The William Cecil

Hotels
8.3 (914 reviews)
High Street St Martins , Stamford , gb

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Electric bicycle charging station
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent breakfast
Charming location
Cons:
Poor cleanliness
Unhelpful staff

Categories

Cleanliness
7.44
There were cobwebs found and the overall cleanliness was not well-received.
Service
9.41
Staff were described as unhelpful but overall service was acceptable.
Location
9.45
The location was praised as lovely and convenient.
Room Quality
7.9
Rooms were comfortable but had issues like small beds and insufficient heating.
Amenities
8.93
Amenities were standard but would benefit from more thoughtful design.
Value for Money
7.89
Value was questioned, especially regarding breakfast pricing.
Food and Beverage
6.94
Breakfast quality was poor with unappetizing options and presentation.
Overall Experience
8.41
The stay had pleasant moments, although several issues affected the overall experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 10:55

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation
Step into a world of elegance at The William Cecil within the historic Burghley Estate. Indulge in uniquely designed rooms adorned with original features and Egyptian cotton sheets for the ultimate comfort.

Exquisite Dining Experience
Savor the taste of fresh, seasonal cuisine at the charming restaurant offering locally sourced ingredients. Explore an excellent wine selection and unwind with a drink in the relaxed ambiance.

Ideal Venue for Events
With 4 meeting rooms equipped with modern technology and natural light, host successful gatherings for 10 to 120 delegates. Benefit from wireless internet access throughout for seamless connectivity.

Experience history and luxury intertwined at The William Cecil. Book your stay now to immerse yourself in this enchanting retreat.

Important information:

Please note this is a historic and listed building and there is no elevator.

Some of our rooms have low ceilings.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: EMA

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and charges may be applicable.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 13 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 13 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 914 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.44
Service: 9.41
Location: 9.45
Room Quality: 7.9
Amenities: 8.93
Value for Money: 7.89
Food and Beverage: 6.94
Overall Experience: 8.41
G
graham couple gb
3
Could do a lot better.
Pros:

Breakfast was fine, and food generally good.

Cons:

Appreciate the age of the building, but the room was very poor for a four star hotel.The fittings were abysmal, and some not fit for purpose and others somewhat rough and possibly a danger.
This is was our experience of room no. 2 Troy ,
Disappointing for a special occasion.

2026-03-25 via Nuitee
K
Katrina couple gb
7
Nice hotel, good breakfast.
Pros:

Breakfast was very good, cooked offerings very tasty.

Cons:

Could not open the bedroom window so it felt stuffy. Would not like to be there in summer!! The bathroom was very dark and a bit dingy, could do with an upgrade.

2026-03-23 via Nuitee
T
Tamzin couple gb
8
2026-03-18 via Nuitee
F
Franz solo_traveller de
6
Unzufrieden
Cons:

Alt, renovierungsbedürftig

2026-03-16 via Nuitee
R
Rolanda couple be
9
Zeer aangename, echt Engelse ervaring die wij als Anglofielen zeer geapprecieerd hebben
Pros:

Mooi tuintje met voorjaarsbloemen (sneeuwklokjes). Comfortabele kamer. Rustig. Zeer verzorgd aanbod koffie/ thee. Kleine extra’s (verzorgingsproducten badkamer, melk in frigo, koekjes…)waren heel fijn. Lekker avondmaal en lekker ontbijt. Zeer vriendelijk en behulpzaam personeel.

Cons:

Bed was vrij klein voor 2 personen.

2026-03-10 via Nuitee
E
ELAINE family_with_children gb
10
Fabulous! Thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing weekend break.
Pros:

The location was absolutely perfect. Everything we needed was so accessible. The staff were very friendly and helpful, the rooms were immaculate and comfortable and the food was outstanding. The hotel was beautiful and had a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I just wish we could have stayed longer.

Cons:

Having to leave!

2026-03-06 via Nuitee
T
Terence solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Great room

Cons:

Easy access to Stamford and garden kissing gate access into Burghley House parkland. Good restaurant set meal. Helpful staff.

2026-03-04 via Nuitee
A
Annie couple gb
8
Pros:

Very comfortable and welll equipped room

2026-03-03 via Nuitee
G
greg couple gb
10
2026-02-28 via Nuitee
T
Tracey couple gb
9
Fantastic hotel , great staff but upgrade the layout and organisation of breakfast
Pros:

Staff are very friendly
Lunch was out of this world , the food was the best we have had in a long time

Cons:

Breakfast needs better organising , the full English we had was excellent.. however the ‘breakfast room ‘ needs to be better organised, the water / drinks bar area and table where you help yourself to toast and pastries was not what we expected for this calibre of hotel , looked like it had all be thrown on the table in a hurry

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
8
Cons:

main entrance was not obvious on first arriving, looked more like the entrance into a restrauant.

2026-02-23 via Nuitee
M
McGuire couple gb
9
Pros:

Lovely staff very friendly great location

Cons:

The mens toilers were a bit tired compared to rest of hotel TV in room not hanging straight and a bit small lots of stairs to bedroom but it is an old hotel so to be accepted and these are very minor issues the hotel is lovely

2026-02-23 via Nuitee
A
Andrew couple gb
9
Pros:

Loved the room, the place, the food and location

Cons:

It was a surprise at checkout to have service charges applied to everything automatically, even for a drink and cup of tea which I would happily have got and taken to our table but was told it would be brought to us.

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
C
Clive couple gb
10
Beautiful, some wonderful aspects, really great bathroom, amazing breakfast, great teas
Pros:

The breakfast was amazing

Cons:

Didn't know in advance that the room was in an 'annex'

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
E
Elia couple it
8
2026-02-13 via Nuitee
J
Jimmy couple gb
10
2026-02-12 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple gb
9
2026-01-30 via Nuitee
B
Brenda couple gb
7
A pleasant stay with obliging staff and good food
Pros:

Excellent position on the edge of Burleigh House grounds and a 10 minute walk from town . Food was good in Millys Bistro staff all very polite and pleasant

Cons:

Room 7 was a little cramped for a twin bedded room for senior citizens 🤔Hubby is 6 ft tall and fireplace mantelpiece was quite dangerous for him getting out of bed during the night as our age group need to do frequently . Also the shower cubicle in room 7 was very small . Lots of elbows bashing against the shower screen during shower time . Maybe check height of people being allocated this room ?? Sorry to seem to be whinging but room 7 was also noisy with traffic passing
We tried to close the window properly several times but couldn’t fasten it closed and it was draughty . Maybe have a look at the lock on the window . Despite all this we would come back but definitely ask not to be allocated room 7

2026-01-28 via Nuitee
K
Keith couple gb
9
Very relaxing stay
Pros:

Very relaxing stay in a comfortable room

2026-01-26 via Nuitee
M
Mrs couple gb
9
Pros:

Good location for facilities in Stamford.

2026-01-26 via Nuitee