De Vere Cotswold Water Park

Sam, Jack, Clint, melody, lenny, caridon, Sandra, the lovely old lady who i can't remember her name, and Mr security Wayne the best customer Service and the greatest people, really appreciate their help.

We booked this resort expecting a serene, high-end experience for a special occasion. What we got was a masterclass in disappointment. Despite paying a premium and confirming multiple times for a twin room with a lake view, we were crammed into a tiny room with one double bed and barely a glimpse of water. After complaining, we were moved to a “partial lake view” with a split bed—hardly the effortless luxury advertised. Hot showers? Forget it. Peace and quiet? Impossible, thanks to a rowdy group partying outside our door until 1.30 a.m. Our dinner reservation, made months in advance, was cancelled without explanation and shifted to the Boathouse. While the staff there were friendly, the birthday notes we added vanished into thin air. Attention to detail? Nonexistent. The rooms themselves were tired and uninspired: dated décor, questionable cleanliness, no conditioner, no robes, and towels so scarce they felt rationed. The spa was worse, a small pool with an unappealing film on the surface, a sauna and steam room that looked neglected, and threadbare robes with no slippers. “Luxury” was nowhere to be found. Food was equally underwhelming. Afternoon tea featured stale gluten-free bread and dry, shop-bought cakes. Breakfast was greasy and tasteless. Even a simple request for poached eggs was refused. To be fair, the reception team and Boathouse staff were polite and tried their best. But the reality is this: it’s a three-star hotel sitting on a luxury plot of land, masquerading as a high-end resort. The views are stunning, but everything else, from service to amenities, it all falls woefully short Save your money. Book elsewhere.

We have stayed here a few times now and it never fails! Nice big car park, friendly, welcoming staff on check in. It's in a lovely spot overlooking the lake, our room was first class, spacious and comfortable. There's a big buffet breakfast so you are spoilt for choice. Our only problem on this trip was our evening meal at The Old Boat House but I have reviewed that separately. We love everything about this hotel, it's one of our favourites and we will return time and again.

We had an absolutely lovely time. We were amazed with how busy it was considering it is out of season. There are a range of places to eat both within the hotel complex and locally. We also enjoyed visiting the Cotswold Centre nearby to enjoy some freshly made churros and mulled wine. The boathouse restaurant that we visited the first night was just glorious. The brasserie that we visited on the second night was equally lovely.

Went to the lounge bar for drinks with my family, and had an absolutely amazing time!!! The cocktails made by Sam were incredible, and the service was swift and attentive!!

We have been staying at this wonderful hotel for many years and always greeted by lovely Maria who has taken care of us every trip! The rooms are so comfortable , service is exceptional and the grounds are stunning! Thank you to Maria and her wonderful team who always work so hard to look us and provide us with the best trip every time! I can’t recommend this hotel enough and will continue to bring my family for years to come.

From the moment I booked my reservation with Sammie — who was so friendly and helpful — to check-in with the lovely Lauren at reception, everything was perfect. Check-out with Kirsty was super easy too. The room was beautiful, with a stunning view of the lake, and everyone — from the Boathouse staff to the bar and breakfast team — was welcoming and friendly. I can’t wait to return soon!

Well well well, the De Vere. A hotel so scenic it felt like I was walking through Middle-Earth on the hunt for a flat white. Rolling hills, whispering trees, and my cocker spaniel leading the charge like Aragorn with a tennis ball. Genuinely stunning — the kind of place you could propose marriage, bury a body, or both depending on how brunch goes. The grounds were biblical. If you told me God himself had done the landscaping I’d believe you. My dog was in his element, sniffing every leaf like it had been scented with royal jelly. I half expected woodland creatures to burst into song and form a choir around us. It was like taking the hobbits to Isengard, except the hobbits were middle-class dog owners and the only thing getting destroyed was a ham and cheese panini. The hotel itself? Cracking. Comfy beds, nice bar, the odd whiff of faded grandeur. Like a posh aunt who drinks before noon and once had a fling with a minor royal. But let’s get into the meat and bones, shall we? Sunday afternoon at the bar — enter stage left: Miserable Man in the Blazer. This guy took our drinks order with all the enthusiasm of a slug with a hangover. Grunted at us like a warthog sniffing for apples under a log, barely made eye contact, and shuffled off like he was being forced at gunpoint to serve the general public. He looked managerial too, the sort of bloke who probably has “People Skills” on his LinkedIn, but in reality has all the charisma of a burnt crumpet. Then, like a phoenix from the lager-soaked ashes, Sunday evening arrived — and with it, a barman so slick he looked like Indian John Travolta doing cocktail theatre on a P&O cruise ship. White shirt tighter than the lid on a jar of pickled onions, bouncing around behind the bar like he was one chorus away from breaking into Stayin’ Alive. Absolute gentleman. Friendly, chatty, and pouring drinks with the flair of someone who’s seen Coyote Ugly a few too many times. Now, let’s talk housekeeping — or as I now refer to it: The Dover Channel Crisis – Linen Edition. Sunday morning, I’m trying to coordinate a room clean while simultaneously holding back my cocker spaniel from launching himself at a rogue hoover. Trying to communicate with the cleaning team was like being a migrant facilitation officer on the Dover coast as the Dinghies storm the beaches — frantic hand gestures, nobody speaking the same language, and everyone pretending they hadn’t seen you. It was absolute carnage. I wasn’t sure if I was meant to leave the room, join in, or start handing out foil blankets. Despite the war crimes committed by the afternoon bar goblin and the chaos of the room refresh, the place somehow wins you back with charm, views, and Travolta’s Bloody Marys. 4/5 stars. Would stay again — but only if warthog man’s been sedated and Travolta’s been given a raise. Dog loved it. I aged emotionally.

On first turning up reception staff excellent but downhill from then on, extra cost to use pool , walls paper thin so you hear everything your neighbors are up to , one of the worst weekend stays I've ever been on

We took 3 grandchildren for a short break. Had one of their apartments which is actually a group of rooms with a single external door. It had lots of space with good kitchen facilities.There were two en suite bathrooms and wonderful balconies overlooking the lake. We couldn’t fault it. Only issue was the swimming pool. Because it’s part of the spa if you want to pre book it’s £10 a swim. They are however accommodating if you are willing to take your chances at going when the pool is not busy. The spa staff very helpful at telling us when there were slots so we managed two free swims but if we’d had to pay I think I’d be a bit miffed at parting with £100 to give the grand children a dip. Great walks around the lake and all the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. It’s very close to Cirencester with shops and a great museum