Whatley Manor

The hotel's ambience, service, staff, and cleanliness were exceptional. A beautiful setting in the Cotswolds, very pleasantly located, with excellent accessibility to Highgrove and other local attractions. Friends of the middle ages will find the grave of Englands first King (Æthelstan) only minutes away.

We found it unfortunate that a hotel so dedicated to its guests does not hold a contingent of tickets for Highgrove. This is regrettable as many guests will travel here specifically for that reason. Highgrove must be booked separately far in advance. It would be highly recommended for the management to always keep a contingency of tickets available.

The venue is stunning with immaculate gardens. Welcomed by very friendly, attentive staff. Easy check-in and taken on a short tour of the hotel. Our room was No. 24, WOW, it was the size of a small apartment, with everything you would want or need. All staff were very friendly but extremely professional at all times, always greeted with a warm smile. There are lots of comfortable areas to relax and in good weather you can enjoy the beautiful gardens. The Dining Room, Michelin starred restaurant was fabulous, the tasting menu and wine paring were a delight, every course was delicious. Grey's Restaurant was also very enjoyable with an unusual concept of small plates which were very enjoyable.

There isn't anything that I could fault, our whole weekend was fabulous and we cant wait to return.

Very nice manor with beautiful gardens, set in a quiet location. It has very good facilities including a beautiful drawing room and bar, and a nice restaurant. The room we had was very nice, well appointed with a nice bathroom with shower, albeit quite small. The gym has a reasonable range of up to date equipment, and is clean and tidy.

No real issues.

Classic Cotswolds - amazing kitchen garden and the spa of course

No AC in the rooms

My friend won a competition to go to Whatley Manor, including sparkling afternoon tea, use of the spa and an hours treatment for two. I was very lucky to be the one who she chose to join her!! Whatley Manor is stunning! When the sun was out it felt like we were in Italy on the sunloungers outside. The buildings are beautiful and the decor right through is stunning, nothing looked out of place. Afternoon tea was just delicious, all fresh and full of flavour. Incredibly helpful and friendly staff all throughout the hotel wherever we went. I had a full body massage with Zelaine which was the best massage I have ever had. My neck pain was gone when I came out. Really lovely little touches, like your therapist having a herbal tea ready for you once you have your robe back on. Small juice on a welcome tray at the spa and we had a full size smoothie to end the day included which was so tasty. In the spa there is a salt scrub room you can book for free and they provide you with coconut scrub to give yourself a little treatment too. We didn't have time to do this but if I get the chance to go again I would love to do this. Absolutely lovely afternoon out. One of the nicest placest I have ever been. Would LOVE to go again. Noticed it was dog friendly too with treat stations! Looking at prices it is pricey but the experience would be well worth it I think.

We attended a wedding here. Unfortunately we were not able to stay as the hotel was fully booked by the extended family. The wedding was exclusive use so there were no other guests or residents other than wedding guests. All staff were superb. Extremely attentive, polite, friendly & efficient. The weather was glorious, so on arrival we were directed out to the beautiful gardens where music was playing, champagne was served & delicious & plentiful nibbles were brought round. So often this part of a wedding can seem slow when the couple & family disappear for formal photographs but on this occasion time flew by & in no time at all we were being ushered into the dining room. The room was beautiful although the acoustics were challenging with over 100 people all chatting at the same time. Conversation was difficult. 10/10 for the floral arrangements which were exquisite. The food was very good. The wines chosen by the family were also superb - although obscene when we heard that the hotel charge £50 per bottle corkage! After the meal, we were again gently ushered into the party room. 10/10 for the band & all the other fun entertainment arranged by the couple. There is no doubt that this is a magnificent venue for a wedding & whatley manor staff made it an excellent day to remember.

The attention to detail in which the hotel is laid out is first class who ever designed the interiors is very talented . The staff can’t do enough for you . The gardens are absolutely breathtaking. Myself and my daughter had a great stay . We also enjoyed using the hotel bikes for a ride in the surrounding country side . The outside pool area of the spa is very nice with lovely view of the surrounding country side .

We visited here for afternoon tea to celebrate my 40th with my husband and children. The food was amazing. So so good. The three stars is for the service. I’ve visited 10+ times for afternoon tea over the years and the service has always been outstanding. Always surpassed my expectations. Today it wasn’t great. It wasn’t terrible but just not what we expected. We had to get someone’s attention to seat us. We had to go and find someone to pay the bill. No one came over to ensure we had everything after we were served our food. We wanted more tea but couldn’t get anyone’s attention. When we left, we walked past four different members of staff and no one looked up or said anything. Whatley was always somewhere where the service equalled the absolutely amazing food but today was lacking. Reading the other comments however, it sounds like a one off or perhaps because we weren’t residents.

This is our second time eating at The Dining Room, and our first staying at the hotel. We had an incredible experience from start to finish. Beautiful hotel room, gorgeous grounds, impeccable meal (the first course of the tasting menu is taken at tables next to the kitchen, and it’s utterly fascinating). Hard to believe The Dining Room only has one Michelin star. Finally: the staff are fantastic. Warm welcome, real expertise, attention to detail (they remembered our dietary requirements from our first visit). This is my absolute first choice for a special meal or stay - we’ll be back.

The property is outstanding and the atmosphere is both beautiful and peaceful

There is nothing negative

Staff exceptional and beautiful setting. Wonderful all round and only marked down due to the rather underwhelming supper at Greys. Lovely staff but food bland and just not on point. Bad day maybe but absolutely everything else was superb.

I would give this hotel 5 star +++ From the moment we were welcomed at the entrance until we departed two nights later we had exceptional service from Rachael and her team. The rooms were immaculate with so many thoughtful extras too. Super comfy beds with fab bedding and pillows The food in the Michelin restaurant was absolutely incredible !! The food served in the lounge or outside on the terrace is also very good indeed. The gardens are oh so beautiful and huge. The hotel website does not come close to showing how wonderful this place is. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone.

Loved the place . The rooms and the gardens are breathtaking!

The spa was the best Ive ever been to

Dining rooms were too hot with no fans

We had the most wonderful stay at Whatley Manor, it’s a very special place. The grounds are so beautiful, nothing is too much trouble, the food is amazing and the staff so friendly and welcoming, With the added bonus of a fantastic spa you won’t be disappointed. It’s a big property for a relatively small amount of rooms, so it never feels busy. We stayed three nights and didn’t leave the hotel. It is also great value for money, drinks are very reasonable. Well done Whatley! We will be back.

Outstanding breakfast, attentive staff, beautiful grounds and room, great spa facilities

Nothing comes to mind

We’re repeat customers and have signed up for 2027. The location is convenient, building magnificent, gardens glorious and rooms comfortable

We have been fortunate enough to stay here twice in the past few weeks. The team here are amazing, excellent customer service and a real home from home feel. The food is simply outstanding particularly the taster menu . I am sure it won't be too long before another visit Thank you to the entire team 😊

Came here for Sunday lunch in Grey’s restaurant, it was a Christmas gift from one of our sons and daughter in laws. The setting of the hotel and grounds is idyllic. From the moment we entered the building ( reception ) the excellent 5 star service commenced, we were warmly greeted by a gentleman porter , we were 35 mins early for our lunch reservation, however he asked if we wanted to go straight to the restaurant or have a drink in the bar ? . Needless to say we opted for the bar 😁 . He took us to the bar area and informed the young lady bar manager that we had a lunch reservation but was having a drink first. The choice of drinks were extensive and we opted for a zero alcohol cider for me and a rose wine for my good lady wife. Having not quite finished our drinks by the time of our reservation, we asked the way to the restaurant, and the gentleman escorted us to the restaurant and liaised with the restaurant staff regarding our reservation. The restaurant was very pleasant and comfortable and ALL of the staff were very attentive. We had the three course Sunday roast . I had the crab starter ( excellent and a nice delicate taste) my wife had the leek and potato volute, which was equally as good and both excellently presented. The main roast , I had the best of both , fillet beef and belly pork and my wife had the fillet of beef. Both were served with a large Yorkshire pudding filled with a beef filling , roast carrot and shredded cabbage, with vegetable sides of , broccoli, cauliflower cheese, exceptional roast potatoes and gravy. The food was again exquisite, sign of a quality chef is that there is no need to add seasoning to your meal , as this was seasoned to perfection. For dessert I had the strawberry Mille Feuille and my wife had the pear frangipane with honeycomb ice cream. All three courses were delicious and the service from the staff second to none. I truly 5 star experience. We were so impressed by everything’ that we are planning to return to stay over and enjoy the ‘Michelin star experience’ for our wedding anniversary and in addition bring our friends here for either Sunday lunch or afternoon tea. Thanks to ALL the staff for a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

Whatley Manor is exceptional. The location, surroundings, service, rooms and food are all exemplary. Quite possibly the best hotel we have ever stayed in, there is nothing that we could fault and we would love to go back.

Nothing.

What a beautiful hotel and ground, with helpful and friendly staff. The spa was lovely and food amazing.

A 50th lunch with great friends. I had such high hopes based on previous experience of Whatley Manor a few years ago and was very disappointed. Portion sizes were tiny, food and table water lukewarm and beef so rare my friend could not eat it. Staff were great though and helped me navigate the wine list. I didn't complain at the time as I didn't want to spoil my friend's experience so sent an email later in the evening. The response acknowledged our disappointment and there was the offer of a discount should we return. The problem is that a) we won't be returning and b) my friend won't have another 50th. So in essence, over priced for what you get. Such a let down.

We really enjoyed the breakfast. The local eggs in particular were extremely tasty and the coffees were delicious and hot. The ambiance in Greys was wonderful, friendly and calming. The staff were exceptional in their care for us in the whole of our stay from arrival until departure. They went out of their way to make everything perfect. The pool experience was so good that we ended up spending longer in there than we had originally planned. The water jets were so good that we felt as if we had experienced a massage.

The only negative was that the alarm in the bedroom on the clock went off at 6am and woke. We hadn’t set the alarm. A box of tissues would have been nice in the bathroom.

Stunning ground, superbly maintained. Lovely and friendly staff, they all have a genuine warmth and attention to details is excellent Super dog friendly and we felt so at ease having our dog with us, treat everywhere and even a dog bed was brought to our table whilst having drinks in the bar Calm environment The room was superb

The spa felt old, very old furniture across the spa and the spa bar. No wonder that bar area was always empty, really uninviting. For a "spa hotel", we expected more. The rooms were also ice cold, only the sauna seemed to be in good working order. What disappointed us the most was the food. Our dinner at Grey's was simply not good.  The breakfast lacked choice and whilst we don't mind a small buffet, we would encourage the hotel to at least choose good quality products. If you are only going to serve one type of bread, one pastry and one yoghurt, at least make it good. The service was lovely as everywhere, but the food, again was not great, poached eggs were consistently overcooked and the variety of food available never changed (same fruit, same bread, same cheese...) The fine dining experience was lovely. 10% service charge added on top of the room rate is mind boggling (is it wrong to expect good service in a 5 star luxury hotel without having to pay extra?). They removed it but the experience felt awkward and you could see that they were not happy with us asking.

Beautiful place, friendly and helpful staff, great food, quiet and peaceful, very clean and well maintained while still authentic.

Based on reviews we read when booking we noted the hotel adds a discretionary tip on the hotel rate. This is not something we are used to and found a little off-putting, however when we queried this with the hotel they simply took a note not to add it. At no point were we made to feel uncomfortable about this, and indeed the quality of service from the staff was so consistently high we actually would have been happy to pay it.

Perfect - great choice and service

We booked a surprise afternoon tea for my mothers 80th birthday The communication prior to arriving was excellent When we arrived we were greeted warmly and the staff members wished my mum a happy birthday which really made her feel special The afternoon tea was delightful with a huge selection of teas to choose from - the food served was delicious too Sat in a very nice area with lovely views from the windows. Thank you all for making it such a special day for us all !

We were a party of seven, staying 3 nights at Whatley Manor. This is certainly one of the best hotels we have stayed in in the UK. While the hotel is not opulent or "blingy" it is comfortable in grand British Country House style and, as such succeeds brilliantly. From arrival to departure the staff were very friendly and the service absolutely impeccable. No exceptions which is a testament to the fantastic training in this establishment. Interestingly a number of staff had fairly recently joined but had, presumably, come from other high standard hotels as they knew exactly what to do. The gardens, even in March, are beautiful with numerous "compartments" offering contrast and interest. Bedrooms are very comfortable and even the entry level classic rooms are spacious. The leisure centre which is free to use for residents, is luxuriously fitted out with hydrotherapy pool and various saunas/Turkish baths. The only criticism is that the floor by the swimming pool is quite slippery. Then there is the food. The Dining Room is the one star Michelin restaurant. We were the only diners on the Sunday evening and were treated to a superb private fine dining experience. Many of my party thought this the best meal they had ever had. Certainly the food was outstanding and, for its quality, excellent value. I would suggest the Michelin men have under rated it and the food should be able to achieve two star status. The other restaurant is a small plates restaurant. This is where breakfast is also served. Both are slightly quirky. You need to choose your small plates carefully as they are quite copious and rich in their own way. At breakfast you will not get a regular orange juice but you will find a carrot and cardamum or a prune and blackberry juice among others so be prepared to experiment. Pretty well everything is perfect. One thing out of the control of the hotel is the roads nearby where potholes prevail so drive carefully!! A really joyful experience.

Have just spent a wonderful couple of days here with Bentley Motors and we cannot wait to return,the staff are just simply fantastic and go the extra mile every time. We loved the layout of the lounges and the deluxe suite we had was extremely comfortable. Soon as we can find the time were be booking for another couple of days to explore the spa and pool etc. Massive thankyou to all the lovely staff.

I booked this delightful hotel for myself and my daughter for 2 nights end of last year We did the dine and stay package which was great value,I booked a junior suite and we got upgraded to a suite which was a lovely touch From arriving to check out everything was simply divine Room beautiful Staff incredible,nothing was too much trouble SPA treatment and the pool and sauna’s wonderful Dinner and breakfast was just heavenly I have discovered Gusbourne sparkling wine 🍾 Thankyou to everyone in the team for making our stay so memorable Sam and Ellie Xx🩷🩷

We were invited by friends to stay overnight at Whately Manor. We didn't select it ourselves, however, it turned out to be one of the nicest hotels we'd ever stayed in. Our room was lovely - everything was top quality, the food was great and the staff were friendly and helpful. The whole hotel was spotlessly clean and luxurious and everything just worked. We felt truly spoilt. A great base for exploring the area too. A special mention to the gardeners who were out there every morning tending the grounds - the plants and topiary were amazing.

Location was great. Service was really good too - especially the hotel reception staff! Spa area was decent and hydro pool was a nice warm temperature. Beautiful building, rooms were clean and spacious with huge bed and good sized bathroom. Free bicycles to borrow for use around the property and further afield in the countryside. Lovely touch with a little cake in the room for a birthday celebration.

The Greys restaurant food quality was sub-par - very average food for the price. Spa hot bed weren’t as hot as they should be and no staff around to offer a menu or drinks, we had to call a staff member over.

We stayed on a Sunday , my wife having won the 9 course tasting menu with wine flight ( super prize) so decided to splash out on an overnight stay. We were not disappointed. The surroundings and service are superb, it seems there are more staff than guests and the experience is very special. Our room was not over large but it had every facility imaginable including an enormous comfy bed, TV with all modern apps , Dyson fan and hairdryer and Nespresso coffee machine . We visited the spa which was very nice , robes , towels & flip flops provided . There are only 23 rooms in hotel so nowhere seems crowded. The off to bar for a pre dinner drink before being escorted to kitchen initially to meet the chef(s) and the start of our dining experience. Then on to dining room where the magnificent food kept on coming , perfectly paced , accompanied by very fine wines , all explained by staff . Steak , caviar , plum dessert , ice cream sandwich and yes the bread course were all highlights. At the end we were appropriately full and a bit woozy , perfect. After a great nights sleep we were wowed by breakfast, in particular the overnight roasted tomato and the trout and eggs. Service again great . Rounded off our treat with a stroll round the gardens which even in February were beautifully kept and very interesting. Would be marvellous in summer . Then sadly back to real world after a truly unforgettable experience.

As usual, the good, the bad and the ugly of what is listed as a 5-star Michelin-starred venue, with an additional Michelin green star for its environmental considerations around its food use. In this case there is no real ‘bad’, and certainly no ‘ugly’, just a few minor details that need attention. So our stay was for a rather significant milestone anniversary which, on booking, was accommodated for, although do note that the three-nights-for-two offer does not apply on some days, even if wanting to extend a weekend into the early part of the week. However, the hotel did work on an compromise deal, which I know places like Lucknam Park or the Chewton Glen would have just applied anyway. But still, we have wanted to try out Whatley for a while, so a compromise by me too. Access and check-in: Although country based, it is not narrow, single lane- tractor-laden farm tracks. It's on an accessible road, and has its own gateway and long drive typical of manor house or stately home style hotels. The signage is a little confusing, as you immediately tend to just read the car park directions as the instructions to go straight through to the entrance courtyard (to offload luggage, etc.) aren’t that obvious. It might be an idea to include that in joining instructions so guests can avoid the joys of dragging bags from the guests car park. Apart from that, the check-in was fairly faultless, and bags portered up to the room to save struggling with them further. You should note that the registration card does contain the incorrect wording about marketing consent - a data protection matter - in that you have to tick to opt-out, whereas the regulations on this did actually change over 7 years ago. Pointing this out to the check-in staff was noted, but I wonder if the receptionist did actually care what I thought, even though he said he'd "feed it back". A small point maybe, but the hotel’s data protection adviser ought to get their act in gear before someone more pedantic raises a complaint under PECR and ICO directives. (Also on that point, the consent and details gathering to allow access to the WiFi is also too nosey, and ought to be more in line with the data minimisation principle afforded under data protection laws. Again, it seemed like an exercise to harvest email addresses for marketing purposes). Anyway, data privacy matters aside... Accommodation: We were upgraded to a suite at the time of booking - in lieu of the 3-for-2 offer not being applicable over a weekend - and it was very well appointed as befitting a five-star hotel. Everything you would need is included, and the walk-in dressing area was very large with enough cupboards (auto-lighting... nice touch) and drawers to store clothing to last for months… plenty of hangars too. Added to that is the usual safe, a small fridge with complimentary water and cordial, with room to house your own bottle if needs be. Complimentary tray included macaroons, clearly from the pastry chef's output each day, and a nice change from pre-packed biscuits. The double-aspect room looked out over the gardens and wider grounds and, although single-pane leaded windows (it is Grade-2 listed after all) it was stillvery cosy, with full guest control over the radiator thermostats which do actually work by scale, and not just "off" or "sauna" settings. The bathroom was well appointed with a huge lower-set bath and separate shower, ample towels (sheet size too), robes, slippers, etc., and all the normal accoutrements that such a hotel should offer to meet its 5* rating. Overall, no issues at all with the room, and the housekeeping was both lighting fast, but also minutely inspected. Hotel facilities: The main lounges and guest areas are large, non-cluttered, and the main sitting areas also made more homely with open fires, which add a nice atmospheric touch. The interior decor is good, and kept tidy, and it's clear that a lot of thought went into the choice of the pictures, object d'art and furniture which helps the hotel keep its manor house feel, and not a sterile and homogenous feel of bland cheap design that more modern boutique style hotels go for. There are many outside areas (patios, terraces, etc.), and looked well-appointed for non-winter days on which to enjoy al fresco drinks and dining, all looking out over pristine grounds and well-attended gardens. The spa is, simply, superb. One of the best in the UK that we've ever experienced in terms of the numerous facilities on offer, surrounding the main feature of a very good multi-function hydrotherapy pool with well-spaced areas for all users. There is no actual 'lap pool' as such, but the hydro pool does boast a big enough setting to able to gently swim around, including to the outside area where further hydrotherapy features are available. Whoever designed this quite large extension, really thought about making it seem openly expansive and light, and not just a few bolted-on rooms that many locations seem to apply. However, we did visit in January when the hotel was much quieter, so cannot vouch for busier months or whether children are permitted at all hours... another personal bug bear for us, when hotels advertise themselves for “grown ups”. The spa is also clean and well-maintained... no loose tiling, peeling paint, or hidden-corner mould problems that we've seen in some other prestige hotels. There is ample room in all the treatment rooms, saunas, etc., and the changing rooms are huge in comparison to many we've seen, and offer large lockers that actually lock. The spa also benefits from its own bar and dining area and drinks can be served to you whilst you decompress on the loungers in the main pool area. Dining - The Tasting Menu at The Dining Room: The tasting menu experience starts differently than most we've seen, with the first dish being presented to you by the head chef in a dedicated area next to the actual (very organised and clean) kitchen. It was interesting to see the kitchen team at work where it's obvious that they take an enormous pride in their work. It's easy to see how the head chef has picked up his Michelin star. The taste experience is quite exceptional, and chef clearly knows how to layer flavours in food, without being overly-ostentatious. The technical construction on display is just very clever and has been thought about properly, e.g. the SN16 Honey dessert is just technically clever, as well as tasting sublime. The preserved plum dessert must be one of life's 'must eat this before you die' experiences, and it's easy to see why Ricki Weston lists plum as his favourite ingredient. The very gods could not design a dessert any better. We chose the paired-wines which all went with each dish quite well. However, we tend to prefer paired wines that can also be drunk on their own, regardless of having to taste with the food, e.g. finishing up the glass after the final mouthful of the tasting dish. To that extent, some of the whites were a little flowery or perfumed then we prefer and very much to a more personal taste. Some tasted too similar to others too, so maybe a refresh on the flight might be an idea to mix them up a bit more. But, that's personal taste and others might be totally happy with the sommelier’s selection. However, overall it was certainly a tasting-menu experience that ought to be tried by patrons or non-resident fine-dining fans, and the service and attention to detail for this experience was very good. Dining - Grey's: This is an interesting concept for a five-star hotel, i.e. provide a menu of tapas style dishes for guests to choose a combination of different dishes. When I say tapas style, Whatley Manor call it "small plates", and I don't mean red-hot mini-skillets of sizzling garlic prawns or patatas, etc., I mean Michelin-expertise dishes where flavour-layering has been designed into each. The technical skills are clearly evident even though they are small plate style. The whole concept works, as you get the opportunity to try top-quality dishes, instead of having to regret not having tried one particular dish as you would on a 'normal' menu. There were several winners that we particularly enjoyed - the beetroot gnocchi (the beetroot sauce was almost like a rich savoury jam), trout rillette, lobster ravioli, and pea/hispi and chestnut fricassee to name a few. All well designed and executed. However, the cod arancini just missed out on full marks... it needs a touch more seasoning or spicing-up to lift it. A pity, as the coating was crisp and light, the texture spot on and otherwise perfect. So, the only thing to watch out for in using Grey's is repetition if you are staying for say a week or so, as the menu might seem limited after a few days of exhausting the dish choices. Personally, I’d also like to see a minimum dress code standard in the restaurant’s for evening dining. I’m not talking black tie, but at least shirts that have a collar and buttons (for gentlemen), shoes – not trainers, and no hoodies, etc. … smart casual would be good to not make it feel like you’re amongst those who are there to collect a fast-food takeaway. Grey's – breakfast service: No faults here. An extensive self-serve continental buffet with the extra option of cooked food to order. Try the locally-sourced Bibury smoked trout and scrambled eggs, which is a nice change from smoked salmon. The wife did comment on the vegetarian sausages which were, admittedly, a little dry and grainy in texture, but I might put that down to not having the advantages of big food company tech options (e.g. Cauldron Foods, etc.) and utilising kitchen-garden grown or local producers (and low food-miles produce) for which Whatley holds a Michelin green star. So, that's a mass-produced well-tested taste/texture product versus a likely homemade option. But, an area that maybe the kitchen could look at when it comes to vegetarian options. The cooked breakfasts offer the overnight-baked tomato... a small detail, but it's quite a brilliant way of turning a humble breakfast item into a whole new taste sensation. It works, and it's definitely worth trying out. Drinks and beverages: Always served well and nice to see spirit-based cocktails with one giant ice cube, to avoid them watering down. Not everything is in the bar though. I was initially surprised at no Southern Comfort or Canadian Club for mixed aperitifs - but the bar staff managed to conjure up an alternative drink to compensate, which was a very good imitation. Whilst SC and CC might not be considered the most refined drinks in the World, I do know what I like before dinner. The drinks list includes Gusbourne wines - a Kent wine estate - including a very good rose sparkling number, which makes a great alternative to the branded - somewhat drier - branded champagnes. A punt that paid off. On the hot drinks front, the tea blends are provided by Char Teas in Winchester, who supply some of the best blends there are. The loose leaf Assam (no chemically-tainted tea bags here!) is probably one of the best served anywhere, and available all day. Service: Very good. Nothing seemed too much trouble if asked, and the staff did all make the effort of returning greetings when walking around the hotel - you'd be surprised how many don't in some venues. If you do visit, then swat up on your general knowledge as Harry will tend to get into conversations which ultimately end up as quiz master banter, but all with good intent. His manner of waiting and conversing with patrons is polite and jovial without being patronising. Check out: Having sussed the procedure for the large portcullis-sized main gates to open, bringing the car into the courtyard for loading cases is a lot easier. The billing seemed correct, but my old favourite of "service charge" was added to the total bill... not just the individual restaurants tickets. In our case, this ran to many hundreds of pounds, which I always find curious when you are already spending thousands of pounds on a hotel of which "service" is the primary deliverable... is it not? Again, if I am non-resident and just visiting for dinner, I would have no hesitation in paying a tip for all the meals and drinks that we experience. But, for residents, this is surely what the headline hotel tariff is all about. Isn’t it? Or, am I missing something? I did mention that I would be happy to do what we do on cruises... i.e. leave an envelope of larger denomination notes to go into a general staff box, but expecting guests to pay on top of the quoted tariff - which is, effectively, what it boils down to - is, I'm afraid too American for me. Curiously, when I offered to provide an "add on tip" for the staff, it wasn't taken up. I would have gladly added it to the credit card payment, but the point seemed to have been missed. Anyway... Summary: The questions I always ask myself is "Would we stay again?" and "Would I recommend to my friends and family, or business contacts?". To that, it is a resolute yes, and without hesitation. Each element scored well over 90% across the board - there was no noticeable failure in any one aspect - and 100% in some aspects. There were just a few minor points that we felt could be adjusted to bring it to 95-100% overall, as befitting a hotel of this grading and status. And they are easily adjustable points. It is for that sole reason, that it lost an overall star in this review... which is a pity as I so wanted to give it 5. If it was possible to give 4.5 on TripAdvisor then I would have done so. So a top-end 4 and easily a 5 with that last touch of polish. But, don't take that as any form of criticism not to visit or stay... as the staff are a credit to the industry, the hotel is beautifully appointed and laid out, and offers an exceptional spa facility for people like us who want to just unwind from business matters.

We have visited Whatley a number of times (Winter,Spring, Autumn) over the last 8 years since discovering it. It has never failed to disappoint us regardless of the time of year. We treasure our time there; the atmosphere and ambience is quiet and peaceful, with excellent friendly and professional service on each visit. There are so many gorgeous public areas within the hotel to take advantage of. We especially enjoy the spa and local walks from the hotel. Every room we've had from Classic to Suites have been superb. Any special occasions have been recognised and much appreciated by us. The cleanliness is of exceptional standard. the deals Whatley offer are in our opinion superb value making it more accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to visit. We have been fortuante in meeting some lovely, friendly guests either staying at the hotel and local spa/gym members which along with professionally friendly, approchable staff makes it all the more memorable. This is our 'go to' hotel for a very special few days away from the mayhem of work and life.

We were so excited to stay at Whatley Manor. Sadly we left feeling a little disappointed. The hotel itself is faultless, however the dining experience at both dinner and breakfast wasn’t the best. We want for the small plates dining room, with the plates being very small and lacking any taste. Our waitress forgot 3 of our order. The plum crumble was just awful, the crumble was like rocks. Breakfast service was very slow, our toast arrived after we had eaten our breakfast! Breakfast included 2 eggs, one small field mushroom, one small tomato, one veggie sausage and a spoonful of baked beans.

. Absolutely glorious Afternoon Tea. We go out for Afternoon Tea monthly, varying our location, but we go to Whatley at least every few months. It is wonderful. Lovely Sandwiches (tip - choices should aways include Coronation Chicken, and Cream Cheese with cucumber!!). Excellent cakes and pastries and yummy scones The staff are efficient, professional and friendly - they aren't afraid to stop and converse with you for a while. (I absolutely hate places where the staff are obviously terrified to linger for a moment to be friendly and polite to clients fearing a reprimand for 'wasting time'!!) The drop in the star is purely due to the lack of a crisp white tablecloth on our very large coffee table. A lovely Country House Hotel really does need lovely linen!! .

The building and facilities were excellent and the food quality exceptional deserving of the hotels superb reputation, rooms are very comfortable and very well sound proofed giving a very peaceful experience.

We have stayed before so know to expect the best service and facilities, however this time there were a few minor points that I was surprised to find given previous experiences. Running out of a particular gin after one drink, switch to another recommended gin to find that run out adter next drink. Room service no answer after several calls and hanging on several minutes so have to walk to reception to order service. These are minor but not what we have cone to expect of a usually very high quality establishment.

Stunning location, the ambiance is amazing inside the Hotel building. Stunning with all facilities. Food is superb. Everything perfect.👌🏻

Having enjoyed this gorgeous hotel before we decided to stay for their NYE house party and what a great decision that was! We were welcomed like old friends and felt completely spoilt for our whole stay. Nothing is too much trouble for the well trained, warm and friendly staff. The slight issue we had with our delightful room was resolved with charm and efficiency - our thanks for that. The spa is delightful and well managed - never feels overwhelmed and is a totally relaxing space and the gardens an absolute joy. Our food was excellent - every meal was superb. The NYE party went like clockwork and the jazz band and DJ were perfect for the sophisticated and fun evening. Fireworks at midnight were astonishing! Very impressive. All round an excellent stay.

Whatley Manor is a beautiful Manor house in an exquisite setting. Our room was very spacious with a lovely big cosy bed. Unfortunately although there was a hairdryer the only plug socket near the desk was very inaccessible and there was no mirror above. The bathroom was good with a large bath but quite a small shower for the size of the room and with lovely Molton Brown toiletries. As our room was above the kitchen we had a lot of noise between 10 and 12pm on our first night, although this was addressed by the Reception Staff so it was reduced on the second night. We had lunch in the bar on the first day, which was good but there are limited dining tables so on the second day had to sit in the lounge area at a coffee table which was not really comfortable, especially if having to use a knife and fork, so we had sandwiches. We dined in Greys restaurant in the evenings, rather than go for the tasting menus in The Dining Room as the menus lacked detail and we felt were overpriced. We dine at a Michelin star restaurant regularly and the prices are not nearly so high. Greys Small plates menu was ok with some of the plates good, some not so good. Breakfast was really good. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. It would be good to return in the summer to take advantage of the gardens and outdoor seating areas.

Absolutley stunning venue and 10/10 service! We had an amazing time and will be back again next year. Thank you to everyone who made our stay so fantastic.

Absolute dream experience! Beautiful place, immaculate service and lovely room. Please keep it up! I work in schools as a therapist with children with special needs so this was a gift from my husband. What a world away it was! Our room was spacious and comfortable, the tea room downstairs was like walking into a Jane Austen novel. We loved the fireplace and the afternoon tea! The highlight was the tasting menu dinner. Hands down the best food we've had! Harry in particular made us feel so welcome. What a star! He needs his own channel! The service was throughout brilliant. Yasmin and Daniel went out of the way to be so friendly and courteous. The ladies at the reception desk - sorry missed their names - were so helpful and wonderful too! We loved the spa too and got the best massage with Adriana. Only suggestion would be to offer some de-caf tea in the rooms. Otherwise, it was all prefect. Overall, a memorable and fantastic escape and couldn't ask for more!

Awesome place with impeccable surroundings, facilities, and cleanliness. The staff is great and lovely, careful regarding all the little things and details. Beautiful rooms, slept like a baby in those sheets. The location was perfect for my trip. I'm looking forward to returning soon.

We had a two-night Culinary Experience stay at Whatley at the start of Dec 25. The beautiful old building was superbly supported by the whole team from front-of-house through to restaurant and cleaning staff. The hotel has thought about all sorts of small details, from a warm welcome through to practicalities of staying in a hotel. It shows a dedication and passion to provide top-tier service. The food throughout was excellent, eating in small plates restraunt, Grays, and The Dining room. The evening in The Dining rooms was an incredible experience with knolwedgeable matire D' and waiting staff, as well as world-class food and an incredible wine list. The spa, whilst small, is very exclusive with very few other users at any one time. Outside space in Summer would be an amazing place to have a cocktail, though December is not the time to do that. If you're looking to do something a little special, in a beautiful part of the world, we'd highly recommend.

A beautiful well cared for hotel with attentive staff.

Nothing

The best service we have experienced for some time. All the staff across the board were excellent.

Nothing

We loved everything! Whatley Manor is a treat. From the moment you arrive everyone is keen to help and make sure you get the most out of your stay. All staff were exceptional and took time to help, explain choices and enhance the experience. The food in the Dining Room was outstanding, one of the best meals we have had and the wine pairings perfect. We were celebrating my husband’s 50th birthday and couldn’t have found a better place to do it - thank you!

Nothing

Zeer goed!

Niets

A beautiful, tranquil place to stay with a warm, friendly welcome and excellent customer service. I would love to stay again.

Grounds , buildings, gardens

Not great value nor luxury one would expect for £500 a night room. The taster menu was disappointing at £130 -although exquisitely crafted, it didn't touch the sides and we weren't to bed with tummies rumbling. No draught beer, just as well as charged £9 for a can. Spa was ok, the pool area was small, gym non existent

It was Magical - The staff made you feel like you were staying in their home and you were the only guests, our rooms were amazing, such old world charm

Nothing

Friendly staff and very clean

Limited food choices in bar for vegetarian

A great example of what can be achieved with great interior design and thought

Very shabby and money grabbing to put service charge on the cost of room rate. It tainted the stay with its small mindedness. We are not mean people and of course reward staff accordingly. It is up to the management to pay support staff for their contribution. I know as I have done it

Very beautiful and clean Excellent service Beautiful area

We choose Whateley Manor as our first choice whenever looking for a welcoming, Indulgent and special afternoon tea. From the moment you approach along the tree lined drive you are drawn into a unique environment. From the moment of your arrival when you are warmly welcomed though the discreet customer service and arrival of the afternoon tea the Manor delivers a unique experience. Faultless service delivered by professional staff. Gardens well worth a visit. Consistently delivers on all levels. Highly recommended.

Sumptuous pretty much sums it up. From the second you arrive to the second you leave, the staff can't do enough to make your stay a really memorable experience. If only real life could be like this, with someone just around every corner waiting to make your life better/easier. The staff, literally all of them, were brilliant. I travel a lot with work, to hotels around the world and I can't think of anywhere I'd rather go back to than here. We'd definitely recommend splashing out on The Dining Room experience, which was faultless. The food was so so good, and if wine is your thing, definitely do the pairing menu as it added a whole other level to the evening. It's theatre. The spa was great as well, you could (if you are anything like us) spend an entire day there without any trouble. The steam rooms, hot stone beds & treatments were lovely. Prepare the world's tiniest violin - perhaps the hydro pool could have been warmer. 29C is a tad chilly & I didn't see many people spend more than a few minutes in the pool as a result. But hey, maybe that was just the day we visited. And that's the only very minor criticism I can think of. Will definitely be back.

What a wonderful place! The Room was fantastic, the food and wine were exceptional and the grounds and gardens were impeccably presented. The Spa and treatments were immaculate. Of particular note were the Staff, every single one of them over our 2 day stay were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and they were a credit to Whatley Manor. We will definitely return.

We recently stayed at Whatley Manor and the experience exceeded every expectation. Having visited a number of well-regarded properties such as Estelle Manor, The Pig, Cliveden and Coworth Park, I can say without hesitation that Whatley Manor stands apart in terms of both service and attention to detail. From the moment we arrived, every member of the team displayed a genuine commitment to making our stay exceptional. It was not just a matter of polite hospitality; every interaction showed thoughtfulness and an evident pride in delivering excellence. Quite simply, we could not find a single fault. The Michelin-star dining was remarkable. Each course demonstrated a rare balance of creativity and precision, with flavours that were both memorable and refined. The service throughout the evening matched the quality of the food, perfectly timed and flawlessly attentive without ever feeling intrusive. Whatley Manor is the kind of place where the entire team seems aligned around one goal: ensuring guests leave feeling they have experienced something truly special. Having stayed at some of the finest hotels across the UK, this visit set a new benchmark for us.

Lovely setting, delicious food, Jazz Sunday lunch really tasty and food great quality, great music. Friendly staff. Spa lovely apart from it being so slippery. Great products molton brown in the rooms.

The spa was so very slippery, I fell down the stairs in the spa really hurting myself, ruining the rest of my stay. It could of been a lot worse however I still took a huge bashing on my thigh, ankle and forearm. Nasty bruising on the area. I was offered ice, I was told I should of wore flip flops not the slippers however, was told to wear slippers and robe from my room by someone else. DO NOT wear slippers from room! Stayed in my room for the rest of the evening, food was brought up to me instead of dining in greys which was appreciated. Although food was lovely and staff friendly, there were quite a few mistakes throughout which I didn't expect to happen. I know things can't be helped but I was suprised. Drinks added to the bill we did not have, this happened twice. Ensure you check the bills before signing for them. Ordered drinks at breakfast, which were forgotten about, then the wrong drinks sent, then wrong again. Things happen but it was quiet at the time. Service charge added to the final bill which was a big amount, as includes the room rate, this is optional tho.

the walk around the property was very good and beautiful and they provided us bikes to explore nearby areas.

the veggie options in the breakfast.

Lovely short break although bath not working we were hoven a discount

Incredible property and staff

My wife and I are currently staying here for a long weekend, some time away from our 2.5 year old son, with daughter due December this year, so a much needed break for my wife. The staff service is at a very high standard, the food is great - The Dining Room experience is a must. And the spa facilities are brilliant and well thought out. Big thanks to Neo for a fantastic massage too! Lots to do in the surrounding area too. A must visit.

Our 5-day stay at Whatley Manor was beyond exceptional. I am hard put to find words to convey how blissful we felt. The enchanting grounds/park/gardens, the hard-to-believe set of buildings that constitute the hotel, the amazingly comfy lounges, bars, restaurants, rooms, not to mention the spa and swimming-pool, and - cherry on a gorgeous pie - the staff. In such a top-notch hotel environment, they all accomplish the amazing feat of being perfect, without… doing too much, if I can put it that way. And the smiles! They put one on your face, too, all day long. Shall I mention the stunning Cotswolds region? The jaw-dropping honey-coloured 17th-century villages. Well, if heaven had a specific address, that could be it.

How could perfection be more perfect?

The food was lovely but the amount of wasps was ridiculous. At one point counted 8 wasps and spent most of the time swatting them away. We shooed a few out of the window but they kept coming back even though we closed the window. They were all over the place. We ended up moving tables and they followed us so we left the last of our afternoon tea and left. We did complain and was told nothing they could do as this was a known problem. They said they put jam outside to try to stop them coming in. Having a wasp sting alergy this was a health and safety matter for me and had I known we would not have come. This spoilt what should have been a nice occasion A previous visit was also not good but I like to give second chances but this was ridiculous and quite dangerous. The staff did apologise. We spoke to the waitress and the staff member on the door. But did leave very unhappy. I feel you should be doing something about the wasps as you know it’s an issue not just apologising after the customer was complaining and rising a bigger problem.

Wonderful location, perfect comfortable room, quiet, beautiful garden combined with a friendly & very professional staff.

No negative remarks

A fabulous hotel with friendly staff. We had a gorgeous room with views over their beautiful gardens. The food in Greys restaurant was tapas style and delicious. However, for such a top class hotel, there were a few niggles that seemed rather sloppy. For example the door to our room was extremely hard to open and lock and we had to call for help or leave the door unlocked. The situation of plugs and mirrors in the room was dire, they had obviously not thought through where people might need plugs for drying hair, boiling the kettle etc. The dressing room, where the only mirror was, was dimly lit and cramped and you had to pull out the coffee machine to get it to work. The light in the cupboard had a habit of going out in the middle of doing my hair and the annoying thing was that there was a perfect wall for a long mirror just outside the dressing room with two plugs underneath. The lighting in the main room was poor with only one reading lamp. I had to use my torch to read my book or lie on the bed. Not ideal. If they put these things right, it would be a perfect hotel. Having said that, we would definitely stay here again.

Lovely property. Excellent room and friendly staff.

We chose Whatley Manor for a special celebration—my furry friend's birthday! From the moment we arrived, the reception staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We were delighted that they all knew my dog's name and were aware it was his special day. We stayed in a Junior Suite, which was very spacious and comfortable. The room was immaculately clean, and the housekeeping staff were exceptionally attentive and efficient, ensuring our room was tidied up while we were at breakfast. The grounds were absolutely stunning and beautifully maintained by the gardeners. We had both breakfast and dinner at Grey's Brasserie, which was a fantastic bonus as it is dog-friendly. The food was lovely, although we found it to be a little too salty for our taste.

We only stayed for one night, but we will be back as the place is fabulous, staff are lovely, and the food is amazing

The whole experience from beginning to end was exceptional. The gardens and spa are beautiful and the service is second to none.

I booked Whatley Manor for my mum and I to celebrate my sisters birthday, honestly you will not be disappointed if you treat yourself, friends and family to the best afternoon tea you will ever have and I have had many disappointment's over the years! What you see in the photographs is what you get it, plenty of delicious choices and an incredible selection of teas in a beautiful setting. The staff are really welcoming and attentive without being around if that makes sense and there was no time limit for our visit. When you do feel like stretching your legs then do not leave without having a walk around the beautiful gardens which was a added bonus to our afternoon.

Whatley Manor is pure indulgence from start to finish. This luxurious hotel, spa, and two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable experience that blends elegance, comfort, and artistry in every detail. The 18th-century manor is surrounded by immaculate gardens, orchards, and a charming vegetable patch that supplies the kitchen. The grounds alone are worth a visit, changing beautifully with the seasons and offering peaceful walks at any time of year. The dining experience is absolutely world-class. Every dish is a masterpiece, bursting with flavour, balance, and creativity. The tasting menus showcase the very best of seasonal and local produce, with impeccable presentation. The service is faultless — attentive without being intrusive, and delivered with real warmth and passion for hospitality. Rooms are individually styled, luxurious, and full of character. Thoughtful touches, like homemade treats and fresh flowers, make the stay feel incredibly personal and special. The Spa is a personal favorite, the ultimate in relaxation. Whatley is not just a place to eat or sleep — it’s a full sensory experience, crafted with love and expertise. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, it’s an unforgettable destination that leaves you already planning your next visit.

Lovely room great food fantastic spa

Old charming manor that is one of the best in Cotswolds. Having stayed at a couple others including Lords of the Manor, the positives of this one in comparison are: its easier to get to from London, the grounds are amazing and impeccable, its a truly remote feel among the hills, land and animals of Cotswolds, and the michelin starred Dining Room is probably the best food in the Cotswolds. The only real obvious negative vs say the Lords of the Manor is you arent in walking distance of a charming town/village. But since you most certainly will be renting a car to get here it is a small negative. Highly recommend this hotel!

Can’t fault this place. Went for afternoon tea. The service, the staff and the place was second to none It’s just so beautiful and relaxing Nothing was too much trouble The tea was excellent Would highly recommend the Afternoon Tea, and the place in general

The food was amazing and the staff was even better. Ask for Harry in the dining room. He made our visit extra memorable. The grounds were beautiful and great for an evening or morning stroll.

Beautiful property in a beautiful area.

The only criticism was that it was a hit and stuffy evening and there was no air conditioning

I had a wonderful stay at Whatley Manor. The staff were truly exceptional—friendly, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile. The food was outstanding, with every meal beautifully presented and full of flavor. The grounds are absolutely stunning, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting that's perfect for a relaxing getaway. Service throughout our stay was top-notch—seamless and professional in every way. The spa, while enjoyable, could benefit from a bit of an upgrade to match the high standards set by the rest of the property. That said, it didn’t detract too much from an otherwise excellent experience. Overall, a fantastic place to unwind with excellent service, great dining, and beautiful surroundings. Highly recommended!

A wonderful, relaxing stay and it won’t be our last. We enjoyed and appreciated an upgrade and the room and bed was wonderful. The spa is one of the best and we were lucky with the weather. I was although underwhelmed with the lack of extras in the changing room of a high end spa (cotton buds etc) and overwhelmed with the row of Dyson hairdryers! I did feel that the toasted sandwich lunch could have been a bit extra for the cost (just had 3 curly leaves). The only disappointment was our evening meal, where the male staff member kept trying to remove ours and other guests plates before we had finished our tapas style dishes. He was very closely watching over our close tables and it all felt a bit uncomfortable for most of the meal…. He may have been in training, so hopefully this will be addressed. This won’t put us off a return visit to this beautiful hotel

The staff were so amazing couldn’t do enough to make our stay as wonderful as possible thank you we will be back

What an amazing hotel. The staff are wonderful, the room was outstanding, the food was a delight and the grounds a real treat. What's better, they were happy for us to have our dogs with us. We have booked to visit again.

We're really lucky this is our second visit, we went first for our anniversary a few years back and had such a brilliant experience we couldn't wait to go back. The entire team at Whatley are amazing, the kitchen team get most of the credit for their well-deserved Michelin Star, and the food is incredible. But it's the entire team that makes the experience, the levels of customer service are second to none, in all the small details and big gestures. The Operations Manager, Emilio (sorry if i've spelt that incorrectly) overheard us raise a small issue during check-in due to my wife's health, went to the spa and arranged an alternative, came back and found us later in the afternoon and told us what he'd done for us. That type of detail often goes unnoticed, but that alone made our entire experience. She's been through huge health issues, so whilst that's a small gesture to the team - it's the first time in over 6 months my wife's been able to feel human again! Aside from that, all the little details are so on point, you go for breakfast and the cleaners seem to magically appear and clean your room to save inconvenience. You go to the spa, and everyone has a chilled out ambience that just makes you feel welcome. You go to the restaurant, and all of the service team know every detail about every speck of food on your plate, the wine list, the drinks. Their mannerism and service levels are so amazing. Even the front of house team and what I think are still called "bell boys" - the first people you meet really set the tone, they can't help you enough - i was annoying and brought my bike, so they found a safe place to store it, brought it to me every day i wanted to go out, carried our luggage and generally just made conversation. Our room was amazing, our experience was amazing, the entire team are first class and deserve every penny of their tips!