Ellenborough Park, nestled within rolling hills on the gateway to the Cotswolds, where history, elegance and nature combine. Steeped in history and boasting 5 stars with a 90-acre estate, Ellenborough Park is settled between the Cotswolds’ highest point and the gallops of Cheltenham Racecourse. A sumptuous Cotswold manor house with 61 unique rooms and suites, the main house of the estate dates back to the 15th Century. Ellenborough Park has been restored to contemporary glory in recent years, elevated to five-star appeal with casual & contemporary restaurants, including our stylish Horse Box Brasserie, and historic Restaurant. The Spa is a capsule of serenity and wellbeing, complete with enticing treatments, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, outdoor heated pool and gym. The finishing touch is a private track leading from Ellenborough Park to Cheltenham Racecourse, offering luxurious and convenient transfers during racing seasons.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Ellenborough Park Hotel offers a mix of opinions from guests; while the service receives both commendation for its friendliness and criticism for occasional disorganization, the value proposition is questioned by many who find the pricing steep for the offerings. The rooms are generally appreciated for their space and comfort, though concerns about cleanliness and upkeep are noted.
The hotel's amenities and immaculate grounds are highlights, as is its prime location. However, guests suggest the spa facilities fall short and some areas of the hotel could benefit from modernization.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Mixed
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Underwhelming
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
Me and my wife stayed for one night at Ellenborough park. As you drive through the main gates down the long winding drive you can’t help but to be impressed by the location and the view of the hotel and it over looks Cheltenham race course. When you walk through the main office entrance you can smell the open fire burning away in the main room. Whilst waiting for our room to be ready we both went for a swim in the outdoor pool that is constantly kept at 30 degrees and that was lovely. We had a nice clean room in the block beside the swimming pool that was large and clean, Our only complaint is the double bed was made up of two mattresses and you could feel the gap through the sheets and they also sunk in the middle,Considering the price of the room I would of thought they would of had rooms with double bed in and twin rooms to make the stay more comfortable. We did not eat in the hotel as the food was a bit pricey @ £ 20 for a burger and chips so we took a drive to a local Italian restaurant. We went back to the hotel for some drinks and when I asked for a Guinness and unfortunately the member of staff did not know that you should let it settle before pouring it completely and made a right mess of it and the head was nearly half a pint and when I asked for it to be topped it up he pulled a face and said that was how it should be and I told him he poured it wrong and @ £6.50 a pint you expect a good pint. The quality of the breakfast was very nice and tasted very fresh although the organisation could be better had to wait nearly 30 minutes for some porridge, At least when it was served it was very nice. We both tried the spa facilities only complaint very small area and not a lot of seats available. My wife had a massage and facial and said the treatment was very excellent and enjoyed the 1 hour time slot. Overall had a great night in a fantastic location and venue and three minor issues.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellenborough P, Marketing Manager at Ellenborough Park
Responded 25 Feb 2020
Dear andrews497, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review of your stay. It's wonderful to hear that you both had such a nice time and we will of course take all of your comments on board. We hope to welcome you and your wife back to Ellenborough Park in the future. Kindest regards, Camille Marketing Manager Ellenborough Park
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have just returned from a two night stay at Ellenborough park. On arrival we were greated by the beautiful buildings and grounds, the reception staff were very friendly and check in was smooth. We had a traditional room which was very nice, however those COVID advanced cleaning measures hadn’t stretched to the dust and bits on the window ledge, or the 4 spiders and dust that was on the wall, there was also still a coffee pod in the machine, not what you would expect of 5* with extra cleaning... There were already some coffee and tea making facilities in the room in a sealed bag which was fine, limited choice with only one caffeinated pod and multiple decaf pods which was annoying and also no green tea. They have removed toiletries and sewing kit etc out of the room to reduce waste whilst I agree some of these are unnecessary there was no shower cap which I only discovered as I was about to get into the shower and so did not want to call down to reception and wait for one! The water pressure on the room was spectacular though and the bath filled in under 5 mins! The biggest let down was breakfast, they had moved to table serve due to Covid however you could tell they didn’t not have enough staff on to cope with this, on the first morning we were out in the library room and we were surrounded by four dirty tables, only one of which was cleared whilst we had our meal. On the second day again we were tucked away in the library, ordered hot drinks as we sat down and waited... food arrived and we chased our hot drinks... they never arrived and as we were in the library no one was passing to flag down. Breakfast food was nice porridge could of been warmer but it was tasty. It’s a shame as the hotel is really lovely but these things are not what you expect from a 5* hotel, yes we are in a tricky situation however if you are still charging 5* prices the service needs to step up!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellenborough Park, Other at Ellenborough Park
Responded 16 Aug 2020
Thank you for your feedback, I am really sorry to see that we have failed to offer the service we are renowned for in certain areas. We have worked hard to make improvements to our breakfast service and housekeeping. I do hope you will consider a return visit again in the future. The management
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Thank you Ellenborough Park for making my 30th birthday so special!
Room: The buildings & grounds are beautiful and this trend continued into our gorgeous room. We had a room that looked out onto the heated pool with a private patio. The patio had a small gate leading into the pool area. If you’re after a spa/pool weekend, I’d highly recommend one of these rooms! My husband had arranged cake and prosecco in the room on arrival and the staff even decorated the bed with petals and fresh flowers! The room was spacious, nicely decorated and clean. The bed was very comfortable and the shower had a great pressure.
Food and drink: Room service - We had lunch from the room service menu brought to our private patio next to the pool (you can order drinks to the pool but not food). The veggie mushroom starter was delicious, I wish they offered it as a main. I have a gluten intolerance, so the chef made my sandwiches on GF Bread, I was very impressed with the GF bread used. The service was really quick and easy.
Breakfast – I was very impressed with breakfast. They offered a full veggie breakfast and gluten free (expect the veggie sausages). The GF bread was the best GF bread I’d ever tried!! They had a huge selection of teas, juices and also milks (inc. Almond and Oat milk). The service at breakfast was great!
Dinner – Dinner was also lovely, although there could be more vegetarian choices. The dinning rooms are beautiful and very grand.
Afternoon tea in the Carriages - The Carriages are so cute, I’d highly recommend these as a treat! Afternoon tea was lovely and they again catered to my GF and Veggie diet. There was a little mix up with the order, but the team very quickly rectified it.
Pool The outdoor heated pool was amazing. There were fresh towels provided at the pool side and plenty of sun loungers. The pool is a 1 min walk away from the spa itself, but robes are provided in the room, so we felt comfortable walking between. The pool area is private and rather sheltered, therefore I felt that I truly had a break away.
Spa: Due to Covid we had to book a 30 min slot to use the Spa facilitates, however the private use actually added to the experience! We were lucky enough to book two slots over our stay.
Overall, I would certainly visit Ellenborough Park again. Thank you to the wonderful team for making my birthday so special!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The rooms leading onto the pool were a real treat!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We first visited Ellenborough park in 2013 and it was amazing and definitely had the "wow" factor. The staff were amazing- even offered to stir your tea for you, clean your shoes, gave you complimentary tea and biscuits if you were hanging about in the downstairs areas. The rooms we had then were in the newer area and were great. We have been quite a few times since, and since it got took over by new management its just not the same.
It's not bad, just average. However average is not good enough when you are paying so much for a luxury experience.
The Horse Box is now over priced. £5 for some vegetable crisps. Bar staff seem miserable. Food is fine but nothing to rave about.
Our room was quite dark, had terrible view of a wall and a roof, hot chocolate packet in our room was torn open. No hair dryer in one room.
Breakfast was disappointing. No room in the restaurant which was nice and warm so had to sit in the atrium. Had to walk through reception and the restaurant to get a buffet full English - like what you get in a novotel or Marriott. No glasses to get juices, queue to make your own toast, food residue over the handles of the hot food containers with no napkins in that room to clean your hands with. Full English from the buffet was dry. I had a pastry which was nice. Nice Yoghurts available.
The service is fine, just not what it was. For instance tea and coffee is just plonked in one area of your table, waitress does not walk around table to give you each a cup and see who is having tea or coffee. Which is fine, but being as they used to offer to pour and stir your tea for you, makes a difference. We told reception we needed to change our restaurant booking, but the restaurant had no awareness of this when we went down.
The outside building is beautiful and really well kept. It's a nice place just not worth the price any more, definitely lost its luxury feel.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellenborough P, Marketing Manager at Ellenborough Park
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Dear meganrowley2, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your stay. I was very saddened to hear that you were so disappointed with the service that you received. I have passed your feedback on to the team regarding your experience with breakfast. There is of course always the option to order off the a la carte menu at breakfast, nevertheless we would expect the buffet to be kept in far better condition to how you have described it. I do apologise for this as the team are frequently monitoring it, although it appears they let it down on this occasion. Kindest regards, Camille Marketing Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A beautiful building set in stunning grounds. Our room was lovely and we really enjoyed the outdoor pool. However, a number of small details that you would expect from a five star hotel were missing. The service in the horse box restaurant was average at best. When eating lunch we had to wait for service a number of times, with no staff to be seen for 20 mins at a time. Our bill was incorrect twice. Service in the evening was better but the menu hadn’t really changed and was really limited and essentially pub food, and extortionate prices for what it was (£20 for a burger). Service at breakfast wasn’t much better - us and a nearby table had to request toast with the full English and follow it up when it didn’t arrive. I am sceptical about their COVID measures too. Paper menus were used at breakfast but then taken back and handed to other guests. I saw one member of staff in public areas with her mask hanging off her ear on three separate occasions. The total cost of our stay including food was around £340 and I don’t think we saw value for money.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is no doubt a beautiful hotel however we were disappointed in comparison to our first stay 7 years ago. Our first stay at this beautiful hotel was like staying in the Ritz the service was excellent the staff treated you like royalty it was the little things that made the difference our first stay the staff treated you individually wanted to pour your tea stir it for you and would offer you a shoe shine . It was the most quintessential place I had ever stayed. We returned three years ago and noticed standards slipping and unfortunately this stay confirmed that the standards here have truly dropped. The breakfast full English is now a Buffett style the same as a standard hotel like a Marriott and the awful breakfast was dried up the handles to the serving dishes were greasy and not clean leaving grease all over my hands when trying to get the food out onto the plate there were a few tiny pieces of dry curled cheese I thought it far too risky to touch the cold meat it looked very limp and dry no milk except soy milk left for cereal . No room in the main dining room so had to trek past all the diners to collect food and walk back to a table out near reception . The young staff were very polite And trying to please however, the senior lady in a jacket presumably a manager came to clear the table did not ask us if everything was ok with breakfast and was not very polite. The bedroom room 16 very noisy all night I think must be above the laundrette and the ceiling in this room is appalling for a room that is expensive it had big blobs of polyfiller filled holes . It really is the attention to detail that has been lost . The good points were Derek the driver who took my family and myself to the race track and collected me early as I was a little unwell he gave an excellent personal service which would be expected by this hotel and the door man who is the same door man who was there seven years ago is the only member of staff who greeted you and actually asked if everything had been ok with our stay . I did not want to complain to him as it is not his job to be sorting out these issues. What a shame this hotel is now surviving on the good reputation it once had and now so obvious that the leadership of this hotel has changed and not for the better . A two star rate one for the setting and one for the driver and the door man
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellenborough P, Marketing Manager at Ellenborough Park
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Dear JoRowleyD, Thank you for you review. I am very sorry to that you were so disappointed with your stay. I have passed your feedback on to the team regarding the unsatisfactory experience with breakfast. It is most definitely not our usual standard and there is of course still the option to order off the a la carte menu - I can only apologise if this was not highlighted during your time with us. Nevertheless, I am pleased you enjoyed your day at the races and that the transfer service worked well for you. We do of course hope you reconsider visiting again. If you would like to discuss your stay further, please do feel free to me directly. Kind regards, Camille Marketing Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Have just returned from a weekend at Ellenborough Park and whilst parts of the hotel and experience were lovely it lacks touches to make it 5 star. The room, whilst slightly tired, was large and had everything that was needed. There was a private event on on Friday which meant the lounge was out of action for the afternoon and evening and the whole bar area was taken up by a champagne reception which was bizarre as other residents like ourselves were trying to sit and have a drink. Breakfast was lovely and we left at 9.30am to go in to Cheltenham and returned at 2.30 to our room not being made up or cleaned despite leaving the hanger on the door- even then after ringing to ask why they sent the cleaners who did a 2 minute job.. The pool was warm enough for a swim, the spa area poor and small if you are not having treatments (which need to be booked in advance as on Friday lunchtime when I tried to book something they had no appointments available all weekend) and there were lots of loose tiles in the bottom of the plunge pool, definitely not somewhere to sit and relax for a few hours! Dinner in the Horse Box was nice but again you must book. We got up early for Breakfast on our last morning which was lucky as half an hour later people were being turned away for breakfast and told to come back later as the dining room was full- I would have been furious if that had happened to us! All in all a lovely hotel but the service we received and lack of the 5 star touches should only make it a 4 star ...
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellenborough P, Marketing Manager at Ellenborough Park
Responded 25 Feb 2020
Dear REW1704, Thank you for your review. We really appreciate your comments and will be sure to raise the issues mentioned with the relevant departments. We do apologise if our Evening with Taittinger event in anyway affected your stay. We would hope that short drinks reception in the Atrium did not impact on any guests not attending the event but can understand you feeling slightly put out. If you would like to discuss the details of your stay further, please do get in touch. We hope you return again so we can show you our true 5 star experience! Kindest regards, Camille Marketing Manager Ellenborough Park
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Most appalling service, actually not true can’t say it was appalling service as didn’t get any. Room service terrible, coffee without cups and when finally got some, coffee cold, spilled on breakfast, cold food. Kept telling me to move from one area to the next as didn’t want to serve you if not close to someone else. No staff, no reception to answer calls, no management to either supervise or direct staff or to answer complaints, poor cleaning of rooms Very young inexperienced staff, not their fault as obviously no supervision Better service at Wetherspoons and they still have the nerve to put on service charge to everything. Worst service hotel stayed in for a very long time …. Real shame as lovely setting
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is beautiful as is the grounds of the hotel. There are numerous walks that can be undertaken from the hotel, some more challenging than others. Perfect location! The hotel buildings fit the environment as an area of beauty.
The room is spacious, clean, well-furnished with both central heating and air conditioning ensures that you can keep the room at the perfect temperature. The outdoor heated pool was lovely even though it was freezing outside – heated at around 32c was just perfect.
The staff were excellent and delivered a perfect service, especially considering the limitations due to required Covid measures. Each time I raised anything or requested anything it was handled both in a timely and effective manner. We felt very welcome throughout our stay by all of the hotel staff.
Only the horsebox restaurant was open during our stay, and the food for both our lunch and dinner was delicious and very well presented. They catered well for our fussy little one who just likes plain pasta or nuggets!!!
Some constructive feedback – we were in one of the outbuildings which is quite far from the restaurant. When we received our breakfast, we found some drinks to be luke warm and there was some spillage. The staff tried their best but carrying two trays up several flights of stairs after crossing quite a distance was always going to be difficult. Even this did not dampen our stay as it was such a great break due to everything good the hotel did.
This is the second time I have stayed in the Cotswolds, and as with my previous stay we thoroughly enjoyed our few days in this glorious part of the UK. The hotel contributed to our great stay. We are so looking forward to coming back to stay at Ellenborough Park very soon!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Do not order breakfast in your room if you are in one of the out houses
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here last May and didn't have the best experience. However, we were invited back by the Ellenborough Team to experience how it should have been. And it was fantastic.
As we were initially staying on the babymoon package, so this time we returned with our five month old. The team had planned ahead and set up a crib in the room and also put a baby bath in the bathroom for us. Small touches like that show the attention to detail that you would expect from a five star hotel of this caliber.
We ordered in some room service, enjoyed the roll top bath and then hunkered down for the night on the sofa in front of the box.
The suite was well appointed: with a large modern bathroom (with separate shower), dressing room, a four poster bed, fridge, coffee machine and sofa. The room as quiet and more importantly it was clean.
The front of house staff couldn't do enough and were incredibly friendly.
Thank you for the great experience and we will be back!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellenborough P, Marketing Manager at Ellenborough Park
Responded 25 Feb 2020
Dear Dico44, We are so pleased that you all enjoyed your return stay and were able to make the most of it with your new arrival. We really appreciate your kind comments and look forward to welcoming you back to Ellenborough Park. Kindest regards, Camille Marketing Manager Ellenborough Park
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Cheltenham area.
PRICE RANGE
S$364 - S$502 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
ellenborough park hotel cheltenham
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCotswoldsCheltenham
NUMBER OF ROOMS
61
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
What are some of the property amenities at Ellenborough Park?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include bicycles available for guest use, books, DVDs and music available for children, and express check-in and check-out.
