The Speech House Hotel

My wife and I both in our late 70's booked a Spring Break deal in a Courtyard room rather than struggle on the stairs. The plan was forest strolls with a little light birdwatching. The birdwatching was outstanding but the weather let us down so we returned to the hotel. The reading room was very comfortable and despite the hotel being packed for a wake we were undisturbed and enjoyed coffee and biscuits. The food was excellent with very generous portions. The only nit-picking comment was poor wi-fi reception in the evening in the room. I was always taught in work that mistakes happen but to judge on how the mistake is dealt with. When checking out our packed lunch had been forgotten. Immediate apologies and the lunch prepared post haste. Very helpful well trained staff

We have stayed at Speech House for a few years. In the house itself and with our dogs in the Courtyard. This last Christmas 2025, for the first time we stayed for the Christmas package and what a magical time we had. Well structured few days, amazing food (never hungry) we were well cared for. Speech house is family run and feels homely. All owners, staff & team are clearly happy in their work, it feels like a very supportive environment. Not forgetting Chef who offers amazing food, pride in the presentation. We highly recommend a stay at Speech house, enjoy the setting, grounds, aboretum and of course the forest with great walks. Relax and be cared for ! It's our 'go to' happy place, where we feel calm and recharge. Huge thank you to Naomi and team. See you all soon.

Wonderful couple of nights in speech house, situated in the heart of the forest of Dean.we had a lovely room in the cottage(num 26)that had a separate seating area .We had dinner in the orangery both nights great choice on special boards, food was of the highest standard and so was breakfast both mornings. Staff super attentive eager to please and very friendly. Absolutely loved our stay and will be back soon.

Disappointed- afternoon tea booked month in advance for 20 - Finger sandwiches- where was the filling ?? Cream - not clotted but whipped double !!!! Utensils to eat apple crumble- missing Advise - dont bother not worth it - and im local All I hear is people who attended asking what was our opinion as they thought it was rubbish too.

Great location, tired decor. Staff while polite need training. The rooms are ok and are serviced each day, car parking a little erratic, with no allotted space, there was always a space. The bar staff, are a little inattentive and are generally not aware of residents, I was asked very loudly, more than once to prove my room number. I would stay again but only because of location.

Sunday lunch was not the usual standard I have come to expect from the Speech House, the menus was very small just to choices of meat Beef and Pork, I had the Beef, and even though it was how I like it (pink in the middle) it was very chewy and the whole meal was quite cool, the veg supplied was not great, a couple of sprouts tiny bit of green cabbage, a couple of sugar snap peas, lots of red cabbage, and some cauliflower cheese, on the plate was three large roasted potatoes (which was quite dry, a couple of bits of carrot and parsnips. The service was second to none, nevertheless the whole meal very disappointing, and the lemon sponge pudding is not worth a mention. In the past I have had nothing but praise for The Speech House but unfortunately on this occasion very negative, therefore would not recommend their Sunday lunch.

Four of us thoroughly enjoyed our lunch today in the Orangery. We were extremely well looked after by Sue and Jayne. They are clearly professional, knowledgeable and polite members of waiting staff. What was even better, their cheerful, friendly and happy manner made us feel very welcome. Well done Sue and Jayne. We look forward to seeing you again very soon.

We stumbled across the speech house after a walk in the Forest of Dean on New Year’s Day and Emily, Becca and Jayne were so accommodating in sorting out lunch for us. The best tomato soup we’d ever tasted and delicious sausage rolls!

We stayed in a courtyard 4 poster for our Christmas Package. The room was clean, comfortable and in good order. We enjoyed the Christmas entertainment and activities, in particular Clearwell Caves and the Lydbrook brass band on Christmas Eve. The food was very good throughout and the service was excellent. Your staff are a credit to you and we appreciate them. Thank you 😀

Spent Christmas as the Speech House. Amazed to read two other reviews praising the hotel so highly. My husband and I had a four poster room in the Courtyard. On arrival the room was dirty with cobwebs on the framework of the bed which had obviously been there for some time. There was also a plumbing issue with the toilet ( ( the plumbing issue was sorted out the following day). The cobwebs were also removed the following day). The rest of the room was dusty and again had obviously not been dusted for some time. The food was not good and the turkey dinner was barely edible. Luckily my daughter had a room (in the cottage) which was clean and the plumbing worked. To say that the restaurant offered fine dining was simply not true. On a positive note, the entertainment offered was excellent and we really enjoyed this aspect of our stay. Having travelled and lived in several different countries around the world perhaps our experiences have been different to others staying in this hotel. We had stayed here some years earlier and had really enjoyed or stay at that time but this visit simply did not measure up. Would certainly not recommend a stay here. Surroundings are wonderful though.