Hotels

Hotels in the Cotswolds – From Boutique Retreats to Luxury Stays

Hotels in the Cotswolds

By James Long

Local Cotswolds tour guide and editor of Cotswold Insider

Published: 4 January 2026

Hotels are one of the most flexible and popular ways to stay in the Cotswolds — but they vary far more than most visitors expect.

From traditional coaching inns and small town hotels to destination spa retreats and high-end country houses, the right hotel depends less on star rating and more on how you want your days — and evenings — to feel.

This guide will help you understand the different types of hotels in the Cotswolds, where they work best as a base, and how to choose one that actually suits your trip rather than just looking good online.

Hotels are one of several ways to stay in the region — if you’re still deciding between hotels, cottages, B&Bs or glamping, our 'Sleep' in the Cotswolds guide explains how different accommodation types compare by area and travel style.

What Kind of Hotel Experience Do You Want?

Before looking at specific properties, it helps to be clear about the role your hotel will play in your trip.

Hotels in towns

Hotels in market towns tend to work best for most visitors.

They usually offer:

Walkable access to restaurants and pubs
Easier evenings without needing to drive
Better transport links and parking

Town hotels suit first-time visitors, shorter stays, and anyone who wants flexibility when plans change.

Hotels in villages

Village hotels can be a great choice if selected deliberately.

They work best if:

You’re happy eating where you stay
Quiet evenings appeal more than variety
The hotel itself is part of the experience

Village hotels reward intention — but they can feel limiting if chosen purely for looks.

Popular Types of Hotels in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds has a wide mix of hotel styles, each appealing to different priorities.

Spa hotels

Spa hotels are destination stays rather than sightseeing bases.

They’re best for:

Slower trips
Relaxation-focused breaks
Couples and short stays

They often work best when you accept that you’ll do less, not more.

→ Top spa hotels in the Cotswolds
→ How to choose a spa hotel in the Cotswolds

Luxury hotels

Luxury hotels focus on space, service, and setting.

They suit:

Celebratory trips
Longer stays where the hotel itself matters
Guests prioritising comfort over coverage

Location matters here — a beautiful hotel in the wrong place can still feel inconvenient.

Boutique & character hotels

These include smaller independent hotels, historic inns, and design-led properties.

They often appeal to:

Couples
Short breaks
Visitors who value atmosphere over facilities

Quality varies widely, so context and location matter as much as style.

Budget & good-value hotels

There are fewer true “budget” hotels in the Cotswolds, but good-value options do exist.

They work well for:

Active days out
Walking-focused trips
Visitors spending little time at the hotel

The key is being realistic about expectations rather than chasing labels.

Where Hotels Work Best as a Base

Hotels are spread unevenly across the region, and geography affects how practical they are.

North Cotswolds

Often the easiest area for hotel stays.

More choice overall
Better access to classic villages
Well suited to first-time visitors

Hotels here are easier to combine with sightseeing.

South Cotswolds

Quieter and greener, but with fewer hotel clusters.

Better for walking and slower travel
Fewer headline villages
Less dense accommodation options

Hotels here tend to suit longer, calmer stays.

Choosing a Hotel Based on How You’re Travelling

How you’re getting around should directly influence which hotels make sense.

If you have a car

You can stay slightly outside busy centres and still explore comfortably.

This often allows:

Quieter locations
Better value
Easier parking

Just be realistic about evening driving.

If you don’t have a car

Location becomes critical.

Hotels in:

Walkable towns
Near rail stations
With multiple dining options nearby

…will dramatically improve the experience and reduce reliance on taxis.

Common Hotel-Booking Mistakes in the Cotswolds

These come up repeatedly:

Choosing based on photos rather than location
Underestimating evening logistics
Assuming short distances mean short journeys
Booking luxury when convenience matters more
Treating all towns and villages as interchangeable

Avoiding these mistakes often matters more than choosing a “top-rated” hotel.

Hotels in the Cotswolds – From Boutique Retreats to Luxury Stays