The week before Christmas, Reuben and I were lucky enough to have a baby-free evening at the Bolton Hotel in Wellington. I haven’t had many nights away from Baxter but knew we both needed it. Not only does having a baby change your life in many amazing ways, it changes your relationship too and both Reuben and I knew we needed a night away to treat ourselves and relax (well, try to anyway as I am terrible at it). The Bolton Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of the city, located on Bolton St off The Terrace so it’s in close proximity to all major amenities, tourist locations and a short walk/uber ride to the nightlife scene.
We hadn’t stayed there before and were hanging out for the peaceful break! I must admit, though, we did dial into the baby monitor at Mum & Dad’s on several occasions just so we could sneak a peek at our little man. I trust my parents 100% but it’s always nice to see them (and check they’re sleeping). The staff were amazing when we arrived, super friendly and gave us the run down, where everything was etc. I loved that we could park right out the front so I didn’t have to waddle too far (ha).
We stayed in one of their Classic Suites, which had everything we needed or could have needed. I liked the fact that it had a separate living area to the bedroom (which meant Reuben could watch the cricket – zzz) and I could blob on the bed and order room service or trawl Facebook feed using their free WIFI (who doesn’t love free WIFI?) even better, they have an in-room iPad for you to use complete with a jazzy hotel app which allows you to order all sorts of delicious goodies, see what’s happening around the city, book a wake up call and so many other things that didn’t involve picking up a phone and talking to somebody. I was super stoked to see a bath in the suite. Yes, we have a huge bath at home but it’s nice to not bath surrounded by floating plastic toys or having a child sticking their finger in your belly button and laughing.
We were treated to dinner at their amazing Artisan restaurant too, we googled the menu before we had even checked in as anybody who knows me, knows I am ridiculously fussy. We were both well impressed with the menu, although we didn’t know what half the things on the menu were (cue more googling). This is purely from lack of us getting out and experiencing/trying new things. Well, try new things we did. We asked the lovely lady looking after our table what she recommended and she guided us well. We started with Halloumi fritters, brioche crumb, quinoa and broad bean salad, tamarillo jam and the Goat’s cheese soufflé with cherry tomatoes, spinach. Wow, I would not usually eat any of the above, and it was a taste explosion, one I thoroughly enjoyed and I am not just saying that. Even Reuben was amazed that I polished off all of mine (and ate some of his). For dinner, we played it safe and selected something we knew we both loved – Beef. We chose the Beef fillet and short rib with Pho beef broth, herb tortellini and mirepoix. Again, divine. Had a real Asian twist to it, something I am usually scared of (flavours in general). My god, it was delicious. Come dessert, I am all about the Chocolate, we had the Chocolate “en surprise” with dulce de leche and roasted peanuts to share. I am pretty sure I ate all of it. Holy moly, what a dish!! The presentation blew me away and I simply didn’t want it to end. The staff were fantastic with us, explaining which cutlery to use when (yes, we’re that noob). They also made me the most delicious Strawberry mocktail (pregnant and all).
We slept amazingly and had a late checkout to allow us to demolish the breakfast we had delivered to our door that morning. By far, the best hotel breakfast I have EVER had in my life. REAL coffee, the most delicious smoothie, REAL bacon and again, presented really nicely and piping hot when delivered.
When checkout time came, the car was waiting at the door for us and the staff were super friendly and chatty.
Would highly recommend for a child-free night, would also attempt taking Baxter (the idea still scares me) as you could easily set their porta cot up in the living area so you have some privacy/peace still or you could opt for a bigger twin room.
As I know, all you mamas are super hard working and deserve a night off for some relaxation. So, I’ve teamed up with the lovely team at The Bolton Hotel to give away a nights stay for 2 with complimentary breakfast*.
To enter, just comment over on the New Mum Club Facebook page pinned post (the post you clicked on to get here) why you and your partner (or you and a friend) deserve a night away. You must also like the Bolton Hotel Facebook page (we can check).
The winner will be drawn on February 16th at 6 pm.
*Bolton Hotel T&C’s – stay can be used on a weekend night (non-event) and will have 1-year validity.
New Mum Club standard T&C’s – https://newmumclub.com/terms-conditions/
