The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
The Good Hotel Guide
About Us
Independent
Recommended
Trusted
Independent
Recommended
Trusted
The Retreat at Elcot Park
Newbury, Berkshire
A Regency mansion in parkland, once home to Percy Shelley's mother, has been reimagined as a contemporary country house hotel infused with a blithe spirit.
Good Hotel Guide Review
The hotel experts at the Good Hotel Guide
Once home to Percy Shelley's mother, this Regency mansion in parkland has been reimagined as a contemporary country-house hotel, infused with a blithe spirit. Formerly a garish Mercure, it is now part of Hector Ross's Signet Collection (see The Mitre, Hampton Court, The Barnsdale, Oakham). 'It looks like a posh country-house hotel with croquet, tennis and a helipad, but it comes with a frission of fun and at a fraction of the price,' write our inspectors. 'Complimentary wine at check in, pantries to raid and family swim times in the pool make this a relaxed retreat.' It's also a stylish one, with a 'modern English feel, bright fabrics and William Morris wallpaper'. Surprisingly affordable bedrooms range from 'classics' with a walk-in or over-bath shower, to suites with a mini bar of treats, maybe an in-room copper bathtub. Some are dog friendly; you can eat with your pooch in the Atlas Room lounge, or in the Orangery, part of the 1772 Brasserie, where a short menu includes dishes such as tempura-battered hake. The Pan-Asian Yu serves the 'freshest sushi and sashimi'. Breakfast includes an 'excellent buffet' plus cooked dishes; there is a spa and hair salon on site.
Hotel Details
Address
Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8NJ, England
Bedroom
55. 5 with wheelchair access.
Openings
all year. Brasserie daily, Yu lunch Thurs–Sat, dinner Wed–Sat.
Background Music
'to suit the venue', at low volume.
Children
all ages welcome. 3 family suites with bunk room. Children's menu.
Dogs
aged 1 year and over allowed in several ground-floor rooms, Orangery and Atlas Room, not in Brasserie or Yu, max 2 per room (£30 a night, welcome pack).
Credit Cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £150. À la carte (Brasserie) £50. 1-night stays may be declined some weekends.
Facilities
reception seating, lounge, 2 restaurants, 3 private dining rooms, in-room TV (Netflix, YouTube), civil wedding licence, EV charging, spa (indoor hydrotherapy pool), gym, beauty salon, outdoor heated infinity pool (cabanas, wine bar), courtyard café/deli, 16-acre parkland.
Location
IN THE MEDIA
Daily Mail
Britain’s best hotels and B&Bs for 2024