The hype
Reviewers universally adore the grounds and the spa's design, but service speed in the restaurant is a frequent frustration.
The Elms Hotel & Spa
$215-460/ night
Book this if You want a dog-friendly country manor escape where the spa feels like a botanical garden and the kids are actually welcome.
Why People Love It
- The 'Greenhouse Spa' with its indoor/outdoor hydro pool and botanical theme
- Coach House Suites that feature private terraces with dual outdoor roll-top bathtubs
- Genuine dog-friendliness, including dining access in the bar and extensive grounds
Quick Take: A stunning Queen Anne mansion that nails the 'botanical chic' aesthetic but occasionally drops the ball on slow dinner service and soundproofing.
Reviewed by @bonnierakhit: I felt like I walked straight onto a Bridgerton set here. The spa was the perfect warm escape from the winter chill, and dinner at Badgers was incredibly cozy. Honestly, the grounds alone are worth the trip for that main character feeling.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
While the 'botanical' vibe is immersive, some guests found the pool water too cold and the steam room occasionally out of order.
- You are traveling with a dog and want them treated like royalty (except in the spa)
- You love a spa that feels like a secret garden rather than a clinical lab
- You need a family-friendly luxury hotel that has dedicated swim times for kids
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough in rooms, with daily service praised by most guests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Rooms are sparkling, but spa changing rooms can get 'gross' and messy by late afternoon.
- Maintenance: Most areas are well-kept, though some guests noted cold pool water or broken steam rooms.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and high quality; robes and slippers provided for spa access.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of woodsmoke and old timber; spa smells of eucalyptus and botanicals.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thin walls between rooms (snoring audible)
- Creaky floorboards in hallways
- Doors closing in the main corridor
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is NOT included in standard rates unless you book directly; expect to pay ~£15-20pp otherwise.
- Family swim times are strictly 9-10am and 4-5pm; avoid these times if you want a quiet dip.
- The hotel is cashless, so bring cards for all on-site payments.
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the hydro pool and outdoor jacuzzi
- Wellington boots for walking the 10 acres of grounds
- Earplugs if you are staying in the main house
Room Genie
Best picks
- Coach House Suites – The absolute winner for privacy, featuring private terraces with two outdoor roll-top baths.
- Epicurean Suite – Best for grandeur, offering double-aspect views of the gardens and a massive velvet headboard.
Rooms to avoid
- Comfy Rooms – Smallest option and not dog-friendly.
- Rooms near the main staircase or front reception if you are sensitive to foot traffic noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request one of the Coach House Suites for the outdoor bath experience. If that is unavailable, a top-floor room away from the main staircase would be preferred to minimize hallway noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel dog-friendly?
Yes, very. Dogs are allowed in Coach House rooms and most common areas (bar, lounge) for £25/night. They are not allowed in the spa or 'Comfy' rooms.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a heated indoor pool and an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool as part of the Greenhouse Spa.
What are the hidden fees?
No resort fees, but there is a £5 tray charge for room service and breakfast is extra on third-party bookings.
Is it good for kids?
Surprisingly yes for a manor hotel. There are dedicated swim times, a playground, and family-sized suites.
How is the food?
The setting at 'Badgers' is lovely, but reviews consistently flag slow service. The food quality is generally good, though there have been rare quality control mishaps.
Is there EV charging?
Yes, there are two EV charging points in the main car park, free for guests to use on a first-come basis.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book your spa treatments well in advance; the 'Greenhouse' is popular with locals too.
- ✨
The 'outdoor' baths in the Coach House suites are undercover, so you can use them even in the rain.
- ✨
If you book directly via their website, breakfast is usually thrown in for free.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'botanical' spa theme isn't just a name; it literally feels like a greenhouse with plants everywhere.
💡The steam room and sauna are sometimes out of order, so check before booking a spa day.
💡You can eat with your dog in the bar area, which serves the same menu as the restaurant.
💡The hotel is reportedly 'haunted' (or at least has that old manor vibe), which adds to the character.
💡Cell service can be spotty in the valley, so rely on the Wi-Fi.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Elms Hotel & Spa is located and what's nearby.