Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel

When we arrived on the Friday, we were told that we wouldn’t be able to use the bar or restaurant after 6pm that evening because there were two Christmas parties booked. We had plans in he centre of Gloucester that evening, so fortunately it wasn’t too much of an issue. However, we would have liked to enjoy drinks in the bar before we went. It would have been nice if we had been informed of the situation before our arrival. It was very clear that the parties had priority over the guests in this instance, which is really not acceptable when we were paying our money, just as they were. It didn’t take anything away from our stay, we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend, however it might be worth letting future guests know in advance if they won’t be able to use all of the facilities.

The staff were wonderful, and the hotel was clean, tidy, and had lovely communal spaces. Our room was well equipped, and the bed was exceptionally comfortable. The breakfast and the service was very good, and the view from the dining room, lovely. Parking was great and the hotel location, while in a beautiful country area, was within easy access to all major amenities. It was like a country holiday with all the benefits of a city.

The only issue with the hotel was that we were on the fourth floor, and there was no lift. While we are able to walk the stairs, my oarebts who visited us while we were staying found it difficult. Unsure if age and ability is considered by the hotel when issuing rooms.

Location and staff very friendly and helpful. Really enjoyed the breakfast, good variety although quite pricey. Room was nice, clean and spacious with lovely outlook to the gardens.

The hotel definitely needs updating with the decor, although beautiful in the dining room and lounges. A very long walk to our rooms, and no lift. Reception area not very designed for welcoming guests, comparing with other hotels. Windows not clean in our room which was a shame as beautiful view of the gardens and pods. Our bath was abit chipped and radiator looked quite rusty. No soap in the dispenser by the sink. Although the room was lovely and spacious, hardly any hanging room for clothes and coat.

The dinner was delicious with a good choice There was also a good choice for breakfast. The staff were amazingly efficient and friendly. The room was very spacious and good value.

We paid extra for dinner and breakfast. Did think the breakfast was slightly over-priced at £17.95 (or thereabouts) and when we went to the dining room at 9 a.m. the plates and food were warm but not hot. There was also an empty chocolate bar wrapper on the floor of our room, which must have been missed by the cleaning staff. Did not realise until we arrived that there was not a lift to all of the rooms.

Friendly staff good rural location not far from Gloucester & Cheltenham

Ordered bar food after 6pm as told it was OK until 10pm but when we ordered at 6.10pm the SHAUN THE CHEF SAID NO! Even though there was no one in the main restaurant so he was not busy. We only wanted a sandwich. Apart from that one issue it's a great place to stay. Nice rural location and driving distance to Cheltenham & Gloucester not too far. Reception from Latvia was absolutely fantastic. Ethan manager was also fantastic. Rooms good size. Could do with some general wear & tear maintenance painting new carpets in places but nothing that would stop us booking again. Free car parking available. Restaurant was freezing in the evening so we sat next to radiators. Staff did try & turn off aircon with no success.

Very nice room with a lovely view, the reception staff were very accommodating in a late minute request to check out late the next day for a very small fee. Dinner in the restaurant on the first evening was lovely and very helpful with allergies. Shirt drive into the town and lovely to walk around.

One of the breakfast staff was very rude, older lady, glasses and grey hair, came over to ask us if we wanted anything else and we didn’t even get a chance to go back up to the hot food then came and demanded we move into the bar as we were finishing our toast but they needed to hoover which they had been doing for 10minutes already around us.

The location is ideal, 15-20 mins drive from Gloucester centre and 40 mins or so to Boughton on the Water / Stow on the Would. Henry on check-in was extremely helpful, very polite and welcoming as were most of the staff there (one person on breakfast one morning didn't seem overly bothered but in the main the staff were fantastic). It was very quiet there when we stayed - which made it feel all the more homely.

My only real gripes were: 1. The radiators were almost nuclear hot - difficult to close off as thermos didn't seem to be working.. no point in complaining though as we just simply opened a window 2. The lift wasn't working which made carrying a pram up/down a little awkward. Not too much of a problem for me but others will have struggled with wheelchairs etc.. staff did clearly explain what was wrong and were more than helpful to get around it (offering to carry pram etc.) 3. On check-out day, the cleaner came in to room before check-out time.. this is minor but I'd just say it'd be good to let customers have the allotted time first then clean after the check-out time.

The staff were really friendly and extremely accommodating for our two dogs. Although we weren't allowed in the restaurant we had a table set up in the lounge where we were still able to enjoy the full restaurant menu. The food was lovely and really great portions. It was a really great touch having dog treats in the room upon our arrival

The bottom of the bedside tables were dusty and the flush on the toilet didn't work properly. It's not made clear on the website that room service is a limited menu. It also needs to be made clearer on the website about the rules around dogs

Lovely hotel, beautiful location, extremely helpful staff - couldn't do enough for us. Ethan in the restaurant deserves special mention - such a professional young man. He had complete control of that room even though it was extremely busy. Everything ran smoothly and he paid 100% attention to each and every guest. Breakfast choice was excellent and, again, lovely, helpful staff on duty for whom nothing was too much trouble, even though it was pretty packed out.

No lift - would have loved an upper floor room, but unfortunately the main staircase was extremely steep and long - not good for someone with a damaged spinal discs. However, the room we had, up a short flight of stairs was lovely and comfortable. with a view of the pretty brightly lit domes in the garden - a little bit of magic. Food in restaurant wasn't great - a lot of it seemed to be pre-prepped and reheated. Also, didn't like the fact that all the guests, apart from us, were attending an unusual convention in the hotel which was a bit of a salacious gathering - each to their own but their "garb" and some overt "behaviours" left us feeling uncomfortable - it would have been helpful to have been forewarned.

Bowden hall is a beautiful building, with many rooms. situated in a lovely location. just off a bus route into city centre (we walked in 45mins* and bussed back) The room was a good size with a nice bath. comfortable bed. would recommend this stay!

For the price you pay you would think that breakfast would be including. the rooms we stayed on was on the top floor which was a challenge carrying luggage (credit to the staff/ladies who did offer) The hotel tv's are outdated and don't offer smart tv.