von Essen hotels is proud owner of some of the most historic and iconic buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and France where history forms part of every guest experience. The hotels have been maintained and often refurbished whilst always retaining their historic pasts.

Throughout 2010 von Essen hotels will be rolling out ‘Heritage Concierges’ at all properties allowing guests to learn more and explore their hotels of choice through a dedicated member of staff.  The first hotels to offer this innovative concept are the historic Cliveden in Berkshire, Lewtrenchard Manor in Devon and Ston Easton Park in Somerset.

Cliveden is a grand Italianate mansion with a palpable sense of history, notably by a number of famous faces who have resided there.  It has been home to three dukes, the Prince of Wales and the Astors and who can forget that the Pavilion Spa which is notorious from the Profumo affair in the 1960’s.

Lewtrenchard Manor- a Jacobean manor tucked away in its own secret valley, close to Dartmoor, dates back to the early 1600’s and was mentioned in the Doomsday book.  One of the bedrooms is still home to the original bed of Henrietta Maria, wife of the hapless Charles I.

Ston Easton Park in Somerset I surrounded by 36 acres of classical parkland designed by the 18th century landscape artist Humphry Repton.  The house also boasts the oldest surviving Print Room in England, dating back to 1754.  The historic Edwardian Kitchen has also been preserved for guests to enjoy.  Furthermore, Ston Easton is the only hotel in the world to cultivate loofahs in the Victorian glass houses where guests can pick their own come October.

The History Concierges will take guests back in time and surprise them with tales of the hotel, as well as the surrounding areas.  These tours will be free but must be pre booked when guests arrive at the hotel.