4 Best Hotels in Cheltenham, Bath and the Cotswolds

This stunning Georgian mansion set among 55 acres of lush gardens and parkland has been completely refurbished under the direction of interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who took her inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as well as the building's own history. Choose between rooms in the house itself (some with lovely balconies) or, for more privacy, the converted stable block. The spa, set into the ground, looks like a work of art. Chef Jackson Boxer takes pride in using Gloucestershire's best local ingredients in the restaurant, where diners can sit in the wood-paneled dining room or outside on the terrace. The hotel is 5 miles south of Cheltenham.

The most luxurious boutique hotel in Cheltenham occupies a grand neoclassical building that opened as a hotel in 1838 (the year of Queen Victoria's coronation) and has been lovingly converted and updated while retaining many of its period features. Rooms are tastefully decorated and calming, with fluffy bath robes and bath products from British brand 100 Acres. Standard rooms are remarkably good value, but If you do splurge, book one of the Renascence Suites with sky-high ceilings, four-poster beds, and Bose sound systems. All guests have access to the hotel's Summer Garden, perfect for alfresco dining in summer. The restaurant, Victoria's, serves perfectly crafted British dishes with an international flair. The hotel's afternoon tea (£30) is also an excellent choice.

With a reputation as the best boutique hotel in Cheltenham, Cotswold Grange is in the leafy Pittville district in a historic area, and the 1855 Tudor Revival golden stone building has been beautifully restored, with individually designed rooms. The well-equipped, modern rooms have comfortable Hypnos mattresses and nicely finished bahrooms supplied with Noble Isle toiletries. Public areas have some period details such as elaborate cornices. 

Situated next to Cheltenham Race Course, Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century English country estate, now a hotel with a luxury spa and 90 acres of grounds. The 61 rooms are individually designed and many have four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs; the Elemis Spa has a wonderful heated outdoor pool; and the grand dining room is a superb location for a blow-out meal. In the summertime, you can also dine alfresco on the Summer Lawn. In spite of the grand surroundings, the hotel is unstuffy and welcomes children and dogs. There are plenty of ways to wear out both of them on the estate, including rental bikes and walks.