Ellenborough Park

The service upon arrival was exceptional, with a very welcome upgrade to a beautiful room in the main house overlooking the grounds and racecourse. The bathroom was huge with an excellent shower, and while the beds were on the soft side, they were still very comfortable. Due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cut our stay short, and the management team were understanding and accommodating, which we hugely appreciated.||The hotel’s façade and grounds are truly impressive, and whilst we didn’t have the chance to use the spa, it looked inviting. A summer stay to make the most of the outdoor pool would be lovely, as would a winter visit with a roaring fire after a bracing walk.||We ate in the brasserie, where the food was very good, although on the expensive side for what felt more like pub-grub. The atmosphere was lively, with tourists chatting about their day, but the space itself felt more pub than brasserie. The sticky tables (more to do with design than cleanliness) and slightly haphazard service were disappointing, and we felt the hotel could benefit from a more comfortable lounge-style space with softer lighting for relaxing both before and after dinner.||Housekeeping could use more attention to detail. The dark wood showed dust easily, the fridge needed a good clean, and one bathroom had mould around the shower screen which was more a sign of ageing than cleanliness. The wing above the brasserie, where we stayed, felt quite tired overall — worn carpets, chipped paintwork and dated décor in the public spaces gave more of a “pub with rooms” feel. In contrast, breakfast the next morning introduced us to the wing behind reception, which felt much more in line with the website and expectations. Breakfast itself was excellent: plentiful, delicious, and thoughtfully presented, with a fun Bloody Mary station and nice touches for children. Dogs were also well catered for.||Overall, Ellenborough Park has huge potential. From other reviews it seems the experience may vary depending on which wing you stay in. For us, it felt best suited to older guests or the many tourists visiting the area. With a refresh of certain areas and more consistency across the property, this could really live up to its luxury billing.

We had booked a 3 night stay in a junior suite. The building was beautiful. The suite was lovely and very comfortable and was over 2 floors. I had to request the room to be serviced during the afternoon on the 2nd day as it had not been done. Three staff arrived and all they did was empty the bin and make the bed which took no more than 5 minutes . The bathroom was left completely untouched and towels just as we had left them in the morning. The mugs that we had our tea in were left dirty on the bathroom sink and no replacement of empty box of tissues. For a 5 star hotel there were no little touches in the bathroom such as amenity kits, shower caps etc. as in most other 5 star hotels.. The restaurant breakfast and evening dinner was very nice. Unfortunately we had to leave a day earlier than planned due a family emergency and asked if we could possibly have a one night credit for a future stay. We were made aware of the terms and conditions which we do accept but a gesture of some kind would have been nice. We also informed the Reservation Manager about the servicing (non servicing) of our room. Sadly it was a disappointing experience and the standard was definitely not 5 star. There is a lot of room for improvement.

Enjoyed a delightful few days here. The grounds are beautiful - magical in fact - and we had the outdoor pool pretty much to ourselves. Spa treatments were excellent, beds comfortable, food delicious. Dogs very welcome. As others have noted, they seem to be a bit short staffed and you can wait a long time for service, so I would really recommend they work on this, but still a 5* experience in my view.

We arrived Saturday for 1 night, from check in to check out the experience was 5 star. All the staff were excellent and very helpful. The room was outstanding, clean, large, air conditioned. We had our evening meal in the brassiere, which was lovely, the waiter who served us was excellent, chatty and informative. We used the pool & spa, again excellent. The breakfast was again 5 star, we had the Full English breakfast and would highly recommend as cooked to perfection. The staff at breakfast were again friendly and helpful. The gentleman at check out recommend a local farm shop which we had asked for and this was an amazing experience. Excellent parking. All Around would definitely recommend.

Lovely building, good staff, grounds and food. But two things spoiled our stay. The bathroom shaver / electric toothbrush socket didn’t work. I asked for 3 pin / 2 pin converter but someone went to look for one but never returned. I then asked the receptionist who looked but concluded that one wasn’t available. I asked for the socket to be checked but no one ever turned up. I eventually went out and purchased a 3 pin / 2pin adapter my self. The bathroom washbasin was also cracked and the decor needed attention. The final issue was we asked for vinegar to accompany our fish a chip dinner to be told the hotel had ram out. For a 4 star hotel I would have expected better on all these issues and will not be returning.

We first came across this hotel was in 2014, General Manager was friendly and visible. In our recent visit, there is no management, overall service is well below Virtuoso standard, beautiful surroundings without soul. Dinner food quality is good, service staffs are friendly but lack of interest in what they are doing, no leader in the service team. Breakfast was four star. Our order was simple scramble eggs with salmon, it took 30 min and salmon was just a mouthful. In general, we don't feel the professional hotel atmosphere in service and communications.

The hotel is marketed as a 5-star hotel with a luxury experience but didn’t meet expectations at all. Recently visited with my family and booked a Manor Suite and a Traditional dog-friendly room. Both rooms were not cleaned during our stay, with bathrooms not being cleaned, used mugs not replaced, towels not being refreshed, and no hoovering/Vacuuming of the rooms. When asked to clean the rooms, only the towels were changed. There were also signs the traditional room was not cleaned before our arrival: human hair was found in the shower and tablets next to the bed. The shower had black mould, that’s easy to clean, and the toilet door couldn’t close. The only positive is that the beds are comfortable. The restaurant was also disappointing. Service was very slow. Food was average, with some of the meals being very salty. Staff are friendly and are kind to dogs. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for a luxury experience.

We came here last year for a little break and it was so lovely. We had a classic room in the main house which was gorgeous; the most comfortable room ever! Attentive friendly staff, delicious food (breakfast was a great selection) and a fantastic spa. Will definitely stay again when we come to the Cotswolds.

Disappointed Christmas Review of Ellenborough Park Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile I made the decision to join family at the Ellenborough Park. Not feeling particularly in the Christmas spirit I thought the get away would be a chance to get away and forget about things for a few days after losing my mother 5 months previously. Maybe I was expecting to much from a 5 star hotel, but must say I have stayed in better 4 star. The very young covering staff were very polite and capable but just a couple let the side down. Twice we were served but a slightly older lady in the dining room who had an excuse for every thing. At breakfast we ordered drinks and were asked to order the hot food we wanted. We went to get our cereal, toast, yoghurt etc and when we came back our hot food was already waiting for us. We asked our waitress why it had come up so quickly and she said it's always been like that, which is a lie. She offered to reheat it. You can't reheat eggs/ cooked breakfasts. The following morning we had a different server and I ordered scramble eggs on toast. Not a problem v nice. The next morning the same older lady we had from the previous day served us and I asked for scrambled eggs on toast and was told chef doesn't do it and that I could have the eggs but to cook my own toast. So as before it came up quickly and was left sitting there whilst I was in the other room cooking toast. So warm toast cold eggs! Christmas day was a let down, the main meal was awful. We were served a thick slab of Turkey without hardly any sauce or gravy which made it hard to swallow. The thickness of the meat was enough for 2 people which made hard to eat and dry. The tiny Christmas pudding looked liked it had come from a tin, it was an odd shape. The chocolate dessert on Boxing Day was inedible, the chocolate dessert was like 100 % dark chocolate and the honeycomb taste like a mouthful of burt bicarbonate soda. I noticed quite a lot of food went back uneaten. Also evenings in the lounge were ruined buy guests who thought it was ok to keep putting logs on the fire. You really need a sign about it. Apart from the lousy weather it wasn't cold. So why these people felt compelled to do this I really don't know. My family members who have stayed with you on previous occasions even said it wasn't the same as previous visits. I'm sure they will give you another chance due to work etc, but I don't think I will be

I recently dined here while on a business trip. After a long and stressful day our British colleague drove us up the hill through some small quaint houses to a house on part with lords and ladies of a different time. The grounds of the hotel are amazing and worth a look. We were able to get a table for three without a reservation but the staff helped us in that regard so I would recommend putting in a reservation. The restaurant is down a few steps from reception. There is a small bar on one side and the seating area on the other. The decor is everything you've seen in movies about the time period of British lords. The service is quick,helpful and polite. We all ordered and received our food in a quick turn around. There is a selection of classic British dishes (lamb shank) and some with a bit more flair (stuffed chicken wrapped on a banana). All three meals were wonderful and very filling. I had the goat cheese ravioli and some wonderfully spiced cauliflower. If I get a chance I will be staying here next time I'm in Cheltenham and definitely come back for another meal. Definitely worth a try for a very nice and slightly more pricey deal (not extremely expensive but not cheap)

It's a magnificent place. Absolutely stunning! The room was wonderful, really big and bright, the little tea room puts you back into a different time and the landscape around is breathtaking. We arrived and went for a walk straight away. The staff are really lovely and helpful. It's obviously a really nice place but doesn't feel pretentious at all. We went to town for dinner but the breakfast was absolutely lovely! Best scrambled egg ever! The only reason why it doesn't get a 5 star is the spa. Though they have a sauna and steam room, the spa is a bit unimpressive, there is no pool inside, only 4 lounges and it was overcrowded. There is just not enough space and for the price and reputation I would expect a spa in which you would like to spend hours in. Still absolutely worth while!

Very nice place. Wonderful gardens. Staff is perfect. Breakfast was included with the room and it was stellar. Be sure to ask for Jonathan to be your waiter at the breakfast. He is very attentive and knowledgeable about the food and the area. Rhubarb Vodka Apple Martini is a must do in the main dining room. Only complaint if you are looking for one is the carpet in our room. It is janky, like many of the carpets I have encountered (i.e. the Langham had the same issue in London) but I will write this off as a sub par English standard. Other than that, you are good to go here.

The Cotswolds - Lovely, enchanting, delightful estate. The dinner was superb, the service impeccable; peaceful. Emily Rose Reeder

Another great Country Inn. The staff is incredible and cater to your every whim. Rooms are nice; particularly the suites. Great location close to the best small villages. The bar in the Bistro is great for a quick bite and a drink. Main Restuarant is excellent. The veal was outstanding. Can't go wrong here.