The Retreat Elcot Park

The Retreat Elcot Park, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque North Wessex Downs near Newbury, United Kingdom, consistently garners high praise for its blend of relaxed luxury, attentive service, and stunning countryside setting. Having undergone a complete refurbishment, this 18th-century country house hotel and spa offers a sophisticated yet inviting escape.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Retreat Elcot Park is overwhelmingly positive, often described as an "exceptional stay". It was notably named "Britain's Best Hotel" by The Times and Sunday Times, topping their list of the Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK. Guests frequently highlight their memorable experiences, praising the exceptional spa facilities, serene countryside, and friendly staff.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Retreat Elcot Park:

• Exceptional Spa & Pools: The Signet Spa features a hydrotherapy pool, rasul, salt flotation room, steam room, sauna, gym, and three treatment rooms. The gloriously heated outdoor infinity pool and an indoor pool are also significant draws.
• Thoughtful Amenities & Activities: The hotel is celebrated for its pet-friendly policies, offering welcome packs, dog beds, and bowls in select rooms. Guests appreciate "free pantry" areas stocked with snacks and drinks, games in the lounge, and a complimentary nightcap. Other amenities include a tennis court, croquet lawn, children's zone, and a hair and nail salon.
• Beautiful Grounds & Design: Set within 16 acres of magnificent grounds, the hotel offers opportunities for great walks and features a walled working garden. The interior design blends traditional British countryside aesthetics with modern, playful twists, utilizing rich fabrics, antiques, and bold colours.

Room Quality

The Retreat Elcot Park boasts 55 individually styled bedrooms and suites, described as a blend of "boutique and luxury" with design elements inspired by the local area. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering a tranquil atmosphere. Unique touches can include features like incredible copper tubs. Dog-friendly rooms come equipped with a dog bed, bowl, and a treat.

Dining Experience

The hotel offers distinct dining experiences:

• 1772 Brasserie: This relaxed brasserie, named after the year the original house was built, serves seasonal British dishes in a warm setting, focusing on comforting flavours and quality ingredients. It's ideal for long lunches or unhurried dinners, including Sunday roasts, and incorporates a breathtaking new Orangery. The Nutella and raspberry bombolini have been highlighted as a "must order."
• Yü pan-Asian Restaurant: Yü provides a more expressive and contemporary dining experience, celebrating bold Asian flavours with dishes designed for sharing.
• Breakfast: Generally described as a lovely experience with a good selection.
• Afternoon Tea: A slower moment of indulgence is also available.

Service & Staff

The staff and service at The Retreat Elcot Park receive consistent acclaim, frequently described as "attentive and friendly", "helpful", "amazing", and "superb". Guests often report feeling well-cared for and that the staff contributes significantly to a welcoming atmosphere.

Location & Accessibility

The Retreat Elcot Park is situated in the heart of the beautiful West Berkshire countryside, set on 16 acres of grounds between Hungerford and Newbury, offering breathtaking views across the Kennet valley. It is approximately a 90-minute drive from London and accessible by train to Hungerford or Kintbury, though taxis are recommended for the final leg. The hotel provides ample free on-site parking for guests, along with two chargeable electric vehicle charging points. Nearby attractions include Highclere Castle (10 km away).

Value & Pricing

The hotel is presented as offering a "taste of the country life at a rather attainable price". While specific room rates are not broadly advertised in the search results, the "value for money" received a Booking.com rating of 8.3 out of 10, suggesting guests generally find it worthwhile.

Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring minor issues have been noted:

• Hot Tub Maintenance: On occasion, the outdoor hot tubs have been reported as needing a thorough clean, with only one being operational.
• Drink Service Speed: Some guests have experienced slow service for drinks in the afternoon.
• Pool Accessibility: A minor complaint mentioned a lack of easy accessibility from the outdoor pool to the inside of the property.
• Room Amenities: In some top-tier rooms, a lack of a bedside plug/charger or slippers was noted.
• Room Temperature: Guests advise that rooms can get warm, and it's recommended to utilize provided fans.

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