A Cotswolds Stay: Lords of the Manor Hotel and Restaurant

Oh, the Places We See

7 years ago

Front entrance, Lords of the Manor

Sometimes you yearn for a bit of luxury in your life. And if you’re staying in the Cotswolds of England, that bit of luxury — and more — can be found at the award-winning Lords of the Manor Hotel and Restaurant in Gloucestershire known for fine cuisine and lovely English gardens.

Lords of the Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, England

A former rectory, Lords of the Manor is situated on eight acres in Upper Slaughter, a perfectly charming village near other picturesque towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Named “Country House Hotel of the Year” by Good Hotel Guide, this luxury inn more than lives up to its reputation and Michelin Star rating.

The Welcome

Even if you arrive after dark as we did, you find the kindest of people at the ready to acclimate you to Lords of the Manor and your special room. As we discovered, almost anything can be had for the asking.

Friendly, helpful, and downright conversational — the desk clerk at Lords of the Manor

On the second morning of our stay, we told the woman at the desk (cheery even after long days extending into night) that wintertime didn’t afford us the opportunity to actually see the place in daylight since we spent our days touring, arriving “home” after dark.

Early morning tour of the grounds at Lords of the Manor

She immediately offered us a map of the walled garden, flashlights for our convenience, and wellies by the door! Welcome to Lords of the Manor!

Wellies by the door: Lords of the Manor

The Accommodations

We can’t speak for all rooms, but our bedroom could be described as luxuriously comfortable. It was what we expected of English decor — a blend of patterns on curtains and bed linens, creamy walls, good lighting for reading, and more than ample seating.

Crisp linens and plush bedding at Lords of the Manor

Add to this a writing desk with stationery, in-room wine and cheese that you can order, well-appointed bathroom, and soft-to-the-touch monogrammed bathrobes. (Well, it is luxury, after all.)

Bert found time to write a postcard and sip some wine in our room at Lords of the Manor.

Comfort extended to other areas of this anything-but-stuffy manor house. With the option of dining near the fireplace in a well-appointed drawing room, we accepted the offer and felt duly pampered. Staff members, efficient but unobtrusive, prioritized comfort and privacy for guests at Lords of the Manor, even during the bustle of winter holidays.

Comfortable spot near the fireplace at Lords of the Manor

Staff members pay attention to details at Lords of the Manor

Attending to details, employees respect privacy while making rooms comfortable.

The Food

Choices abound for breakfast at Lords of the Manor, but we chose the buffet over a made-for-us bounty. Who could resist in-house granola, preserves, fruits and breads with a presentation that invites you to try at least some of the chef-prepared offerings?

Homemade granola

Wide variety of offerings

Dining at Lords of the Manor

Muffins on the sideboard

Made to order!

And although we tried one night to have Michelin Star Dining at Lords of the Manor (Click here to see a gallery of pictures), we were too late. Word to the wise: Make reservations ahead of time. Frequent travelers and nearby residents recognize quality, so they book in advance. You may want to do the same.

The Extras

The staff at Lords of the Manor will tell you that there are no extras. Everything is lovely, and everything is included in your stay. And they’d be correct. But by extras, we mean what we don’t normally see at just any bed-and-breakfast or hotel. Like live Christmas trees — numerous ones — in the entrance hallway, common areas, and dining rooms.

Extra special, extra colorful: Christmas at Lords of the Manor

And service beyond compare. Even with our distinctly Southern accents, the staff understood what we asked for and found it — whether it was a light dinner by the fire or map of the area for early-morning exploration. Fine service isn’t an extra at Lords of the Manor; it’s business as usual. And we loved it!

Sitting room: Lords of the Manor

So, if you’re visiting the Cotswolds, consider Lords of the Manor. Whether your stay in the winter involves cozying up by the drawing room fire or your visit in spring allows you to photograph perennials in the garden, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a place for all seasons. And one of the finest spots in the area for English hospitality.