enjoyable round and we anticipate seeing the course at its best under different conditions.

My Recommendation

Time your visit for midweek when it's quieter and you should enjoy a nice round of golf in a charming Shropshire countryside setting.

Accommodation Excellence
I was impressed across all venues with the deluxe room upgrades. These represent excellent value and include:

• Coffee machines
• Larger room spaces
• Premium Elmas bath products
• Complimentary robes and slippers
• Mini-bar included
• In-room fridges for personal purchases

Dog-Friendly Policies
A pleasant surprise across all venues was their welcoming attitude toward canine companions, all four hotels are notably dog-friendly.

Dining and Hospitality
We found all venues provided varied and enjoyable dining experiences. The dining allowance proved adequate for most choices, though premium options like steak might require a small supplement. Hotel bar pricing is standard for the industry, but the in-room facilities help manage costs effectively.

For the Golf Purist
Belton Woods takes my top recommendation with its exceptional course conditions and variety, this is where I had my best round of the trip.

For Modern Comfort
Forest Pines offers the best combination of contemporary facilities and diverse golfing options.

For Romantic Getaways
Oulton Hall's intimate atmosphere and beautiful gardens create the perfect setting.

For Value Seekers
All venues offer solid value, especially with the room upgrade options that I'd consider essential.

Group Considerations

• Larger or older groups: Request ground-floor rooms to minimise walking.
• Serious golfers: Belton Woods or Forest Pines.
• Mixed-ability groups: Oulton Hall for its approachable course.
• Couples: Oulton Hall for atmosphere, Forest Pines for modern comfort.

Key Observations

• Pro shops: Well-stocked across all venues.
• Practice facilities: Generally basic, with Belton Woods offering the superior setup.
• Tee times Particularly strict at Forest Pines—arrive promptly.
• Course conditions: Weather-dependent, especially noticeable at Telford.

Each venue in the Q Hotels portfolio brings something unique to the table, making this golf resort group an excellent choice for diverse golf experiences across England. Whether you're seeking championship-quality golf, cutting-edge amenities, or a romantic atmosphere, there's a Q Hotels venue that will exceed your expectations.

After visiting all four venues, I can confidently say that matching the right venue to your group's priorities is key to a memorable golf trip—and with Q Hotels' impressive range of offerings, that perfect match is just a booking away.

Handicap: 20
Favourite Course: Hanbury Manor
My 'Expert' areas: UK Resort, Mauritius & Vilamoura
Best trip I've done: Mauritius
Where my next trip is to: Turkey

Give Craig a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.