When looking for a hotel in the Cotswolds, Minster Mill in the picture-perfect village of Minster Lovell ticks a lot of the boxes. From its charming honey-hued Cotswold stone buildings to the fact it is located within 65 acres of gardens, wildflower meadows and woodlands on the banks of the River Windrush. However, when you step away from the picturesque and peaceful setting, the interior of the hotel, especially the rooms, doesn’t quite live up to the price tag.
I hate to be negative on my blog, but I had such high hopes for Minster Mill, so much so, I really thought we would return with the dog, as it also has dog-friendly rooms. But for a country retreat, this hotel didn’t quite cut it, especially when you consider the £200+ a night price tag.
Minster Mill – The Location
The pull of this hotel is the location, the river running through the grounds the real star of the show, and was so lovely having lawns on either side. The grounds really are beautiful, and there is a lot to explore, and it was lovely to enjoy a walk straight from our room. It really would be perfect if you are planning on bringing your dog.
It is also just 15 miles from Oxford, 11 miles from Blenheim Palace and Cotswold Wildlife Park was less than a 20-minute drive, so there are so many options close by.
The Room
The room, however, is another story. While the hotel may describe the rooms as “sleek, considered and design-forward,” for me, it was just simply plain and boring and didn’t capture the incredible country location. I know they have gone for a streamlined ‘Skandi’ style, but that doesn’t mean dreary, and that I’m afraid is what our Hilltop Garden Room was.
For a kick-off, our garden room didn’t have a garden view, instead, our terrace, which wasn’t private, actually backed onto a small car park. Yes, it did have a nice glass house to the side with vines growing, but there was no outside space where you could take in the gorgeous surroundings. It was also extremely stuffy and hot, which didn’t offer a relaxing stay. The bed was also tiny, it was two singles put together, which meant it was super uncomfortable. The room was more than big enough for a hotel-worthy king-sized bed that you would expect for a £200 a night room.
It was a nice touch that the room had a Nespresso coffee machine and kettle for tea, as well as a lovely selection of teas, fresh milk and biscuits. The bathroom also had L’Occitane skincare and bath lotions which were nice.
Food
With the room, you did get breakfast, and it is one of the better hotel breakfasts I have had. You get to choose from a cooked-to-order or continental breakfast, think full English complete with locally-sourced sausage and black pudding, to scrambled eggs and salmon, as well as avocado on toast and French toast. They also do cereal, croissants, fruit salads and yoghurt. It also had a great selection for vegans. Plus, the fruit juice is all freshly squeezed and it has a great tea selection.
I can’t fault the breakfast selection, I just wish that they had a separate room for wedding parties, as each morning, we had to deal with large and very loud groups for that day’s wedding. It spoilt the tranquil atmosphere of the location.
We didn’t eat in the restaurant for dinner, it was a little limiting and pricey, two courses for £60 or three for £70, and to be honest we just didn’t want something so fussy. Instead, we went across to the sister property The Old Swan, just across the road, a cosy traditional inn with flagstone floors and inglenook fireplaces that has a warm and inviting atmosphere and felt more in keeping with a relaxing holiday in the Cotswolds. We had a ploughman’s sharing board that was fantastic and I will forever be looking for Oxford Blue on every menu and cheese counter.
Minster Mill also does an afternoon tea, which I heard is amazing, and in the summer you can take it on the terrace beside the river. However, you do note you need to book in advance, so sadly I didn’t get to try.
Overall thoughts
Overall, I just wanted more for the price tag. I wanted space outside to sit and enjoy the location. Also, please note that the Hilltop Garden Room is also at the far end of the property, so it is a little walk to breakfast, but actually, that was one of my favourite things as you got to enjoy the location. I actually think putting the dog-friendly rooms away from the main building is a good idea.
The only rooms that looked appealing had to be the feature rooms, which overlook the river and have private terraces with fire pits, but they were close to £400 a night. To be honest, I don’t think they were worth that as there isn’t any privacy, but they do come with marshmallows to toast!
I was also disappointed that to use the swimming pool, part of the spa, would cost £25 each for 1.5 hours. Normally, when you are staying in a hotel with a pool, residents can use it for free and they certainly don’t need to book.
If you love the area, try The Old Swan first, as it has 15 guest rooms and suites that highlight the historic features of the building. Also, the inn is dog friendly, and your dog is welcome in public areas, unlike at Minster Mill, which we prefer when taking Falcon with us on holiday.
Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire, OX29 0RN
