Deciding on a trip to the Cotswolds is easy! It’s one of the most picturesque destinations in the UK, comprising of quaint villages, rolling hills of countryside and a charming essence of rural British life. There’s a lot to do here and we highly recommend a visit for anyone! The only tough part about visiting the Cotswolds is deciding on a place to stay.
After exploring each corner of the region, we’ve assembled a list of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, featuring accommodation for all budgets in each of the main towns. Check out all of our ideas below. 😊
Hotel, B&B, cottage or private apartment rental?
Unlike the big cities of the UK, small hotels and guesthouses make up the majority of places to stay in the Cotswolds. They each have a charming and romantic feel to them. Some are owned and run by local families, others are private hotels with a touch of luxury. Demand is always high for hotels here so it’s recommended to book as far in advance as possible.
If you want a large, luxurious, spa-style hotel, there are a few options, however luxury is mostly in the form of smaller boutique hotels. Alternatively, if you want your own apartment space to cook meals and entertain a group, Airbnb rentals are a great option.
You then have cottage rentals – one of the most popular accommodation options. Prices start at a higher rate per night, but they can be great for groups of friends and families!
The best villages to stay in the Cotswolds
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is widely regarded as the centre of the Cotswolds. It’s the best place to stay if you want to have lots of pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops on your doorstep and to be within a short drive of the main attractions and villages. Stow certainly has its own unique charm, however it’s a little busier than some of the quainter and less-touristic Cotswolds villages. It’s fairly built up with lots of old cottages, a church and local businesses. We recommend Stow-on-the-Wold as one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds for first time visitors and those using public transport.
Where to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
The Old Stocks Inn (LUXURY)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
The Old Stocks Inn in the only 5-star hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold and also the most luxurious you’ll find here. It has a boutique, elegant finish, with large individually decorated rooms and a great restaurant. It’s located on a side street only a few minutes from the main pubs, shops and restaurants of Stow high street.
Number Four at Stow Hotel & Restaurant (MODERATELY PRICED)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Number Four at Stow takes the spot as our favourite place to stay in the town. Set back from the main street in its own gated grounds, this 4-star hotel serves up an excellent breakfast and rooms are large and homely. It’s also very reasonably priced for its quality and location.
Stow Lodge Hotel (BUDGET FRIENDLY)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
The Stow Lodge Hotel has traditional British design at its very core. Expect vintage rooms and furnishings, high ceilings and a colourful collection of carpets throughout. The hotel has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor and a nice outdoor garden area to relax in when you’re taking a break from sightseeing.
Chipping Campden
If you want a true taste of life in the Cotswolds but don’t fancy staying alongside hordes of other tourists, Chipping Campden is our top recommendation. It’s located just outside of the action, but you can drive to the central villages in only 20-minutes. Seclude yourself in a quiet and picturesque town full of colourful cottages, boutique shops and cosy pubs and restaurants. There are lots of top-rated places to stay here, including excellent spa hotels, and it’s a great starting point for your trip if you plan on embarking on the famous Cotswolds Way walk. Just outside of town, a trip to Dover’s Hill viewpoint is a must and you have a good choice of hiking and walking routes. You’ll probably need a car if you choose Chipping Campden as a place to stay.
Where to stay in Chipping Campden
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa (luxury)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
One thing you’ll notice about the Cotswolds is that there aren’t many spa hotels. The Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is located directly in the centre of Chipping Campden and is one of the most luxurious places you can stay in the town. Enjoy standalone bathtubs in rooms, neatly manicured gardens and a cosy spa where you can relax after a long walk.
Charingworth Manor (luxury)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Live like a king or queen for a night at the prestigious Charingworth Manor. It’s situated in the neighbouring countryside of Chipping Campden town so you’ll need a car to get there, but that also means you have the peace and quiet of the outdoors to keep you company. Unique rooms, vast gardens and a big indoor spa and pool are some of the highlights of staying here.
The Volunteer Inn (BUDGET FRIENDLY)
View on Booking.com | 4/5 Tripadvisor rating
The Volunteer Inn is the best place to stay in Chipping Campden if you’re on a budget and just want a nice place to stay in the centre of town. Experience village life in this well maintained but no-frills lodging, operated by a friendly and welcoming team of staff.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is one of our personal favourite best places to stay in the Cotswolds. It’s well suited to both those using public transport or a car and is located just outside the main tourist areas. Situated north of Stow-on-the-Wold, you can reach the key attractions and villages of the Cotswolds in only 10 to 15-minutes. The town itself has a long high street that’s packed with boutique gift shops, cafes, a supermarket and all of the amenities you’ll need for a few days away. Accommodation-wise, you have a good choice of small hotels and private apartment rentals. We recommend Moreton-in-Marsh for those that like to be a little outside of the action and want good value for money. It’s not the prettiest town around, but is very well located and has plenty of dining options.
Where to stay in Moreton-in-Marsh
The Manor House Hotel (MODERATELY PRICED)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
The Manor House Hotel is the place you want to relax in after a long day of sightseeing. It has a dark, moody and romantic atmosphere, making it perfect for couples. Dine in their evening restaurant, which is one of the top-rated eateries in Moreton-in-Marsh. It’ll be the highlight of your visit!
White Hart Royal Hotel (moderately priced)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
White Hart Royal Hotel is an old coaching inn that has been transformed to give it a small boutique hotel appearance. Being a small hotel, the individually decorated rooms feel very homely and we personally loved the courtyard bar. It’s lit up every evening with fairy lights and has a buzzing atmosphere.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds if you want to be in the centre of Cotswolds life. As the most visited village in the region, it welcomes crowds of tourists year-round; but don’t let that put you off. The beauty and quaintness of Bourton are simply idyllic. You have a gentle river stream running through town, nice countryside walks on the outskirts and quiet streets off the tourist trail, all hidden around the village. It’s busy but full of character and there’s a wide array of restaurants, bars and pubs. Being a popular place, you’ll usually pay higher accommodation costs to stay here.
Where to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water
Holly House B&B (MODERATELY PRICED)
View on Tripadvisor | 5/5 Tripadvisor rating
When you envision a cute place to stay in the Cotswolds, Holly House is exactly that. This classy B&B is nestled alongside a quiet backstreet. It has its own neatly manicured gardens where you can enjoy tea and a cake and the rooms feel luxurious and spacious.
Chester House Hotel (MODERATELY PRICED)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
The majority of places to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water are all B&B’s or private cottages. Chester House Hotel is one of the only hotels in the town and it stands out as the best! It’s currently the number one place to stay on Tripadvisor and has a country-pub appearance that’s reminiscent with the rest of town.
Broadlands Guest House (MODERATELY PRICED)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
This bright and guesthouse is located within a couple of minutes walking distance of the attractions and waterside beauty that everyone flocks to Bourton-on-the-Water to see. The décor is colourful and the location couldn’t be better. It generally costs a little more than similar standards of property due to its key location.
Upper and Lower Slaughter
In our opinion, the neighbouring villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are some of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds. They’re less touristic than other villages (and we can’t figure out why!), with cute cottages covered in flowers, riverside walks and a sense of serenity. The Slaughters are famous writers’ retreats due to their tranquil surroundings and you’ll feel like a resident during your short stay. There aren’t many hotel options in Upper and Lower Slaughter, but the places available are excellent. We recommend a stay here for those that want peace and quiet as a base. It feels more residential that touristic, especially on an evening. Hotels are a little more expensive and luxurious here.
Where to stay in Upper and Lower Slaughter
The Slaughters Manor House (luxury)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
There are very few places to stay in the Slaughters if you want a hotel or B&B, but the places it does have are some of the best in the Cotswolds. The Slaughters Major House is a grandeur country retreat that’s popular for afternoon tea. It comes with a high price per night; however, it exudes luxury and class.
Lords of the Manor Hotel (luxury)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Stay at the Lords of the Manor House to be in the centre of Lower Slaughter Cotswolds life. It neighbours a picturesque cow field, has a brilliant outdoor restaurant area and its luxury rooms are exceptional. We personally loved the dimly lit, stone-walled bar and restaurant.
Cheltenham
If you want to visit the Cotswolds but aren’t quite ready for the quiet country life, the vibrant city of Cheltenham is the place to stay. It has the feel of UK cities such as York and Bath, but is surrounded by beautiful countryside and some fantastic hill-side viewpoints. Explore the countryside and small villages during the day and then return to Cheltenham on an evening to be spoilt for choice at dining and nightlife options. Theatre, live music and bar streets make it much livelier than other places to stay in the Cotswolds. It also has the widest selection of hotels.
Where to stay in Cheltenham
Ellenborough Park (luxury)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Feel like royalty with a stay at the prestigious Ellenborough Park. This large country house is located a short drive north of Cheltenham city centre, so you’ll need a car to get there. It boasts a grand dining room, huge, luxurious suites and amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, afternoon tea and garden relaxation areas.
Strozzi Palace Boutique Suites By Mansley (moderately priced)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Who needs a hotel when you can get large, luxurious living space such as the Strozzi Palace Suites? They’re a great option for couples that like lots of space at excellent value for money. A stylish place to stay only a 6-minute walk from the central bars and restaurants.
Jurys Inn Cheltenham (BUDGET FRIENDLY)
View on Booking.com | 4/5 Tripadvisor rating
The Jury’s Inn is one of the best value places to stay in the Cotswolds. It’s a step up from the likes of Travel Lodge and Premier Inn and has a stylish, colourful design to make you feel at home. It has a good location and even better breakfast!
For an even cheaper option, check out one of Cheltenham’s Premier Inn’s.
Burford
Burford is situated to the south of the Cotwolds. It’s the first village you’ll arrive at if you’re travelling from the east and a welcome sight to behold. A long hill of shops, restaurants and pubs gives you an idea of bustling village life here, whereas the bottom of town is much quieter. Go for a walk along a gentle river stream or stay in a cottage tucked back from the main road. Burford strikes us as a livelier place to stay in the Cotswolds and is in a good location for exploring attractions such as Cotswolds Zoo. You’re only a 20-minute drive from central villages Bourton-on-the-Water and the Slaughters.
Where to stay in Burford
The Maytime Inn (moderately priced)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Set back from the town centre of Burford, the Maytime Inn is right on the edge of the Cotswolds, in its own enchanting countryside location. Everything from the rooms to the restaurant, bar area and outdoor seating has a rustic appearance that you’ll love.
Burford House (moderately priced)
View on Booking.com | 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating
Burford House is a charming 17th century hotel on Burford’s busy main street. You’re right in the heart of town life! Its rooms are large, with high ceilings and traditional décor. A cosy and intimate place to stay in the Cotswolds.
Travelodge Burford Cotswolds (Budget friendly)
View on Travelodge.co.uk | 4/5 Tripadvisor rating
For those that want to be out every day exploring, and desire a basic, comfortable place to retire to on an evening, the Burford Travelodge is ideal. It’s well located for restaurants of the main high street.
The above is a selection of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds in our opinion. They’re centrally located with excellent visitor reviews, however your preference will all depend on your budget and what type of place you want to stay in. Your party size will also be a big factor! Cottages and private rentals are great for groups, whilst couples are better suited to a hotel room for the best value. Browse our list and do your own research to find an idyllic Cotswolds village.
For tips on booking your accommodation for the best price possible for your dates, check out our guide here.
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