Editor’s Choice Award: Cotswold House Offers a Romantic Date-Night Getaway

The Short Version: Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is a charming destination nestled in the lush countryside of Gloucestershire, England. The award-winning hotel can give dating, engaged, and married couples the chance to leave their cares behind at this quaint romantic getaway and wedding venue. Cotswold closed temporarily due to COVID-19 and has now reopened with new safety measures that adhere to social distancing guidelines.Cotswold House Hotel & Spa

is a luxury destination in the heart of the English countryside, and it has provided a beautiful backdrop for many date nights, proposals, and weddings.

In July 2018, Daniel and Shani Knight-Cross got married at Cotswold House and held their reception outside on the terrace. The couple said they couldn’t have asked for better weather or a friendlier staff to make their big day unforgettable.

Cotswold House Hotel & Spa can tailor its weddings to suit the couple.

“The hotel and the staff were an absolute dream and went above and beyond to make our day really special,” said Shani in a five-star Facebook review. “We will forever have amazing memories of our day. Thank you for being so wonderful!”

It’s easy to see why Daniel and Shani (and many other couples) chose Cotswold House to host their wedding day. The luxury hotel offers two landscaped gardens, a townhouse, a spa, and a bistro, all of which feature great views of the countryside scenery.

Cotswold House is surrounded by picturesque hills, fields, and valleys. The area has none of the crowds and noise pollution characteric of big-city life, yet it’s only a two-hour trip outside of London and walking distance from the historic market of Chipping Campden.

The hotel’s tranquil and romantic atmosphere can help dating, engaged, and married couples escape their everyday worries and fall in love all over again.

“The whole area is a very relaxing and romantic place to be,” the Cotswold House team said. “We have an amazing wine list, 80 different Gins, and make great cocktails too.”

Cotswold House gives classic English country living a contemporary twist by offering an array of luxury amenities, including walk-in showers, stone bathtubs, a gas fireplace, and free WiFi. The townhouse has 28 bedrooms, including the suites, all of which overlook either the hotel gardens or the High Street of Chipping Campden.

The Hot Tub Suite and Hot Tub Cottage are perfect for couples who want to turn up the heat on their date nights. Both suites include a spacious hot tub as well as access to a private garden.

The Hot Tub Suite is named after its most alluring feature.

Cotswold House has two acres of walled gardens that are lovingly maintained throughout the year so guests can enjoy the greenery and take photos that capture the beauty of the moment. Many guests visit Cotswold House because they want to escape the crowds of London and relax in the embrace of a countryside escape.

Guests don’t need a car (though parking is free) to see the sights in this historic town. Most people explore the area on foot and find plenty of daytime and nighttime diversions surrounding the hotel.

“There are many beautiful walks,” the team said. “We are at the very beginning — or end — of The Cotswold Way, so it’s convenient for dates.”

Plus, the hotel is dog-friendly, so your fur baby can come along for the trip and get pampered at the Cotswold K9 while you go out to explore the market and enjoy a dinner date.

Cotswold House offers wedding packages that can be customized to fit the couple’s budget, guest list, and style. The wedding package typically includes exclusive access to the hotel’s gardens or townhouse for the ceremony as well as food, beverages, and other wedding services.

As a wedding venue, Cotswold House offers newlyweds an intimate setting for everything from saying their vows to dancing at the reception to dining on a special champagne breakfast the next day. Everything is customizable to meet the needs of the couple and their loved ones.

“We’re as flexible as you’d like to be,” the wedding team said. “Make the hotel your own. Hire it exclusively for you and your guests.”

Much like hotel properties around the world, Cotswold House has had to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic by implementing new safety measures that protect the health of the hotel’s guests and team members.

Cotswold reopened in early August 2020 with a few changes in place. To start with, the hotel now offers an online check-in (and check-out) procedure that allows guests to communicate with the front desk through email rather than going in person.

The Bistro serves a delightful afternoon tea for couples, families, and friends to enjoy together.

The Fig Lounge is currently closed for fine dining, but the restaurant’s tables, which have been spaced several feet apart, have been used for extra seating for the Bistro during afternoon tea. All tables are sanitized between use.

Hotel guests also have the option to preorder their breakfast the night before and have it delivered to their table at a set time. The Bistro’s breakfast menu has not changed and includes popular buffet items (cereals, fruit salad, etc.) without the potential hazard of standing in line.

During the pandemic, the hotel’s housekeepers will not service rooms during the guest’s stay unless specifically asked to do so. They can come by simply to change the sheets or top off toilette items, or they can do a full cleaning if the guest desires. However, most short-term guests are happy to tidy up after themselves and limit their contact with the staff.

Unfortunately, there is not enough space around the steam room and pool to foster adequate social distancing, so these spaces have been closed for the time being. However, the team can still accommodate select massages, manicures, pedicures, and other individual spa treatments upon request.

“Our focus for now is just getting through the COVID-19 pandemic and providing a safe environment for our guests and staff,” the team said. “We will then open the spa fully when we are allowed to.”

Daniel and Shani received the royal treatment on their wedding day at Cotswold House, and they created memories full of laughter and love at the idyllic hotel.

Cotswold House Hotel & Spa has a fairytale feel to its gardens and townhomes, and its quaint atmosphere has charmed many couples on a romantic getaway. Whether they’re visiting for a date night, a honeymoon, a wedding, or an anniversary, guests can enjoy an intimate and tranquil space that’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

“We see lots of proposals and weddings here at Cotswold House,” the team said. “We are just a bunch of happy-go-lucky people who enjoy serving our guests and love our beautiful town.”