Cliveden House

Update (August 2025): After posting my review, the General Manager personally reached out with a sincere and detailed response, thoroughly investigated the matter, and offered a generous gesture to restore my confidence in Cliveden. I truly appreciate the time, professionalism, and care shown, which reflects the high standards I had always associated with the property in the past. have stayed at Cliveden House on multiple occasions, including two overnight visits, and unfortunately, I must say that the level of service and attention to detail has noticeably declined. For this recent stay, I had specifically requested a memorable experience for my elderly parents, highlighting in two separate emails that they have limited mobility. Despite this, our room was allocated on the first floor, requiring a flight of stairs to access. While I chose not to complain at the time, I was disappointed—particularly given the effort I made to communicate our needs in advance. Additionally, I inquired about the possibility of an upgrade upon arrival—something I had been graciously offered on both previous stays. I reiterated this request in my emails as well. At check-in, I was informed that while larger rooms were available, I would have to pay the difference. I fully understand that upgrades are not guaranteed, but as a returning guest—not only to Cliveden but also to the company, having stayed at Chewton Glen, a sister property—I had hoped for a more thoughtful gesture and a greater level of recognition. To add to the disappointment, I was assigned the exact same room as during my first stay. Given the size and grandeur of the property, it was disheartening to find myself back in the same space. I would have expected guest history to be taken into account when preparing for my visit. On arrival, the bathroom was not in an acceptable condition: there were multiple hairs on the bathtub and the toilet seat was loose and unstable. I immediately requested maintenance assistance. While someone did attend, the fix was superficial at best, and the issue persisted throughout our stay. With two elderly parents, this made it difficult to ensure they felt safe and comfortable using the facilities. We later went for cocktails at the bar. One of the servers was clearly irritated when I asked whether they could prepare a Clover Club. His tone was abrupt and unwelcoming, which fell short of the standard expected at a five-star establishment. That said, the cocktail he prepared was excellent, and I commend his skill as a mixologist, even if his manner left something to be desired. The waitress who served the drinks, on the other hand, was entirely lacking in both polish and professionalism. It was surprising to encounter such a lack of grace in such an iconic setting. On a more positive note, dinner was a highlight. The food was outstanding, and the service was attentive and pleasant. Particular praise is due to the lovely sommelier and the Egyptian server, who noted that my mother enjoyed the bread and kindly offered a second round. These small, thoughtful touches are precisely what define true five-star service. The spa remains well-maintained, clean, and efficiently run, just as I remembered from previous visits. Staff there were polite and welcoming. Breakfast was also enjoyable, with the dining room team offering attentive and accommodating service. I feel compelled to share this feedback because Cliveden House has always held a special place in my heart as one of the finest luxury hotels I’ve experienced. Sadly, the lack of warmth, diminished attentiveness, and absence of those exceptional touches that once set it apart have left me disillusioned. In the past, I would have returned without hesitation. Now, I’m no longer so sure. It’s a great pity.

In No Particular Order : * absence of meet, greet & valet parking * drinks menus stained and dog eared * our chairs ( bar ) marked and stained - very tired * dark, dingy decor * uninspired menu * Fellow diner - tee shirt, jeans and baseball cap ( not removed ) Positives : * Restaurant and bar staff polite and efficient * food well executed Summary Needs major investment and a refurbishment. Not even the lovely staff can save this tragedy. PS - Yes I know it’s a listed, heritage building.

Super friendly stuff and amazing food. The spa was first-class. I really cannot rate this hotel any higher. If you want to experience a country retreat at its best, this has to be one of the top choices.

We went around the house as part of a National Trust 30 minute tour and we found it very interesting. There was also a lovely walk beside the Thames River.

Tucked away in the old stables at Cliveden House is the Astor Grill - the hidden gem. A wide ranging but always delicious menu offering salads, fish and meat dishes and much more. With tables outside on the spacious terrace or inside where in times gone by the horse would be tied up, the Astor Grill has a relaxed vibe with excellent service. Great for lunch or supper. Enjoy! We did once again……