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+/ natt
Boka detta om 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.
Varför människor älskar det
- 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
Snabb Överblick: 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.
Recenserat av @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.
Gäster som bodde här sa
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
Renlighet & Underhåll
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™
7MÅTTLIG
0-4BULLRIG
4-7.5MÅTTLIG
7.5-10TYST
- 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)
Innan du bokar
Bra att veta
- 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.
Vad du ska packa
- 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).
Rum Genie
Bästa val
- 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.
Rum att undvika
- 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).
Rumsförfrågan Genie – kopiera och klistra in
“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 & Dolda tips
Allt du verkligen vill veta innan du bokar.
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 saker du bör veta innan du åker
💡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.
Lokalt playbook
Karta
Se var The Lakes By Yoo ligger och vad som finns i närheten.