Ellenborough Park | Hotels Above Par

"Set amid rolling green hills in Gloucestershire’s “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” this 500-year-old manor-turned-hotel feels like a proper English country house, full of history and refinement. Walking through the original front door, where Civil War bullet holes are still visible, reveals interiors that are traditional yet comfortable, anchored by a Great Hall with a massive roaring fireplace, worn wood floors, and historic portraits, plus characterful corners like the secluded Snug tucked above the hall. Thoughtful touches such as a proper boot room stocked with Dubarry of Ireland boots and coats underscore the very-English, very-practical charm. Rooms and suites are classic but comfortable, with large beds dressed in crisp linens, deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, oak desks, and spacious bathrooms; some overlook the gardens or countryside, others open directly onto the year-round heated pool, and many are pet-friendly. For more privacy, The Lodge offers a standalone hideaway with its own sitting room, full kitchen, fireplace, and private garden, ideal for longer stays or guests wanting more independence. Dining feels exactly right for a historic country house, with a traditional wood-panelled Restaurant serving refined British dishes and standout breakfasts—think haddock and poached eggs or porridge with an impressively generous tray of toppings, whisky included—while the more relaxed Horse Box Brasserie plates elevated pub fare with a Cotswolds twist and pours the property’s own gin; afternoon tea is served with all the proper ceremony, and overall the food is comforting, delicious, and satisfying after a day outdoors. The spa is a quiet highlight, offering massages, facials, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, relaxation room, and nail services, while the nearby Spa Garden Retreat, set just steps away in a nature-surrounded nook, adds a hot tub, roomy sauna, ice bath, loungers, and the option to have food, drinks, and bubbly delivered, making it an easy place to linger. One of the most impressive perks is the direct proximity to Cheltenham Racecourse, visible from the grounds and linked by a private drive so that race-day transfers in the complimentary Range Rover and Sprinter feel seamless; during big meets like the Cheltenham Festival, live music and Race Preview Nights turn the hotel into a lively hub for guests, locals, and racing fans. From its 61 rooms and suites to its classic country-house vibe, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, countryside activities, and prime access to Cotswolds villages, this five-star stay at Southam Road in Cheltenham delivers a picture-perfect, quintessential English countryside escape done impressively well." - Lauren Harano