The Thistle Hotel, Cheltenham

If a job has to be done, then it might as well be done properly. A Sunday appointment in Cheltenham, which let’s face it isn’t a million miles away, gave us a perfect excuse to spoil ourselves with an overnighter in a nice hotel, away from the domestic chores that have to be done and where someone else cooks the meals and washes the dishes.

We chose to stay at the Thistle Hotel, just outside Cheltenham, where we were offered a room upgrade upon arrival. Who were we to say no, eh! The room was lovely: crisp clean bed sheets,Thistle Cheltenham Bedroom immaculate bathrooms (yes, two!) and a level of comfort we really hadn’t anticipated. There was even a huge 2-person Jacuzzi bath with its own TV in the en-suite. There was also some really pretty mood lighting in the bathroom comprising of coloured lights, but unfortunately we failed to find a way to JUST have those on without the ceiling spotlights. Maybe there was a way, but we failed to find it.

The pool and spa, though quite busy when we arrived, were a really welcome indulgence and the staff were more than helpful in showing us the ins and outs of the changing facilities and the pool. Being lazy so-and-sos, the bar and restaurant were pulling us more strongly than the gym, but from what we could see, it had all the latest equipment and was in a lovely setting, overlooking the lawns beside the tennis courts. Despite the fact that the pool changing room floor was very wet, probably due to the aforementioned busy spell when we arrived, everything seemed well-kept and in good order. There’s a really nice steam room just off the side of the pool and this all helped to relax and wind us down ready for dinner.

The bar and restaurant staff were extremely friendly and helpful, despite some confusion with our billing arrangements. We actually had to go back to receptionThe Thistle Hotel Cheltenham at one point during our meal to ensure that everything was in order before we could sign for our what we’d ordered. Other than that the food was excellent, well presented, and service was accompanied by lots of smiles and pleasantries. Breakfast was also of a very high standard on the Sunday morning.

In terms of service and quality the Thistle Cheltenham is a really good bet for those wanting to spend some time solely as an escape from home, where the hotel experience itself is the key. The location is better suited for those wanting the convenience of the M5 and A40 rather than the proximity to the town itself. It’s a few miles into the centre of Cheltenham from the hotel, so popping out of an evening on foot is restricted to a walk around the hotel environs.

Other than that it was an enjoyable and relaxing stay, and we would certainly not hesitate to give it ‘The Thumbs Up’ for those wanting a similar break to the one we just had.

Mr C

Mr C
Dad to 2 grown-up boys and 3 lovely stepdaughters, I'm Mrs C's right-hand man and 'Bamps' to 6 new 'grand-arrivals' Dylan, Harris, Connie, Toby, Rory and Seren. I enjoy a weekend away, a good film on the telly and a good restaurant. I also love a good rant when things aren't up to expectation or are playing on my mind.

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