Enstone OX7 5UE England, Chipping Norton, United Kingdom | (937) 315-4602
Partly housed in elegant 18th-century country estate
Located in the pretty Cotswolds countryside of West Oxfordshire
Set in 440 acres of picturesque parkland
Eighteen-hole championship level golf course
Modern spa with heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
Variety of contemporary or traditional bars and lounges
Billiards room with original 19th-century table
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Shrewsbury Wing rooms are small and shabby
Most rooms in unattractive modern additions
Views from some rooms disappointing
The Heythrop Park Resort is part elegant 18th-century country estate and part unsightly newer additions, all set in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside and surrounded by picturesque grounds. The property is occupied by two separate hotels -- Crowne Plaza and De Vere -- which together form the resort. Each has its own set of rooms, but both share golfing, spa, and dining facilities. The quality of rooms varies wildly, so be sure you know what you're getting before you book: past guests suggest avoiding the Shrewbury Wing.
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Scene
Stunning English country estate with drab modern additions
It's hard not to be bowled over by the elegant grandeur upon first glance of the majestic estate and manicured grounds that the Heythrop Park Resort now occupies. Construction started in 1706 for the Duke of Shrewsbury (who died before its completion). With its fine Corinthian columns, elegant balustrade, and modillion eaves, the main building is a fine example of early 18th-century baroque architecture. Although it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century after a fire, the grand spacious lobby is no less stunning in its neoclassical refinement and splendor. Sadly, this is all in stark contrast to the reception area, a cramped room with drab modern styling that continues through unremarkable hallways and unattractive modern architectural additions. The property is actually split between two hotel chains -- Crowne Plaza and De Vere -- who share facilities, but only the latter offers rooms in the original mansion.
Location
Set in picturesque Cotswolds countryside, 40 minutes from Oxford
The hotel is located at the end of a winding country road in the picturesque Cotswold countryside of West Oxfordshire, a three-minute drive from the small village of Heythrop. The pretty market town of Chipping Norton is about a 10-minute drive away, while the university city of Oxford is 40 minutes away by car. There is a small airfield, Enstone, a 10-minute drive away and the nearest international airport, Heathrow, takes just over an hour to reach by road.
Rooms
Rooms range from stylish and contemporary to elegant and traditional
The property has 350 rooms in total, which are split between the two hotels that occupy the estate. Crowne Plaza's 197 rooms are all contemporarily styled with rich tones, shimmery fabrics, and modern takes on traditional furniture. The De Vere rooms in the Archer Wing follow the same styling as those run by the Crowne Plaza. The 17 De Vere rooms that occupy the old estate building are traditionally decorated with floral fabrics and antique-style furnishings and retain some period features such as fireplaces and sash windows. Rooms in the Shrewbury Wing are basic and on the shabby side.
Features
Championship level golf course, spa, and variety of dining options
The main reason why most people come to the Heythrop is for its 18-hole championship level golf course that weaves through the estate's 440 acres of parkland. There's also a spa with a heated indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a gym that guests can use for free. There's a traditional bar and lounge in the main building and more contemporary restaurants and bars in the modern annex. A billiards room on the lower ground floor features an original 19th-century snooker table.
