This was, I believe, my eighth stay at The Rising Sun this year and there are more to come. The rooms are well cared for, the food is beautifully prepared and the setting is outstanding. That should be enough to guarantee a great stay and the bonus is the exceptional quality of the staff, each one a star. As soon as guests arrive they are likely to be greeted and checked in by Lewis, always so helpful and friendly. During my three night stay I dined twice and on each occasion the service was brilliant. Soon after his trainee status ended young Jake has become a class act, a model of courtesy and efficiency. And then there is Bexley! On my first night he had, and I apologise for this particular metaphor, every diner eating out of his hand. I now commit the cardinal literary sin of mixing metaphors. This talented conductor engaged his orchestra (the customers) at an astonishing prestissimo tempo, each member responding with enthusiasm. The result was a joyous symphony with everyone playing his or her part. It was a very happy dining room indeed. A common question put to the maestro was, "If you're on tonight who will be serving us at breakfast?" All were reassured that Bexley would be taking up his baton again the following morning. Over three days Bexley was on hand each morning, but with the tempo being a more leisurely andante, Such composure, such charm, such customer service. When asked why he was so happy he replied, "I love my job and I love talking to the customers," Such an attitude, combined with elements already mentioned, ensure the success of the hotel. I had great food throughout this stay including what I would describe as one of the best starters that I have ever had anywhere: the baked camembert was stunning, a masterpiece. All credit is due to the Manager, who keeps finding wonderful young staff who are a credit to the hotel. Here's to my next stay. Tony Kiely.

Nothing at all.

Well, this was my fourth visit in a couple of months so that suggests that I am more than happy with The Rising Sun. I was welcomed in such a friendly manner by Lewis who gave me the relevant details in such a caring way. Even this routine booking- in he makes special . I had three evening meals, the first hosted by the exemplary Archie, whose welcome and table service were once again exceptional. He really knows how to deal with guests, making each feel special. The next two nights were equally good and I was given great service by Lily and Oscar Despite the busy restaurant, each look relaxed and efficient and both were attentive and friendly. Behind the scenes the food was beautifully prepared so I thank the chefs. As ever, breakfast was a delight, not just the food but also the service. I was fortunate to be hosted by Tom before he set off for pastures new, a great loss to The Rising Sun but a blessing to his new establishment. Once again my entire stay was wonderful. I have already booked for December but look forward to some stays in between as well. I can't get enough of the place! ./

Just having to come home!

As you approach the entrance the board welcomes you on behalf of "Simon and his wonderful staff." Never has there has been a more apt adjective. On this, something like my sixth stay this year, I found once again that the staff deserve this accolade. I was greeted and booked in by the every friendly and helpful Lewis, an excellent front man. Later on he was the meeter and greeter in the restaurant. This time I was in room 12, fresh, spotless, well appointed and with a lovely view. Over the two days the room was nicely and carefully serviced. I used the restaurant only on my first night. As ever it was a delight. The food was lovely and the service impeccable: I thank Lauren for being so courteous, friendly and efficient. There was one small issue with my starter, and such things do happen in a busy restaurant, Lauren was not accountable for a kitchen error but she took immediate and full responsibility and sorted everything with a profuse apology. That is the measure of a good establishment; deal with problems efficiently and courteously, as Lauren did. Breakfast. as ever, was excellent. I wondered how things would be without the amazing Tom, now working elsewhere. I saw straightaway that Simon had once again recruited well and for two mornings I was looked after by the charming and friendly Bexley, a credit to the hotel. Not only was his table service exemplary, but his engagement with customers was wonderful. He gave me helpful information about ascending to the summit of Cleeve Hill and later that day I did just that, for the first time. Bexley is a walking advert for the local tourist board. I heard him giving great advice to other customers. This was another lovely stay. I have already booked for December but will no doubt be back before then. I send my thanks and best wishes to everyone on the staff. Tony Kiely

Excellent vege breakfast with nice twist of added roast veg/greens though I declined the 2 meat-free sausages-another poached egg or hash brown would have been appreciated as a substitute. Loved the ambience/building-quirky and homely feel. Friendly, helpful, welcoming staff-nice to see male waiters instead of usual young girls-sensed a familial, community business. Lovely view from bedroom window

Rail in bathroom boiling hot as was the hot water but radiator in bedroom was cold though warm enough for autumn. Comfortable bed but winter duvet far too thick/hot and no alternative or sheet to lie under with a blanket or spread. Staff in restaurant lovely but little bit too attentive/worried if everything ok!

A very pleasent property, with a charm that the creeky floors amplified. The staff were top notch in all aspects. Our room was clean, spacious and the bathroom was spotless. Breakfast was a delight with ample choices that catered for evry whim. The full english was great as was the scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. I must mention the eggs as they were cooked to order and were delisoius as a result.

we thought the food in the bar could have been better, get the breakfast chef to have a go at doing dinner and a lick of paint would elevate the place to a 9/10

The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We had a fairly good view of Bishops Cleeve from our bedroom window. The breakfast was excellent, and as it was included in the price of the room, was a bonus. We also ate in the restaurant in the evenings too and the food was great.

The waiting staff need to be trained to only remove finished plates, once all diners on the same table have finished their meal. I know this sounds petty, but that is how they should be trained. I know in hospitality when my friend trained in it, that was the way it was done.

Actually I spent three separate stays here in June and July of this year as I love the place so much. I have had lovely rooms (15 and 16), have enjoyed the beautiful views and have partaken of the excellent food. On this occasion I'll focus on the eating experiences. Over the years I have worked my way through the evening menu and have never had less than perfection. To other guests I would recommend staying long enough to try everything! Now my evening meals recently were enhanced by the most exquisite and professional waiter service. According to his badge I was served by Archie, ultra efficient, a great user of his order pad, friendly, articulate, patient and cheerful. He was attentive without being intrusive.On busy evenings it was a pleasure to watch him deal with so many people and making them all feel special. This is a great skill. What a star! As for breakfast (always lovely) I had the same level of exemplary service from Tom, again a highly professional and attentive young man who remained calm and helpful at all times. His courtesy knows no bounds. It is a tonic to start the day with such a cheerful greeting from such a pleasant waiter who would do anything to help his guests. He gave the impression that he only wants the best for people. Those who brought up Tom and those who trained him deserve every credit. I'm looking forward to my next visit which will be in the next couple of weeks availability permitting. On that point the Rising Sun was full for one of my nights in the area so I booked in at one of those high class establishments with spa, gyms and swimming pool: lovely facilities but staffed by uniformed robots and lacking a Tom and an Archie to make the experience friendly and personal. I know which place I prefer!

Nothing

As a regular visitor I knew what to expect and once again experienced perfection. Dinner on both nights was excellent as was breakfast. I always feel that whoever prepares the meals takes pride in his/her work. In the beautiful sunshine the setting and the view were perfect, Being able to look across the valley to the Malverns from wherever you are sitting is wonderful. From my first appearance in this visit the staff were brilliant, from the friendly reception until my departure, I was greeted in the restaurant by the amazing Tom H who then placed me into the hands of the waiting team. For the two nights I was given the best of attention. One staff member was wearing a "trainee" badge which I thought was misleading because this young man, Jake, presented as an experienced and consummate professional,aided on the second night by Jess. They made for a great team and I was regularly asked if I needed anything. Jess was so apologetic when part of my order was unavailable and went out of her way to guide me to a suitable and memorable alternative. I has two nights of outstanding service from helpful, courteous and efficient staff. Tom was the meeter, greeter and server at breakfast on both mornings. He is a superb representative of the hotel and of the industry generally, Everything he does is flawless. And thanks also to the ever helpful and friendly Alex who took over from Tom during my breakfast on the second day. Having the right staff in hospitality is essential.

Only having to; leave!

The hotel location is stunning with beautiful views and is extremely picturesque, especially sitting outside in the garden for a drink/meal during the day. The room was clean, well proportioned, and the bed was so comfortable that I slept like a baby. The breakfast menu is delicious and has plenty of options. Staff were courteous and helpful with any questions. Cheltenham town centre is only a short distance away, and if you don't want to drive, there is a very convenient bus route a stones throw from the hotel which will get you there in 20 mins. One small tip, if your satnav tells you to take Gambles Lane up towards the hotel...DO NOT!! This hill is single lane on a 25 degree gradient and almost gave me a heart attack! There are easier routes, so look for those! :)

N/A

The view was stunning. Set up in the hills overlooking the valley towards the Welsh Hills. perfect location for those wanting to walk Cleeve Hill. The staff were very friendly and extremely helpful when we asked about buses into Cheltenham as we didn't want to take the car

Décor was a little tired but considering the cost of the room it was still good value. The cooked breakfast was tasty enough but could have been a lot warmer. It was barely tepid. The sausages were cooked but had no colour to them. The bacon rashers were lovely and thick but only just cooked and the mushrooms were virtually raw so I didn't eat these. The beans were also lukewarm!