Mr & Mrs Smith

Olde worlde in so many ways and very peaceful – a home as much as a hotel. Their not having rushed to modernise everything that doesn't move adds to the atmosphere. I could almost envisage a painful priest from Jane Austen wandering in. They have their own pub, the Potting Shed, just a few yards across the road. Its exterior is eminently missable and many drivers could think 'no, lets see what's further along the road'. Which is a pity as the pub has lots of good things going for it: space, different levels, open as well as more intimate areas and food which is, whether full restaurant or bar snacks, excellent, as is the service.

What a lovely hotel. We had a very relaxed time. We were the only four in the swimming pool, took a bit of finding, but was so peaceful when there and spent well over an hour there. Was great as an enclosed area, our son could run around a bit. Our room smelt quite a bit when we first arrived (smelt of stale sweat), but cleared as we left all the windows open when we went out. Was very cosy with a little bed made up for our toddler and then the Moses basket we brought for the baby. We ate at the Potting Shed for dinner, they don't start serving until 7pm so we went over for drinks first about 6.30pm. They did not have a reservation for us -- we discovered later that we had been booked in to the Hotel Restaurant instead of the pub, but they managed to squeeze us in as we said we would be quick (you don't linger over leisurely dinners when you have a toddler and a baby). Pub was very, very busy, so highly recommend booking ahead. Dinner was okay, the fish and chips gorgeous, but partner did not think the steak was worth the price. Staff were very accommodating; we did not manage to finish our wine so they re-corked it for us so we could take back to our room. We went to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and got there as soon as it opened, which not only made it peaceful and you were able to see all the animals, but it also meant that all the animals were outside as their homes were being cleaned out, or they were having breakfast. We got to see everything so really recommend it, and if children are under 3 years they go free, which is great too. All in all we had a lovely midweek night away.

Another wonderful relaxing stay at the Rectory Hotel. Staff as ever very friendly and helpful. This time we stayed in the Laverton room and we are trying a different room on each of our stays. I would say that this is the most disappointing room so far. Decor looks a little tired and TV signal was terrible if someone walked around the room. One chair in the room was unsuitable for sitting on: very precarious and very unsuitable for my pregnant wife. We informed staff of these issues when leaving and they assured us that they would be looked into. Don't worry Rectory Hotel, we will be visiting again and we still love you.

Lovely hotel, just like to echo previous feedback really. We enjoyed the very sheltered heated swimming pool, even though the weather was not brilliant. Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury, home to the Naked Gardeners, is well worth a visit although you may need to avert your eyes from time to time.

We visited Tetbury, a 20-minute drive from the hotel which was a wonderful find and we loved being able to browse in shop upon shop of antiques, of all price ranges. We were able to find some bargain gems. The quaint boutiques kept us interested for a good couple of hours and a visit to Hobbs House bakery on the high street is a must, if one enjoys fresh and great quality bread cooked on premises. Other good towns to visit are Lechlade, Stowonthewold and Nailsworth. We stumbled across an organised walk by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, which took us on a three-hour exploration of the Gloucestershire downs near Stroud. It was called a 'fungi forage' and was well worth it if you want to spend an afternoon learning about foraging and walking in some of the most beautiful downs of the area. Check the website as they often hold organised walks.

The Rectory hotel is situated close to the towns of Cirencester, Malmesbury and Tetbury, which are all worth a visit.
Tetbury is particularly nice for a lazy day strolling around antique shops followed by tea at Quayles (located in the middle of the village). Westonbirt arboretum is also close by- just the other side of Tetbury (about 20 minutes drive from the hotel) and is a lovely place for an afternoon walk amidst glorious flora and fauna.

Had a lovely stay at Rectory Hotel, despite the hideously rainy autumnal weekend. The food was excellent – I had delicious scallops with leek and bacon puree followed by pheasant, beautifully cooked. The only thing that bettered dinner was the service, everyone was friendly and helpful. The only improvement I'd suggest is sorting out the slightly decrepit plumbing. It was easy to scald yourself in the shower, and the radiator at best wimpered. Would recommend this for a romantic weekend though. Fantastic hotel.

We had a wonderful stay at the Rectory Hotel, the room was cosey with lovely views, the staff were friendly and the breakfasts were good. We would definitely stay here again. We had dinner in the hotel one night and it was gorgeous. Whether you're staying here or not the restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
We spent a couple of days driving around all the different villages, they are all so pretty! Bibury was very pretty as was Bourton-on-the-Water. We walked from Bourton-on-the-Water through Lower Slaughter on to Upper Slaughter which was a lovely walk and to top it off we had a cream tea at The Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter. We sat in the garden enjoying the views and peace and quiet. Definitely a place to recharge your batteries. Overall a great break away.

To be perfectly honest we barely ventured out... a good book or Scrabble by the fire with the biggest pot of tea you've seen in your life was just perfect. But it is definitely worth making the (short) trip across the road to The Potting Shed, the food and service were outstanding, and the special cocktail of the week wasn't bad either!

Try the Cotswold Fizz in The Potting Shed (sloe gin and champagne) and the bacon sandwiches for breakfast in the morning with homemade ketchup.

We went for a one night getaway, it was really easy by train from London and a five minute taxi to the hotel. We arrived in time for a great lunch at The Potting Shed, followed by a lazy afternoon at the hotel in front of another log fire before dinner. Our room was large and comfortable, with a newspaper waiting outside the door in the morning to read over a huge breakfast. The staff were really helpful and easily arranged a late check-out for us to fit in with our return train booking. Very relaxing!

Very pleasant stay on the whole. Saw the hotel more as a county house than hotel. I thought it was trying just a bit too hard to be cool with the eclectic furnishings, the Wellington boots and the Farrow & Ball French grey, but then again l am sure that's their market. Very West London. Could not quite work out who was in charge, there were quite a few of what looked like sixth-form girls around the hotel and the pub, it reminded me a Supertravel chalet holiday of the early 80's. Needless to say they were all extremely polite and helpful. I like the kitsch appeal of the 50's bar and the big open fire with tea lights, nice touch!

The room was homely enough, although cold. But they fixed the heating as soon as we commented on it. The bathroom was the let down. It looked like student digs. Something I could have put together on a wet Saturday afternoon. The floor was laminate Ikea Tundra vintage circa late 90's with a Wickes coral bathroom suite, the bath has a nice black dent in it. Mixed in with this were some pleasant personalised bathroom shower gels and soaps which looked out of place in the bathroom. Perhaps Vosene, Head & Shoulders and a bar of Imperial Leather would have been more appropriate. However The Potting Shed's food was superb, very nice and well presented, very cosy on a wet and blustery evening. The breakfast next morning was also super. Yes, I would recommend it on the whole and would stay again.

Mr & Mrs Smith you have done it again! Having seen us through our engagement trip to Venice earlier this year, you have now provided the inspiration and location for our wedding! The local Potting Shed Pub in Crudwell (+44 (0)1666 577833), was the perfect place to consolidate our day's househunting in the nearby quaint Tetbury. We sat outside with a glass of the recommended house white wine (which went down very well indeed), before taking our place at an intimate table in the bar for supper, which surpassed all expectations. We would strongly recommend Tetbury and Malmesbury for an abundance of cafes, tea-rooms and shops hosting the finest of local produce and antiques. As for the Rectory Hotel? Well, we relaxed, we played badminton on the front lawn, snuggled in the two-man hammock and splashed our feet in the outdoor pool, before sitting back to admire the views of the Rectory with a pot of Earl Grey tea large enough to solve one hundred men's problems and woes! Thank you... again!

What a find not just a fab hotel but, a short walk away (and I mean short) a jewel of a pub, The Potting Shed – good service and great atmosphere, guest ales and an extensive wine list. If you fancy a walk, make time to visit. Well worth it.

The hotel restaurant was fantastic. So rare these days to find stunning accommodation AND great food. We would highly recommend dining in the hotel overlooking the sunken garden and sampling delicious seasonal delights.

I went away with two close friends and The Rectory was just the escape we needed from the big smoke. We ate great food at The Potting Shed and drank lots of red wine in front of the fire in our very own living room. We even went for a long walk, and eventually got lost in a very muddy field but entertained ourselves by each fashioning a different style of wellington boot kindly loaned from the hotel. We found our way back to the hotel along winding country roads and followed our noses back to The Potting Shed for a delicious sunday lunch and well deserved cider.

We had a wonderful time. Close to field walks, it was a wonderful resting place for all of us. The walks first thing woke us up for a magnificent breakfast served in the restaurant overlooking beautiful gardens. Close to Cirencester, we wandered for the day around galleries and shops and then returned to change and walk down to the Potting Shed for pre-prandial drinks. Dinner was well presented and light enough not to cause indigestion over night. The beds were comfortable and the linen crisp. A range of home-made shampoos etc meant that we left with extra luggage! Would definitely put this on the map and have referred many a friend in that direction.

On our first day we went into Malmesbury and had a look around Malmesbury Abbey – which was a lovely way to spend half an hour. The following day we went to Butts Farm which was brilliant, especially if you have kids (which we didn't). Each day they run various activities such as goat feeding and milking and a cuddle-the-bunnies half-hour, which was just brilliant for children (and young adults!)

Within Malmesbury, The Old Bell is lovely for lunch, with big comfortable sofas and very attentive staff.