Clarence Court Hotel

The vanilla-hued building housing the Clarence Court Hotel has a certain Georgian grandeur, with white trim and wrought-iron balconies along the bottom floor. The hotel refurbished its public spaces in March of 2016, the restaurant in 2010, and the bedrooms in 2013. Interiors aim for a blend of Regency style and modern elements, though it tends to lean more toward a relaxed Regency look. A red color scheme, tan carpet, plush armchairs with gold floral designs, and a chandelier in the hallway make for an elegant vibe. Vintage photos are placed along the brown carpeted stairwell, while antique wooden furniture pieces can be found throughout. The restaurant is charming, with parquet floors, wooden tables, red and brown striped chairs, and soft golden light from chandeliers and sconce lighting. Overall, it's a good choice that's especially popular with couples and families drawn by the intimate vibe and the quiet location. Take note that the property doesn’t have an elevator, so it might not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues. 

Though Clarence Court Hotel isn’t in the center of Cheltenham, it has a quiet location that’s within easy walking distance of most attractions in town. The city center is under a 15-minute walk from here, while the Cheltenham Racecourse is a 21-minute walk away or a five-minute drive. It’s a five-minute walk to Pittville Park. Approach Golf Course is a 16-minute walk away or a four-minute drive. Other nearby attractions within a short drive include Sudeley Castle, which is about a 20-minute drive, and Gloucester Cathedral, which is 25 to 30 minutes away. London's Heathrow Airport takes an hour and 45 minutes to reach by car, while the city center can be reached in about two hours.

The hotel has 20 rooms, all of which are individually decorated, but they share a few similar elements like carpets, antique wooden furniture, and bold patterns. Some have a fresh and modern style, with plush armchairs and abstract artwork. Others have homey touches like striped fabrics and fireplaces, while some aim for elegance with antique dark wood furniture, historical paintings, and chandeliers. Overall, the rooms are well maintained, though some past guests complain that the decor could use a refresh. Another complaint: Twin beds are pushed together to make double-size beds. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and kettles. There are no minibars or air-conditioning, though fans are provided. Bathrooms, like the rooms, also vary in style. Some are updated and sleek with gray tile, while those with white and blue tile are clean, but a bit dated and have some visible rust and grime. Vessel sinks, showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and Duck Island toiletries are provided.  

For a small property, the hotel offers a surprising number of decent features. A free hot English breakfast is provided every morning, while the on-site Joules Bar & Restaurant provides drinks and dishes like hamburgers, pasta, steak, fajitas, and their most popular dish, stone-baked pizza. The hotel can deliver meals to rooms within limited hours. Though there’s no on-site gym, guests can take advantage of a free membership to a nearby fitness center (a six-minute walk away) during their stay. Other amenities include a DVD library, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.