Ellenborough Park

I decided to book Ellenborough for the two day Cheltenham meeting in April. To start with "God" was on our side as the weather was exceptional. The hotel is far from pretentious,so don't be put off.The staff are efficient and layed back,and certainly make you feel at home the moment you set foot over the threshold. No matter which room you are allocated,you will find it faultless.All the extras you could imagine await you.Also the quality of sleep is exceptional. We ate in the main restaurant,the food was good but not outstanding.The bar prices are very fair considering where you are. The nice touch was the courtesy transfer to the racecourse and back in either, a Bentley or a top of the range Range Rover,which made this two day break even more magical!

Mishap after mishap in the dining rooms made us feel that we had somehow stumbled onto the set of 'Fawlty Towers. It seemed that most of the staff were well meaning amateurs with no training or sense of balance. We saw trays dropped, teapots and bowls of food falling from trays as they were being carried to tables. Some waiters traversed rooms again and again for every little task, making no effort to organise themselves to multi-task. Truly inefficient and uncoordinated with unacceptable times between an order and delivery of food (nearly 2 hours for one lunch). On the hotel itself, the decor was dated and the interior smelt a little musty. Carpet in one of our bedrooms was worn and wrinkled. The property does have huge potential, however, but needs to be managed well. The grounds and exterior architecture are truly lovely and the rooms are spacious.

Stayed over the Easter weekend, lovely destination but not up to previous 5 star standards. Used to provide a service to park your car after dropping off luggage which seemed to be amiss, room not cleaned properly, room service menu took numerous requests to arrive, dinner took 3 hours - asked for condiments but were forgotten - had to ask another waiter, Hardly anyone on duty at night and no security at door. Suggested walks lovely but one has a locked gate and no signage - had to walk back to reception to query - apparently you have to climb over - needs a pedestrian gate or stile and at least a sign. No turn down service. Toiletries in bathroom are full sized shared with numerous previous guests in room. Staff all trying their best but seem to be less staff than on previous visits and service is suffering. Also noticed that the bottles of water and mints put in car for journey home are no longer supplied

Lovely setting,wonderful old building,but oh dear what a let down on the service in the dining room for evening meal.ordered steak,had to ask for a steak knife,remembering this is 5*,drinks ordered but wrong ones brought to our table,no condiments on the table,other diners complaining as well,the head waiter clearly was unable to cope,understaffed and a shambles. On a positive note our room was fantastic,and reception were very polite & helpful.

Really nice place to visit ! Tucked away in the Cotswolds, with a wonderful set up as friendly staff. Food was very good and the service was 10/10 all weekend. Heated outdoor Pool situated right next to our room, as well as lovely spa.