The hype
Guests universally adore the food and the 'step back in time' tranquility, but some find the 'Manor' rooms a bit small and viewless compared to the main house.
Lords Of The Manor Hotel
$200-550/ night
Book this if You want a quintessential 'Downton Abbey' lite experience where the biggest drama is choosing between the tasting menu or the a la carte.
Why People Love It
- The 'Doubly Thankful' village silence (no road noise, just birds)
- Two exceptional restaurants including the 4 AA Rosette 'Atrium'
- 8 acres of manicured gardens that feel like a private park
Quick Take: A stunningly preserved 17th-century manor that prioritizes peace and pastry over pools and Peloton bikes.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I came here needing a reset and left feeling like royalty. The gardens are incredibly peaceful, and my room had the most stunning bay window view. If you need to disappear into the English countryside for a few days, this is the place. Truly my kind of therapy.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you book the cheapest room ('Country Basic'), don't expect a grand manor experience—you'll likely be in a converted barn with a courtyard view.
- You dream of reading a book by a crackling fire with a gin and tonic
- You are a serious foodie willing to drop £130+ on a tasting menu
- You want to bring your dog to a luxury setting (very pet-friendly)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Daily service is thorough, with evening turndown that tidies up your mess.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Grout is clean, vintage tubs are well-scrubbed, no signs of mold.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition for a 17th-century house, though expect creaky floorboards.
- Linens & towels: High thread count, crisp white linens and fluffy, oversized towels.
- Odors & scents: Smells of old wood, wax, and fresh flowers. No mustiness.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Creaky floorboards (it is 17th century, after all)
- Early morning birds
Before you book
Good to know
- Dinner reservations are essential for 'Atrium' (only 14 covers)
- Valet parking is complimentary (a rare perk)
- Room service is available but the menu is limited compared to the restaurants
What to pack
- Wellington boots (the hotel has some, but bring your own for the muddy 'Slaughters' walk)
- Smart casual dinner wear (no strict dress code, but people dress up)
- A portable fan if visiting during a heatwave (just in case)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Rectory Rooms (Main House) for high ceilings, antiques, and garden views
- Lords Rooms for the ultimate 'Lord of the Manor' spaciousness
Rooms to avoid
- Country Basic rooms (often small, located in the converted granary/barn with limited views)
- Ground floor Manor rooms if you want privacy (people walk past windows)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a 'Rectory' category room in the main house with a view of the gardens, rather than a courtyard-facing room in the converted barn.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool or spa?
No. There are absolutely no wellness facilities (pool, sauna, gym) on site.
Is it dog friendly?
Yes, very. Dogs are welcome in specific rooms (mostly Manor rooms) for a £30/night fee, but not in the main restaurants.
Does the hotel have AC?
Generally no. It's a listed historic building. Fans are provided, but it can get warm in summer.
How far is the nearest pub?
There is no pub in Upper Slaughter. The nearest is The Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter (20 min walk).
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, and it's excellent—both buffet and cooked-to-order options.
Can I get there by train?
Not directly. Nearest stations are Kingham or Moreton-in-Marsh; you MUST book a taxi in advance as there are no ranks.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask to see the 'damage' on the front porch—it was hit by an Army vehicle in WWII and they intentionally never fixed it.
- ✨
The walk to Lower Slaughter starts literally at the hotel's driveway; do it at sunset when the tourists have left.
- ✨
Afternoon tea here is a local institution; book it even if you aren't staying.
5 things to know before you go
💡Upper Slaughter is a 'Doubly Thankful' village—it lost no men in WWI or WWII, a statistical miracle.
💡The family name 'Slaughter' actually comes from 'Sclostre', meaning 'muddy place'—not a massacre.
💡The Witts family (former owners) have a crest with a broom plant ('planta genista'), linking them to the Plantagenet kings.
💡There is a 'secret' garden tour often available if you ask the head gardener.
💡The cellars hold over 1,000 wine bins and you can sometimes get a peek if you ask the sommelier nicely.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Lords Of The Manor Hotel is located and what's nearby.