The hype
Travelers adore the design and the 'free' perks like the pantry and welly wall, but service can be hit-or-miss.
The Retreat Elcot Park
$280-450/ nuit
Réservez si You want a playful, family-friendly country house escape where you can raid a free snack pantry in your robe.
Pourquoi les gens l'adorent
- The 'Pantry' on every floor stocked with free crisps, sweets, and drinks
- Heated outdoor infinity pool that stays open year-round
- Unpretentious, friendly vibe that feels more like a wealthy friend's home than a stiff hotel
En bref : A fun, modern take on the country estate that nails the 'vibe' but occasionally misses on the housekeeping details.
Évalué par @bonnierakhit : I spent the dreamiest weekend here living my best soft life. The hydrotherapy pool was exactly what I needed to reset, and sipping rosé by the outdoor pool felt so chic. It’s the perfect spot if you want to feel like royalty for a few days.
Ce que les clients qui ont séjourné ici ont dit
Reality check
The 'Classic' rooms feel like a different hotel compared to the suites—expect brown carpets and a 'shabby' feel if you don't upgrade.
- You have kids (bunk bed suites and pool hours are great)
- You love free snacks (the pantry is legendary)
- You want a country break without the stuffy dress code
Propreté et entretien
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good in rooms, but missed spots reported. Daily service is standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are modern and clean, though some grout issues in older 'Classic' rooms.
- Maintenance: Outdoor pool area struggles with bird mess and stained tiles. Some peeling paint in older wings.
- Linens & towels: High quality, fluffy towels and crisp linens.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though some hallways can smell of 'old house' or cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
6.5MODÉRÉ
0-4BRUYANT
4-7.5MODÉRÉ
7.5-10SILENCIEUX
- External ventilation units near some rooms
- Wedding parties/events on weekends
- Heat (lack of AC forces open windows)
Avant de réserver
Bon à savoir
- Breakfast is often NOT included in the base rate and comes with a surcharge.
- The indoor hydrotherapy pool is adults-only (16+), but the outdoor pool has family swim times.
- You can borrow Wellington boots from the 'Welly Wall' for free.
Quoi emporter
- Swimsuit (for the year-round heated outdoor pool)
- Portable fan (if visiting in summer, just in case)
- Casual clothes (it's not a dressy hotel)
Génie des chambres
Meilleurs choix
- Sutton Suite (huge, copper tub, stunning views)
- Bushby Bacon Suite (perfect for families with cool built-in bunk beds)
- Heritage Rooms (worth the upgrade over Classic for better decor)
Chambres à éviter
- Classic Rooms (often described as small, tired, and having 'brown carpet')
- Rooms near the kitchen ventilation units (ask to be away from plant noise)
Génie de demande de chambre – copier & coller
“I'd love to request a room away from any external ventilation units or kitchen exhaust. If possible, we'd prefer a Heritage room or higher to avoid the older carpeting found in the Classic category. Please confirm if our assigned room has Air Conditioning.”
FAQ et astuces cachées
Tout ce que vous voulez vraiment savoir avant de réserver.
Is there air conditioning?
Not in all rooms. Many guests rely on provided fans, which can be insufficient during heatwaves.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor infinity pool is heated year-round, though some guests find the deck cleanliness lacking.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, it's very dog-friendly. £30 per dog/night, includes a bed and treats. Dogs allowed in the Atlas Room and Orangery.
What is the 'Pantry'?
A guest-favorite amenity: a communal cupboard on each floor stocked with complimentary crisps, sweets, fruit, and soft drinks.
Is it good for kids?
Surprisingly yes. Between the outdoor pool, the 'Bushby Bacon' family suite, and the casual vibe, it's very family-appropriate.
How is the food?
1772 Brasserie is solid but can be hard to book; Yu (Pan-Asian) gets rave reviews. Breakfast is continental with paid hot extras.
Conseils d'initiés
- ✨
The 'Welly Wall' near the entrance has free boots for muddy walks—no need to pack your own.
- ✨
Book dinner at Yu or 1772 well in advance; they fill up with locals and wedding guests.
- ✨
Ask for a 'Heritage' room or above; the 'Classic' rooms are the only ones that feel dated.
5 choses à savoir avant de partir
💡The food hygiene rating for 'Cleanliness and condition of facilities' was rated 'Generally Satisfactory' (not 'Good' or 'Very Good') in late 2025.
💡Some rooms overlook the car park or ventilation units—check your view on arrival.
💡The 'continental' breakfast is a buffet, but you'll pay extra for eggs or hot dishes.
💡The outdoor pool deck can get messy with bird droppings that aren't cleaned promptly.
💡There is a complimentary '4pm Pour' (wine) and '11am Biscuit Tin' ritual in the lobby.
Guide local
Carte
Découvrez où se situe The Retreat Elcot Park et ce qu'il y a à proximité.