The Swan Hotel

A centuries-old, ivy-covered stone building set along the banks of the River Coln, with cottages, gardens, fields and woods all around, The Swan is the very picture of Cotswold elegance from first sight. Inside, it epitomizes country chic as well: picture a lobby outfitted with vintage white-paneled walls, tartan carpeting and an impressive selection of antiques. The moodier bar with its antler chandeliers and distressed leather armchairs is equally inviting, as is the brasserie that features an artfully tiled floor and raw-log accent wall (in summer, seating spills out onto a terrace with stunning views). The history buffs, amorous couples, and event attendees who tend to book in here can also retreat to the writing room (done up in blues) or the russet-hued library, both with fireplaces and ample seating, to savor the tranquil environment. Be prepared, though: notoriously spotty Wi-Fi and cell service may make this property too tranquil for some.   

The idyllic setting is, perhaps, The Swan's prime feature. After all, William Morris dubbed Bibury "the most beautiful village in England" -- and, thanks to its stone cottages, rolling meadows, and gently-flowing river, many modern-day visitors would still agree. Bibury also makes a fine base for exploring the Cotswolds and beyond. The neighboring village of Arlington is eight minutes away on foot, while Cirencester (the regional capital) is 15 by car. Better yet, more classic communities, like Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water, are within a 20-minute drive. Guests prepared to go farther can reach Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and other outlying destinations in about an hour. There’s no shortage of historic edifices in the area either, so it’s easy to add Blenheim Palace (Winston Churchill’s pride and joy), Gloucester Cathedral (which will look familiar to Harry Potter fans), and Highclere Castle (the real "Downton Abbey") to your itinerary.

• Eight-minute walk to Arlington
• 15-minute drive to Cirencester
• 15-minute drive to Burford
• 16-minute drive to Cotswold Water Park
• 18-minute-drive to Cotswold Wildlife Park
• 20-minute drive to Bourton-on-the-Water
• 38-minute drive to Blenheim Palace
• 40-minute drive to Gloucester Cathedral
• 52-minute drive to Oxford
• 59-minute drive to Highclere Castle
• 66-minute drive to Stratford-upon-Avon
• 96-minute drive to Heathrow Airport

Each of the hotel’s 18 rooms and four cottages (located in the main building and garden respectively) differs in size and layout and is individually decorated. Likewise, each offers distinct amenities, which aren't entirely discernible from the names alone. For instance, the Whooper Suite with Hot Tub is self-explanatory, but the Very Good Four Poster Room and Garden Cottage Suites benefit from hot tubs too. On the upside, whatever accommodation you choose will be spacious, comfy, and spotlessly clean. Moreover, it will be done in a style that marries period charm with contemporary flair. Across-the-board amenities here include coffee/tea-making supplies, ironing equipment, flat-screen TVs, modem points, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are a special treat: Some come with separate showers or double-basin sinks, but deep soaker tubs and full-sized Molton Brown toiletries are standard issue. Adorable teddy bears and rubber duckies (which may be purchased on-site) add an extra homey touch to the already warm atmosphere.

The Swan provides a cozy refuge for travelers, offering many atmospheric common areas where guests can linger beside log-burning fireplaces -- whether with a drink in the bar or a book in the library. There's even a writing room with a curved window seat to snuggle up in. For dining, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the fresh fare ranges from warm scones with clotted cream to crab risotto paired with local ale or wine from an extensive list. (Note that it's open to the public and can get quite busy sometimes.) Attractive meeting and banquet facilities provide space for guests attending corporate or social functions here. Animal-lovers can rest easy that their companions will also be pampered: Dogs get the royal treatment for an additional fee. Other features include a 24-hour front desk, room service, free on-site parking and free (though unreliable) Wi-Fi throughout.