Ellenborough Park

We stayed at Ellenborough Park over the bank holiday weekend and I can only assume this was reflected in the room rate. Because we paid £450 per night for two nights, which would’ve been no problem if the experience was truly as described “a 5 star experience”. However the reality was far from it.The room was at best a 4 star with dirty net curtains, limescale on the taps, marks on the walls and blinds held together with cable ties!! The common areas were dirty, the carpets in particular were covered in crumbs throughout and there was just an overall lack of attention to detail.We headed to the spa which although small seemed to have a few nice facilities. However the jacuzzi looked dirty, with grouting missing, and tiles lying loose around the edge drawing attention to the fact that many were missing. We decided to visit the outdoor pool which was much worse. Again tiles missing at the entrance to the pool, with wet and soiled sun loungers and dirty plates left out. So we gave up.This left us little confidence in the dinner reservation we had booked for that evening so we cancelled it and ate out in Cheltenham instead.The breakfast was also an inelegant service with staff rushing around crashing plates and spilling tea over the table when it was served. We also witnessed a stomach churning exchange at breakfast where someone requested a replacement sausage (for an undercooked one) it was reluctantly brought out on a small plate and carelessly rolled onto the diner’s main plate for consumption.The reception staff were friendly and the exterior of the house and grounds are beautiful. The hotel has a lot of potential but unfortunately it overpromised and under delivered across the board.Had we paid closer to half of this amount, and the hotel rated appropriately as 4 stars I would not be writing this, but for £900 it was extremely poor overall and we feel ripped off. It goes without saying we will not be returning.

Recommended, however, even at 5* prices this is an expensive hotel! Views are great and you are looking directly at the race course, however, justification of their bar prices and over night b&b costs, would make for an interesting topic of conversation. For those who can afford this style of accommodation I would hazard a guess money is no problem, the price justification is still somewhat high. The local area is great and the countryside walks are fairly even, as a one of stay, do it.

We spent the first two nights of our Cotswolds trip here at Ellenborough Park. What a luxurious but unpretentious place! The staff are friendly and helpful. The grounds and property are beautiful. We didn't take advantage of the spa but those facilities looked fabulous as well. I can't wait to return.

very picturesque, old fashioned feeling , very friendly staff, food good, outdoor swimming pool is fun , room only had a so small window but the bathroom was quality and huge with a free standing bath.the grounds are lovely with nice walking path.

The rooms were wonderful, the food was delicious, although the restaurant service was all over the place. Visited last weekend; perhaps they were having issues with their kitchen. It showed. A pleasant experience overall, though, not quite consummate with the prices they are charging.The most jarring experience was with the spa. Beware the prices the spa quote you. This was my first time at a spa of any kind where I felt I'd been misled about how much procedures cost. The spa reception quoted me £78 for a 25min facial before the procedure (steep enough, you'd think). After the facial, the same reception informed me that there actual cost is £90 because of service charges associated with the procedure; what the 'service' was on top of the £78 I was already paying I never understood.The misleading pricing was a real bummer after what had been a pleasant 25min. At £3.6 / min, I can't say it was the best investment in a spa treatment I'd ever made.Ellenborough Park is a lovely enough venue to stay and eat. I would recommend. Can't say I'd go back to their spa, however. There are many better spas to spend your £78 (or £90) at.

Beautiful historic building. We had afternoon tea which was good. Scones were a bit doughy but cakes and savouries were good.

£400+ a night for a room with mouldy curtains and walls, dust on the skirting boards, and a manky ironing board.I have no idea how this hotel has 5 star status. The place is clearly suffering with staff, everyone seems new, so the service was dreadful.The lady who ran the reception of the spa was extremely unhelpful. However the treatments we had were great.Room wasn't ready after the check in time. No apology from staff, whilst we sat around waiting. The pool was out of service, which was the main reason we booked here.Restaurant was nice but service was very slow.Everything includes a 12.5% service charge. Even a massage, which is a service in itself.This place has great potential, but terrible execution and is clearly struggling. It's more comparable to 3 star hotels we've stayed in, and way below any other 5 star.

Great hotel. Staff is particularly nice including Adiel at the restaurant and Ana at the reception. Restaurant is very good…especially breakfast. Nice walking trails around the hotel. Access to the SPA is nice but it could easily become crowded. My only suggestion would be to improve the music in the tea room..it is sleepy elevator music…but that is a minor point.

It was magical! We arrived when the sun was setting and we fell in love with the view. You have the chance to getaway from the city, from light and noise pollution. The rooms were amazing, very spacious and provided everything. Keep in mind to take the adaptor because even though they have some outlets, some of them don’t work.Will definitely revisit!Dog friendly and kid friendly.

The buildings and settings are really very lovely. Toilets were very nice and clean with no expense spared on the hand towels, however the service at afternoon tea and dinner lacked somewhat... far too long between courses and drinks order arrived after starters? Were they growing the grapes? Great place and great facilities but need to up their game on the service to justify the prices charged for rooms and dining.