Posted on March 18, 2022
Image credit: The Fish Hotel & Retreat
Spring is in the air and there is no better time to start thinking about a rural escape to The Cotswolds. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it seems fitting that it’s also home to outstanding, beautiful boutique hotels that add a little something special to your stay among the rolling hills. From treehouses to hotels with award-winning spas, here’s our pick of the best boutique hotels in The Cotswolds.
Wild Thyme & Honey
In the Cotswold village of Ampney Crucis sits the beautifully renovated 16th Century Pub now known as Wild Thyme and Honey. It recently opened in December 2021 following extensive refurbishment. Inside you’ll find exposed Cotswold stone, wood flooring and wool textures blended with a modern New York loft style to create an aesthetically pleasing, relaxing space to unwind
Every element in this boutique hotel has been designed with loving attention to detail, from the warming fireplaces, underfloor heating, fluffy robes and roll top baths to the pantries guests can visit, stocked with goodies to make your stay even more tasty.
Alongside Wild Thyme and Honey you will find The Crown, a cosy pub at the hub of the community where a seasonal hearty menu inspired by The Cotswolds’ countryside can be enjoyed alongside thoughtfully procured wines and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Fish Hotel and Retreat
Dive into a completely unique boutique hotel experience at The Fish Hotel and Retreat. Here you will find a collection of quirky hotel rooms and huts set in the 400 acre private estate. The bedrooms are situated within the Coach House and The Stables and are beautifully designing, combining country comfort with contemporary Scandi-style interiors.
For those wishing to kick back in nature, book one of The Huts for a perfect retreat. Set in the hillside, each room boasts a hot tub and a log burner for pampering, cosy evenings. If you’re visiting with children or want a truly magical escape, the Treehouses built among the Oak canopies are a getaway unlike any other. With wrap around panoramic decks, two outdoor baths (from which you can order room service!), underfloor heating and a well stocked mini bar, these treetop hideaways make for an unforgettable arboreal retreat.
What makes this place extra special is the vast collection of eats on site including delectable room service at the end of the phone, a luxurious seafood restaurant, outdoors fine dining at Feasting on the Deck, Tipsy Tea as well as pizzas and burgers from the bar.
To complete the experience, The Fish have plenty of adventures for you to try out, from axe throwing and clay pigeon shooting to falconry and yoga.
The Painswick
Originally built in the 18th century at the height of the wool trade, The Painswick was acquired by its currents owners in 2015 who have worked hard to ensure the Palladian masterpiece remains as glorious as its past dictates. As the name would suggest, you will find The Painswick located in the charming village of Painswick with all the beauty of The Cotswolds on its doorstep.
The Painswick offers differing rooms depending on your taste. The bijou Cosy Room combines country chic with creature comforts to provide a perfect base for your getaway. The jewel in The Painswick’s crown is George’s Suite, taking pride of place in the main house. The room showcases a striking four poster bed, separate living room, roll top bath and a private balcony to enjoy views across beautiful Painswick.
The food here is just as indulgent and special. Head chef Jamie McCullum brings a wealth of experience from worked under Gary Rhodes and brings imaginative dishes to The Painswick. Choose to dine on the terrace or in the lounge and enjoy decadent afternoon teas or seasonal menus.
Dormy House
Set high above the village of Broadway with remarkable views across The Cotswolds, Dormy House is the perfect countryside retreat. Depending on your wants, you will find a room to meet your needs. Traditional rooms are available within the main farmhouse with contemporary country cottage decor and features of the larger rooms include exposed beams, four poster beds and luxury bathrooms. For the ultimate in relaxation, look to book a Hot Tub Suite decorated in the modern Scandinavian style with a private hot tub.
At Dormy House you will find various dining options. A hamper picnic can be arranged to take with you on your travels around The Cotswolds and you’ll also find delicious seasonal meals to satisfy any foodie tastebud. Ingredients are sourced locally using high-welfare rare-breed meats and vegetables are grown in their own gardens.
The star of the show is its award-winning House Spa, and access is included in all room rates. Book in one of their relaxing indoor and outdoor therapies or just while away time in their peaceful pool, terrace hot tub and thermal suites designed to soothe, cleanse and invigorate.
The Close Hotel
Found in the market town of Tetbury, The Close Hotel is one of the finest 16th century town houses in The Cotswolds. Originally built in 1535 while King Henry VIII reigned for a local yeoman, John Steed, the house became the The Close Hotel in 1974 and has since developed a reputation for providing excellent hospitality.
All 20 rooms offer comfort and homely charm immersed in classic country interiors blended with contemporary design. Each room is unique in appearance but features a big bed for the best sleep, luxury toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and slippers.
Food and drink is served with pride here, from the tasty coffee while you peruse the morning paper to the seasonal menu of classic dishes with a modern twist, all supplied by local producers. The hotel is a fantastic place for people watching. With comfy sofas and views through its large windows, you may just spot a passing royal with Highgrove and Gatcombe located close by!
Pillars Loft
Situated in the quiet village of Withington with beautiful walks and a local pub on the doorstep, Pillars Loft is a stay with a difference. Sarah is a five-star host and offers the perfect Airbnb Cotswolds hideaway with a super-size bed using luxurious Dusk bed linen and plump pillows for a restful night's sleep. The ensuite shower room includes fluffy white towels, a rainfall shower and complimentary Bramley toiletries which are created locally.
The kitchen is equipped with modern essentials and a complimentary continental breakfast hamper is provided. You will find modern accents such as a Roberts revival IStream radio with Alexa control plus an LG smart television to catch up on your favourite shows or films - all little touches that make your stay extra cosy and will rival any boutique hotel.
The Tallet
Just outside of Cirencester, this gorgeous refurbished studio B&B is situated above the old stables at Sheephouse Farm. A real rural escape, we’re excited about this new addition to the world of Cotswolds retreats.
On top of the thoughtful interiors and design, we love that a stay here will help support and fund charitable work. The Tallet’s owner, Jess Yarrow founded The Yarrow Charitable Trust which aims to change the world one sleep at a time, and 100% of the profits on a stay here go to charity. The trust supports a mixture of causes including humanitarian, healthcare and environmental. Currently 50% of those profits are being donated to a charity supporting refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria amongst others.