The Rectory Hotel, Cotswold

September 19, 2022 • hotel • travel guides

By Kim Reddish

The Rectory Hotel, a lime-wash Georgian country house in the heart of the Cotswolds village of Crudwell.

This Grade II-listed rectory feels more like a relaxed, country home than an upscale hotel, welcomed with sinking sofas, inviting cosy nooks to host board games and afternoon tea, whilst the intimate glasshouse conservatory serves breakfast and dinner, extending onto a charming green lawn and walled garden. With fuss-free decor, each room feels like a home away from home, staff offer a personal and accommodating service to each guest, whilst thoughtful hospitable touches are dotted around the hotel.

Firstly, spend the afternoon at the al fresco swimming pool situated in the hotels' grounds. Heated throughout the year, this still makes a dip enjoyable even on a typical grey, British day. The pool, surrounded by wooden sun loungers and a Georgian walled garden, has a handy poolside phone therefore, come cocktail hour, post swim beverages can be ordered straight to your bed.

For dinner, head over to The Potting Shed, a contemporary cosy, countryside pub, opposite the hotel. Open stonewall fireplaces and exposed beams create a relaxed atmosphere for dinner. Sourcing local ingredients from the area, the menu offers traditional British dishes curated around seasonal produce available from farm to table. The sizeable chateaubriand for two at £68 is well worth the value, with an abundance of side dishes to share.

Finish the evening with a nightcap at the hotel. Pour a tipple from the generous bar cart and honesty box situated on the main landing, en route to your bedroom.

The hotel has 18 rooms available, 15 in the main house and 3 within the private cottage situated within the hotels' ground, overlooking the gardens & conveniently next to the pool area, which is a great alternative when visiting with family or a group of friends. The cottage is available for private hire, whilst guests can still enjoy amenities of the hotel and room service.

Each hotel room is an individual space, reflecting the original characteristics of the Rectory; exposed beams, tall Georgian windows and restored decorative fire places create snug environments. Bedrooms are well equipped for lazy days, with a library of films available and a bedside Roberts radio, enjoyed from the comfort of goose down bedding. Roll top baths can be found in a selection of rooms, with a selection of Natural Bramley products to enhance a long soak in the tub. If you wish to have a furry companion on site, several rooms are dog-friendly - another excuse to enjoy the countryside surroundings!

Fancy a venture out from the hotel? Printed walking guides are available to collect from reception, designed by the owners themselves. Explore the best local spots to the area on foot, whilst taking in picturesque Cotswolds scenery.

Tetbury, an idyllic neighbouring market town, is packed to the brim with Antique shops and independent homeware stores to discover. A high street lined with classic Cotswold yellow-stoned buildings, it is easy to see why the village is seen as a must see when staying at the hotel.

A standout on the high street, Josephine Ryan Antiques, occupies a striking 3-story floor town house, draped with dried foliage and a grand doorway to lead you in. Explore room after room of troves, eclectic furniture and Daylesford's homeware range, a local brand from neighbouring organic Daylesford Farm, an award winning farm shop situated in Kingham.

Before checking out, ensure to head to the conservatory to enjoy breakfast which is included in your stay, alongside complimentary morning cocktails of either Mimosas and Bloody Mary's. This thoughtful extra really reiterates the courteous nature of the hotel and service.

Images courtesy of the Rectory Hotel or our own.

To book a double room stay at The Rectory Hotel here.