CHARMING COTSWOLDS STAY AT THE LYGON ARMS

We’ve been lucky enough to stay at the Chewton Glen and Cliveden House a number of times. There are few teams and hotels that know hospitality better. I have for a long time been wary of what’s on offer hotel-wise in the Cotswolds as much of it looks a bit like Little London. But when one of the team from Iconic Luxury Hotels (responsible for CG and CH) tells us that she knows we’d love what they’ve done with The Lygon Arms since it joined their group…

Well I’m willing to trust and give it a go.  And of course, she was right! The Lygon Arms is exactly what we love – olde world charm, personal touches, effortlessly elegant and laid back.

The Lygon Arms has had a shot of good management from those masterminds behind CG and CH. But it’s different to their other great dames too. Once again suited to its surroundings. And happily, and most importantly for me, there is no putting on of any airs and graces. Yes, there is plenty of grace but it’s accompanied with charm and a relaxed atmosphere.

Last Autumn the Lygon Arms came out of an attentive restoration led by its new owners and lost its reported stuffiness and tiredness. The history and antiques they’ve kept but now they are accompanied by a chic, cosy and homely atmosphere. Staff are friendly to the nth degree and dressed casually in blue shirts, smart jeans and blue waistcoats. It all works.

What’s most notable is the grandeur and history of the hotel. It dates back to the 1300s and you can’t miss it on the High Street in Broadway. It’s a pretty iconic place. As I ambled through the hotel in my spa-dressing gown I am pretty sure I made it into a few tourist snaps! The buildings are full of creaky staircases and floors that aren’t quite level. It’s so cute. And the main restaurant is in the immaculate 16th century banqueting hall!

There’s at least 101 nooks, crannies and lounges to relax in with stunning antique furniture as well as modern and sumptuous soft furnishings. I can only imagine how snug it must be on a winter’s night with the fire roaring! Thankfully it is also well set up for a summer stay. The courtyard is quite the sun trap which catches a great breeze too. There’s also an extensive garden area hidden away behind the hotel. It looked fairly unused but the hotel could really make something of this I think, it looks beautiful in the dappled sunlight.

Our room

We chanced upon a junior suite in the main coach house up a couple of flights of lopsided and wood-panelled stairs. It oozed ancient charm and quirks and the antique furniture was one of a kind. It’s also had a fresh lick of paint and fancy soft furnishings and other modern bits just seem to be slipped in where you don’t notice them. We had a TV in both the lounge and the bedroom, I didn’t even notice the bedroom one until the second day!

The windows are teeny tiny but original clearly. We stayed in a heatwave and the dual aspect meant that despite the heat, we had a lovely draft running through the room which kept it cool. The bathroom must have been made to measure as everything fitted perfectly. Floris smellies matched the set up perfectly. The lounge area had a sofa bed and also looked out across the lovely Cotswold stone rooftops. And from the bedroom windows we could watch the bustling High Street! There are around 90 rooms and you can be sure each is unique.

The food and drink

They’ve really got this right. The bar and grill where one enjoys finer dining, as well as breakfast, is really relaxed despite the salubrious surroundings. It’s been given a new lease of life from its refurb, with a relaxed and modern vibe alongside the priceless portraits and high vaulted ceiling. There’s wow factor as you sink into the leather arm chairs and take in the setting! There’s also a snazzy wine bar with a small Italian-style menu, and they’ll cater readily for dietary requirements. One can also eat in the courtyard or one of the many lounges. Definitely something for everyone and importantly all high quality, laid back and fairly priced.

The spa

We were big fans. It’s very modern yet hidden away behind the old buildings so it doesn’t detract from the history. The pool is rather lovely. A retractable ceiling means you can swim in the sun with a cool breeze blowing! It opens at 6.30 (as does the gym) so the perfect place to start the day! Our spa treatments were excellent and again pricing was sensible. Mr P had a blissful hot stone massage and I had a facial and body massage that I slept right through. The product used is Oskia which is a British brand we are new to but which was stunning. We happily dozed in the relaxation room and I believe there’s a sun terrace too although we avoided the scorching heat!

The location

The village of Broadway is cute for a wander. In fact most villages in the Cotswolds seemingly are. I would definitely recommend early morning or evening though, before or after the tourist deluge! Favoured spots a short drive away were the lavender fields in Snowshill and the views from Broadway Tower. There’s so much more but this was close by and relaxing.

Laid back luxe at its best. Old and rickety in all the right places that it oozes with charm. And everything you need for a relaxing and luxury stay too. We were pretty sad to leave really, and the car looked just right parked outside!

We were guests of the Lygon Arms for one night and on an agent rate for the other night.  

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave