Surya Hotels unveils £5 million refurbishment of Great Hallingbury Manor

Great Hallingbury Manor, Bishop’s Stortford’s Tudor-style hotel, has completed a transformative £5 million refurbishment, with the final phase of its extensive renovation programme now unveiled. (see image gallery below)

The 18-month project has reimagined the historic property, just five minutes from Stansted Airport, introducing a host of new features and modern upgrades. Highlights include a stunning lake-view restaurant, state-of-the-art conference facilities and the addition of two luxury woodland lodges, with plans for four more in the near future.

The renovation has expanded the property to 50 bedrooms, including three new suites — one in the main house and two in the converted stable block — alongside the two self-catering lodges overlooking the hotel’s tranquil lake. Guests can now enjoy the reconfigured garden room restaurant, designed to maximise the picturesque lake views with floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors that flood the space with natural light. Every area of the hotel has been refreshed, from the bar and bedrooms to the dining, event and meeting spaces.

The eco-style woodland lodges offer a home-away-from-home experience, complete with full kitchens, stylish interiors and views of surrounding wildlife — perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Interior design was led by Jayne Nelson Interiors, with bespoke touches including  Northern Lights and Chantelle lighting, Jameson furniture, GP & J Baker wallpapers, and  Muraspec and Seltex wall coverings. The newly refurbished bedrooms feature luxury Hypnos beds, complemented by elegant soft furnishings and designer wallpapers from Nina Campbell and Jane Churchill, with curtains and headboards by Sudbury-based Amor Interiors. A collaboration with Bang & Olufsen ensures a discreet, high-end audio experience throughout the property.

The hotel’s restaurant returns with a refreshed dining concept, offering British brasserie favourites and signature dishes alongside an à la carte menu, daily specials and indulgent afternoon teas served seven days a week. Guests can also enjoy traditional Sunday roasts every week. The kitchens have been fitted with the latest catering technology to support the elevated food offering.

Great Hallingbury is preparing to welcome guests back for a great line-up of Christmas experiences. From luxurious Christmas Day dining and relaxed Boxing Day celebrations to festive lunches, dinners and indulgent afternoon teas, the elegant countryside retreat offers the perfect setting to share the joy of the season with family, friends and colleagues.

The hotel is currently inviting guests to embrace the season with its ’Fall into Autumn’ stay package – a relaxing two-night escape featuring a £25 per person dinner allowance and a traditional cream tea, available until the end of November. 

To celebrate the reopening, the restaurant is also running a special two-for-one Sunday Roast offer from 14 September to 27 November 2025.

Events and business guests are well catered for with two dedicated meeting spaces: The Oak Room, seating 24 with restored oak panelling, parquet floors and a decorative fireplace, together with The Gallery, a bright, contemporary space for up to 16 guests with a clean, sophisticated ambience.

Harwich-based developer Flying Trade Group (FTG), parent company of Surya Hotels, led the redevelopment. CEO Suki Dulai commented: “Great Hallingbury is a stunning spot in the Essex countryside with superb links to London and Stansted. We are delighted to unveil this beautiful transformation, which combines modern comforts with designer flair, while preserving the charm and character of the original building. No expense has been spared in creating a destination hotel that truly stands out.”

Great Hallingbury Manor is now fully open for stays, dining, events and conferencing. Casual dining is also available on a first-come-first-served basis in the bar and lounge. Guests benefit from complimentary overnight parking and competitive stay, park-and-fly packages.