Fodor's Expert Review Ellenborough Park

Magnificent Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century English country estate with a luxury spa and extensive grounds, situated next to Cheltenham Race Course. It's the only true five-star hotel in the area and thoroughly deserves the rating: the 61 rooms are all individually designed and many have four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs; the India-inspired spa has a wonderful heated outdoor pool; and the grand dining room is a superb location for a blow-out meal. In the summertime, you can also dine al fresco on the Summer Lawn. In spite of the grand surroundings, Ellenborough Park is unstuffy and welcomes children and dogs. There are plenty of ways to wear out both of them on the estate, including rental bikes and walks.