Safa1

Has anyone stayed here? I couldn't find more than a single review ( on Tripadvisor). We are staying in the Cotswolds for 7 days and wanted to stay few days here, and a few days in Lower Slaughter Manor. Would appreciate any suggestions and reviews. I posted our plans and what we were looking for, earlier in the 100 Prettiest Villages in England. Based on eth suggestions I read, I decided to divide the stay in two villages, one more on the northern side and one on the lower end of Cotswolds. I considered Bibury, Bourton-on-the-water, Castle Comb, Lacock and the Slaughters.
Thanks folks!

Safa

stfc

I can't help with a review as I live within a reasonable country stroll of Lacock so would never stay there, but the one review on TA is recent and good. If you do go to Lacock I recommend The George Inn, The Carpenters Arms (right next to the Hunting Lodge) and particularly The Bell Inn, a very short distance outside the village. The Red Lion is where all the tourists go, opposite the entrance to the museum.

Lacock and Castle Combe are not in the Cotswolds by the way. They are in Wiltshire, but none the less for that. Both very attractive, though Castle Combe can be a bit twee.

Safa1

Thanks you stfc- I have second thoughts about the place in Slaughters - all the other hotels in the area also seems to have at least a few really horrible reviews in TA. My thought was to stay in a small B&B for a few days (The Hunting Lodge) and then in a nice manor house for a few days, to enjoy some luxury in an "English country house" settings. But all the hotels seems to be chain-owned and don't sounds authentic- I have looked at (various villages): The Swan Hotel (Bibury), Bibury Court Hotel, Lords of the Manor (Upper Slaughter), Lower Slaughter Manor, and Washbourne Court (Lower Slaughter). I don't care for jacuzzi and golf courses - I have seen enough of those here in California! I was hoping for an authentic English country manor house. Appreciate any suggestions, as we are flexible on the village- I was just trying to select the smallest villages, however (Bibury, and not Bourton, for example). Thanks

stfc

If you are after something unique take a look at Alastair Sawday, http://www.sawdays.co.uk/ , who specialises in listing original places. You have to register to get the property details. I am sure his books will be available in the USA too.

The 'Country House Hotel' is a concept that has blossomed here in the last decade with generally huge improvements in facilities, and often service. Spas seem to be de rigeur. The investment in them is consequently very large too, hence the chain ownership. But there are still individually-owned establishments where standards are a reflection of the personality and drive of the owners.

Be careful of what you mean by 'authentic'. Many hotels are in old structures but have quite modern facilities, and hopefully service, inside.

If you've not been to the Cotswolds area before be aware that it is a prime destination for tourists. You will not be alone.

avalon

Nearby to the Slaughters, you might look at Wesley House in Winchcombe. We've not stayed at the hotel but dined there several times. We were staying at Lords of the Manor but found the restaurant at Wesley House superior.

http://www.wesleyhouse.co.uk/

Safa1

Avalon- I actually have now booked at the Lords of the Manor - can you tell me about your experience there? When I called to book, the staff was very helpful and friendly. We have booked tow adjacent rooms, as I wanted to have a separate room for my son, who is 16 - a Rectory room and a Country bedroom.

Stfc- thanks for the website - it is useful. I am aware of the popularity of Cotswolds ( this will be our first time there), which is why I posted a question a week ago or so, but one of your fellow Cotswoldians assured me that there are not too many tourists around! (http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-engand.cfm ).

Touristy or not, I look forward to our visit to Cotswolds. I do appreciate your heads up. Now that I have my hotels set, need to work our itinerary, restaurants, etc. I am especially interested to take my son on long walks down your famous pathways.

Regards

Safa