Cotswold House Hotel and Spa, Chipping Campden – our Review

We love the Cotswolds and had previously stayed at the Cotswold House Hotel and Spa’s sister hotel, the Noel Arms, just across the street (would also recommend!) and at least a dozen other places in the area. As a basecamp location for hiking tours, walks, or visits to the pretty gardens and other picturesque villages nearby, there is – in our view – no better place than Chipping Campden.

And what could be better than staying at a fancy boutique hotel in a beautifully renovated grade-listed Regency building that used to house the Guild of Handicraft when the arts & crafts movement relocated to Campden some 200 years ago. Modern fittings and appliances have been added without any disturbance to the grandeur of the place. The splendid spiralling staircase features in many wedding photos.

  

The hotel stretches over a number of buildings, including an adjacent one directly on the square, which houses the Bistro on the Square, as well as a row of further, smaller buildings in the garden, adding another 6 rooms to capacity.

The hotel is owned by the Bespoke Hotels group, which runs more than 170 hotels in Britain and abroad. We normally try to avoid chains, however, these good people clearly know what they’re doing. Tip to the hat.

We had initially planned to make ample use of the spa, but got carried away with sightseeing, hiking, eating ourselves through the area’s restaurants, and a local blogger event, so ended up without any pampering, much to our regret. We hear the spa has an excellent reputation.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the friendly and professional reception staff and given all the information we needed. Our room smelled delightfully fresh and we fell in love with the way it had been decorated, as soon as we entered it.

  

  

The view over the enormously large park-like gardens at the back of the building from our room window was marvellous and you were immediately taken in by the atmosphere of rural calm and beauty. We were slightly disappointed that there was no fridge, because we often like to buy a few snacks like local cheese and cold meat for a midnight snack, but no big issue.

Our dinner at local restaurant Fig was fabulous. You can read our review here.

  

Breakfast next morning was ok, but we were not over-impressed. The poached eggs weren’t runny, the sausage and bacon didn’t leave any lasting memories. The buffet selection was decent, but by no means overwhelming. We adored the lovely surroundings, both inside the room, but even more so through the veranda window onto the gardens. Our coffees had a very agreeable taste and foam texture.

  

Throughout our stay we were very pleased with the friendly and helpful service. We realise that the Cotswolds always come at a premium, but considering the still rather steep price tag of £255 per night for a top summer season double (from £150 during the week and also cheaper during off-season), we’re only willing to give this lovely hotel 8 out of 10. It’s the best place to stay at in Campden from what we’ve heard and seen, and we’re likely to be back again.

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