Lords of the Manor

Lords of the Manor, nestled in the picturesque village of Upper Slaughter, United Kingdom, consistently receives exceptional guest reviews, solidifying its reputation as a premier luxury country house hotel in the Cotswolds. This Michelin Key Selected property is celebrated for its stunning setting, impeccable service, and refined ambiance.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Lords of the Manor is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "wonderful." Review scores for cleanliness, comfort, and staff are particularly high, often reaching 9.7 or 9.8 out of 10. The hotel is praised for its ability to provide a calm, intimate, and timeless experience, making it a beloved retreat in the Cotswolds.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's stunning location, immersed in the Cotswolds countryside, and its beautifully preserved historic building, a former 17th-century rectory set within 8 acres of secluded gardens and parkland. The serene atmosphere, elegant design that blends traditional charm with contemporary touches, and attentive, personable service are frequently highlighted. The beautiful gardens, meadows, and streams within the grounds also contribute to the overall appeal, offering tranquil spaces for walks and relaxation. The hotel is also noted as being dog-friendly.

Room Quality

The 25 individually designed guestrooms at Lords of the Manor are characterized by elegant furnishings and a high level of comfort. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, amazing beds, and softest linens. Thoughtful touches include 24-hour room service, premium bedding, bathrobes, free toiletries, and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms offer charming views of the parkland, pond, walled gardens, or Upper Slaughter Hill. While the manor house does not have air conditioning due to its age, fans are provided to ensure guest comfort, especially during warmer months. Bathrooms are often described as modern and spotlessly clean, with some featuring enormous old-style baths and gigantic showers.

Dining Experience

Lords of the Manor offers an acclaimed dining experience with two on-site restaurants, holding four AA Rosettes for its fine food. The Atrium at Lords of the Manor provides a fine dining experience with a signature tasting menu by Head Chef Charles Smith. For a less formal setting, The Dining Room offers an à la carte menu. Guests praise the delicious, award-winning food, noting that everything is very fresh and seasonal. Breakfast is highly regarded, with a selection of continental items and hot, cooked-to-order options like a Full English breakfast and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, accompanied by loose leaf tea or freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon tea is also a popular treat, featuring delicious cream and jam scones.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Lords of the Manor consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests describe the team as fabulous, attentive, personable, caring, friendly, incredibly welcoming, and eager to ensure a memorable stay. Staff members are noted for their helpfulness and going above and beyond, such as remembering specific guest preferences like tea and coffee orders, or even presenting a surprise birthday cake at dinner. Valet parking and assistance with luggage are also mentioned as part of the excellent service.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "perfect" and peaceful Cotswold location in Upper Slaughter, a tranquil village that offers a break from more touristy areas. It's an ideal base for exploring nearby Cotswold towns and villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Beautiful walks, including routes to Lower Slaughter, are accessible directly from the property. While a car is recommended for exploring the wider area, the scenic surroundings mean guests can also enjoy wandering locally.

Regarding accessibility, the historic nature of the building means there is no elevator, and some rear garden areas contain steps and are not wheelchair accessible. However, the front gardens can be accessed directly from the hotel, and direct access to The Dining Room can be arranged for guests with mobility needs. Many rooms are on the ground floor, but specific bath and shower configurations should be discussed with the hotel in advance.

Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Lords of the Manor to offer good value, despite its luxury positioning. Prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can range from approximately $201.64 to $478, excluding taxes and fees. Kayak indicates that February and January tend to be the cheapest months to stay, with prices potentially dropping by up to 33%, while May and October can be more expensive.

Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. One guest found a camp bed to be poor for the price of the room, and another found a large bath in an upgraded room to be "not hugely comfortable" due to its size. The lack of air conditioning was mentioned as a potential issue for summer stays, though fans are provided. While the fine dining is highly praised, some guests found the restaurant to be "a bit too fancy and pricey" for their taste. Additionally, one review suggested that the breakfast could offer a wider range of items for children. It's worth noting that the hotel lost its Michelin Star in 2018, having held it for eight years, although the current head chef is focused on delighting customers and aiming to regain accolades.

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