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

• Want to fly to Cheltenham?

• 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?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds
• Consider some of Cheltenham’s Cotswolds neighbours — Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Cirencester or Broadway
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in The Cotswolds, the best country house hotels in The Cotswolds, the most romantic hotels in The Cotswolds, or the best hotels with pools in The Cotswolds?
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

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