Rates from (inc tax)$210.90 If you haven’t entered any dates, the rate shown is provided directly by the hotel and represents the cheapest double room (including tax) available in the next 21 days. Prices have been converted from the hotel’s local currency (21GBP), via openexchangerates.org, using today’s exchange rate.Price information
Style
Funked-up stately home
Setting
Acres of spectacular Cotswolds
Get this when you book through us:
A complimentary spa product
30.
Midday. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
Double rooms from $210.90 (£163), excluding tax at 20 per cent.
If you haven’t entered any dates, the rate shown is provided directly by the hotel and represents the cheapest double room (including tax) available in the next 21 days. Prices have been converted from the hotel’s local currency (GBP195.00), via openexchangerates.org, using today’s exchange rate.Price information
Rates include full English breakfast.
55 acres of land, billiards room, spa (the C-Side) with four treatment rooms, gym, sauna.
The stable-block rooms, especially the split-level ones. Half of the Exceptional rooms have own balcony, and the Best room (actual name) has a private terrace, double bath and four-poster bed.
C-Side spa has two pools: a 17m, slate-lined indoor pool and an elegant outdoor pool with a bar, waiter service and rows of sleek sun loungers. Both are heated year round.
Running kit, if you fancy scenic cross-country.
CD and DVD library. Wellington boots are provided. Pets welcome in one of the two dog-friendly rooms; £25 charge per pet, a night. Two-night minimum stay at weekends.
Babysitting is available by arrangement. A children’s supper is served between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Babysitting is available by arrangement. A children’s supper is served between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Babies, tots and teens.
Cots can be added to rooms free; there's a £40 supplement for a rollaway bed (which includes children's breakfast and dinner).
There are 55 acres of grounds to explore. In July, Cheltenham’s Music and Fringe Festival features music concerts, street entertainment, comedy and fireworks; and there's the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (01285 713300; www.airtattoo.com).
There are indoor and outdoor pools, but they are more for swimmers and less for splashers. Kids are welcome at the C-Side spa until 5.30pm every day.
Rates include full English breakfast.
A children’s supper is served between 5.30pm and 7pm in the Flower Room. Kids can dine any time in the bar or the lounge (the kid's menu is £7.50), but younger children are not allowed in the restaurant.
Babysitting is available, as long as it's arranged before arrival.
There's a DVD library to choose films from. Ask for hot-water bottles to warm beds with.
The grand, oak-panelled dining room is formal but candlelit and welcoming. The hotel has a new chef, Matthew Cuthbert, fresh from perfecting his art alongside the likes of Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal. Expect punchy, flavoursome food that focuses on the very best of seasonal, local ingredients.
Food: 11pm at weekends and 10pm during the week. Breakfast is available from 7.30am until 11am.
24 hours.
London Heathrow is the closest major airport – it's around an hour and 40 minutes from the hotel, following the M4 west to Swindon, Cirencester and eventually Cheltenham.
The nearest train station is in Kemble, around 25 minutes from the hotel. Direct trains go from here to London Paddington in an hour and 20 minutes.
The nearest big town is Cheltenham – the drive from here should take around 10 minutes, following the A40 towards Oxford before turning right onto the A435 to Cirencester. Driving time from Oxford is just under an hour, using the A436 towards Gloucester before picking up the A435 to Cirencester.
Hot-air ballooning at Balloon Flights, Cheltenham (+44 (0)1242 675003; www.hot-air-ballooning.ltd.uk). Boutique shopping in Cheltenham’s Montpellier. Cheltenham races, 40 minutes away (+44 (0)1242 537642; http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk). Antiques fair at the racecourse, last Sunday of every month. Clay-pigeon shooting at Chatcombe Estate Shooting School (+44 (0)1242 870391). Horse riding can be arranged at Ullenwood Stables (+44 (0)1242 575 020), and helicopter tours of the Cotswolds with Rise (+44 (0)1452 857083).
Cheltenham: Le Champignon Sauvage on Suffolk Road in Cheltenham (+44 (0)1242 573449) serves excellent English and French cuisine; the Daffodil on Suffolk Parade (+44 (0)1242 700055) serves Mod Med in art deco surrounds.
Montpellier Wine Bar at Bayshill Lodge in regency Cheltenham has a lively atmosphere. The Hare and Hounds in Fosse Cross (+44 (0)1285 720288) for delicious gastro food. The Fossebridge Inn near Northleach (+44 (0)1285 720721) is ideal for Sunday lunch: book ahead. The 17th-century Lamb Inn at Great Rissington (+44 (0)1451 820388) has a great garden. The Bell at Sapperton near Cirencester (+44 (0)1285 760298) is good for lunch and has a great variety of ales. The Green Dragon (+44 (0)1242 870 271) in Cowley has a classic country pub vibe, with crackling fires, low-slung beams and flagstone floors.
As Smith Junior and babysitter disappear from view in the rear-view mirror, this Mrs Smith surreptitiously wipes away a tear and asserts that Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds is ‘going to have to be very special indeed’ to make up for being separated from the little darling for 48 hours. This is the last chance to get away before Smith Junior Number 2 arrives, and the first break from the rat race for what feels like an eternity.
We’re definitely in need of some ‘Cowley magic’. The subtle, minimalist signage that indicates your arrival at Cowley gives no real hint of what awaits. Then a rolling lawn… a towering stand of oaks… a glimpse of lake. And a picture begins to emerge of the pleasures to come. There’s a palpable sense of jangled City nerves starting to melt away. This is reinforced by a genuinely friendly welcome at reception that, combined with the contemporary furniture and background music, make it feel like you’ve arrived at a country house owned by the coolest people you know.
Things are starting to look good. Then Cowley ups the ante and we go from merely ‘good’ to ‘exceptional’. To explain: the hotel’s bedroom categories are referred to as ‘Good’, ‘Better’, ‘Great’ or ‘Exceptional’ – and we’re exceptionally happy to find that we’ve been handed the keys to the latter.
Floor-to-ceiling windows give views out over the sun terrace, yet another lake and glorious grounds beyond. A modern four-poster bed the size of the Smith family lounge, a private balcony large enough for a game of five-a-side football and a bathroom bigger and better-equipped than many a grand spa.
It’s when we clap eyes on the hotel’s C-Side Spa that things really start to look up. Despite the nautical-but-nice pun in its name, it’s all clean lines, slate-tiled pools and soothing treatment rooms. Not a kiss-me-quick sign in sight. (Though when I discover that specialist pregnancy massages are one of the treatments on offer, this Mrs Smith almost plants a smacker on her masseuse.)
Green & Spring is the hotel’s own brand of products (available also from the onsite Village Shop as well as other, less villagey boutiques, like Selfridges), the cares of modern life are rubbed, soothed and kneaded away over the course of a restful and rejuvenating hour, soundtracked by a playlist of your choice; Phillip Glass was perhaps, in hindsight, a little too angular a choice for what was otherwise such a deeply smooth experience.
Smoothness of another kind was provided in freshly squeezed fruit juice, and, taken in conjunction with a rare opportunity to catch up on all of the papers, made for a state of utter relaxation. You know you’ve hit the relaxation reset button when the major decisions of the day became choices between indoor or outdoor pool; room service or restaurant. A happy dilemma.
After a punishing schedule of massages and the giddy excitement of not having to look after Mini Smith for a day, room service it was. According to a quick straw poll among friends who know about these things, the – totally unscientific – litmus test of any hotel room service is based on the relationship between two vital factors: that is, the quality of the House Club Sandwich multiplied by the ice-creaminess of the vanilla milkshake. And the results showed Cowley Manor excelling on both scores.
Waking the next morning to bright, autumnal sunshine, we were fortified by the extensive breakfast on offer in the very impressive, but relaxed, dining room, and ready to face the delightful challenge of exploring the hotel grounds.
Surprisingly extensive, they gardens and woodland stretches to nearly 60 acres and include lakes, swans, hidden walkways with amusing signage (‘A path of exceptional virtue’), and any number of quiet resting places with benches or loungers to take in the views. Added to this, scattered about, are a number of pieces of modern art – not so many that they overwhelm, but enough to keep reminding you that, just as you think you’ve got a handle on Cowley, it’ll surprise you with a nice little twist on what a modern, country-house hotel should be.
After this, a game of pool on the unusual blue-baized table, followed by drinks in the buzzing bar (clearly popular with locals looking to take advantage of a great wine list and knowledgeable mixologists) was the perfect warm-up for dinner.
Served in the wood-pannelled surrounds of the dining room, the ambiance was a little more grown-up than at breakfast, but still warm and welcoming. The food was a comforting blend of staple classics and slightly more unusual options, and all of it was delivered and discussed with the unfailing courtesy we encountered from every member of staff during our stay.
As we settled down for a last night on the extraordinarily comfortable bed, we wondered when we could next come back, and if we could wangle another night away from Smith Jr.
Cowley Manor had clearly worked its magic.
The spa and two magnificent pools! The food also was amazing. Burford was an amazing town, less busy than Stow-on-the-Wold
Kid free, as there were several families there
Spa, decor, grounds, dinner
Nightclubs!
The hotel, staff, pool, food, drinks grounds - EVERYTHING, we love this hotel! 10/10
Not to love it here!
The main areas at Cowley Manor are pleasant! Great friendly atmosphere towards kids, surroundings are stunning, and C Spa is very nice!
Very fancy rooms.
The attention to detail for Christmas guests was exceptional! I am a gluten free girl and my Christmas stocking had a gluten free cookbook in it, plus gluten free chocolates and biscuits so I did not feel left out. Even our dog got a stocking. 10/10
Sometimes communication between the spa and the hotel itself is not perfect so always good to check your appointments etc and not to presume anything.
Absolutely everything - the decor, the service, the staff, the atmosphere, the food, the spa.
Urban excitement on the doorstep.
The spa and indoor pool, the grounds and large living areas. Attentive service. Food very nice - lovely breakfast. Dinner quite expensive. Choose rooms on one floor or maybe two. Visit montpelier area of Cheltenham: great cycle rides around the area.
Personally, I wisappointed with the 3 storey townhouse in the stable block. Felt odd to me and I thought the living area was pokey.
Beautiful grounds, a fantastic spa, we had a very nice room (better room) in stable block. Very peaceful and relaxing with great contemporary interiors.
Traditional country manor.
The grounds, the friendly staff, the location, the quality of the room accommodation. Overall a pleasant stay with very good cuisine - apart from the 3 balls of ice cream in a bowl with half a strawberry - very bizarre when compared with everything else!!
Comfortable lounging in the hotel. The ultra modern styling inside the hotel and the insistent music in the bar makes a quiet rest difficult
The Spa indoor pool (outdoor one was closed on our visit). Nearby, check out the cocktail bar in Cheltenham Spa.
Open fires in the stunning fireplaces. I didn't find the service in the restaurant good, and the reception staff didn't semm very informed.
The Spa, the extensive grounds, the food and spacious bedrooms.
Disappointed they didn't light real fires in the hallway and bar area, this would totally transform these areas. Bringing warmth, that gorgeous smell and character to the rooms.
Everything!
The Spa, walking in the park, the views. Cowley Manor is a good retreat if you want to catch your breath for a couple of days without frills.
Top notch quality. To me the place feels to be stuck in the Lounge era of 15 years ago.
the vibe! We felt instantly relaxed as soon as we arrived and the staff couldn't be more helpful (there were a couple of hiccups whilst we were there, but all were sorted and we left feeling very looked after). There was also the perfect balance between relaxing and partying (should you wish to do both). The outdoor pool was great - even nice to swim in whilst it was raining!
to be bored as there's plenty to do here - eating, walking, playing games, relaxing...
The grounds are amazing, the Spa is fantastic, the Cocktails are excellent, BREAKFAST!!!
Exciting food, menu variations, nightlife, value for money in my opinion
Everything about it! The service was amazing and the food and the wine and the spa - would highly recommend it and will be returning in the future!
Outdoor heated swimming pool and 24 degree heat in May :)
The spa is outstanding and treatments lovely very efficiently run by Gilly - an oasis of calm.
Reception is not always manned and I found I sometimes had to wait before someone came along to help. Seemed short of staff to me and those who were there are overloaded.
Laid back luxury, not pretentious, lovely food and fabulous heated pool.
Provide hot chocolate in the rooms please along with the tea and coffee.
Unexpected room upgrade, great spa and morning room, late service for breakfast, relaxed atmosphere.
Speed of service occasionally borderline.
Attentive staff but not overly intrusive. Large bed in airy room, very comfortable mattress. Good quality food, lovely dining room. Grounds excellent for exploring or relaxing in.
Clearer instructions on how to use in room facilities eg: coffee machine, lights and cd dvd players.
Everything! Service with a smile, swimming outside with steam rising from the warm water, great food, stunning grounds, the beautiful manor house, exceptional accommodation and contemporary decor.
Our room was amazing - a great space with lovely furnishings, plus nespresso machine, iPod dock, lots of beautiful Green Spring products to use (thank you Mr and Mrs Smith for the complimentary product!). The grounds were great for a stomp, and the indoor and outdoor pools were very good (the outdoor pool was lovely even in November!). My husband had a very good mini back neck and shoulder massage in C-side and came out feeling fantastic! The reception team were most welcoming and attentive and the Maitre d' was exceptional - personable and knowledgeable and made us feel very looked after for our 10th Anniversary break. The food was very nice in the restaurant and the staff were aware of my gluten free status (thank you again Mr and Mrs Smith). We were also ecstatic to get the first ever upgrade we have ever had, and we really, really appreciated it!
Waited a while for our main course on Saturday night and again for breakfast on Sunday morning, but the service was very good and we weren't in a rush so not too bad.
I loved the relaxed atmosphere, lovely room and fab food. The pool is lovely. Ten out of 10.
My wife's massage was average.
I loved everything! The house was fabulous, the service was sharp and attentive whilst being relaxed, the spa was wonderful, spacious and welcoming.
Firstly I need to say for the last 18 years I have worked as a flight attendant - I have stayed in 1000s of different hotels and this is by far the best. We spent months looking for somewhere special for a special birthday. On arrival a lovely open fire awaited us, very polite reception staff that showed us around the hotel and to our room. The bar and restaurant areas have a lovely laid back feel where you would feel comfortable as a family with children or a couple enjoying a romantic get away. the food is out of this world, waiting staff so professional. Rooms incredible, spacious (we had the standard good room which was divine) lovely big bath tub with amazing Green and Spring large sized products. (most incredible scent)The spa was something else, lovely indoor and outdoor heated pool, warm even in October. The treatments were wonderful, mini facial and mini relaxation, so much included in 30 minutes! The grounds are breath taking, a lovely touch was the large rack of Hunter wellingtons outside to use, even a couple of bikes! There is a gorgeous church almost attached to the hotel, so pretty. The interior touches are simple but modern and very cool. Howeverwhatever this hotel does they have got it spot on, we couldn't fault it in any way and can't wait to go again.
it was free to go
Restaurant was superb, gardens amazing the main house text book Cotswold charm. Spa was wonderful with warm outdoor plunge pool. There is even a private cinema as well!
The TV at the end of our bed was a little out of place but I'm nit picking.
Rooms, service, food, gardens, pool and tranquility.
WiFi could've been better (it's terrible).
Staff; service; food; the room; the spa and being upgraded.
