Review: Cotswold Grange, Cheltenham, UK

Cotswold Grange is quintessential Cheltenham. Created from light honeyed Cotswold stone in 1856, for its affluent merchant owner to enjoy its high ceilings and spacious dimensions, the house’s grand facade captured the confident style of the mid-Victorian era. Located within a peaceful conservation area close to Pittville Park, today Cotswold Grange is an independent boutique hotel with just 20 rooms, lovingly run by Nirav Sheth and Julee Fletcher-Sheth.

Although the Regency era was already history by the time Cotswold Grange’s foundation stones were laid, an aura of Bridgerton lingers on beyond the symmetry of the architecture; and a feeling that Jane Austen and her quill could easily have found a quiet corner to write in. 

Cheltenham is the gateway to the tranquil Cotswolds’ quaint villages and rolling hills, recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once a Regency spa town, Cheltenham is now the Cultural Capital of the Cotswolds. Cotswold Grange is within walking distance of Cheltenham’s many festivals: cricket, food and drink, jazz, literature, music, poetry, pride, horse-racing and science.

The welcome

Approached via a grand, tree-lined avenue and offering ample complimentary parking (a rare find in Cheltenham), the arrival experience is as easy as it is warm. Check-in is personal and relaxed, with helpful orientation to the bar, lounge and breakfast room.

The room

Gentle green soft furnishings draw the spirit of the Cotswold hills into the room.  Though every room is individually designed to combine Cheltenham’s historic heritage with contemporary comforts.

The generous dimensions of the rooms, with space for a wide bed and two-seater sofa, are from another era.  Bespoke sustainable Mango wood furniture provides ample storage and there is a well-provisioned beverage point too. 

The bathroom

Generously sized and flooded with light from a large Velux window. Chic black-and-white tiles framed a deep soaking tub, perfect after a day exploring.

There is also a powerful rainfall shower in its own cubicle. A modern sanctuary within period walls.

The facilities

Cotswold Grange has earned an eco-award for its sustainability initiatives, including a focus on locally sourced produce and reducing food miles.

Full English breakfast, full vegetarian breakfast, salmon with scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royale, smashed avocado, and pancakes all make for an extensive breakfast menu. Cute Kilner jars of fruit salad as well as fruit compote, homemade granola and yogurt are amongst the highlights of the continental offering enjoyed beneath the light of tall sash windows in a beautifully adorned breakfast room.

The lounge bar provides a relaxing spot for guests to unwind after busy days in the town and Cotswolds.

The location

Walking into town, via Holst Victorian House is an introduction to one of Cheltenham’s favourite sons, who composed The Planets. 

Another unmissable stroll is to the lawns of nearby Pittville Park with its grand columns framing the 1820s domed Pump Room; a neoclassical Regency temple paying homage to the benefits of warm spa waters.

Named after the chic Mediterranean city, Montpelier is Cheltenham’s take on fashionable French living. Aspiring to the grandeur of Ancient Athens, caryatids, draped female figure pillars, stand between the boutiques, galleries, hairdressers, restaurants and shops of this upmarket enclave.  Cheltenham’s cultured cafe society spills over onto the wide pavements of Montpelier, originally designed for promenading the latest fashions of the season.

For a breath of country air and an astounding insight into English history take a 15-minutes drive to Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe. Walk in the footsteps of Queens as you step through courtyards where Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and  Queen Elizabeth l once trod. 

A guided tour and a film narrated by David Starkey reveal that the common misconception of Katherine Parr, finally buried in the estate’s chapel, as Henry Vlll’s last wife and quiet carer is erroneous. She was an intelligent woman, acting successfully as regent, whilst Henry was away warring. Also a shrewd marketeer, she published a pocket-sized prayer book in English that became a bestseller.

For a hands-on taste of country life, we enjoy a “Have a go 25” clay-pigeon shots, with expert tuition, at the Ian Coley Shooting School. If pupils discover a natural aptitude for the sport they can kit themselves out at the Country Clothing store. The ultimate shooting aficionado can order a bespoke gun and travel to Italy’s Gardone Val to watch it being manufactured. 

Other nice touches

Apples, bananas, grapes, nectarines and strawberries overflow from the fruit bowl in our room. 

Reception provides us with a map and instructions on walking into Cheltenham. 

Although the hotel only serves breakfast, the website and staff give helpful recommendations on where to eat in Cheltenham’s thriving culinary scene. 

We tried the much lauded and multi-awarded Prithvi where Tom Law, the chef, brings his classical French training in tastes, textures and techniques to owner Jay Rahman’s extensive knowledge of sub-continent cuisine. 

Then for our second night, we moved on to Kibou, a vibrant Japanese restaurant, with flashes of Tokyo neon, specialising in spectacular sashimi and sushi. If there had been a third night there would have been plenty of other culinary options throughout the town …

The cost

Rooms start from £100 midweek and £150 on weekends. Booking directly through the hotel ensures best rates and a complimentary breakfast.

The best bit

Architecture and interior design recall the elegance of a bygone era. 

From its golden stone exterior to ornate cornicing on the ceiling, tall sash windows and in the breakfast room golden gilded mirrors with beautiful murals and hand painted birds that adorn the walls.

The final verdict

Cotswold Grange exudes a gentle, old-world glamour.

But its greatest luxury may be the sense of calm and genuine hospitality that fills every corner. Whether you’re in Cheltenham for festivals, romance, or countryside rambles, this is a place that feels like home.

Disclosure: Our visit was sponsored by Cotswold Grange & Visit Cheltenham.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first travel pieces published nearly four decades ago, he is still finding new luxury destinations to visit and write on.