Overview

A pleasant break taken here to look over hotel, and check out a modern up to date Spa, while enjoying a drinks break. This is part one of reviews here, do read part two, the Spa. The ancient Hatherley Manor,s history began way back in 1022, and a 1086 survey tells us that the estate was being held by a Edmar, a Thane, who held it during the reign of Edward the confessor. It is not really known how long the land was under control of the Crown, but it is known that in 1311 it was held by Sir John de Bosworth but then passed on to Sir John Willoughby de Broke in 1491. The Manor then passed through several families, before becoming the possession of Sir Matthew Wood, who was twice the Lord Mayor of London. During the mid 19th century, Anthony Gilbert Jones, a man who was the Mayor of Gloucester on three occasions, possessed the Manor, and his seventh son and youngest, patented the Hatherley Lattisteps, called today, a stepladder.It was also the Jones family company of Jones and co that made plans for the mass production of deckchairs. During the time of the Jones family in the Manor, and later on, extensive refurbishments changed the estate very much. Then this old now 17th century house had additions added to it in the late 18th century, and again in 1983 through 86, when it first became a small hotel, but still retained that look of an imposing country court house, and its history can still be seen in the reception area, the restaurant, beams room and Swallows suite. The hotel stands in a 37 acre parkland, surrounded by mature gardens, with a walled garden and an orchard. Today, there is only one bedroom that has special needs facilities, with low level light Switches, low sinks, high toilet, pull cord, with a low level access bath with shower in it. The door in the corridor is wide enough to allow a wheelchair to get in, but if this has been taken, then beware that there is no lift in the hotel, so let them know your needs before you book a room. All areas on the ground floor, lounge, the restaurant, are easily accessible and not far from public toilets. There are 56 en-suite berooms available. After driving along through flat areas of farmland for crop growing (photo 1) we finally arrived at Hatherley Manor hotel, (photo 2) about as inspiring as the tedious drive just undertaken, just a two storey plain red brick building, nothing to write home about, no gardens in sight, just an open lawn like frontage, very disappointing. Opposite the single line parking area in front of the hotel, with no disabled bays, we went to enter the very dull plain hotel entrance (photo 2) and entered a very plain unassuming reception area, feeling rather let down at that moment (photo 3). However, things did perk up a bit as we sat down in the bar lounge for a coffee break (photo 4) before exploring the rest of the hotel. Next to the bar, a warm looking pink red room with nice places to sit (photo 6) was inviting, with a doorway leading off to the restaurant, which was a pleasant, nicely decorated, tastefully done dining area (photo 7) with a small alcove available with four tables and chairs (photo 8) for a more intimate dining experience. Back out of restaurant in the pink room, a lovely open fireplace, with neatly stacked log piles looked cosy enough (photo 9) with a homely look. At the far end of the bar lounge (photo 10) we spotted the entrance to the toilets and a corridor lead to the Spa, Bedrooms and toilets (photo 11) but we found no disabled toilet, just the Lords and Ladies public guest toilets (photo 12) which were clean and tidy, but no pull cord or grab rails, and I had to leave wheelchair out in the corridor to be able to use the facilities. Coming out of the toilet (photo 13) the corridor continues ahead ( photo 14) and lead to the Hatherley function suite (photo 15) but that was not at all inspiring, so we returned to the bar and enjoyed a glass of wine. (photo 16). Our final thoughts. Interesting, but uninspiring, nothing to look at, but at least it was to a certain extend, wheelchair friendly, but we will not be returning. Let’s hope now, that after all the hype it’s been given that our next review for the hotels Spa will be more interestng. Please read the review to see what we felt.

Transport & Parking

Although no actual disabled bays all area is close to hotel entrance, and easy enough to get into reception area.

Access

Everything you need to be able to see is on the ground floor level, all nice and flat and easy to move around. Plenty of seating areas, all close to reception lounge, with a nice handy bar for coffee breaks, or favourite drinks. There is no lift however, and with just one accessible room, you have to book early. We saw all that was needed to see, and as there are no gardens so to speak, there’s no need to go outside again.

Toilets

This is handy enough, but a little distance from lounge, but it has space in there so as to allow you to turn around, but it has no grab rail or pull cord, as it’s just a general men’s or ladies toilet, but it’s nice and clean with pleasant deco.

Staff

Nice pleasant friendly staff members who are quite willing and helpful.

Photos