The Spa At Cheltenham Chase — Local services in Tewkesbury

We were part of the large group of 50+ people ( boundless) who booked our half board break. The break was for 4 nights. The hotel on the whole was of a good standard, and staff were generally very good and polite and friendly. The swimming pool and gym were both adequate and clean and I used these facilities every day. Our room was a good size with 2 chairs, kettle, iron fridge and safe.

However there were a few big teething issues. Our first problem arose when we tried to book the 4 night break as other guests had done and were promptly informed they we could only stay 3 nights. We decided to book the 3 night break in any case. On arrival there had been a planned power cut, from 0800 to 1600hrs. No one informed us about this when we enquired about our booking several times before arrival. This meant we were unable to have any hot or cold drinks in the bar, and the bathroom was in the dark. As this was a planned power cut surely this should have been communicated to hotle guests prior to arrival!? The hotel reservation had been made in my friend's name so the hotel had his credit card details. I decided to Pay in full for the 3 nights. Later we were informed that we could stay the extra night as there was no reason why this wasn't offered to us We welcomed this. So I was aware that I would need to pay for the extra day. On day 3 after we had our dinner at about 2100 hrs I enquired about the meal for the following night and was informed by staff at hotel reception that they and restaurant staff were of the opinion that the whole groups ( approx 50) were leaving the following morning? And not expected for dinner the following day. We were shocked and surprised by this. After frantic enquiries with the restaurant manager this was resloved and ensured that all of the group would be fed on the last night of the break. Finally, on the day of departure I went to settle my bill to be told that the room had been paid in full and that I only had to pay for the drinks I bought. I queried this as the fee for the extra night hadn't been accounted for. I found out that this had been charged to my friends credit card by default? Really!.! I was still at the hotel so why withdrawals they charge my friends card? I was not happy about this especially as I was still paying for the drinks on my card? I informed my friend and reimbursed him.

Overall our stay was good only to be let down by issues that...

Following on from my review of the Marriott Chase hotel where we stayed, the spa experience is part of the hotel complex. This again was a mixed bag. First the good bits... We had asked for a back and face massage, both Becky and Natalie who gave the treatments at the end of a long day were outstanding. My wife has been a masseur for several years, so knows a good massage when she gets one. I cannot make any meaningful comments because being married to someone who gives massage means you never get one. After massaging all day, coming home and being asked for a neck or back rub is often greeted with expletives! But for a completely amateur viewpoint, it felt really good, and while my wife was chatting with the girls about oils and hot mittens (?) I just lay there on the hot bed and enjoyed the massage. Now the less than great bits... The place was in need of a refresh, it was starting to look a bit run down and tatty. The small pool was heavily chlorinated, and in a small space was a bit tough on the eyes. The sauna and OK, we didn't try the steam room. The hot tub took a while and a few questions to discover the unmarked button to turn it on. The gym was empty when we went in, but was getting busier as the evening wore on and people dropped in after work. The three star vote might seem a bit harsh, as we did get a five star massage, but overall, our experience of the place in totality, justified the lowish score. If this was a school report, it is definitely a case of...

Booked a last minute spa day at The Cheltenham Chase Hotel and what can I say...it was very worth the money. My friend and I bought the 2 people deal which included a 50 minute treatment (in which we both chose deep tissue massages), light lunch and 1 hour in the pool.

On arrival we were greeted by the lovely reception lady, Alex. She was so welcoming and even with a few hiccups (via the website you cannot book a food or pool time slot) she fixed it right away and with no stress. Throughout the day Alex made us feel so welcome and that we were all ok.

Our massage was with Jessie. It was extremely relaxing and after I spent an hour in the relaxation room - I have never felt more relaxed in my life.

The only downfall would be the bar service. We had booked a light lunch for 12 and waited 15 minutes with no bar staff to be seen. We enquired at the main reception to be told just to wait. However, our main concern was we had another appointment at 1 to get to. Alex caught us in the bar area and fixed it right away for us, getting served almost immediately after she left. The food was very good though!

We enjoyed the pool, steam room and sauna but unfortunately the hot tub was not in service - but it didn't bother us too much.

A wonderful day, and wouldn't have been the same experience without Alex. We will be...