The Lygon Arms
"How did it strike you on arrival?It's difficult to find such a historic property that is still an allure to in-the-know travelers, and the Lygon Arms has been doing it well since the 16th century. The sister property of the much glitzier Cliveden House (of Meghan Markle pre-wedding fame), this is the place that you're more likely to bump into Harry and Meghan wearing their jeans at the bar enjoying a glass of wine. Nice. What’s the crowd like?English countryside lovers, but without the pomp and pretense. This is where Londoners come for a truly low-key weekend away. How was check in?For a hotel that has welcomed guests for nearly 500 years, the service is expectedly smooth. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The oft-downside to so many of these historic properties is a lack of space in the guest rooms. Luckily, especially with the higher-category rooms, that is not the case with the Lygon Arms. The Courtyard Suites in particular boast access to the terraced gardens filled with gracious trees and flowers, and have plenty of space to breathe. Thanks to a 2017 renovation, the rooms have been gracefully brought into the 21st century, with fast and free wifi as well as widescreen TVs, air conditioning, and in-room Nespresso machines. The renovation integrated some fabulous antique and period furniture into the design, so there is still a remarkable sense of history without sacrificing comfort. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The mattresses are handmade in Devon and are so indulgent, you'll be asking the front desk how to order one to bring home. Room service and food: Worth it?Lygon Bar & Grill was opened in 2017 as part of the renovations, and focuses on, as the hotel puts it, "seasonality and product provenance" (how very British), and has a delightful selection of European wines, to boot. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The spa and leisure club is a must-visit during your stay. Surrounded by three lush acres of Cotswold scenery, it features an indoor pool, a sauna and steam room, nail bar, six single treatment rooms, one double treatment room for couples, as well as a fully stocked gym with personal trainers for hire. This being a true British country estate, there are plenty of old-school activities to pass the time, among them archery, pistol shooting, falconry, duck herding, clay shooting, and more. Bottom line: worth it, and why?For a quintessential English countryside experience that's more on the low-key side, you can't do better." - Todd Plummer
