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Cheltenham

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About Cheltenham

Glorious with Regency architecture, Cheltenham was ‘discovered’ as a spa town in the 18th century, and grew grand and healthy then, when it became the perfect place to stay when visiting The Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Bath. The best places to stay in Cheltenham are still a perfect, and often very elegant, base for exploring this part of the country. Our recommendations feature a number of beautifully converted Regency townhouses, as well as a few Edwardian numbers, some country house hotels, and more modern picks in Montpellier.

Cheltenham is one of the largest towns in The Cotswolds, so ideal for a Cotswolds mini-break. It has plenty of restaurants and bars, which line the elegant boulevards, alongside boutiques and galleries. Plus historic pubs and pretty gardens too. And of course you’re close to some of the Cotswold’s other charming towns and villages: Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Chipping Campden, Cirencester and Broadway.

Our list of the best places to stay in Cheltenham become extremely busy during Cheltenham’s illustrious calendar of horse racing meets. As well as during the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the Cheltenham Music Festival. So if you're planning to visit at any of these times, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Cheltenham

For The Races

  • Ellenborough Park is a wonderfully rambling, 16th century manor house constructed from honey-coloured Cotswold stone, and surrounded by lush gardens. The Southam location is ideal for Cheltenham Racecourse, and the hotel offers many ways to celebrate any wins, from a meal in the wood-panelled restaurant, afternoon tea in the lounge, cocktails in the bar, or a spa treatment. On race days they run a chauffeur service to the race course.

For a Mini Break

  • Large and grand, the Queens Hotel is a central Cheltenham classic. It’s spacious and beautifully proportioned, from the chequerboard-tiled reception area, to the lounge with its double height windows and ceilings, and its 84 rooms and suites. The sash windows, marble fireplaces and arched doorways are all original, but the contemporary colours — very Farrow & Ball — and retro furnishings give it a fresh look, as well as a luxurious one. There are Family Suites and interconnecting rooms, should you need them.
  • No. 131 is a beautifully grand, Georgian townhouse hotel in the heart of Cheltenham, with just 11 carefully decorated rooms and suites: think generous proportions, elegant colour schemes, original artworks, and an individual collection of antiques and design pieces in each room. The bar is chic, and the restaurant pleasingly gourmet.
  • Cheltenham’s Hotel du Vin has been converted from a Georgian townhouse in fashionable Montpellier, and offers the classic Hotel du Vin treatment of fantastic food and drink, and moodily romantic rooms and suites. The huge beds and bathrooms are here, as is the buzzing bar, and a bistro-style restaurant. There’s a horsey motif, and if you fancy it, some rooms have twin roll-top baths.

For a Cotswolds Base

  • Beaumont House is a five star hotel converted from a 19th century country house on the outer edge of Montpellier, so it’s an easy option for exploring both Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. There are just 16 rooms and suites, in a range of styles that runs from simple to opulently African themed. Most of the rooms are spacious, and all have generously sized bathrooms. There’s a lovely garden surrounding the house, which you can see from the pretty breakfast room.

For Families

  • No. 38 The Park is a beautiful Georgian townhouse right by the edge of Pittville Park, and close to the racecourse. It offers a range of beautifully designed and appointed rooms, decorated with interesting original artworks, design and vintage pieces, and interesting wallpapers, paint and fabrics. You can also expect original fireplaces and roll-top baths. It’s definitely elegant, but your kids and dogs are most welcome too, and they provide babysitting services, and special dog beds, bowls and treats.

For Romantics

  • The Greenway Hotel & Spa is a beautiful old country house on the outskirts of Cheltenham, turned luxurious spa hotel. It looks huge, but has just 21 rooms and suites that exude classic style and elegance. The spa is worthy of inclusion in the name, and the restaurant is very good too.

For Great Value

  • The Cheltenham Townhouse is a 21 room B&B, converted from a Regency townhouse, just five minutes from the centre of Cheltenham. This is a spacious feeling property, though the rooms and suites vary in size quite a bit. Five are studio apartment size, and have self-catering facilities. All have high ceilings and huge windows, so they’re lovely and light, and decorated in pale neutrals. Some of the rooms have nice views of the leafy garden. Breakfast is served in the light-filled dining room, and there’s an honesty bar in the lounge.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • If you’re flying in to the UK Cheltenham's closest airport is Bristol Airport, which is an hour away by car, or an hour and 15 minutes by bus, or by tram and train. London’s airports are next closest, with Heathrow being the front runner at an hour and a half away by car or taxi, two hours by bus. If you’re coming via London Paddington, the train journey is almost exactly two hours.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • The Cotswolds is one of those destinations where every season warrants a visit. In winter it’s quiet, perfect for bracing walks and sitting by a roaring fire in the local pub. In spring you’ll see the daffodils, in summer there’s sunshine and plenty of buzz, and in autumn the changing colours are spectacular. Summer is the most popular time for visitors. If you’re not tied to travelling during the school holidays we highly recommend May — outside of half-term — or June or September. Cheltenham’s racing season heavily impacts visitor numbers, and if you’re not planning to attend any races steer clear of the Cheltenham Festival, held in mid. March, The Showcase, at the end of October, and the November Meeting. In October Cheltenham hosts an annual Literature Festival.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Cheltenham

  • The Cheltenham Townhouse Cheltenham (Gloucestershire) 21 rooms from £78

    Sights nearby  -  The Pittville Pump Room (the UK's largest spa building) and Cheltenham Town Hall are both worth a visit.
    Boutique
    Traditional
    GardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Regency property located in a leafy corner, just five minutes walk from Cheltenham centre. Rooms are decorated in neutral palettes with big beds, soft furnishings and spacious bathrooms. There are also five studio apartments. A luxurious, central stay and excellent value for money. See More

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  • Beaumont House Cheltenham 16 rooms from £98

    Local exploring  -  Fantastic base to explore the region & Cheltenham's plethora of festivals: folk, jazz, food, science, music, literature & horses
    Great walks  -  Take a trip through nearby Cotswolds - an area of outstanding natural beauty
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Gloucester's 11th century Cathedral, the historic docks
    Full of character
    GardenParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Five star hotel in a 19th century country house. Vibrant rooms styled with Asian or African accents have big bathrooms and elegant furniture. Great breakfasts served by attentive and friendly staff. Large gardens and off-road parking. A charming choice to explore Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. See More

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  • Queens Hotel Cheltenham 84 rooms from £110

    City Style  -  A historic hotel offering all the grandeur of days gone by mixed with contemporary luxuries
    Restaurant  -  Victoria's serves modern British cuisine
    Traditional
    RestaurantDisabled accessParking

    A grand historic hotel set in the heart of Cheltenham. Elegant rooms and suites have enormous sash windows, retro furniture, and original features. However, the feel is fresh, modern, and luxurious. Complete with a modern British restaurant and a bar with an impressive cocktail list. Very stylish. See More

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  • The Greenway Hotel & Spa Cheltenham (Gloucestershire) 21 rooms from £112

    Total relaxation  -  A tranquil country house complete with spa, ideal for rejuvinating weekends away.
    Sights nearby  -  Explore the pretty streets of Chipping Campden, famed for its Cotswold beauty.
    Great walks  -  Take long walks through the picturesque Cotswold countryside.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    A grand Country House, now an elegant hotel and spa, set just outside the city of Cheltenham and with easy access to the Cotswolds. Spacious rooms are traditionally dressed with chintz fabrics and patterned wallpaper. An indulgent spa and superb restaurant makes this a fantastic weekend break. See More

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  • No. 131 Cheltenham 11 rooms from £128

    Foodies  -  Gourmands will be in heaven- excellent locally sourced cuisine, a fantastic wine and cheese room and a broad range of cocktails.
    Romantic Break  -  An ideal romantic getaway with chic suites, deep soaking tubs, vibrant bar and fantastic restaurant.
    Sights nearby  -  Explore Cheltenham, a beautiful spa town packed with colonnaded terraces and grand gardens.
    Great walks  -  Take a trip to the Cotswolds for country walks and pretty honey-coloured villages.
    RestaurantParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet

    Attractive townhouse hotel in the heart of Cheltenham. The beautifully decorated rooms with white and pastel grey colours and are appointed with stylish furnishings. Have a drink in the atmospheric bar before sampling some delicious locally sourced produce at the hotel's restaurant. A Georgian gem. See More

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  • No. 38 The Park Cheltenham 13 rooms from £157

    Families  -  Bring the kids and the pooch- all are catered for with babysitting services, cots, special dog beds, bowls and treats!
    Romantic Break  -  A hip spot to getaway from it all, with in room rolltop baths, plush bedding, cool interiors and delicious food.
    Sights nearby  -  Sudeley Castle is six miles away and well worth checking out for anyone with an interest in history.
    Birdwatching  -  Good stopping point for those on a birdwatching trip to the Cotswold.
    ParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Tablet

    Beautiful Georgian townhouse hotel set in a park off the town centre. Rooms are plush and spacious, many being fitted with beautiful roll tubs. Perfect launchpad for exploring the spa towns, lovely Georgian streets, or even a day trip into the Cotswolds. Elegant and understated with a cool twist. See More

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  • Ellenborough Park Cheltenham (Southam) 62 rooms from £177

    Country Escape  -  Set in 90 acres of stunning National Trust land, with flower filled gardens and a lovely heated pool, just outside Cheltenham.
    Spa breaks  -  A well equipped spa with a juice bar, mood showers and an extensive treatment list using therapies from the East and West.
    Great walks  -  Borrow hunter wellies and brollies for a stroll in the Cotswolds.
    Traditional  -  Traditional country house style with Nina Campbell interiors.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection, Mr & Mrs Smith

    16th century rambling manor restored to its former glory in a beautiful Costwolds setting. Opulent luxury suites boast antiques, four posters and Nina Campbell interiors. A serious country house hotel, with spa, pool and gourmet dining for the ultimate indulgent getaway. See More

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  • Hotel Du Vin Cheltenham Cheltenham 49 rooms from £204

    Local exploring  -  Well placed in the stylish Montpellier district, perfect for exploring the historic spa town and famous racecourse.
    Total relaxation  -  Bask in the glorious spa, plush suites, pampering service and fine dining at the trendy in house restaurant.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Boutique
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    An old townhouse turned designer hotel in the fashionable district of Montpellier. Rooms feature romantic dark hues, Egyptian cotton sheets and in room freestanding baths. Enjoy the Brasserie food, buzzy bar and pampering spa services. Ideally placed to easily access Cheltenham and its surrounds. See More

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