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

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

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

Service, space, spa facilities, decor

Stayed in April 2024

Everything

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing

Everything, it’s a beautiful building and setting.

Stayed in April 2024

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

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

Stayed in April 2024

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

All good !

Amazing staff !

Stayed in March 2024

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

Stayed in February 2024

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

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

Restaurant disappointing.

Very comfortable, great bar and very good atmosphere.

Stayed in March 2024

Spa didn’t have a jacuzzi

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

Stayed in March 2024

The spa got very busy with children.

Beautiful grounds, generous sized bedrooms, excellent breakfast.

Stayed in February 2024

Swimming times for children is far too limited.

Stunning hotel and location, amazing food and wonderful staff!

Stayed in March 2024

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

The tea was too fancy...weak despite everyone's efforts to make a strong cup of tea! The duvet was too hot - too high a tog value The bed was huge which is lovely but not supportive enough - I felt it move every time my husband moved....

The Spa was lovely though fully booked for treatments - so book well in advance of your visit. Breakfast was delicious, buffet generous and interesting, cooked breakfast perfectly prepared. Staff very friendly, not pretentious.

Stayed in February 2024

Being able to use the spa a couple of times during our stay was a real treat

Stayed in February 2024

Evening meal and breakfast were superb. Staff were friendly and helpful.

Stayed in February 2024

The massage in the spa was very good. The lady Vona was amazing!

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing! Maybe a few more outdoor games/activities for families would be nice.

Gorgeous spa, buildings, rooms and gardens

Stayed in February 2024

Damp smell in bathroom and strange smell in minibar fridge

Service was really good - the food was excellent and the spa was wonderful. Beautiful grounds

Stayed in February 2024

Great place to stay. Slightly further out from Gloucester and Cheltenham but tucked away in the estate with plenty of walking spaces. A high quality heated pool and lovely breakfast on offer.

Stayed in January 2024