The Dulwich — Hotel in Cheltenham

The Dulwich Hotel is located right next to Cheltenham coach stop so getting here from London, (Victoria Coach Station) is an absolute breeze. Although we didn't travel by car, parking is part of the deal and directly outside the building. The architecture, reminiscent of Bath's arched crescents, retained its original charm, complemented by the surrounding period buildings. Just a minute's stroll led to Cheltenham promenade, lined with enticing shops and plenty of pubs and restaurants. We came for the Jazz Festival. Communication with host Ray was seamless and exceptional, aided by a customised keypad entry system for check-in. Ray ensured a warm welcome, accommodating an early arrival and making me feel right at home.

The shared spaces were impeccably maintained, with tasteful decor and lighting. Room 7 impressed with its cleanliness and thoughtful amenities, including a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary water and fresh milk (Yay!), alongside an array of teas and coffees. The shower room was well-appointed with essentials, including fluffy fresh towels. The bedroom boasted a comfortable double bed, ample storage, and a functional workspace. Despite the building's age, the curtains effectively blocked out light, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. The free WiFi was reliable, adding to the overall value of my stay. Though the building had its quirks, such as uneven floors and walls, these only added to its character, distinguishing it from more generic options like Travelodge, but at a similar price point. Overall, the Dulwich Hotel offered an very plush, comfortable and enjoyable experience. It is unique. And so is Ray.

OK, so the room didn't have a TV, but who books a room to stay in and watch telly? Cheltenham has too...

Like most of Cheltenham, it looks nice in the Royal Crescent but get close and the faded elegance and shabbiness comes into focus. The Dulwich falls into that view too.||The Good! Free parking is definitely a bonus and the location is superb. ||The Bad for balance: Cleanliness/general ambience. Walking up to the front door, there’s a feel of ‘last year’ about it, faded door and on entering, general building stuff in the corridor but no indication anything is being done. Walking up to the door of my room there is a gap of around 2 inches in the flimsiest door I’ve ever seen, which by the way, you cannot lock from the inside.||Walking into the room showed very tired furniture with a mini fridge on an equally tired table with an ironing board propped up against it. ||The bathroom was unpleasant, complimentary tampons with one of the packets open and on display (who twould use that?). The sink was pretty horrible too with an unclean sink and taps but make your own mind up from the pictures. ||I soon found out why there are ear plugs by the bed - there’s virtually no sound proofing between my and the room above as I found out at around 1130pm with what sounded like a TV film blasting out (might not have been a TV as I didn’t have one in my room). The room ‘art’ is questionable too - a Players cigarette packet opened up and placed in a frame. ||The bottom line is that if your focus is price and location then it’s probably a hit, anything else and I suggest...

This was booked for me so I hadn’t researched the area. It was well located for town and food, The building is spectacular and the owner was very nice. The room was tastefully decorated and was very clean. The door key pad entry system was great and better than the potential of losing a key card. There us are no breakfast facilities but there is a Boston Tea Rooms just down the road. The room had sufficient tea and coffee making facilities though with a nice added touch of a small fridge. The shower in my room was lovely, very powerful. To give a balanced review, I should mention that there were 2 single beds in my room instead of being set up as a double and as a curvier adult female, I found it awkward sleeping in a 3ft bed. however, the mattress was very comfortable and good quality. The other downside to the room was no TV of any kind or hairdryer (that may sound like first world problems) but when you are a lone traveller in a city you are not familiar with, a tv or radio to pass the time and generate a bit of sound is often welcomed. These are really just suggestions for the property but I don’t really have anything to say that is bad about this place. It...