Had stayed here before and was convenient for Oxford if not wanting to stay in city centre. Used park and ride which was efficient. Very pleasant hotel but dinner menu limited in Old Swan. After one pie meal (very good) we ate at the sister hotel The Mill. Bathroom in our room could benefit with a bit of maintenance (shower head leaked and basin taps very stiff). I would return.
We have just got home from a 3 night stay here and I cannot fault the hotel or the service at all ! The staff work very hard and were all polite and greeted us with a smile . There is a windy staircase ( but also a back staircase which is less steep from the car park) but the staff offered to carry our bags up. The rooms were beautiful, spotlessly clean and the bed was so comfortable . We ate here one night and the Chicken and Ham pie was amazing as were the breakfasts which we had included in our stay . The hotel is perfectly situated for Bourton on the Water , Stow on the Wold, Blenheim Palace and Oxford . Would definitely recommend a stay here .
Lovely old inn in pretty village. Staff were welcoming and rooms light, but need refurbishment. Original room small with 4 hangers and they changed it for a larger one with king sized bed. But shower inadequate, one of taps too stiff, heated towel rail not working and no other heating in en suite. Good Wi-Fi and tea/ coffee. Very good breakfast but evening meal menu very limited, little other than pies. Enjoyed the stay but wouldn’t go again.
I am very conflicted writing this review because overall we did enjoy our stay at the Old Swan. The charm and history of the place just overwhelmed its other issues. The good - overwhelmingly authentic country inn with such amazing ambience. The circular staircase up to the rooms is just as good as it gets for authenticity. Location is in a nice quiet village on a quiet street (I was worried this was on a main road). The bed, despite thinking initially it was too soft, was extremely comfortable and we slept very well. The shower was also really good. The bad - staff service for the hotel - we walked in with a large suitcase and there were 3 staff members at the far end of the room, who looked at us and then just ignored us, not even a hello. I had to walk over to ask to be checked in and then it seemed to be putting them out to check us in. This was a continued problem for any stay related issues in that the staff seemed not to care about the guest. On the other hand, our service and food at breakfast was really good (different people). The rooms were also not that clean with cobwebs on the light fixtures and many stains on the carpet. Given the price they charge for the rooms I would expect better customer service and cleanliness. Further to the point of hotel service I sent an email to them several days ago before writing this review and they have not responded to my feedback. I provide very objective feedback trying to help places I stay and this place doesnt seem to care. Disappointing. Did we enjoy our stay in the lovely inn, yes. Would we recommend you go, sadly no. With just a little more attention to the guest and cleanliness this could be a 5 star place.…
Great location near the river, interesting local walks to nearby ruined hall, very friendly staff and nice food. The log fire in February was very nice to sit by with a Gin. The breakfast was great too.
This hotel was stunning. On arrival we were very happy with our choice. Exactly what you would expect from a country hotel in the Cotswolds. The staff were very welcoming and helpful however on checking in we were very disappointed. We booked a superior room and the room we were given looked absolutely nothing like the pictures on the website. It was tiny, very tired and dated decor. The paint was peeling off the walls and the furniture was so old. I understand this is a period hotel but the images on the website were of a beautifully decorated large spacious room. This was not. I complained to receptionist and we were given a different room. Which I did appreciate. But it was not ideal. The restaurant however was amazing. The food was delicious and one of the best pies I’ve ever eaten. …
Birthday trip was a bit of a disappointment! This is a stunning old Inn in a fabulous location and the room was comfortable and characterful, and the birthday chocolates were a lovely, much appreciated touch. But it is a shame that some of the staff do not match the promise of the location. On the first night we ate in the dining room and whilst my fish pie was excellent, my wife's single vegetarian option (not the pie) was very dull. The desserts were quite honestly dreadful, the Baked Alaska was of a standard that suggested that it had been bought in from "Iceland" and the chocolate brownie sundae could have come from McDonalds. To cap it off we were the last couple in the dining room so the lad started extinguishing the candles and clearing up around us. In contrast on the second night we asked to eat in the bar in an attempt at more atmosphere and the girl who sorted it could not have been nicer and was delightful all evening - we do not want fawning, but it is nice to be served with a warm smile and a bit of chat. Both pies were excellent, but given that my wife had now eaten every vegetarian meal available it is just as well we were only staying two nights. We had learnt our lesson and did not have dessert. Similarly, the breakfasts were good but the service mixed. It was January in a listed building and yet the only laid table left was next to a draughty window. When we asked if we could move the request was met with a face that looked like we'd offered a bucket of cold sick. In the end amongst much hurumphing we moved ourselves. Then the 'waitress' came to take our order and she could not have been nicer, again such a contrast. Second breakfast again 'sour face' appeared to be in charge and lovely waitress saved the day. However, my wife ordered avocado on sourdough but was delivered smoked salmon and avocado on sourdough. We did not want to create a fuss but I am convinced that the offending salmon was just removed in the kitchen and the plate returned as it smelt strongly of salmon. Overall, it was disappointing that a supposedly 5 Star hotel did not live up to expectations. We did feedback direct to the hotel as requested before posting this review, to give them a chance to respond, but nothing!…
excellent friendly staff quiet location only negative the stairs are very narrow and tricky especially if one is not fully mobile and difficult to manage with luggage Sister hotel is next door with other facilities if required
Absolutely beautiful hotel, staff vey welcoming and the food was excellent. I had the smoked haddock pie which was outstanding. Stunning building and rooms to match. Lovely open fire which fine a pint of ale.
We had a wonderful evening meal, we stepped in out of the rain and enjoyed a lovely beef pie, the service was good considering it was quite busy, the food was tasty and hot. No complaints at all, we would go back. We found the beef pie very tasty, the mash was lovely and buttery.
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