No 38 The Park

As soon as you arrive at boutique hotel No 38 the Park in leafy, gracious Cheltenham, you know you’re never going to want to leave. From the sweeping staircase in the hallway, to the comfy sofas in the lounge, strong edit of coffee-table magazines, and – when we visit – classic Christmas decorations draped around the fireplace, it all just feels… well, lovely. The thing that really strikes me is that No 38 doesn’t feel like a hotel at all; it feels like a home. Not necessarily my home (if only), but a wealthy aunt’s perhaps — one with impeccable taste. She’s a great host and I truly do feel like she’s thrilled I’m here to visit.

Mr Smith and I arrive at No 38 late on Thursday after a slow journey from rush hour-riddled London. Once we’re inside though, the hotel’s warm and buzzing — a Christmas party is taking place in the dining room — and instantly, I’ve forgotten about the drive. There’s no check-in desk per se, but a cabinet in the lounge with bits and pieces that do the trick. I like the informality here. For regular travellers, it’s sure to be refreshing. We’re shown around the ground floor, which is comprised of a large lounge, dining room, kitchen and conservatory, before being led upstairs to our room.

At first I’m confused as we’re ushered to one of several open doors on the landing. I assume this is perhaps where the tour continues, but in fact, this beautiful suite, complete with a bath tub at the foot of the bed, is our home for the weekend! In my head I’m doing my happy dance.

I skip around the room in glee, then do the same in the bathroom, in which there is actually room to dance… Host a disco, even. We’ve got his and hers sinks and his and hers showers. So over-indulgent, but I have zero complaints. The honeycomb-shaped tiles on the floor and emerald tiles lining the walls make it Pinterest gold, and I’m busy taking visual notes to add to my dream bathroom wishlist.

I’m not even that big on taking baths, but the novelty of having one in the bedroom turns me into a super-fan; before long, I’m knee deep in bubbles. It’s s paradise for us both, and it’s just a bonus that it happens to be contained within the same room.

We miss last orders at No 131, The Park’s off-site restaurant, which is a pain – but we settle for a quick dinner at the local Thai. We don’t mind, more time in the room is only a bonus, especially when there’s that nightcap bar downstairs. However, it’s worth noting that No 131 aren’t hesitant to close the kitchen a little early if it’s quiet, so be sure to book ahead.

When we wake up the next morning our requested tray of croissants and orange juice is waiting outside our door. What a treat! A pre-breakfast breakfast which, for someone who likes a lie-in, but also snacks, is completely perfect. Not long after, breakfast in the dining room doesn’t disappoint, with the most wonderful almond pastries. From the hot menu, order eggs, if just to witness the brightest yellow yolks.

Later, we trundle into Cheltenham town (a mere 10-minute walk away) and return to accidently snooze in the lounge. Whoops! But that’s how homely we’re talking… It’s all just so relaxing.

One of my favourite things though, possibly the simplest of all, is that all the doors to the vacant bedrooms are deliberately left open. This not only satisfies a Nosy Parker like me, who wants to see not just my room but everyone else’s, but really makes No. 38 feel like a home over a hotel.

When it finally comes to checking out, we’re reluctant, but paying up is a quick, simple job and we’re packed on our way with bottled water and snacks — it really is like we’re at my Aunt’s house…