Cleeve Hill Hotel — Hotel in Tewkesbury

Hotel is in a cool location. House is immaculate. Kudos goes to Lindsey who has saved this gem and revived it into a glorious hotel on the Cotswold Walk. She also was kind enough to arrange in early check-in. Room was spacious, clean, and well appointed (as was the whole house!). The only thing I'd say...and I say this in hopes that things could change: the heat was never turned on (and the room was freezing). We had to use supplied portable electric heaters nonstop that are provided in the closets. The hot water was...not that hot. Not sure if Lindsey (the proprietor) was having a bad day, but the amount of milk that she supplies to the room was pretty stingy, enough for a a dash of milk in one cup of tea...we had to go downstairs for more. Lindsey was not very pleasant: not welcoming after a long hike. Not interested in her guests at all (we are all sharing her house in public areas, like living room). Signs posted to just ask for baked goods (that she freshly bakes) but it felt like we were a burden asking for it. "Come down for a cappucino" one sign says, but when we did, she told us that she was cleaning it and to come later. Two hours later, it was still not ready, but Lindsey seemingly a bit bothered, was able to get the machine to work for us. Breakfast was made to order. Was very good. Sign said to ask for freshly baked croissant or the like, but when we did she sort of was discouraging stating: It'll take 30-40 minutes. Again, maybe a bad day. But when paying a relatively premium price at a homey B&B, you'd want to find a welcoming proprietor...

I was very much looking forward to staying at this hotel with my partner for our one year anniversary and cannot express how disappointed we were. I have never before felt so unwelcome in arriving at any hotel in my travel experience. We stayed for two nights, Lyndsey the hotel owner and the only member of staff we encountered during our stay did not smile once. Her manner was curt, abrupt and unfriendly. The room was fine, albeit basic, no major complaints, with only a bath and no shower which was not as per our booking. Cooked breakfast was quite tasty, however very strict timing and a very disgruntled host once again. The continental was non existent. Everything had to be requested as it was not out for the help yourself service of hot drinks, toast or pastries. However, should you dare ask, be prepared to be told off for already eating it! I witnessed one gentleman being scalded for using the coffee machine as it did not have enough milk, although the guests had no access to milk to refill it and no help with facilities. The room had a lovely welcome sign alluding to fresh cakes and hot drinks whenever desired, again unfortunately this was not available. Overall I did not have a bad night's sleep and we just did our best to stay out of Lyndsey path of wrath. It's a lovely location but would suggest staying elsewhere...

First off, this is not a hotel—it’s a bed & breakfast that feels like a strict version of a youth hostel. The house itself is clean, the rooms are fine, and the breakfast is good. But all of that is overshadowed by the very rigid, awkward, and decidedly unwelcoming way it’s run by the owner.

The innkeeper is quirky in the least charming sense: curt, stingy, and oddly controlling. Ask for milk with your coffee and you’ll get exactly two tablespoons. Butter? One tiny square. Request more and you may be met with a story about another guest taking yours. Guests are treated less like patrons and like intruders.

The rules are inflexible to the point of absurdity. A group of six hikers staying at the same time weren’t allowed to eat together—half were assigned breakfast at 7:00, the other half at 9:00. The 9am crew arrived hoping for some coffee (which was a self serve machine anyway) and were told it wasn’t their “time”. Arrive before 3:00 pm and you’ll be locked out, no exceptions. One woman in her 80s shared that she was once refused entry for showing up early in high heat’s and wasn’t let in (that was clearly the last time she stayed).

Yes, it’s conveniently located for the Cotswold Way, but convenience isn’t worth the discomfort. There are plenty of warm, welcoming places to stay along the trail. Do yourself a favor:...