Ellenborough Park

This historic manor house, set within stunning grounds, offers guests a luxurious escape, often highlighted by its attentive staff and comfortable accommodations. It is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic retreat, families with its pet-friendly and child-friendly amenities, and sightseers exploring the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. Guests consistently praise the hotel's beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a memorable destination. To enhance your stay, consider booking spa treatments well in advance, as facilities can be busy, and be aware that some spa features may incur additional charges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a spa that receives mixed feedback; while some guests enjoy its offerings, many find it to be small and prone to becoming overcrowded, especially during peak times. Specific concerns include the hot tub often requiring an extra payment for use and limited operating hours. The outdoor heated pool is a popular amenity, enjoyed by many even in cooler weather, though some note it can be on the colder side. A fitness center is available, described as small but equipped with decent equipment. The hotel's extensive grounds are a significant draw, offering beautiful spaces for walks and relaxation, including unique features like a boot room for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and comfortable, with many appreciating the high-quality linens and luxurious bathrooms featuring freestanding baths and walk-in showers with excellent water pressure. Some rooms boast heated floors and pleasant views. While many reviews commend overall cleanliness, some guests have reported specific issues such as dust, stains on wallpaper or carpets, dirty marks, and even mold in showers. Noise levels are typically low, contributing to a restful stay, though occasional disturbances from other guests or events have been noted. In-room amenities like coffee makers and mini-fridges are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience is consistently praised, offering an excellent variety of buffet continental items and cooked-to-order hot selections, often featuring local ingredients. Most guests find the food quality to be very good, though service can sometimes be slow. Afternoon tea is a highlight for many, described as delicious and generous, served in magnificent settings like the Great Hall. For lunch and dinner, the food is generally well-cooked and tasty, though some guests find the menu to be simple or limited. Dining atmosphere can vary, with the bar area sometimes feeling less formal than expected for dinner, and service occasionally being slow or disorganized.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a quiet location set within gorgeous grounds, offering a serene retreat. It is conveniently situated just outside Cheltenham, providing easy access to the Cheltenham Racecourse and a short drive to the town center. The expansive grounds are ideal for leisurely walks, allowing guests to explore the beautiful countryside. Ample free parking is available on-site, though some guests have noted initial confusion regarding its layout or availability, particularly during busy events. The hotel's setting provides a sense of seclusion while remaining accessible to local attractions.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives high praise for being friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlight the team's willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, including offering complimentary room upgrades and accommodating special requests. The check-in process is often described as smooth, though some guests have experienced delays or disorganization, particularly during busy periods. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few reviews mention instances of inconsistent service, slow response times for requests, or perceived lack of training in basic hospitality skills, leading to occasional frustration.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, offering a comprehensive policy that includes dog beds, bowls, treats, and even a dog washing station, though a surcharge applies. Guests often receive thoughtful touches like complimentary chocolates or room upgrades upon arrival. Unique amenities such as Yoto players for children, a harp in the Great Hall, and giant chess on the grounds add to the distinctive experience. Some guests have reported issues with booking accuracy or unexpected fees for certain spa facilities. Maintenance concerns, including non-functioning in-room appliances or general wear and tear, have also been mentioned by a minority of guests.