Discover the cosy interiors, luxurious rooms, award-winning spa and exceptional food in my review of Dormy House Hotel in The Cotswolds.
I’ve just celebrated a milestone birthday. You know, one of those numbers that you see on paper, but don’t feel old enough to be celebrating! Yet, here I am writing this at the grand old age of 40. Thankfully, I eased into the decade with a stay at one of the UK’s most luxurious hotels, Dormy House.
This Cotswolds retreat is located in the rolling countryside a few minutes’ drive from the photogenic town of Broadway. It’s somewhere I’ve heard only good things about, and after an incredible break at sister property The Fish earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to check in.
Dormy House Hotel Review
In this review, I’ll share what it’s really like staying at Dormy House, from the beautifully designed rooms to the indulgent spa, memorable dining experiences and the overall atmosphere. If you’re considering booking a luxury break in The Cotswolds, this should help you decide if Dormy House is right for you.
Staying at Dormy House Hotel
Dormy House is what many people imagine when they picture a classic Cotswolds country house hotel. It’s built from beautiful honey-coloured stone and has roaring fires throughout. While there are plenty of chic touches, the atmosphere remains relaxed. It may be attracting a 5-star clientele, but it’s somewhere you can still wear wellies!
It’s set on a vast hillside estate, which also houses quirkier sister property The Fish (where I’ve also stayed) and luxurious residence Foxhill Manor. I noticed that Dormy House doesn’t have the sweeping views towards Broadway that you see from The Fish, but instead has a quieter, more secluded feel.
The main house is where you’ll find several bedrooms, lounge areas, bar (The Shed), and the hotel’s main restaurant, The Back Garden. I appreciated the blend of traditional architecture and contemporary design. I also loved the various nooks and cosy corners. They looked like ideal spots for curling up with a book or to while away an afternoon playing board games!
Visiting in December, we were treated to an extra cosy stay. Log fires were roaring, Christmas lights twinkling and the hotel was even wrapped up with a beautiful red bow! I couldn’t stop taking photos!
Our Courtyard Suite at Dormy House Hotel
We stayed in one of the hotel’s newer courtyard suites, which are located in a separate building from the main house. Ours had a private entrance, stylish bedroom, comfortable lounge, en-suite bathroom and patio with a table and chairs. With temperatures in single figures, we didn’t get to use this outside area, but I imagine it’d be lovely sitting out in the courtyard in the warmer months.
Our room had references to fairytales on the walls, with plates showing Hans Christian Anderson stories. I liked the way the corridor separated the lounge and bedroom. It made it feel like a mini home-from-home! There was a relaxing feel to the entire suite, with neutral colours and plush furnishings.
There was a generous mini bar too, stocked with soft drinks, cocktails and beers. Plus a range of Temple Spa products in the bathroom. I always adore these – they have the most relaxing scent.
As an extra special touch, there was also a complimentary bottle of champagne on ice – a lovely touch to kick off my 40th birthday celebrations!
The Spa at Dormy House
If there’s one thing Dormy House is famous for, it’s the spa. There aren’t many Cotswolds hotels with spas as good as this one!
Open every day from 7am – 7pm, The House Spa has several areas, offering pure relaxation. There’s a large swimming pool surrounded by daybeds. I could happily have spent hours lazing here with a book! Outside is a bubbling hydrotherapy pool, which I spent a long time enjoying, even though the outside temperatures were cold.
There’s also a gym, plus a hot and cold therapy area, with a rain shower, sauna, steam room and snow shower. I’d never seen one of these before – it was such fun and really added to my spa experience!
I didn’t book a spa treatment this time, but there are plenty to choose from, including luxurious massages and facials. To be honest, simply enjoying the facilities felt indulgent enough on its own!
It’s worth noting that you can use the spa facilities before check in on the day you arrive. Plus, if you’re visiting as a family, there are a few hours per day when children can use the swimming pool.
Dining at Dormy House Hotel
After a leisurely afternoon in the spa, we got ready for a romantic dinner in the restaurant. We kicked our evening off with cocktails in The Shed. The hotel’s bar offers everything an upmarket cocktail bar would, but without feeling stiff. It’s cosy and relaxed, and somewhere you can grab light bites and snacks throughout the day. My whisky sour was excellent, and my husband loved his negroni.
We enjoyed a three-course dinner in The Back Garden. This is Dormy House’s main restaurant, and where breakfast is also served in the mornings. It’s a pretty room, with garden views. The menu has an emphasis on sustainability and features plenty of locally sourced ingredients.
Highlights included the roasted monkfish with masala sauce and the roasted salmon with seafood bisque. We also adored the plum souffle, which was as light as a feather!
If I were to compare the two dining experiences, I actually preferred our dinner at The Fish. The restaurant’s menu was more interesting and the ambience much buzzier. However, this may have been due to the time of year we visited, it’s hard to say.
When we arrived for breakfast the next morning, there was a huge display of delicious breads, pastries, meats, cheeses and juices. Added to this, we could select from an à la carte menu. My eggs royale was delicious, as was my husband’s ‘Full Dormy’ breakfast. We left feeling very full, and ready to burn off a few calories on a country walk through the pretty Cotswold scenery.
Would I Recommend Dormy House Hotel?
Dormy House is one of those places that feels effortlessly luxurious without ever being pretentious. While you can book family stays, I feel The Fish is a little better suited to those. Dormy House feels like more of an adults escape, ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion or those craving some rest and relaxation.
It was the perfect place to celebrate a milestone birthday. Along with delicious food, pampering and lots of fresh country air, I left feeling ready to take on the next decade!
Looking for more recommendations for your time in The Cotswolds? Check out my other travel guides: