The Speech House
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Summary of reviewsThe Speech House offers an exceptional experience situated in the breathtaking Forest of Dean, perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. Its strategic location provides easy access to the surrounding scenic trails, making it ideal for walking, biking and exploring historical sites. The hotel captivates guests with its charming historic architecture and cozy ambiance, complemented by friendly and attentive staff ensuring a delightful stay.
A highlight for many visitors is the delightful breakfast served in the unique courtroom setting, praised for its variety and quality. Guests appreciate the extensive options, including freshly cooked dishes and value for money. Dinner at the Orangery and the main restaurant also receives accolades for its delicious offerings and lovely views, along with the memorable ambiance created by the forest and garden surroundings.
Rooms at The Speech House are well-regarded for their comfort and cleanliness, especially the beds which many found supremely comfortable. The historic charm of the accommodations adds a unique touch, although some guests mentioned that certain rooms could benefit from updates. Despite occasional remarks on dated furnishings, the overall cleanliness and comfort were consistently appreciated.
Exceptional service stands out as a defining feature with staff frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests appreciated the attentiveness and efficient service provided throughout their stay, making the staff a notable aspect of their positive experience.
For pet owners, The Speech House excels as a dog-friendly destination with numerous provisions and pet-friendly areas that enhance the stay for both guests and their canine companions. The hotel also offers convenient and ample parking facilities, including an EV charger, making it accessible for all types of travelers.
While the WiFi service received mixed reviews with some connectivity challenges in bedrooms, the overall experience at The Speech House remains overwhelmingly positive. The combination of its picturesque location, historical charm, comfortable accommodations, exquisite dining and exceptional service creates a memorable and enjoyable retreat in the Forest of Dean.
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A highlight for many visitors is the delightful breakfast served in the unique courtroom setting, praised for its variety and quality. Guests appreciate the extensive options, including freshly cooked dishes and value for money. Dinner at the Orangery and the main restaurant also receives accolades for its delicious offerings and lovely views, along with the memorable ambiance created by the forest and garden surroundings.
Rooms at The Speech House are well-regarded for their comfort and cleanliness, especially the beds which many found supremely comfortable. The historic charm of the accommodations adds a unique touch, although some guests mentioned that certain rooms could benefit from updates. Despite occasional remarks on dated furnishings, the overall cleanliness and comfort were consistently appreciated.
Exceptional service stands out as a defining feature with staff frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests appreciated the attentiveness and efficient service provided throughout their stay, making the staff a notable aspect of their positive experience.
For pet owners, The Speech House excels as a dog-friendly destination with numerous provisions and pet-friendly areas that enhance the stay for both guests and their canine companions. The hotel also offers convenient and ample parking facilities, including an EV charger, making it accessible for all types of travelers.
While the WiFi service received mixed reviews with some connectivity challenges in bedrooms, the overall experience at The Speech House remains overwhelmingly positive. The combination of its picturesque location, historical charm, comfortable accommodations, exquisite dining and exceptional service creates a memorable and enjoyable retreat in the Forest of Dean.
Historic Hotel
Originally built as a hunting lodge for King Charles II in 1669 and authorized by the Dean Forest Act 1667, completed in 1682. It hosted the historic Verderers' Court for managing the Forest of Dean, which still meets here. The building has undergone significant historical events and retains original features.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Set in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean, this hotel offers pet-friendly courtyard rooms. The hotel provides a food and water bowl, a dog towel, and a rug during the stay. The tranquil forest environment is ideal for exploring with a dog.
Hotel with Parking
The Speech House offers on-site free parking for guests. As a former 17th-century hunting lodge, it combines historic charm with modern hotel facilities, providing a convenient and comfortable stay.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Forest of Dean, The Speech House offers an unbeatable location for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Many guests appreciated the hotel's perfect positioning for walking and exploring the forest's rich trails and serene environment. With easy access to numerous sites within the area, visitors found the location ideal for a variety of activities, including bike trails and forest walks.
The site boasts well-kept grounds and a tranquil atmosphere, adding to its charm. The historic building, rich in history and culture, stands proudly in a lovely part of the country, making it an excellent base for touring the surrounding attractions. The ambiance of the hotel, combined with its beautiful old architecture, creates a cozy and relaxed environment.
Guests frequently mentioned the friendly and helpful staff, which contributed to an overall pleasant stay. Spacious and clean rooms, along with delightful breakfast options, further enhanced the experience. Despite a few noting its somewhat isolated setting, the majority valued the peaceful and scenic location, perfectly suited for those seeking a restful retreat amidst nature.
Overall, The Speech House is highly praised for its fantastic and picturesque location, perfect for a comfortable and memorable stay in the Forest of Dean.
The breakfast at The Speech House consistently receives high praise from guests for its variety, quality and overall dining experience. Many reviews highlight the historical and unique setting of the courtroom where breakfast is served, enhancing the dining atmosphere. Guests applaud the hot and freshly cooked to order dishes, noting the extensive and delicious choices available, ranging from a full English breakfast to continental options.
The service is frequently commended for being friendly and helpful with staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant meal. Many patrons were pleased with the ample portions and the excellent value for money, especially when considering the quality and taste of the food. The excellent breakfast offerings, both buffet-style and individually cooked items, add to the appeal with particular mentions of the terrific and amazing breakfast experiences.
While the majority of reviews are highly positive, there are occasional mentions of slight inconsistencies, such as some dishes not remaining hot throughout the meal and a few comments on the continental breakfast being less impressive compared to the cooked options. Overall, The Speech House is celebrated for its top-notch breakfast with numerous guests finding it a standout feature of their stay in this charming, rustic setting.
Dinner at The Speech House has garnered high praise from guests for its exceptional quality and delightful offerings. Diners particularly appreciated the meals in the Orangery, highlighting both the delicious food and the lovely views of the garden. The main restaurant impressed many with several guests taking all their meals there during their stay, noting the high standard of traditional pub food and the wide range of choices available.
Despite a few isolated instances of dissatisfaction, such as a burnt chicken dish, the majority of reviews consistently compliment the evening meals as delicious with standout mentions of the food being good, very good or even excellent. The ambiance provided by the views of the forest and garden adds to the dining experience, making it both pleasant and memorable.
Service also played a crucial role in enhancing the meal experiences with guests frequently commenting on the politeness and friendliness of the staff. Overall, The Speech House's dining options, especially in the Orangery, left a favorable impression with many looking back at their evenings spent dining as a highlight of their stay.
The rooms at The Speech House offer a mixed experience with guests highlighting both positives and areas where improvements could be made. A common praise throughout the reviews is the comfort of the rooms, particularly the beds, which many guests found very comfortable. Cleanliness is consistently noted with multiple mentions of rooms being clean and well-maintained. The historic charm of the house also leaves a memorable impression on visitors, adding a unique touch to the accommodations.
Guests staying in the courtyard rooms appreciated their convenience and comfort, though some found these rooms to be on the smaller side. Those who booked attic bedrooms or larger rooms enjoyed spaciousness with some rooms providing a sense of grand living style. Features such as king-size beds, well-equipped rooms and large, clean bathrooms were highlighted as positive aspects.
However, several reviews indicated that certain rooms could benefit from an update. Some guests mentioned that the furniture appeared dated and a few found the rooms a bit cramped or lacking in modern amenities. There were also remarks about rooms feeling a bit dark or chilly at times.
Overall, while many guests had a comfortable and pleasant stay, some did note that the accommodations could use a bit of modernization to enhance the overall experience.
The Speech House receives overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the comfort of its beds with many guests describing their beds as very comfortable or even amazing. The four poster beds were particularly highlighted as superb and contributed to the overall enjoyment of the stay. Guests also appreciated the nice pillows, which added to the comfort level.
However, not all experiences were entirely positive. A few guests found their mattresses to be a bit lumpy or hard and one noted that their bed caused them to roll into the middle. These issues indicate some variability in bed quality depending on the room assignment with different guests having different experiences even within the same group.
Overall, while the majority of guests enjoyed a restful sleep in comfortable beds, there were a few mentions of discomfort that future visitors might want to keep in mind.
The Speech House stands out as a historic gem with friendly and helpful staff who contribute to its welcoming atmosphere. The hotel boasts spotlessly clean facilities and comfortable accommodations. Many reviews highlight the cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms, describing them as clean, tidy and fresh-smelling. Guests appreciated the large, clean bathrooms with plenty of towels and good shower pressure.
However, the hotel does face some challenges. While the overall cleanliness is praised, there are mentions of dated furnishings, stained carpets and worn-out decor. Some rooms suffered from specific issues such as dusty surfaces, damp in the shower room and stained shower curtains. In a few cases, the presence of dog hair and a slight odor detracted from the experience for those without pets.
Despite these minor setbacks, the hotel maintains its charm with excellent facilities and exquisite food, making it a noteworthy stay for those appreciating historical ambiance combined with modern cleanliness standards.
The reviews for 'The Speech House' highlight a consistent theme of exceptional service offered by the hotel's staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and genuinely attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout their stay. The team, including Denise, Jayne, Tony and Abby, are especially commended for their professionalism and courteous demeanor.
Staff members are noted for going above and beyond, ensuring that guests' needs are met and problems are resolved promptly. The friendliness of the staff is paired with their efficiency, making the service not only excellent but also delivered with a smile. The wait staff in the Verderes restaurant specifically were mentioned for their attentiveness and the quality of service provided.
Whether engaging in casual interactions or handling requests, the team consistently receives praise for their exceptional hospitality, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience at the hotel. Hence, guests regard the staff at 'The Speech House' as a standout feature, enhancing their stay in a meaningful way.
The WiFi service at The Speech House generally receives mixed reviews from guests. While some mention that the WiFi is good or adequate for basic needs, others highlight significant issues with connectivity, particularly in the bedrooms where the signal is weak or nonexistent. Guests also noted that WiFi worked more consistently in the reception and restaurant areas. The lack of a reliable phone signal adds to the connectivity challenges.
The guest reviews for The Speech House highlight a largely positive experience with the hotel's parking facilities. Many guests appreciated the ample car parking space, noting that it was easy to park and maneuver. The availability of an EV charger in the car park was an added convenience for those with electric vehicles. Guests staying in courtyard rooms particularly enjoyed being able to park right outside their rooms. Though one review mentioned some difficulty when exiting onto the road, the overall sentiment about the parking is favorable. Additionally, the hotel's well-run and efficient management, along with its good location, also contributed to a positive stay.
Nestled in a picturesque part of the country, The Speech House is a stunning historic building that continually impresses its visitors. Guests are captivated by the beautiful old property, full of character and steeped in history. The hotel is situated in the heart of an historical area, making it ideally placed for touring the surroundings.
The Speech House provides an intriguing historical experience, enhanced by informative leaflets about its past found in the rooms. The hotel's courtyard rooms are as lovely as the main building, offering both quaint charm and comfort. The friendly staff, all dressed very smartly, contribute to the overall wonderful experience.
Additionally, the Death by Pudding evening offers a unique cultural touch to the stay. With its amazing value for money and fantastic historical atmosphere, The Speech House stands out as a beautiful property in the Forest of Dean.
The Speech House stands out as a genuinely dog-friendly hotel, rather than merely accommodating pets. Guests frequently mention that their dogs were warmly welcomed with ample provisions such as dog towels, blankets and bowls ready in their rooms. The hotel offers plenty of walking opportunities around the vast woodland areas, making it ideal for traveling with a dog. The inclusion of dog-friendly spaces extends to the conservatory where breakfast can be enjoyed with pets. These thoughtful touches, along with the acceptance of dogs in the orangery during meals, contribute to an overall excellent experience for dog owners. While some reviews noted concerns about dogs being in dining areas, the hotel's efforts to cater to canine guests make it a preferred choice for pet-friendly getaways.
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Location
The site boasts well-kept grounds and a tranquil atmosphere, adding to its charm. The historic building, rich in history and culture, stands proudly in a lovely part of the country, making it an excellent base for touring the surrounding attractions. The ambiance of the hotel, combined with its beautiful old architecture, creates a cozy and relaxed environment.
Guests frequently mentioned the friendly and helpful staff, which contributed to an overall pleasant stay. Spacious and clean rooms, along with delightful breakfast options, further enhanced the experience. Despite a few noting its somewhat isolated setting, the majority valued the peaceful and scenic location, perfectly suited for those seeking a restful retreat amidst nature.
Overall, The Speech House is highly praised for its fantastic and picturesque location, perfect for a comfortable and memorable stay in the Forest of Dean.
Breakfast
The service is frequently commended for being friendly and helpful with staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant meal. Many patrons were pleased with the ample portions and the excellent value for money, especially when considering the quality and taste of the food. The excellent breakfast offerings, both buffet-style and individually cooked items, add to the appeal with particular mentions of the terrific and amazing breakfast experiences.
While the majority of reviews are highly positive, there are occasional mentions of slight inconsistencies, such as some dishes not remaining hot throughout the meal and a few comments on the continental breakfast being less impressive compared to the cooked options. Overall, The Speech House is celebrated for its top-notch breakfast with numerous guests finding it a standout feature of their stay in this charming, rustic setting.
Dinner
Despite a few isolated instances of dissatisfaction, such as a burnt chicken dish, the majority of reviews consistently compliment the evening meals as delicious with standout mentions of the food being good, very good or even excellent. The ambiance provided by the views of the forest and garden adds to the dining experience, making it both pleasant and memorable.
Service also played a crucial role in enhancing the meal experiences with guests frequently commenting on the politeness and friendliness of the staff. Overall, The Speech House's dining options, especially in the Orangery, left a favorable impression with many looking back at their evenings spent dining as a highlight of their stay.
Rooms
Guests staying in the courtyard rooms appreciated their convenience and comfort, though some found these rooms to be on the smaller side. Those who booked attic bedrooms or larger rooms enjoyed spaciousness with some rooms providing a sense of grand living style. Features such as king-size beds, well-equipped rooms and large, clean bathrooms were highlighted as positive aspects.
However, several reviews indicated that certain rooms could benefit from an update. Some guests mentioned that the furniture appeared dated and a few found the rooms a bit cramped or lacking in modern amenities. There were also remarks about rooms feeling a bit dark or chilly at times.
Overall, while many guests had a comfortable and pleasant stay, some did note that the accommodations could use a bit of modernization to enhance the overall experience.
Beds
However, not all experiences were entirely positive. A few guests found their mattresses to be a bit lumpy or hard and one noted that their bed caused them to roll into the middle. These issues indicate some variability in bed quality depending on the room assignment with different guests having different experiences even within the same group.
Overall, while the majority of guests enjoyed a restful sleep in comfortable beds, there were a few mentions of discomfort that future visitors might want to keep in mind.
Cleanliness
However, the hotel does face some challenges. While the overall cleanliness is praised, there are mentions of dated furnishings, stained carpets and worn-out decor. Some rooms suffered from specific issues such as dusty surfaces, damp in the shower room and stained shower curtains. In a few cases, the presence of dog hair and a slight odor detracted from the experience for those without pets.
Despite these minor setbacks, the hotel maintains its charm with excellent facilities and exquisite food, making it a noteworthy stay for those appreciating historical ambiance combined with modern cleanliness standards.
Staff
Staff members are noted for going above and beyond, ensuring that guests' needs are met and problems are resolved promptly. The friendliness of the staff is paired with their efficiency, making the service not only excellent but also delivered with a smile. The wait staff in the Verderes restaurant specifically were mentioned for their attentiveness and the quality of service provided.
Whether engaging in casual interactions or handling requests, the team consistently receives praise for their exceptional hospitality, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience at the hotel. Hence, guests regard the staff at 'The Speech House' as a standout feature, enhancing their stay in a meaningful way.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Historic
The Speech House provides an intriguing historical experience, enhanced by informative leaflets about its past found in the rooms. The hotel's courtyard rooms are as lovely as the main building, offering both quaint charm and comfort. The friendly staff, all dressed very smartly, contribute to the overall wonderful experience.
Additionally, the Death by Pudding evening offers a unique cultural touch to the stay. With its amazing value for money and fantastic historical atmosphere, The Speech House stands out as a beautiful property in the Forest of Dean.
Dog Friendly
No, The Speech House doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Speech House.
Yes, The Speech House welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Speech House.
No, The Speech House doesn't have a gym.
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