Cliveden House

I spent an amazing afternoon with a long time friend celebrating an important event enjoying a nice afternoon tea at Clivenden. The place is absolutely stunning and the staff deserves a special mention for their impeccable professional courtesy and friendly interaction. Thank you for a such one of a kind experience. We will always remember this occasion dearly.

One of England’s most storied properties, former seat of the Astors and Stanford overseas campus, steeped in historic splendour. Which makes it all the more painful to report that Cliveden House is living off its legacy. + The house and grounds are magnificent, a piece of living history that still commands awe. The breakfast room with its sweeping lawn views is a highlight. Bed linen is sumptuous with a high thread count. Tea is excellent. The outdoor pool area is idyllic and the gym is a genuine surprise: brand new, flooded with daylight and equipped with top-tier Technogym machines. Hospitality from Alex (General Manager) and the wider waiting staff is warm and professional throughout. An expert team that clearly cares, let down by the product around them. o The Stanford Suite offers generous proportions and a good layout, but the overall feel is slightly tired rather than timeless. The breakfast buffet is decent though limited in variety, a wider selection would better match the setting’s grandeur. The spa has a nice layout and large enough indoor pool, however it could be better kept and be cleaned to an even higher standard. − The entire property (rooms and public spaces) is in genuine need of comprehensive renovation, the carpets alone give a fair indication of where things stand. We were initially assigned a dim and airless attic room with limited light, no meaningful view and a notable smell. For a Deluxe category at £1,000 per night, this is not acceptable and we requested a room change. Also a number of small add-on fees („room service fee“ etc.) feel unnecessary to say the least. The food requires immediate attention. The penne arrabbiata in the foyer lacked any real taste or freshness, and the casual restaurant offers uninspiring pub-style dishes that don’t justify the setting. Housekeeping also had an off day, as hair found on bathrobes and towels is a lapse that shouldn’t occur at this level and should never pass the scrutiny of the head housekeeper. Despite numerous guests waiting, the scheduled yoga class did not take place as the instructor did not show up. Cliveden House asks to be judged against the very best on an international level. Unfortunately it does not come close. With a significant (not just superficial!) investment into the property and a reset of the kitchen it might be able to get back on top.

My partner & I have been fortunate enough to stay in many fine hotels but Cliveden is simply the best. The whole experience from arrival to departure was superb, the location, the magnificent building & gorgeous grounds, the history of the place, the room, the food, the ambience, the lot! The staff were amazing, friendly, efficient, so helpful throughout. Cliveden is not the cheapest place to stay but it's an experience anyone should enjoy if they can. Our first visit and we'll be back!

Lovely way to spend a special occasion

Simply the most perfect weekend ever!