Just returned from another idyllic break at Cliveden, this time I took my grandmother for her 87th birthday and she had the most wonderful time. She gasped at the grandeur of the building as we drove up the gravel approach, she said she felt like a queen. And the staff treated her like royalty swiftly upgrading her to as suite when she mentioned she would have difficulty getting in and out the super deep bath in the bathroom ( the baths are a huge feature at Cliveden for anyone of able body, perfect for a long luxurious soak) - well she is 87!
The staff at Cliveden are second to none, nothing is too much trouble, in short they are the creme de la creme, other hotels could learn a lot from them.
Rooms are decorated in keeping with the building, old fashioned and cosy, each with their own individual design and character - if you like modern Phillipe Starke type places this probably isn't for you but if you want a place steeped in history, with superb service and delectable food ( forget Waldo's firstly it is stuck in the basement and secondly i believe there is a reason it lost its Michelin star, instead stick with The Terrace, excellent food, not quite as daring as Waldos but with stunning views over the formal gardens) then Cliveden is the jewel in Von Esson's crown and well worth a stay.

The hotel and grounds are magnificent and well-appointed, we felt as if we had stepped back in time. The country house is quite large but there is an undeniably warm and welcoming feel to the place.

We found the Cliveden staff to be extremely accommodating. We were provided with exemplary service without it being obtrusive -- a balance that is not always easily accomplished in the hotel industry. The staff’s attention to detail is superior, right down to the private house tour conducted by the House Manager. Both my husband and I got the sense that they had really gone the extra mile to make us comfortable.

I would highly recommend the Thames river tour, it was a highlight of our English holiday!

MY partner and I stayed at Clivedon house while we visited Royal Ascot.
On arrival there is no denying that the main house looks absolutely stunning.
After a quick and pleasant check in we where excited to be told that out suite was ready and waiting for us.
We were shown to a room called Chaplin which is in a side wing over looking the walled garden.
WARNING:if you get this room do not stay in it... we where so shocked at the state of it.
The wall paper was literally hanging off the walls, they were stained and mouldy in places, the Bathroom STANK of dirty water, the carpets where stained, the paint was peeling off where ever there was paint, the lamps where all bent,the windows didn't work and we had to prop them open with a book. The list could go on and on.
To be honest it was just disgraceful. we didn't have time to make a full complaint as as soon as we got there we had to go straight to Ascot and by the time we got back it was very late.
To be fair to Cliveden, when we complained in the morning they did cut out room rate down by 50% but I still was not really happy with that.
The room needs a complete refurb and wouldn't go amiss in a £15.00 a nigh B+B. this is NO exaggeration.
VERY expensive hotel with very poor quality rooms, there comes a point when shabby chic just becomes Plain Shabby

We stayed at Cliveden to celebrate our first anniversay. We booked a Junior Suite and upon arrival we were given a very tired looking room with the view of a car park. We asked to be moved and were put into the Vanderbilt suite. The rooms are very scruffy to be honest. Carpets are dirty with rips and holes. The curtains in our first room were hanging down. The service was very poor. Nobody was interested in you and nobody even came and asked if we would like a drink even though we had been sitting and waiting for 20mins. Our meal was in Waldo's and was really lovely. The staff were wonderful and really couldnt have offered a better service. Breakfast was ok. Nothing special. I have had better in 3 star hotels.
We travel alot and have stayed in some wonderful hotels. This is not up there with the best of them Im sorry to say. In february we stayed at La Manoir in Oxford. That was something really very special. Incredible staff, amazing hotel with everything you could wish for. Oh and it was cheaper than Cliveden!! So if its a special occasion I would give Cliveden a miss.
Overall, I would say that this is a beautiful building, with lovely gardens. Sadly its been very neglected and the hotel is feeling very tired and in need of an update both in its decor and in the way it treats its guests. £945.50 was a very high price to pay for a one night stay. I also think that £15.50 is a disgusting charge for two cups of tea! You would think that if they are going to charge £644.00 per night then they would provide tea and coffe in the rooms??