The 20 Best Hotels In The Cotswolds, Ranked By Experts

Honey-stone villages, cobbled winding lanes, and Georgian manor houses seemingly lifted from Austen’s pages—The Cotswolds is England’s rural heart at its most beguiling. Yet beyond the postcard charm lies a new breed of countryside escape: where indulgence wears a tweed jacket. Quietly, it’s become a sanctuary for boutique boltholes and stately estates that marry heritage with flair—picture roll-top baths, foraged tasting menus, and libraries stacked with vintage classics.

To help you decide where to check in, I’ve teamed up with the experts at Kayak to rank the 20 best hotels in the Cotswolds (drawing on picks from Cotswolds Tourism)—measured by official star ratings and Kayak’s extensive review data. From serene lakeside retreats to spirited village inns, each is a masterclass in craftsmanship and the gentle art of slow living.

1. Abbots Grange

Veiled behind ancient yew hedges in the heart of Broadway, Abbots Grange is a 14th-century monastic manor turned romantic retreat. Once the summer residence of the Abbot of Pershore, it later welcomed artistic luminaries like Oscar Wilde, John Singer Sargent, and Claude Monet. Today, guests step into the vaulted Great Hall to find candlelit corners, Knole settees, and an honesty bar that invites chatterful evenings. Each of its ten adults-only suites and rooms is a masterclass in heritage charm—solid oak four-poster beds, antique furnishings, Molton Brown toiletries, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Meanwhile, breakfast celebrates local bounty in a wood-paneled dining room with Bishop’s Miter serviettes and Arabica-blend coffee. Outdoors, eight acres of rose gardens unfurl with croquet lawns, marshmallows toasted over twilight flames, and even a helipad for those arriving in serious style (doubles from $430 per night on a B&B basis).

2. Lords of the Manor

In the quiet folds of Upper Slaughter, Lords of the Manor blends 17th-century heritage with royal indulgence. Originally a rectory built in 1649, it now houses 25 rooms—some with garden views, others tucked under timbered eaves—all stocked with Molton Brown toiletries and elderflower pressé. The vibe? Intimate—almost secretive, with antiques chosen by the family and oil portraits of a former resident still gracing the walls. Food is a serious affair: the Atrium’s tasting menu has earned 4 AA Rosettes, with dishes like Cornish crab and Belted Galloway beef. Meanwhile, guests sip Champagne by the fire, play board games in one of five sitting rooms, or wander eight-acre grounds where orchard paths lead to a Victorian skating pond and the River Eye. Or, let staff curate your day with countryside pursuits—from horse riding to clay pigeon shooting (doubles from $300 per night on a B&B basis).

3. Dormy House

Perched atop Willersey Hill in the heart of the Cotswolds, Dormy House is a 17th-century farmhouse turned boutique retreat. Its 39 rooms span the honey-stone house and newer wings—each thoughtfully curated, from the snug Attic suite with oak beams and a roll-top bath to the Loft’s private terrace overlooking the Vale of Evesham. Meanwhile, the House Spa—a five-bubble-rated gem—fuses Scandi-style thermal suites with a tranquil pool and terrace hot tub, offering indulgent rituals like the Dormy head spa and float tank experience. Dining is a sensory journey: MO’s intimate 12-seat tasting menu showcases avant-garde cuisine, while The Back Garden champions seasonal produce and rare-breed meats. For fireside fare, head to The Shed for pub classics like a hearty plowman’s. Whether curled up by the fire with a glass of red or unwinding in the Himalayan salt sauna, Dormy invites the art of slow living (doubles from $622 per night).

4. The Fish Hotel

Set high on Fish Hill within the 500-acre Farncombe Estate, The Fish Hotel is a playful patchwork of treehouses, cozy shepherds’ huts, and converted stables—all stitched into the Cotswold countryside above Broadway. Step inside, and you’re met with forest-green walls and squashy sofas strewn with board games. Meanwhile, rooms range from rustic “hilly huts” with wood-burners and hot tubs to elevated treehouses with rope bridges, bunk beds, and double oak tubs on the terrace. The mood? Barefoot luxury—where guests pad from boot room to snug lounge, muddy wellies in tow. Even four-legged friends are pampered with treats, shampoo stations, and a pooch playground. At Hook, the estate’s seafood restaurant, expect crab parfait, bouillabaisse ‘Hook style’, and sticky toffee pudding with banana ice cream. Meanwhile, days blend clay-pigeon shooting with axe-throwing and nature walks, and evenings invite hot tub soaks, a press-for-booze button, and pints of the Fish’s own IPA (doubles from $300 per night on a B&B basis).

5. Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Cocooned in 30 acres of wild Wiltshire countryside, Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa is a Georgian manor reborn as a playful country estate. Its 19th-century bones now cradle 36 rooms and suites—some with private hot tubs and with sweeping meadow views. Guests are welcomed with cocktails at the Garden Bar before slipping into the spa’s sanctuary: aroma steam room, Finnish sauna, monsoon shower, and bubbling hydrotherapy pool, plus Elemis and Temple Spa treatments ranging from touch therapy to hydra hyaluronic acid facials. Inside, velvet armchairs, bold wallpapers, and clawfoot tubs set a tone of whimsical charm. Meanwhile, the restaurant champions Wiltshire’s larder with hearty, seasonal fare served fireside or alfresco—think pastrami-cured chalkstream trout, twice-baked Godminster Cheddar soufflé, and 8oz Wiltshire lamb rump. Just six miles from Longleat and a short drive to Stonehenge, Bishopstrow is both a restorative retreat and a launchpad for nearby adventures (doubles from $214 per night on a B&B basis).

6. Stanbrook Abbey

Encircled by 26 acres of Worcestershire countryside, Stanbrook Abbey is a Grade II-listed sanctuary where Victorian Gothic revival meets modern luxury. Once home to Benedictine nuns from 1838 to 2009, its red-brick cloisters, stained-glass windows, and vaulted Callow Great Hall—designed by the Pugin family—whisper tales of devotion. Today, its rooms blend heritage charm with contemporary comfort, and guests dine in the light-filled Refectory—formerly the nuns’ cafeteria—now serving seasonal British fare. Below ground, vaulted chambers house a wine cellar; above, the 40-meter bell tower rewards climbers with panoramic countryside vistas after 140 steps (doubles from $227 per night on a B&B basis).

7. The Bull

Nestled in the heart of Burford’s sloping high street, Bull is a lovingly restored 17th-century coaching inn—heritage-soaked yet effortlessly cool. Step inside and you’re enveloped by lime-washed walls, velvet armchairs, and modern art by Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry, hung beside crackling stone fireplaces. Of its 18 bespoke rooms, The Bullocks stands out: a cocoon of comfort with a super king-size bed, a snug lounge with exposed brickwork, a deep sofa, a Cotswolds stone fireplace, and a welcome trolley stocked with Savoursmith crisps and traditional fudge. The sanctuary-style bathroom offers a rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub for long, lazy soaks. Meanwhile, wellness seekers unwind in the Zen Wellness Suite with Lava Shell Massages and Illuminating Facials. When hunger calls, hop to Horn for gourmet British comfort food—or indulge in an 11-course tasting experience at Wild, guided bite by bite by Head Chef Ben Chamberlain (doubles from $340 per night).

8. The Old Bell Hotel

Nestled beside the ancient stones of eighth-century Malmesbury Abbey, The Old Bell Hotel wears its legacy with quiet grandeur. Thought to be England’s oldest hotel, this Grade I-listed gem has welcomed guests since 1220. Inside, roaring fires, cozy lounges, and a faux giraffe in the lobby set the tone—as its 34 rooms brim with bold British wallpapers, Qinghua vases, and quirky antiques nodding to the owners’ Texan roots. Dogs are welcome in 14 rooms, while families can opt for six nearby townhouse suites. Come evening, guests drift toward the lively 1220 Bar before settling in at Abbey Row: feasting on Gloucester wood pigeon and sticky toffee malt cake beneath 8,000 hand-painted stars. A spa? Not here. However, nature lovers can borrow giraffe-print wellies and set off with trail maps for muddy adventures along the River Avon (doubles from $260 per night on a B&B basis).

9. The Manor House

Cradled in the medieval folds of Castle Combe, The Manor House is a 14th-century retreat where ivy-clad stone walls whisper centuries of aristocratic history. Step through its arched doorway and you’re met with a tapestry of eras—Gothic mullioned windows, Victorian antiques, and Edwardian elegance. Its 48 rooms and suites span the main house and Mews Cottages: each individually styled with heritage fabrics, clawfoot tubs, and countryside views. Meanwhile, the Michelin-starred Bybrook restaurant—helmed by chef Robert Potter—serves seasonal tasting menus using produce from the estate’s kitchen garden. Daytime invites afternoon tea or strolls through Italianate terraces, croquet lawns, and its river-threaded valley. Meanwhile, golfers can tackle the 18-hole championship course—as summer guests unwind with Potting Shed spa rituals among its blooming borders. Evenings? Best spent fireside at their own pub, The Castle Inn, just a stone’s throw away, sipping a pint of Farmers Best (doubles from $330 per night).

10. Lucknam Park

A mile-long avenue of lime trees leads to Lucknam Park, a stately Palladian mansion wrapped in 500 acres of manicured parkland, just outside Bath. It’s country house grandeur at its finest—antique fireplaces, silk-lined drawing rooms, and a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Hywel Jones, where the tasting menu showcases exquisite Wiltshire bites. Hidden behind walled gardens, the spa is a lush retreat: five thermal cabins, a Japanese salt room, and a hydrotherapy pool opening onto a lavender-fringed terrace. Treatments lean botanical—Natural Spa Factory rituals, reflexology, and deep-tissue massages tailored to your mood and muscles. Meanwhile, equestrian enthusiasts can explore the estate’s stables, home to 35 horses, offering everything from dressage lessons to woodland hacks. The standout suite? Go for the Grand Master—with its regal four-poster bed, gleaming marble bathroom, and sweeping views across the blooming rose garden (Classic Room from $490 per night).

11. Calcot & Spa

Framed by 220 acres of rewilded Cotswolds countryside near Tetbury, Calcot & Spa is a honey-stoned sanctuary where old-world charm meets country-chic comfort. This 16th-century country house hotel offers 35 individually styled rooms—from snug boltholes to sprawling family havens—with four-poster beds, twin ‘mini beds’, Tonieboxes, and Bramley ‘Little B’ products. Days unfold gently—pedal through wildflower meadows, sip G&Ts beneath weeping willows, or soak in lavender-lined hot tubs beside crackling fires. The Scandi-style spa, however, is its crowning jewel: serene pools, Himalayan-salt rituals, and a wellness center offering yoga, sound healing, and personal training. Meanwhile, children are blissfully entertained at the Ofsted-registered kids’ club—freeing parents to indulge in deep relaxation. Evenings are best spent fireside, perhaps with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in hand, as the countryside hushes into twilight (doubles from $475 per night).

12. Wild Thyme & Honey

Tucked into the honey-hued village of Ampney Crucis, Wild Thyme & Honey is a charming 16th-century roadside inn—wrapped in exposed Cotswolds stone, sheepskin-draped chairs, and the glow of crackling fireplaces. It’s a magnet for travelers and locals alike, drawn by its county-famous cuisine. The crown jewel? The No. 3 London Road suite. Step inside to find a sweeping dressing room, a snug sitting area, and a fully-stocked SMEG mini-fridge (think Moët and curated spirits, charged by the shot). Next door, curl up in a rustic four-poster bed or soak in a freestanding copper tub. Meanwhile, outside, your private deck overlooks Ampney Brook and the village cricket pitch—with a barrel sauna and hot tub waiting for starlit soaks and sunset cocktails. Feeling peckish? Wander to the inn’s award-winning gastropub, The Crown, for low-lit evenings in glass bubble pods, grazing on ‘Nduja Scotch egg and flame-kissed steak burgers (No. 3 London Road suite from $675 per night).

13. Homewood Hotel & Spa

Lying in the Anglo-Saxon village of Freshford, Homewood Hotel & Spa is a Georgian country house retreat where eccentric charm meets Somerset serenity. Just six miles from Bath, its 18th-century mansion unfurls across 20 acres of whimsical wonder—velvety lawns, giraffe-shaped topiaries, and Dining Domes glowing under starlit skies. Inside, antique clocks tick beside mustard loveseats and ceramic poodles, while 31 art-filled rooms brim with retro romance. The Mews Hot Tub Suites steal the show—pomegranate walls, zigzag sofas, and private courtyards with bubbling tubs. Meanwhile, beyond the secret farmhouse gate lies the AA award-winning spa: two hydrotherapy pools, a sauna and steam room, experience showers, and signature treatments like the ‘GAIA Total Holistic Ritual’. At Olio, Mediterranean flair meets garden-grown indulgence—venison with bacon jam, sticky toffee pudding, and a cheeseboard that sings of Somerset. While evenings end in Valentines Bar, where crimson walls and crackling fires set the stage for cocktails and mischief (doubles from $344 per night).

14. Thyme Hotel & Spa

Nestled in a village near Lechlade, Thyme Hotel & Spa is a 150-acre Cotswolds estate where 17th-century stone barns meet contemporary eco-luxury. Surrounded by Bunny Guinness-designed gardens, rare breed sheep, and the River Leach, it evokes a Provençal dream. The Meadow Spa, tucked behind the farmhouse, offers rituals like lymphatic brushing, foot massages, and herbal therapies, while the award-winning Botanical Bothy—a Hamman-style retreat—centers on breathwork. Guests unwind in the outdoor spring-water pool, explore the kitchen garden, or dine at the Ox Barn, where seasonal farm-to-fork menus shine: roast Iron Age pork, wild fallow venison, and more. Meanwhile, the estate’s 31 rooms are dressed with Bertioli fabrics, rolltop baths, and thoughtful touches like homemade Negroni nightcaps (doubles from $534 per night).

15. The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Just steps from England’s historic Roman Baths, The Gainsborough Bath Spa marries Georgian elegance with contemporary wellness. Set within a Grade II-listed building, it’s the only UK hotel with direct access to the city’s thermal waters. At its heart lies Spa Village Bath—a Roman-inspired sanctuary with thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and an infrared chamber, all culminating in the signature ‘Bath House Circuit’. Meanwhile, Bath Spa Rooms offer private rolltop tubs fed by the springs. Upstairs, guestrooms are dressed with Roberts radios, plush robes, and bespoke pillow menus for tailored comfort. While dining is equally indulgent: where The Gainsborough Brasserie served globally inspired dishes under glittering chandeliers—think lobster linguine, duck risotto, and liver parfait with mulled wine reduction. But for a truly regal escape, book its Two-Bedroom Suite: spanning two levels with vaulted ceilings, a private lounge, and panoramic city views (Deluxe Rooms from $310 per night).

16. The Kingham Plough

Set on the edge of Kingham’s idyllic village green, The Kingham Plough blends golden-stone heritage with a laid-back vibe. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming—crackling fires and locals nursing pints of Hooky Gold beside velvet armchairs. Upstairs, rooms channel countryside comfort with sloped ceilings, Dorma blinds, and rolltop baths paired with Cotswold Candles and cafetière coffee. Just down the lane, the Little Barn offers a secluded stay: a timber-clad two-bedroom retreat with a log-burning stove, full kitchen, and fairy-lit garden—ideal for families or longer escapes. Meanwhile, the dining barn leans into cottage-core charm with velvet banquettes and antique cookbooks wallpapering the ladies’ loo. Here, Chef Ashleigh Farrand serves elevated British fare—crispy pork ears with tartar, heritage tomato and sheep’s curd salad, or snails and wild mushrooms on toast. It’s a place that feels lived-in, loved, and quietly luxurious (Little Barn from $600 per night).

17. The Wood Norton

Nestled on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, The Wood Norton is a 19th-century French-style manor once home to the exiled Duc d’Orléans—later transformed into a BBC broadcasting center. Today, it’s a boutique hotel where oak-paneled halls still echo with aristocratic grandeur. The estate offers fifty rooms—including five elegant suites—with window seats overlooking formal gardens, sumptuous woodwork, and plush bedding. Meanwhile, at its Fleur de Lys Brasserie, celebrity chef Glynn Purnell serves dishes like velvety scallops in squid bouillabaisse—best enjoyed with sweeping views of Bredon Hill from the South Terrace. Indoors, guests unwind in the cozy Hall Bar or the art-filled Bredon Lounge; outdoors, the 30-acre grounds invite wellness-seekers with hiking trails, fishing spots, and cycling paths (doubles from $250 per night on a B&B basis).

18. The Lygon Arms

In the heart of Broadway’s high street, The Lygon Arms is a living tapestry of Cotswold history, with roots tracing back to the 14th century—welcoming everyone from Cromwell to Churchill. Today, it’s all about low-lit lounges, creaky floorboards, and centuries-old portraits softened by open stone fireplaces. In the library, surf shelves of leather-bound volumes, while the cocktail bar serves rosemary martinis and fine English sparkling wines. Its 86 rooms range from cozy nooks to grand suites—none more iconic than the Charles I Suite, where a four-poster bed and deep soaking tub await beneath timbered ceilings. Meanwhile, downstairs, Grill by James Martin plates up British classics with flair: treacle-cured salmon, aged ribeye, and sticky toffee pudding worth the trip alone. Its Lygon Spa offers a slower pace—think candlelit pool, steam room, and bespoke treatments from warm oil massages to indulgent Elemis facials, plus kid-friendly manicures and pedicures (doubles from $445 per night).

19. The George

Hidden in downtown Cheltenham, The George is a discreet, apartment-style hotel—low-key but cleverly designed for independent travelers. Expect smart touches like a 24-hour Pantry stocked with gourmet snacks, wine, canned cocktails, and forgotten phone chargers, plus optional self-service check-in and a button to dial a cab. Upstairs, its ‘Culture’ rooms feel stylish and contemporary—inky, Regency-paneled walls, Hypnos mattresses, rainfall showers, and thoughtful extras like sweet treats and Nespresso machines. Start your morning with a full English ‘Brekkie in The Diner’, then use The George as your gateway to Gloucestershire’s gems—from the turrets of 12th-century Sudeley Castle to strolls through Cotswold lavender fields. Hungry? Cheltenham is a culinary playground—from award-winning burgers at The Beefy Boys to sushi at Kibou and Southern Italian fare at Settebello. Or, retire to No.38 The Park—The George’s sister hotel—for seasonal British dishes and tickling cocktails (doubles at The George from $125 per night).

Bonus: The Lakes by Yoo

While not featured on Kayak’s ranking, The Lakes by YOO earns its place as a unique bonus property. On the edge of the Cotswolds, where glassy lakes meet ancient woodland, this 850-acre estate unfolds like a whispered utopia. Conceived by Philippe Starck and YOO Studio, it’s a masterclass in modern rusticism—cantilevered cabins with timber cladding, floating staircases, and panoramic windows framing misty dawns. The apartments offer a sleek counterpoint: up to three bedrooms, open-plan kitchens, and terraces spilling onto the water’s edge. Meanwhile, wellness is elemental—Wildsmith facials, plunge pool contrast therapy, and a cryo chamber. Days begin with paddleboarding across Marley Lake and end with wood-fired trout at The Lakes Bar & Kitchen. It’s not just a stay—it’s a slow-living manifesto wrapped in cashmere throws. (One-Bedroom Suite from $675 per night).

Comment from Kayak

“The Cotswolds continues to punch above its weight for British getaways—not just for picture-perfect villages, but for stays that feel genuinely experience-led. What we’re seeing is a blend of heritage inns and contemporary country houses that over-deliver on dining, wellness, and design, which is why they’re resonating with travelers right now. The list highlights properties that consistently earn high guest satisfaction and stand out for character as much as comfort. For value, consider mid-week or shoulder-season stays—you’ll often find the same standout experience with more availability and a calmer pace,” says Rachel Mumford, UK Travel Expert at Kayak.

Want more Cotswolds charm? Dive deeper at cotswolds.com.

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