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  5. Reviews of Cowley Manor Experimental

Reviews of Cowley Manor Experimental This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Cowley, Cheltenham, GL53 9NL, United Kingdom

#5 of 28 hotels in Cheltenham

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 140 hotel reviews

8.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.2

  • Comfort

    9.1

  • Location

    9.3

  • Facilities

    9.1

  • Staff

    8.8

  • Value for money

    8.0

  • Free WiFi

    5.0

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: May 14, 2024

    10
    Gorgeous hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything is perfect.

    Stunning hotel - the design of the rooms and the main areas is exquisite, everything is thought through. The restaurant and cocktail bar are great, breakfast was very good as well. The spa is lovely and the working hours are quite long but try to book the treatments in advance as it gets busy. You can also walk around beautiful lake, river and the forest located at the hotel grounds. In short, it's a gorgeous hotel - you won't be disappointed.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: May 9, 2024

    9.0
    Great stay lovely hotel
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Cooked breakfast could be improved nothing to write home about and service at breakfast was hit and miss. £19 for a G&T was a bit expensive

    Spa is fantastic especially as we had sunshine maybe the first of 2024!! Rooms were lovely spotlessly clean and bed very comfortable

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: May 8, 2024

    9.0
    Perfect Escape
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Sausages and bacon at breakfast tough. More Coca Cola than ice cubes please!

    Lovely entrance and lead up to the front of the hotel. Friendly staff at reception. Room was great and everything was there that we needed. Dinner was good we enjoyed. One gripe was the 10 ice cubes in a coke. Breakfast ticked the box as well. Sausage and bacon was a bit tough. Great croissants! Grounds were lovely we had a walk around and sat and enjoyed the view overlooking by the Lake. Would come back again for sure.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: May 7, 2024

    10
    Excellent.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite
    • Stayed 1 night

    No complaints whatsoever.

    Everything was perfect. Fantastic room. Beautiful dining room, excellent restaurant staff serving up delicious food, locally and organically sourced. Will definitely like a return soon.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: May 7, 2024

    10
    Cowley Manor was a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Being 25-45 minutes from other Cotswold towns, it would have been nice if Cowley provided a shuttle service of some kind to drop guests off and pick them up later for at least one location. Without this, we had to taxi around to see nearby towns which got expensive quickly.

    It was a dream. I was here four days for my honeymoon between time in London and the south of France. This was hands down the best portion of our trip. The property and grounds are immaculate. You literally feel like you’re walking through a fairytale. The staff was kind, professional, and eager to make our stay special. The food in the restaurant was delicious, the bar and bartenders were fantastic, and the spa was jaw-dropping. I felt it was also fairly priced, and they didn’t try to nickel-and-dime you at every corner like some hotels do. I couldn’t recommend Cowley Manor enough.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 29, 2024

    9.0
    Excellent chilled girlfriends spa and food stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    my bathroom though gorgeous original art deco had a strange shower - like a bathtub with a curtain around it but the main problem was it wobbled and the shower jets needed cleaning as the jets shot in all directions.

    very welcoming. lovely decor. spacious rooms. the sun trap outdoor pool and spa area were gorgeous.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 27, 2024

    9.0
    Stunning hotel and gardens with a great spa
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Absolutely beautiful hotel, very thoughtfully decorated with lovely little details throughout

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 22, 2024

    9.0
    Great facilities, wonderful stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The manor was gorgeous with such lovely spa amenities, the room by far exceeded our expectations, but above all the staff were all lovely - particularly George, who made our birthday celebration so special and made us feel so welcome!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 19, 2024

    9.0
    Very enjoyable, comfortable and a great escape.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Some things didn’t work well in the room- lights failed.

    Food was fantastic! Wonderful bed and was upgraded. Fabulous pool and spa.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 15, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The food could have been a little better, but was still very good

    Service, space, spa facilities, decor

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 13, 2024

    10
    Amazing place , rooms ,food ,staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 10, 2024

    10
    Amazing stay, very special place and can’t wait to get back.
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Everything, it’s a beautiful building and setting.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 2, 2024

    9.0
    Stunning Spa, Hotel, staff and food, however, peace and rest was disturbed by loud/crying children
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Screaming/crying children I hate to mark the Hotel down for this, but the business model of the Hotel is stuck between a rock and a hard place. It markets itself as a 'Hotel spa and retreat', which is exactly why we booked it. My partner and I needed a massive rest and relaxation after what has already been an intense year. Despite the many positives we do have a few negatives which is why we haven't given it a full 10/10. - Screaming/crying children in the restaurant: We were disturbed twice at dinner by young children shouting. We were also disturbed at breakfast by a new born baby crying. - Screaming/crying child at the spa pool. - Loud crying/shouting and running by toddlers coming from another bedroom in the hallway and above us. Given how the Hotel is very old, the soundproofing has clearly deteriorated over time. This meant we could hear children crying/shouting from another room on our floor (we were room 19). We were also woken up very early on the Friday morning by a very energetic toddler running up and down the room above us when we were looking forward to a lie in (e.g., 'thump, thump, thump'). Ultimately, we don't understand why parents would bring very young children/babies to what is essentially a place of relaxation. Don't the parents want a break/rest from their kids? Also, if parents want to take their babies/children to a spa, surely they should take them to a local pool and not to a spa pool where people are spending a LOT of money to get away from noise and stress. So, it's just really inconsiderate given how high-cost the Hotel is.

    Reception/Hotel - Upon entry we were kindly welcomed to the manor by George who was so warm it was if we were old friends. George proceeded to give us a tour of the ground floor with a brief history of the manor including its Horlicks and Lewis Carroll connections. George is so lovely, courteous and informative, give him a pay rise! The Hotel is utterly stunning. According to a few reviews, the recent refurb doesn't do it for everyone. However, we found it tasteful, chic, and calming. Bedroom - We were lucky enough to be upgraded to the 'Swan Lake Suite' which had a terrace that overlooked the grounds and lake. In terms of comfort, the room was outstanding - huge cloud-like four poster bed and the duvet and mattress were so soft and high quality we both had an excellent sleep over the two days. There is also a reading nook, gorgeous bathroom with large bath, and luxurious toiletries. Dinner - We had a room/meal package downstairs in what is a stunning restaurant with original wooden panelling. The food was high quality and delicious with a named Chef at the helm. My partner is vegetarian and there were lots of delicious options for her to choose from. We particularly enjoyed the brioche with honey and smoked butter to start as well as the pasta dish, the chicken dish, and the chocolate mousse. The Bar/Cocktail room - We loved the warm glow and dark/soft lighting of the bar. The style was a mix of contemporary Berlin and 70s chic. Super comfy with an open fire. The Spa pool and spa facilities - The indoor pool (heated) had a lovely slate floor and rock sides. The indoor pool was in a transparent glass structure which allowed swimmers and pool goers to pause and look outside onto the lovely trees (super calming) - The outdoor pool is also heated and super fresh - There is a large sauna and steam room, both very clean and not slimy. - There are also massage rooms. These are very busy so we recommend booking in advance.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: April 2, 2024

    10
    We will be back
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything amazing from Hotel to food, staff, amazing room fantastic view .

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 1, 2024

    10
    Absolutely lovely, great food and fabulous staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Interior design was very odd, not in keeping with the house but neither was it especially beautiful or comfortable…BUT the staff were lovely and the bed very comfortable and our room was a good size with beautiful views. I think if the owners ever choose to redecorate they should go elsewhere for the aesthetic!

    Beautiful property

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: March 20, 2024

    10
    Excellent staff … great venue for relaxing 😎
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    All good !

    Amazing staff !

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The spa is beautiful & the facilities are excellent. The food at breakfast & dinner was very good.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: March 17, 2024

    9.0
    Brilliant…. Except for the lighting!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The lighting. I understand creating an ambient atmosphere downstairs but there should be more lighting in the bedrooms & bathrooms that can be used if required. We had 3 bulbs in the bathroom and 2 of them were not working properly - flashing on and off!

    We loved everything, the swimming pool is truly beautiful. Dinner was good as was breakfast.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 17, 2024

    10
    Staff 10/10 though ! They couldn’t have been any better .
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location just a little too far out from Cheltenham race course otherwise it would have been the perfect location!

    excellent staff and food . Probably the nicest staff I’ve came across in any hotel.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 16, 2024

    8.0
    Perfect for Cheltenham Festival
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Restaurant disappointing.

    Very comfortable, great bar and very good atmosphere.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 16, 2024

    10
    Perfect!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Spa didn’t have a jacuzzi

    Great spa, great food, very clean, friendly staff, comfortable rooms.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 9, 2024

    9.0
    Very relaxing stay on the whole.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The spa got very busy with children.

    Beautiful grounds, generous sized bedrooms, excellent breakfast.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: March 5, 2024

    9.0
    Just incredible!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Swimming times for children is far too limited.

    Stunning hotel and location, amazing food and wonderful staff!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 1, 2024

    9.0
    Can’t wait to come back!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The only negative was that we tried to reach the spa several times before our visit and couldn’t get through. We were told twice by reception that someone from the spa would call back but no one did. Luckily I was able to book a treatment online but unfortunately my partner wasn’t. Definitely book treatments online and well in advance to avoid disappointment.

    Cowley Manor is a gorgeous place! Loved the funky decor and that it feels modern and not at all stuffy. The spa facilities are divine - the view from the indoor pool is stunning and I had a lovely treatment. Breakfast and dinner were amazing, We loved our room, especially the bath! Wish we could have stayed for more than one night.

    Stayed in February 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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