Cowley Manor Experimental - Cheltenham

Gemma L. W.

Lovely getaway with fantastic service - more vegan & gluten free food options than advertised.

My husband and I stayed here just before Christmas for 2 nights and really enjoyed.

The location is beautiful and the decor is very fun and whimsical. We enjoyed spending the evening in the spa (which guests have access to all day) and playing games in the game room after a busy day exploring.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and the staff are so friendly.

Special mention to Lucy who served us at breakfast, Louis who was the porter and Elly at the spa - they really went above and beyond to make our experience very enjoyable.

I was worried that there wouldn't be much to eat at breakfast, as every item on the menu included eggs. However, Lucy let us know that the chefs could cook a vegan breakfast and it was delicious (pictured).

We ordered room service one evening and the restaurant was able to cater to my vegan & gluten free diet too, which I was really grateful for.

A lovely place to escape to and spend time exploring.

Thank you!

Mr M.

A Memorable Stay with Some Opportunities for Improvement

We recently had the pleasure of staying and, overall, had a wonderful experience. There are so many positives, from the beautifully designed interiors to the fantastic food and drink offerings, but a few areas could be refined to truly elevate the experience. (Room was Wildflower with Terrace)

Food – 7/10
The roast and bar food were exceptional, and some of the starters were truly memorable. However, we found a bit of inconsistency, with some dishes not quite meeting expectations. For example, the muffins with split, overly acidic hollandaise were disappointing, but the burger and other offerings were excellent. A bit more consistency across the board would make the dining experience even better.

Drink – 9/10
Cocktails were outstanding, and the wine selection was impressive overall. A sommelier on hand could enhance the wine experience further, helping guests make the perfect pairing choices.

Spa – 8/10
The indoor swimming pool was fantastic, though we were surprised to find the outdoor pool unheated, which was a little disappointing as we had been looking forward to a swim outside. While the poolside area is well-designed, the beds could be cleaner, and more frequent towel refreshes would enhance the luxury feel.

Room – 9/10
The interiors are beautifully designed, with a strong focus on comfort, particularly the large bed and bath, which made for a very relaxing stay. A few functional tweaks here and there could make the space even more seamless.

Grounds & Interior Design – 9/10
The hotel’s aesthetics are stunning, and we truly couldn’t ask for much more. A few areas are starting to show some wear, but this is understandable and doesn’t take away from the overall ambiance.

Service – 7/10
The staff were warm and welcoming, which we truly appreciated. However, some team members seemed a little inexperienced, and a slightly more polished approach—especially at this price point—would take service to the next level.

Atmosphere – 8/10
The peaceful setting was much needed and appreciated, though at times, it lacked a bit of energy. A small note: some guests were on loud FaceTime calls and taking extended social media photoshoots in shared spaces, which disrupted the serene spa atmosphere. A gentle approach to maintaining a calm environment could be beneficial.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and would love to return. With a few refinements, [Hotel Name] could truly be an unbeatable destination. We’d be delighted to visit again and experience its continued growth!

Claire L.

We loved it. The decor is beautiful, the ambiance they have created is peaceful and relaxing. The restaurant was lovely. Food choices are limited for dinner but everything we had was delicious. The staff are really attentive. ||||The grounds are beautiful. We walked along down to the bottom of the lake and then through the woods to the pub in the nearby village. ||||We loved the spa - I never swim outside but I did in this lovely heated pool. We relaxed and drunk peppermint tea, reading our books and totally chilling out. The steam room is big and the sauna great. I had a wonderful facial from Claire - she was super knowledgeable and her facial skills are impressive. My husband had a massage which he also loved. ||||Our room was in the stables which was also really impressive. High quality, beautiful decor which felt luxurious. ||||The whole time felt like a real treat and we were very sad to have left. We will definitely be back without question.

Abraham J.

Stayed here one night as I saw a good deal for a room and a nice visit to the Cotswolds. The hotel is designed really well. The service and staff are really friendly. We had dinner and breakfast in the restaurant which is quite good. The spa and pool is nice but didn’t have availability for a last minute massage. So do book it days prior if you want one.

Ines F. H.

We stayed 3 nights at the hotel with family. Staff was friendly especially the breakfast staff.
Unfortunately, when we arrived in our room the toilet was very dirty which I wouldn't expect to find in a 4 star hotel. I called reception and they came to clean it right away but it is still not up to standards to have to ask for a clean toilet upon arrival.
My parents found a big hole in their bed sheets and it was also reported to reception.
We went to the indoor pool, all sun loungers were taken. A few had people using them but the rest it was just old towels and robes thrown on them with no one using the lounger. It looked like no one had cleared the loungers for a while as we stayed there for 2h and didn't see any change which meant we couldn't use one and had to put our towels on the wall. The female changing room was quite dirty with pastry all over the bench and floor. The pool temperature was also quite cold for an indoor pool in a winter month although it can be a question of preference.
We believe a gesture from the hotel would have been appropriate.

Heather A.

We spent the morning at the spa followed by a fabulous lunch in the beautiful main hotel and had a wonderful Beauty treatment. The staff were all lovely and couldn’t be more helpful. The only little criticism was that the changing room felt cramped and not easy to use compared to the rest of the facilities. But that was all; everything else was perfect! PS The burger is not to be missed!

Isabelle K.

We were impressed by the attention to detail from the restaurant team. The service was great, and there were plenty of delicious vegan options. Breakfast included a full vegan English breakfast, vegan yogurt, vegan butter, fresh fruits, and even a vegan croissant.

Our room was very nice—a Tree Room spread across three floors. The bathtub was spacious enough for both my husband and me, which was a plus since we’re both pretty tall. The hotel itself has a lovely feel, with modern interior design that works well with its classic architecture.

The spa was enjoyable, especially the hot sauna. The only downside was that it would be good for guests to be reminded to shower between using the sauna and swimming in the pool!

And finally- it’s a great place to hike to and from - tons of beautiful paths everywhere!

Kin L.

This is a really special place. The hotel is an interior designer’s dream and a home decor lovers paradise. Perfectly design with a mix of artistic flair and modern contemporary style. Beautifully featuring the stunning architectural. The grounds were gorgeous too. Love the breakfast and dinner too. Fully enjoyed our stay!