Top 15 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Cotswolds

The Cotswold invites visitors to connect with Mother Nature in the heart of the English countryside, a magical destination characterized by rolling hills, lush meadows, unfiltered parklands and charming British villages and towns.

This region is one of the most popular destinations in the United Kingdom, attracting visitors from all over the world with its chocolate-box beauty, historical heritage, green pastures, traditional British culture and award-winning cuisine.

Our roundup of the top 15 cool hotels in Cotswolds, United Kingdom, will help you find your match from the region’s endless variety of boutique hotels, historic manors and family-run B&Bs (in no particular order)...

1. Oak House No.1 – a colourful, artsy and unique B&B based in Tetbury, housed in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse

Art enthusiasts flock to the Oak House No.1 to feast their eyes on a prized collection of modern art and explore Cotswolds from a central location in the heart of Tetbury. This boutique hotel is a luxurious take on a B&B, combining traditional charm with picturesque scenery overlooking the Chipping Steps.

The Oak House No. 1 offers three luxuriously furnished suites, laden with rare antiques, artworks and exquisite furniture. The Garden View Suite offers a tranquil ambience with cream-hued furnishings and a sleigh bed.

The Princess Suite is a red-toned space with a chaise lounge and four-poster bed. The Cavalier Suite features a private library and a four-poster bed with curtains.

To book, check prices or availability for Oak House No.1

2. Malmaison Cheltenham – a lavish, trendy and Instagrammable boutique hotel set in a splendid whitewashed Regency villa

Situated a stone’s throw away from Montpellier Gardens, Malmaison boasts a central location in Cheltenham, within proximity to the Everyman Theatre. The venue offers 61 guest rooms with high-end amenities, multiple meeting and event spaces, an onsite restaurant and the Garden Room.

Visitors can find the perfect accommodation from Malmaison’s extensive lineup, including Cozy Double Rooms, Club Rooms, Junior Suites and Signature Suites. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped with plasma TVs, in-room appliances, high-speed WiFi and ensuite bathrooms with storm-force showers.

The onsite restaurant, Chez Mal Brasserie specializes in seasonal recipes, classic British fare and modern delicacies from all over the world.

To book, check prices or availability for Malmaison Cheltenham

3. The Lazy Pug – a sleek and swanky place to stay in the charming village of Shipston-On-Stour that is a pub, B&B, restaurant and coffee house all in one

The Lazy Pug invites weary travellers to sleep in well-appointed bedrooms, eat gourmet cuisine, sip on flavorful cocktails and enjoy an abundance of recreational activities, including cycling and hiking. Situated in Shipston on Stour, this homely venue offers proximity to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Walton Hall and Warwick Castle.

The smartly furnished rooms are cosy and comfortable, featuring innumerable appliances and amenities to maximize convenience. The Lazy Pug Bar attracts locals and travellers with its exceptional range of British beers, European-sourced lagers and locally brewed ciders.

Guests can enjoy flavorful snacks paired with the bar’s constantly updated selection of locally crafted ale, rum, whiskey and gin.

To book, check prices or availability for The Lazy Pug

4. The Old Crown Coaching Inn – a beautiful 16th-century stylish boutique inn where visitors can benefit from spacious rooms and a cobbled courtyard bar

Hiking enthusiasts and serenity seekers flock to the Old Crown Coaching Inn to enjoy easy access to rewarding countryside trails, cycling routes and dog-friendly rooms. This countryside retreat is nestled in the heat of Faringdon, a 16th-century market town brimming with cultural and historical attractions.

The Old Crown features 14 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, fine fabrics and furnishings to curate a comfortable setting. Guests have access to smart appliances, coffee and tea-making facilities and in-room dining services.

The onsite restaurant, the Ballroom, is led by the award-winning Chef Samuel Squires, who whips up innovative recipes with seasonal local produce. The inn is always hosting fun-filled events and themed dinners, including food tastings, brunches, balls and charity galas.

To book, check prices or availability for The Old Crown Coaching Inn

5. Court House Manor Luxury B&B – an upscale and prestigious B&B embraced by serene landscaped gardens housed in a 16th-century manor house

One of the most enchanting private residences in the English countryside, the Court House Manor is a magnificent setting to experience the scenic splendours of the Cotswold town of Painswick.

This thoughtfully renovated estate allows travellers to experience classic British luxury and the English high society with lavish amenities, including a games room, an onsite spa, a heated pool and a home entertainment room.

This 16th-Century manor features 11 guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms, ornate fireplaces and antiquated furniture. Families and large groups can rent the entire house for weddings and reunions, and enjoy exclusive access to all onsite amenities and manicured gardens.

To book, check prices or availability for Court House Manor Luxury B&B

6. The Fleece at Cirencester – a cute, stylish old 17th-century boutique hotel located in the heart of Cirencester town centre

The Fleece at Cirencester boasts a splendid location in the action-packed market square, surrounded by local attractions, restaurants and taverns. This eclectic venue blends 17th-Century architecture with contemporary luxuries to curate an unforgettable Cotswold experience.

Vacationers can explore 28 guest rooms in multiple categories, including Standard Rooms, Twin Rooms, Character Rooms and Feature Rooms. All rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with modern appliances, but the Character and Feature Rooms are exceptional with extra space, and luxurious furnishings.

Guests enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant, featuring an extensive menu of seafood, regional classics, grilled platters, wines and the award-winning Thwaites Ales.

To book, check prices or availability for The Fleece at Cirencester

7. Cotswold Grange – a romantic, charming and historical bed & breakfast that was once home to many famous people, located in beautiful Cheltenham

Ideally situated in the historic quarters of Pitville, Cotswold Grange positions travellers in the heart of Cheltenham, within proximity to the vibrant town centre and the Cheltenham Racecourse. This charming family-run venue is established in a 19th-century mansion, featuring 20 bedrooms, an onsite restaurant and bar, and a garden terrace.

The bedrooms feature classic Regency-era interiors in muted shades of cream, brown and green. Guests can find their match from a lineup of Small Double Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms, Luxury Double Rooms and Twin Rooms.

The onsite restaurant, the Drawing Room, is spearheaded by the talented Chef Mark Young, famous for his contemporary take on classic British delicacies.

To book, check prices or availability for Cotswold Grange

8. The George Inn – an attractive and historic 17th-century boutique hotel ideal for a romantic break

The George Inn is housed in a 17th-Century pub in the quaint village of Barford St Michael, within proximity to Oxford. This family-run establishment is owned and operated by dedicated hosts, Claire and Valerio, offering extensively personalized services with home-like warmth.

The inn is home to nine bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Guests can explore three traditional bedrooms, 2 units with roll-top bathrooms, and dog-friendly garden rooms with private access to the terrace and garden. All rooms feature plush bedding, Nespresso coffee machines, luxury toiletries from 100 Acres and an assortment of handmade truffles.

The onsite restaurant, led by Valerio, specializes in British and Italian cuisines with high-quality ingredients and an impressive selection of rare wines and local ales.

To book, check prices or availability for The George Inn

9. The Porch House – a rustic-chic boutique inn that is definitely a home away from home with a history dating from around 947 AD

The Porch House tempts culture and history enthusiasts to step back in time with its centuries-old architecture, rustic stone walls and rich interiors lined with ancient timbers. This characterful hotel features cosy bedrooms, crooked staircases, antiquated fireplaces and low-slung beamed ceilings.

The 13 bedrooms exude old-world charm with their period-themed furnishings and indulgent comforts. Guests can explore four categories: Classic, Cozy, Superior, and The Suite. Cosy and Classic are standard accommodations while Superiors and Suites feature sensational amenities, such as antique furniture, seating areas and Victorian-style roll-top bathrooms.

The onsite restaurant has a farmhouse-style setting with exposed stone walls and antlered chandeliers, serving traditional British fare and seasonal recipes with locally-farmed produce.

To book, check prices or availability for The Porch House

10. The Old Stocks Inn – a lovely family-run property with over 400 years of heritage, set in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold

A lovingly restored 17th-Century inn situated in the centre of the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn offers homely comforts with luxurious amenities to rival a high-end boutique hotel.

This unpretentiously elegant hotel offers 16 bedrooms designed to create a home-like setting with cosy bedding, big king-size beds, smart appliances and speedy room service. Guests can explore multiple categories, including Great Rooms, Cozy Great Rooms, House Rooms, Garden Rooms, and Family Rooms.

The venue also offers beautiful cottages in multiple locations across Cotswold, including the Parsons Barn in Stow-on-the-Wold and Stable Cottage in Ford. The onsite restaurant whips up contemporary British meals with fresh, locally-farmed produce.

To book, check prices or availability for The Old Stocks Inn

11. Minster Mill Hotel & Spa – a polished and elegant hotel spa surrounded by enchanting riverside gardens and splendid wildflower meadows

Perched beautifully on the banks of River Windrush, the Minster Mill Hotel is established in a repurposed millhouse featuring original oak beams and high vaulted ceilings. This upscale venue is home to 38 bedrooms, the Garden Spa, the three AA rosette Mill Restaurant & Bar, tennis courts and fishing sites.

Guests can take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities at the Garden Spa, offering exclusive access to a plunge pool, an aroma steam room, an ice fountain and a rock sauna. The bedrooms are modern spaces with minimalist Scandinavian-style furnishings and neutral tones.

The Mill Restaurant & Bar is an award-winning dining spot famous for its inventive take on modern British cuisine, especially its Cornish crab and poached sole.

To book, check prices or availability for Minster Mill Hotel & Spa

12. St. Michaels Bistro – a casual and quirky-chic 17th-century guesthouse that offers panoramic views of St. Mary’s Church

St. Michaels Bistro boasts an idyllic setting in the Painswick village, featuring stunning views of St. Mary’s Church from its stylish bedrooms and suites. This venue is ideal for travellers eager to experience the culture and traditions of a Cotswold village without denying themselves contemporary luxuries.

The hotel offers a limited selection of themed suites: the Retro Suite, the Bohemian Suite, The Rococo Room, The Art Deco Room, and The Indian Room. Each suite is uniquely designed with curated artwork, rare antiques and vintage-style furniture.

The onsite Bistro & Restaurant delights guests with traditional English and European treats paired with fine wines and locally brewed spirits.

To book, check prices or availability for St. Michaels Bistro

13. Cowley Manor Hotel – an upmarket and multi-award-winning spa hotel that offers peaceful lake-filled landscaped gardens

Surrounded by 55 acres of meadows, lakes, natural springs, and wooded land, the Cowley Manor Hotel positions nature lovers in the heart of the Cotswold countryside, only a 15-minute drive from the tourist attractions of Cheltenham. This hotel offers a rural setting with easy access to Crickley Hill, hiking trails, and parklands across Cotswold.

The Cowley Manor is home to 31 bedrooms divided across the main house and the converted stable section. All accommodations are spacious and well-equipped but the upgraded rooms come with sprawling balconies and spacious bathrooms.

The venue offers a swimming pool, a fitness studio, a C-Side spa with two pools and a sauna, an onsite restaurant and a bar.

To book, check prices or availability for Cowley Manor Hotel

14. The Highway Inn – a cool and creative boutique inn that features rooms dating from the late 1400s, based in the heart of Burford in the Cotswold hills

Constructed back in 1480, the Highway Inn allows travellers to step back in time and immerse themselves in historical wonders dating back over 500 years with its rustic interiors, and ornate fireplaces. The hotel features 11 bedrooms, a medieval courtyard garden and an onsite restaurant with a regularly updated, seasonal menu.

Each of the 11 rooms have been named and inspired by different hamlets and villages near Burford. The Widford King Room offers traditional warmth with a grey-toned palette, while the Burford Premium Room features original oak beams and royal blue furnishings.

Guests seeking a peaceful setting will find the Shilton Room ideally suited for a good night’s sleep, while the Swinbrookf room offers sweeping views of High Street attractions.

To book, check prices or availability for The Highway Inn

15. The Lygon Arms – a fine and iconic 4-star hotel based in the splendid village of Broadway, Worcestershire

The Lygon Arms is a restorative retreat in the village of Broadway, fascinating travellers with over 600 years of historical heritage and prized artworks.

This prestigious hotel has hosted British and European royalty and revolutionary figures over the centuries, famed for its Charles I Suite and onsite spa.

Guests can take advantage of the onsite spa and sign up for rejuvenating massages, or embark on scenic trails that originate right at the hotel’s doorstep.

The location is splendid to explore the historical attractions and museums on Broadway, shop for rare antiques and dine on regional delicacies.

The Lygon Arms features 86 guest rooms and suites, including rooms with expansive courtyards, historical suites, and rustic cottages.

To book, check prices or availability for The Lygon Arms – an Iconic Luxury Hotel

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Becky Moore

My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.