The Bradley

This intimate and historic boutique hotel is in a Regency-style town house built in the mid-1800s. Its square, beige facade is finished with wrought-iron details, decorative cornices, and windows topped with triangular pediments. Originally home to the Reverend Charles Bradley and his family, it became an inn in 1912, and was later a refuge for widows. A major renovation in 1999 brought the property into the modern age, but several original architectural features and artifacts, from original Georgian fireplaces to historic photo albums, were left intact. Luxury period decor is the dominant theme, with floral carpeting, natural wood, button-tufted furniture, ornately framed oil paintings, and an extensive collection of antiques -- a grandfather clock, a gramophone, black-and-white photographs, vintage dishes, and more. Damask-style wallpaper accents the dining room, while the lounge features rich-red walls color-blocked with fresh white. A mix of patterned and solid upholstered chairs and couches give the lounge a homey yet high-end look. This intimate property is a favorite among couples -- guests should note that young children under 11 are not allowed. 

The hotel is centrally located on a wide, fairly quiet tree-lined street in Cheltenham's upscale Montpellier area. It's a five- to 10-minute walk  to Cheltenham's town center, where shops and restaurants abound. The Cheltenham Ladies' College is across the street from the hotel, while the popular Cheltenham Racecourse is about a 10-minute drive away. The nearest railway station (GWR) is a four-minute drive (or 20-minute walk) -- from there, it's a three-hour trip to London. Easy public parking, for a small fee, is available outside the hotel. There are also two electric-car-changing stations on-site, and the hotel lends bikes. Cotswold Airport is a 10-minute drive away.

The Bradley's eight individually decorated guest rooms feature stylish period decor, such as vintage wood writing desks and wardrobes. Standard Twin and Double Rooms, while they have the simplest decor, are still thoughtfully considered, with such details as framed pictures and antique trinkets. Most rooms pair beige carpeting with off-white walls, but some add floral wallpaper. By contrast, bathrooms are sleek and modern with large black tiling and white fixtures, and most have standing showers. Superior and Luxury Rooms have mahogany four-poster beds, Art Deco details, terraces, orate carved writing desks, and separate bathtubs and showers, and bathroom vanities with vessel sinks. Personal care amenities include dispensers of Penhaligon’s toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, irons, and ironing boards.  Rooms come stocked with fresh fruit, bottled water, and include coffeemakers and kettles. Upgraded rooms have mini-fridges with milk for coffee. Rooms also include such tech as flat-screen TVs with freeview, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. 

This small boutique hotel has its share of nice touches. It has a charming lobby lounge with an honesty bar, a small outdoor garden, and an elegant breakfast room. A large breakfast is included in the room rate -- and it comes with fresh fruit, cereal, breads, along with cooked-to-order items, making use of locally sources products. To-go breakfasts are also available. Light snacks and dinner are available in the evening but cost an additional fee.The staff provides such concierge-style services as laundry/dry cleaning. The hotel also has two electric-vehicle charging stations (free for guests' use), and bikes are available to borrow. Easy public parking is available for a small fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Be aware that the hotel does not allow young children under the age of 11.