If you’re looking for a luxurious yet comforting base to explore Chipping Campden and the surrounding Cotswolds villages, Cotswolds House Hotel & Spa is a truly standout choice. Set right in the heart of Chipping Campden, this award-winning Grade II Regency town house manages to feel both grand and welcoming, blending historic elegance with thoughtful modern touches. From the moment you arrive, there’s an undeniable sense of calm that immediately encourages you to slow down and savour your stay – just what I needed!
We arrived earlier than our official check-in time and were advised that parking is located at the back of the property, close to the spa. It was incredibly easy to find, and we had no trouble securing a space. This already set a positive tone – there’s nothing worse than stressful parking when you’re trying to unwind. To be honest, as it was Autumn, and the Cotswolds is quite the hotspot for many, we did think it would be very busy however, it wasn’t! Walking from the car park toward the hotel, we passed through the beautifully kept gardens, which instantly felt like a hidden sanctuary away from the High Street. There are several seating areas dotted throughout, making it an ideal spot for afternoon drinks, a quiet moment with a book, or simply soaking up the peaceful surroundings with a cup of tea.
As we had booked a spa session, we checked in early and left our bags with reception before heading straight to the spa, which is conveniently located near the car park. The staff were warm, friendly, and efficient, making the process feel seamless and relaxed.We arrived at the spa around 1pm and were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. The spa itself is intimate rather than vast, which adds to its charm. It consists of a single, reasonably sized pool, a number of loungers for relaxing, and a sauna room. At spa reception, we were provided with everything we needed – robes, slippers, and towels – and I also noticed additional towels and robes available in the changing rooms.The changing facilities are on the smaller side, with two toilets and limited space to change. I can imagine this could feel slightly cramped during busier periods, but during our visit it was wonderfully calm and quiet, which made the experience feel much more exclusive.The pool temperature was spot on – warm and soothing without being overpowering. There were self-serve facilities for water, tea, and coffee, which was a lovely touch, as well as a spa menu if you wanted to extend your experience further. It felt unhurried and peaceful, exactly what you want from a spa afternoon.
I had booked a back, neck, and shoulder massage, and it was exactly what my tired muscles needed. I was regularly checked on to make sure I was comfortable and happy with the pressure, and I genuinely felt looked after throughout. The massage was deeply relaxing, melting away tension and leaving me feeling completely reset.After our treatments, we returned to the pool area to relax on the loungers until it was time to check into our room – which, surprisingly, came around very quickly. Time really does pass differently when you’re fully relaxed!
Cotswolds House offers 28 individually styled rooms, all varying in shape and size. From snug rooms tucked under the eaves to more luxurious suites, each space has been carefully designed to feel comfortable yet characterful. The décor strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary, with understated furnishings lifted by feature bedheads, colourful cushions, and carefully chosen artworks.The main house contains 22 rooms spread across two floors, and it’s worth noting that there are no lifts, so requesting a first-floor room is a good idea if stairs are something you’d prefer to minimise. There are also six garden rooms, some of which feature private hot tubs on their terraces – ideal for a more secluded, indulgent stay.Bathrooms are stocked with Eco-Boutique toiletries, which felt like a lovely, considered detail. Some rooms feature showers only, while others include both baths and showers in different combinations. If you’re booking for the first time, it’s definitely worth calling the hotel to talk through the room options, as they really do vary and offer different advantages. The hotel is also pet-friendly, which is a huge bonus for those travelling with furry companions.
We were checked into a superior room, and the staff kindly guided us up the beautiful spiral staircase. Opening the door, we were greeted by a huge, light-filled room overlooking Chipping Campden High Street. Despite its central location, the room felt peaceful and quiet.The room was extremely spacious and well-equipped, featuring a king-size bed, air conditioning, bathrobes, slippers, a coffee and tea maker, bottled water, desk, hairdryer, iron, mini refrigerator, TV, and wireless internet. The bed itself was exceptionally comfortable – one of those that you sink into and instantly relax.The bathroom was equally impressive: large, elegant, and beautifully decorated, complete with both a bath and shower. It felt luxurious without being over-the-top, and everything was immaculately clean.
That evening, we headed down to Hidcote Brasserie & Grill, and the setting alone is worth a mention. With gorgeous French doors and a stunning interior, it’s a truly beautiful restaurant space that feels both refined and welcoming. The menu focuses on modern British cuisine, executed with care and confidence. We started with freshly baked bread served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Marmite butter – an unexpected addition that completely stole the show. It was so good we ordered a second helping. For mains, Josie chose the steak, which was cooked exactly to her liking, while I went for the seafood linguini. The portion was generous, packed with flavour, and beautifully cooked – so much so that I struggled to finish it. We were far too full for dessert, but we couldn’t resist ordering an espresso martini, which was rich, smooth, and absolutely glorious.
After dinner, we made our way to the Chipping Campden Cocktail Bar, which has a darker, moodier atmosphere compared to the restaurant. It felt intimate and stylish, with a really cool vibe that made it the perfect place for a post-dinner drink. The cocktails were excellent, and it was the ideal way to wind down before heading back upstairs.
The next morning, breakfast was served back in the restaurant. We started with the continental spread, which included cereals, fresh fruit, meats, yoghurts, and pastries, before ordering hot dishes. Josie opted for the pancakes, while I chose the vegetarian breakfast. Both were delicious, freshly prepared, and generously portioned, with plenty of refills of tea, coffee, and juice.
Cotswolds House Hotel & Spa is an exceptional choice for anyone wanting to explore the Cotswolds while enjoying a truly relaxing and refined stay. Despite its central location, it feels wonderfully quiet and calm. The décor is elegant, with rich Victorian notes throughout, the spa offers a perfect escape, and the staff go above and beyond to make guests feel genuinely cared for.I very much enjoyed my stay here. Autumn is my favourite season, and this felt like the perfect autumnal escape — though I can easily imagine it being just as special in every season.
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