Calcot & Spa Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
Calcot & Spa
Calcot & Spa is one of those names that comes up whenever the conversation turns to Cotswold escapes. A luxury spa hotel promising wellness, relaxation, and a dose of country charm? It sounded like the perfect place to celebrate my daughter’s graduation, so I booked a stay – paying the full rate – and went in with high expectations. Heaped with awards, Calcot & Spa is often described as one of the best examples in the country of a genuinely family-friendly hotel that also works for couples. Set within its own estate, against the backdrop of the Cotswold countryside this former farmhouse, with a courtyard of lime trees and converted barns, has long been praised for its welcoming atmosphere, stylish country-house bedrooms, indulgent spa, and excellent food. Add to that an outdoor hot tub next to a roaring log fire, and it sounds like a dream Cotswold hotel. Expensive, yes, but for many, worth it.
That’s the reputation. But does it live up to it?
Arrival: First Impressions Matter
Check-in should feel like a warm welcome, but instead, it felt somewhat scripted. The receptionist, complete with name badge (a personal pet hate), ran through a list of questions, ticking boxes without much genuine interest in the answers. Polite, yes, but robotic. For a hotel that prides itself on warmth and luxury, it lacked personality from the start.
Our Room: An Upgrade, But…
Cambridge
I paid full price for the room and we were given an upgrade, which was appreciated. The room was clean and functional, but it lacked soul. It felt designed to look the part rather than create an emotional connection, and for the price point, I expected more charm and individuality.
There were a couple of thoughtful touches, such as complimentary chocolate and crisps in the room, but overall, it felt underwhelming. One detail really stood out: there were no USB or USB-C charging points. In 2025, that’s not just inconvenient; it’s outdated for a luxury hotel. In the bathroom (which was downstairs), there were fake plants which, in my view, are unnecessary - either have fresh flowers or don’t bother. Just a point on the mezzanine room - if you go to the loo in the middle of the night and have to go downstairs by the time you’re upstairs again, you are properly awake, making it difficult to just drop off to sleep again.
The Yoga and Breakfast Conundrum
I’d booked an 8:45am yoga class in the spa, and when I asked about breakfast times, I was told 7–10am. So far, so normal. But when I explained that I wouldn’t make it back in time after yoga and changing, and asked if brunch could be offered instead, the answer was: “Brunch isn’t included in your stay.”
Technically true - but disappointing, given that I was reviewing the yoga experience as part of the visit. If the hotel wants to showcase wellness, shouldn’t the guest experience be designed to make that possible? Why not offer brunch in place of breakfast or keep the breakfast service open slightly later for those taking morning classes?
The alternative suggested was The Grain Store Café, but that’s not the same as a full breakfast in the hotel, particularly when you’re marking a special occasion. It felt ungenerous and a little tone-deaf for a hotel at this level.
Food
I love simple, delicious food that delivers on flavour, so I was looking forward to dinner at The Brasserie. It turned out to be a mixed experience. My crab starter was excellent – fresh and full of flavour – but my daughter’s pasta was very dry and lacked any real punch. Puddings didn’t lift things either; they felt a little half-hearted.
Service, on the other hand, was spot-on. Oliver looked after us beautifully – warm, attentive, and charming throughout. Still, if I’d been staying another night, I’m not sure what I’d have chosen from the menu. The congratulatory plate of ice cream for my daughter was a nice touch and the ice cream was delicious!
Breakfast began well with a big smile from Stef and an excellent coffee, but beyond that, it fell flat. The menu offered the usual suspects and little else, and while everything was fine, it didn’t feel special or generous. In short, I didn’t feel the love.
The Overall Experience
Spending time with my daughter was wonderful, but Calcot & Spa didn’t deliver the warmth or flexibility I associate with true luxury. The service felt transactional, the room uninspiring (though full marks for the big towels, 100 Acres products and flannels), and those little details that turn a stay into something memorable just weren’t there.
When a luxury hotel markets itself as a luxury wellness destination, it needs to embody and reflect that ethos, not just in its spa offerings, but across every aspect of the guest experience.
Would I Return?
Probably not. The location is stunning, and the spa and outdoor hot tub remain a strong draw, but luxury isn’t just about appearances. It’s about generosity, attention to detail, and making guests feel cared for. On this occasion, Calcot & Spa fell short.
Best for: Families