10 of our Favourite Hotels in the Cotswolds
With a plethora of picture-postcard villages, historic hotels awash with thatched roofs and exposed beams, and enough tea rooms to satisfy the most gluttonous scone fiend, it’s unsurprising that the Cotswolds is one of the top spots for a UK break. Covering almost 800 square miles, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty traverses six counties, giving you plenty of choice for places to stay. Here’s our pick of the bunch, many of which offer exclusive rates and/or special perks for Travelzoo members.
The Fish Hotel
Location: Broadway
Why we love it: The Fish is a village-style retreat set in 400 acres of grounds riddled with rambling routes and cycling trails. The hotel is both child and pet-friendly, so you can take the whole family along to experience this cosy country pile.
What's nearby: It’s a 20-minute walk across picturesque countryside to the village of Broadway. While there, take a trip to Snowshill Manor, a mansion house that was once home to the eccentric poet and architect Charles Paget Wade and now houses an intriguing collection of crafts and design, combined with impressive gardens.
Click here for prices and availability. Travelzoo members get exclusive extras including a room upgrade, late checkout and a glass of prosecco each.
Noel Arms Hotel
Location: Chipping Campden
Why we love it: Dating back to the 16th century, the Noel Arms is reputedly one of the oldest inns in the Cotswolds. The décor gives a nod to its historic roots, with antiques, original log fires and the odd 4-poster bed. You may well be in the same room as Charles II, who is rumoured to have stayed during the English Civil War.
What's nearby: The hotel is set in the pretty market town of Chipping Campden, replete with honey-coloured stone cottages and plenty of old coaching inns to try out a local ale. For some souvenirs, take a trip to the Guild Craft Workshops, which showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen.
Click here for prices and availability. Travelzoo members get exclusive extras at this property, including £15 per person to spend on food and a room upgrade.
Thornbury Castle
Location: Thornbury
Why we love it: Thornbury Castle, once owned by Henry VIII, dates back to the 10th century and the time of the Domesday Book. Today, Tudor style is blended with contemporary comforts - think 4-poster beds, open fireplaces and a dungeon dining room. Harper’s Bazaar says you can “live like royalty in this grand Tudor castle”.
What's nearby: Explore the 14 acres of landscaped grounds, or take a stroll into the Cotswolds village of Thornbury where you can embark on the Heritage Trail, learning about the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.
Click here for prices and availability. Travelzoo members get exclusive extras worth more than £35.
The Highway Inn
Location: Burford
Why we love it: Set in the centre of the bustling village of Burford, The Highway Inn is a traditional Cotswolds inn dating back to 1480 with character aplenty. Expect creaky floorboards, antique-filled rooms, sloping floors and beams throughout. Enjoy hearty pub grub and a wide selection of ales in the cosy bar.
What's nearby: It's no surprise that Burford is rated by Forbes magazine as one of Europe's top 10 idyllic places to live. The village is home to boutiques, pubs and St John the Baptist's Church, which survived the English Civil War. The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a 5-minute drive away.
Click here for prices and availability. Travelzoo members get exclusive perks at this property, including prosecco and a room upgrade.
Stonehouse Court
Location: Stroud
Why we love it: This 17th-century manor house sits in six acres of grounds overlooking the Stroud canal and rolling hills of the Stroud Valley. Play croquet on the lawn, quaff a cocktail on the terrace or sample the modern European menu in the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant.
What's nearby: Stroud, a “bohemian enclave known for its fair-trade shops, delis and independent stores” (Lonely Planet) is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and Gloucester, famed for its 11th-century cathedral, is a 20-minute drive away.
Click here for prices and availability. Travelzoo members get exclusive extras, including a cream tea for two, with every booking.
Wyck Hill House Hotel & Spa
Location: Stow on the Wold
Why we love it: This 18th-century property is set in 50 acres of Cotswold countryside, with "superb" (The AA) views across the Windrush Valley. Behind the Cotswold stone exterior, its characterful features include an oak-panelled library, a grand staircase and open log fires. Once you’ve finished exploring, sample modern British fare in the 2-AA-Rosette restaurant, indulge in a spot of pampering in the spa or have a puff on the heated cigar terrace.
What's nearby: The village of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its historic market square, Grade I-listed Norman-era church and the Cotswold Farm Park, is five minutes' drive away. Alternatively, visit the tourist hub of Bourton-on-the-Water for top notch cream teas with river views.
Click here for prices and availability
The Snooty Fox
Location: Tetbury
Why we love it: This traditional English inn is a cosy spot to stay, with exposed brick walls, parquet floors and crackling fires. There are board games and books in the lounge for rainy days, and the bar is popular with locals. Dine on classic British dishes at the restaurant - they're all made with ingredients from local producers.
What's nearby: The pretty town of Tetbury, halfway between Bath and Cheltenham, is known for its characterful wool merchants' houses and its many antiques shops. It's close to the Highgrove estate, the private residence of Prince Charles, where you can tour the gardens and enjoy afternoon tea.
Click here for prices and availability. Exclusive extras for Travelzoo members include a £20 credit per room to spend on food in the restaurant and full English breakfast.
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa
Location: Chipping Campden
Why we love it: "If you’re after a spot of luxury, look no further than this chic Regency townhouse turned boutique hotel," says Lonely Planet. The spa is a real highlight: set in a converted coach house in the hotel grounds, it includes six treatment rooms, plus an aromatic steam room and a hydrotherapy pool that guests can use for free.
What's nearby: The hotel's Chipping Campden location puts at the start of the Cotswolds Way National Trail, so it’s perfect for a countryside ramble. Alternatively, pop along to the Cotswold Falconry Centre in nearby Moreton-in-Marsh to get up close and personal with birds of prey.
Click here for prices and availability: Travelzoo members get exclusive extras including a £20 credit per room to spend in the spa and two tickets to Batsford Arboretum.
Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel
Location: Gloucester
Why we love it: This 17th-century Grade-II listed building is surrounded by landscaped lawns, a lake and terraces with 12 acres of parkland to explore. There’s an elegant bar and lounge for drinks or afternoon tea overlooking the gardens through floor-to-ceiling windows, and bedrooms are "spacious” with “lovely views of the grounds", according to The AA.
What's nearby: This Georgian country house hotel is three miles from the centre of Gloucester, with its rejuvenated docks, antique markets, the Gloucester Guildhall theatre, Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Folk Museum. The Painswick Rococo Garden is well worth a visit and only a 10-minute drive away.
Click here for prices and availability
Cowley Manor
Location: Cheltenham
Why we love it: This quintessential country-house hotel occupies 55 acres of grounds, including lakes, a 13th-century church and Grade II-listed gardens. Once you’ve finished exploring, head inside for stylish modern interiors, a chic bar and locally sourced fare at the in-house restaurant. The hotel’s award-winning C-Side Spa is not to be missed, with a gym, a sauna, a steam room and heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
What's nearby: Cheltenham town centre is less than a 20-minute drive away, with its shops, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries. Head to the boutiques of the Montpellier quarter, have a flutter at the Racecourse or coordinate your stay with one of the many annual arts and literary festivals.
Click here for prices and availability