The hype
Guests are blown away by the scenery, the architecture, and the 'posh commune' vibe, but many feel the service doesn't match the astronomical price tag.
The Lakes By Yoo
$550-1200+/ night
Book this if You're a well-heeled family or group wanting a 'Hamptons in the Cotswolds' private estate experience where you can cook, swim, and ignore the world.
Why People Love It
- Stunning Philippe Starck & Kate Moss interiors that feel like a design magazine come to life
- Massive 850-acre estate with private lakes for paddleboarding and wild swimming
- Family-focused freedom: kids can roam safely while adults hit the spa or sip wine on the deck
Quick Take: It’s a gloriously designed, high-security housing estate for the rich, not a full-service hotel—so expect to fetch your own ice and pay extra for housekeeping.
Reviewed by @ginagoesto: I stayed here for a weekend reset and didn't want to leave. The mix of rustic wood interiors and massive glass walls is stunning. Waking up under the skylights was my favorite part—it felt like a luxury treehouse. Ideally located for a quiet escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the real estate and the exclusivity, not for white-glove service. Complaints about 'staff focused on packing down' and 'strangers walking into suites' due to lax door security pop up.
- You want a private, architectural home-away-from-home with a kitchen and deck
- You are traveling with active kids who need space to run, zip-line, and swim
- You prefer privacy and app-based concierge over constant staff interaction
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: The units are handed over 'immaculate' and 'super clean,' but the lack of daily service (unless paid for) means you are your own housekeeper.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally pristine. High-end fixtures (Wildsmith products), but check for 'gaps' in door frames in cheaper units.
- Maintenance: Mostly excellent, though some reports of broken microwaves, non-working TVs, and 'execution wobbles' in the spa.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp, and plentiful on arrival. Replacements cost extra or require a request.
- Odors & scents: Fresh country air and woodsmoke. Spa smells of lemongrass and rose.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thin walls in apartment blocks (hearing neighbors/corridor noise)
- Gaps in door frames letting sound in
- Early morning construction noise (ongoing development on the estate)
Before you book
Good to know
- You need a car. The estate is huge and local taxis are pricey/scarce.
- Book spa treatments and 'Elsa's' restaurant well in advance; they get fully booked by homeowners.
- Check-in is 3pm (sometimes 4pm) and check-out is a strict 10am or 11am depending on unit type.
What to pack
- Wellies/Hunter boots – The 850 acres get muddy and you will want to walk.
- Groceries – The on-site shop is expensive and limited; stock up at a supermarket before arriving.
- Pool towels – You may need to bring your own for the spa depending on your booking type (check the fine print).
Room Genie
Best picks
- Lakeside Cabins (2+ bedrooms) – The sweet spot. You get the wood burner, the deck over the water, and the full 'Yoo' experience.
- Grand Suites – 3-bedroom units that offer high-end luxury and space for groups.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Apartments (especially 1-bed) – Described as 'really small,' sometimes lacking fridges, and prone to noise bleed from corridors.
- Units near the main road or active construction sites (check current map before booking).
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking this stay for a quiet getaway. Please ensure we are assigned a Lakeside Cabin away from any active construction zones and NOT a standard apartment unit. We require a unit with a full-size fridge and secure door seals.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It's self-catering. You can pay for breakfast at The Lakes Bar & Kitchen, but most guests cook in their units.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but with a fee (~£50 per stay). You get dog bowls and beds, but dogs must be kept on leads around the lakes.
Can I use the spa for free?
Access to the pool and gym is generally included, but treatments are extra and expensive. The pool area can get very hot and crowded with kids.
Is there air conditioning?
Most units have AC, but verify for your specific cabin. The 'tent' restaurant can be cold in winter.
How much is the deposit?
Steep. Expect a hold of £500 to £1,735 on your card upon arrival, refunded 7 days after checkout.
Is there a kids club?
Yes, the 'Sharkie’s Woods' and various activity clubs (zip-wire, climbing) are huge hits, but they often cost extra.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Order a grocery delivery (Ocado/Waitrose) to arrive just after you do—the kitchen is fully equipped.
- ✨
The 'concierge' is an app. Download it before you go to book activities, as slots fill up fast.
- ✨
Walk to the 'Trout Inn' (30 mins) for a pint by the river instead of paying hotel prices for every drink.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'housekeeping' fee is £54 for a refresh every 5 days—don't expect daily bed-making.
💡Security can be surprisingly lax; guests have reported strangers accidentally walking into their unlocked suites.
💡The indoor pool area can be 'stiflingly hot' and humid, making it less of a hangout spot for non-swimmers.
💡Some 'Apartments' don't have a fridge, which is baffling for a self-catering resort.
💡You might be rubbing shoulders with celebrities (Kate Moss, etc.), but that also means privacy is guarded aggressively.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Lakes By Yoo is located and what's nearby.