Manor House Hotel and Golf Club

The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club in Castle Combe, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its enchanting location, exceptional service, and luxurious offerings, creating a quintessential English country retreat experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "amazing," "perfect," "exceptional," and "unforgettable." It holds a rating of 9.4/10 from 40 reviews on Trip.com, combining quality and value. Reviewers often feel as though they've stepped into a fairy tale or an Agatha Christie novel, highlighting the hotel's charm and elegance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of the hotel:

• Location: The setting in the picturesque, untouched 14th-century village of Castle Combe, surrounded by 365 acres of secluded parkland, stunning Italian gardens, and the meandering River Bybrook, is a major draw.
• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently lauded as "fantastic," "polite," "attentive to detail," and going "the extra mile" to make stays special. Their professionalism blended with friendliness is a recurring theme.
• Dining: The award-winning, Michelin-starred Bybrook Restaurant is a significant highlight, offering outstanding and imaginative food using local produce. The hotel's own pub, The Castle Inn, also receives positive mentions for traditional pub fare.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, dating back to the 14th century, exudes an elegant, sophisticated ambiance with a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. Cosy lounges with open fires, oak-paneled bars, and beautifully maintained grounds contribute to the inviting atmosphere.
• Amenities: The 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, croquet lawn, and gym are highly appreciated by guests.

3. Room Quality

The 48 individually designed bedrooms and suites, located in either the main house or the Mews Cottages, are described as luxurious, spotless, and combining traditional elements with modern comforts. Guests appreciate details such as luxury toiletries, tea/coffee making facilities, and a pillow menu. Many rooms feature Victorian character with wooden beams, leaded windows, antiques, and classic art pieces. Bathrooms are often highlighted for being well-done, spacious, and sometimes featuring roll-top baths, separate walk-in showers, dual sinks, and ambient lighting, along with different toiletries for male and female guests. King beds are noted for being very comfortable.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is a major highlight. The Michelin-starred Bybrook Restaurant offers a modern British classic menu with seasonal dishes crafted from local produce and ingredients from the kitchen garden. Guests praise the exceptional food and wine pairings, often describing the meals as worth every penny despite being expensive. Breakfast is consistently rated as delicious, with options including Continental, Full English/Irish, Gluten-free, Vegan, and Vegetarian choices. For a more informal setting, The Castle Inn, the hotel's pub in the village, serves traditional pub food and local ales. Casual dining and indulgent afternoon teas are also available in the hotel's lounges and Time Bar.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Manor House is frequently cited as "top-class" and "impeccable". Staff are described as incredibly accommodating, wonderfully helpful, and very friendly, consistently exceeding guest expectations. From reception to dining managers, the team ensures an enjoyable and restful experience, with many guests noting their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "unbeatable" and "stunning" location in the heart of Castle Combe, a "picture postcard" Cotswold village that has seen no new buildings for 300 years. It's ideal for leisurely walks through the village, exploring local pubs, and enjoying the beautiful countryside.

• Attractions: Castle Combe village itself is an attraction, with St Andrew's Church, the medieval market cross, and "Doctor Dolittle's house" nearby. The Castle Combe Circuit racetrack is a 5-minute drive away. The Roman city of Bath is about a 30-minute drive, and Stonehenge is an hour away. Lacock and Corsham are also within a 15-minute drive.
• Transport: The nearest train station is Chippenham, approximately a 15-minute drive away. Bristol Airport is a 50-minute drive. The hotel is easily accessible via the M4 from Bristol, London, and Oxford. Outdoor parking and electric vehicle charge points are available.

7. Value & Pricing

The Manor House is considered a luxury experience, and its pricing reflects this. While guests acknowledge it can be "expensive," many agree it's "worth every penny" for the quality of the experience. Average room prices are around $438 USD, with rates starting from approximately £295 per night including breakfast. Prices can fluctuate, with October typically being the most expensive month and February or April being cheaper. It is seen as offering remarkable value for its world-class amenities and exquisite accommodations.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points are sometimes noted:

• Cost: The pricing, particularly for food, is acknowledged as expensive, though often deemed worthwhile.
• Family Suitability for Fine Dining: Children under 11 are generally not permitted to dine in the Bybrook restaurant in the evenings, which might be a consideration for families with young children wishing to experience the Michelin-starred dining. However, children are welcome in the lounges and The Castle Inn.
• 5G Signal: Some guests appreciate the escape from a strong phone signal, suggesting it might not be ideal for those who require constant high-speed connectivity.
• Staircases: The old stone staircases in the main house might be a challenge for those in high heels.

Sources

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