The Speech House

Hotels
8.3 (617 reviews)
Nr Coleford, The Forest Of Dean , Coleford , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Facilities for disabled guests
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Good food
Lovely atmosphere
Great location
Cons:
Room cleanliness issues
Overpriced
Facilities need updating

Categories

Cleanliness
7.95
Some reviewers mentioned cleanliness issues like cobwebs in the room.
Service
8.75
Consistently praised as friendly and helpful by guests.
Location
8.75
Frequently mentioned as excellent, particularly for its close proximity to the Forest of Dean.
Room Quality
8.15
Generally positive but noted that some rooms could use updates.
Amenities
8.45
Standard amenities with a cozy atmosphere, though some facilities need updating.
Value for Money
7.45
Some reviewers found the hotel to be overpriced for what was offered.
Food and Beverage
8.65
Consistently described as delicious and of high quality.
Overall Experience
8.25
Guests reported enjoyable stays with mostly positive experiences.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 08:59

Property Description

Historic Charm and Modern Luxury

The Speech House Hotel, originally a hunting lodge for King Charles II, now offers modern facilities and luxurious rooms while preserving its period features. Situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean, just 5 miles from the stunning Wye Valley, this hotel is a perfect blend of history and comfort.

Elegant Accommodations and Dining

Choose from rooms in the main house or courtyard, some with forest views and four-poster beds. Enjoy traditional decor, Freeview TVs, and tea/coffee facilities. Indulge in modern European cuisine at the Verderer’s Court restaurant with its beamed ceilings, or opt for lighter fare at The Orangery.

Convenient Location for Exploring

Only a short drive from attractions like Dean Forest Steam Railway and Dean Heritage Centre, the hotel also provides easy access to Chepstow Castle, Gloucester, and Cheltenham. With proximity to the M4 and M5 motorways, The Speech House Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the region.

Book your stay now and experience the perfect blend of history and luxury at The Speech House Hotel.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a credit card upon check-in.

There is likely to be music until 24:00 on the weekends, which can be heard from some rooms.

For group bookings, the first nights accommodations will be taken 24 hours prior to arrival at the hotel.

Please note pets are allowed on ground floor courtyard rooms only; excluding four poster rooms.

Charges of £15 per dog per night will be applied.

This property offers 24-hour room service. Between 21:00 - 07:00 it is sandwiches only.

Please note that payments are made on arrival at the hotel. Accepted Payment Methods- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro and Solo. The hotel does not accept Delta Card Payments.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:30 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

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

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 4 years old to 15 years old stay for £20 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for £20 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 617 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.95
Service: 8.75
Location: 8.75
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.45
Value for Money: 7.45
Food and Beverage: 8.65
Overall Experience: 8.25
P
Philip couple gb
4
Would not stay again
Pros:

Location

Cons:

An historic building part of which has inappropriately been ‘modernised ’ much character lost. Noisy location

2026-06-05 via Nuitee
D
Deborah couple gb
8
Pros:

The historical nature of the place

Cons:

A little tired and dated in places

2026-06-04 via Nuitee
L
Lisa couple gb
8
Pros:

We attended a wedding

Cons:

Cottages need updating
Very old fashioned
Tv didn’t work
Half eaten packet of biscuits left no milk

2026-05-30 via Nuitee
R
Robin solo_traveller gb
8
2026-05-28 via Nuitee
J
Jonathan family_with_children gb
9
Lovely stay with cosy atmosphere and very accommodating staff.
Pros:

Lovely hotel with nice bar area and restaurant. Fabulous breakfast. Breakfast normally served from 8am on a weekend but when we explained our group needed to be at an early event in Chepstow we were advised they would put breakfast on earlier for us. This was greatly appreciated by our group.

Cons:

Coach Yard rooms quite small.

2026-05-24 via Nuitee
P
Paul couple gb
9
2026-05-24 via Nuitee
C
Coral couple gb
9
2026-05-20 via Nuitee
J
Julie solo_traveller gb
10
2026-05-20 via Nuitee
J
Jean Wickens couple gb
8
Enjoyable stay with the Forest all around.
Pros:

Very generous Full English Breakfast, Other options good. EMILY in Orangery was exceptional. She was very helpful to us.
Orangery food was good. Beautiful gardens and flower beds.

Cons:

In no way did the Hotel acknowledge it was my 80th birthday, apart from Receptionist wishing me a Happy Birthday. Most hotels we have stayed in throughout the World have celebrated my birthday in some small or big way.
Room was tiny, but we had to have a ground floor room as there is no hotel lift. Verderers' Restaurant was closed during our stay.

2026-05-20 via Nuitee
P
Patrick couple gb
6
2026-05-17 via Nuitee
J
Janice solo_traveller gb
7
Lovely staff, great location
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Being charged an extra £15 because my small dog was with me.

2026-05-17 via Nuitee
C
Chinthaka solo_traveller gb
10
Pros:

The Staff are very hospitable warm n helpful.. also there was an elderly lady with the staff that was really good and eager to tell about the history and about the locals.. interesting facts about the Forest people and the Verderers. Sorry I forg9t her name.

2026-05-13 via Nuitee
K
Kim couple gg
9
2026-05-10 via Nuitee
I
Ilaria couple gb
6
Pros:

Ottima posizione vicino alle attrazioni principali. quando ho avuto un problema lo staff è stato molto attento ed efficiente.

Cons:

Ho soggiornato in una stanza all’esterno della struttura principale e c’era un po’ di polvere e i mobili sono alquanto datati. La wifi dell’albergo non raggiungeva la stanza in cui soggiornavo quindi non be ho potuto usufruire. Tv estremamente datata. Ho provato ad usare l’asciugacapelli ed ha iniziato a fare scintille perché era rotto. Per la sicurezza dei clienti queste cose dovrebbero essere controllate in anticipo oppure segnalate come malfunzionanti. Inoltre alcune prese nella stanza non funzionavano (come quella a cui era connesso il bollitore.

2026-05-09 via Nuitee
D
Danielle solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

As described, very friendly staff at the bar.

Cons:

Just a bit tired and dated really. Could do with freshening up in the rooms.

2026-05-01 via Nuitee
P
Paul couple us
10
2026-04-29 via Nuitee
E
Eileen family_with_children gb
7
Lovely area.
Pros:

Nice room but noisy as right on main road.

Cons:

Not much room to sit and chat with family.

2026-04-27 via Nuitee
R
Rance solo_traveller gb
9
Great stay
Pros:

nice surroundings friendly and helpful staff and excellent breakfast

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
M
Martin couple gb
7
It was comfortable and met our needs and expectations
Pros:

The food offerings were excellent. The room was a good size and well presented

Cons:

Much of the decor, carpets, furniture in the public areas was dated and needed an upgrade

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
D
david couple gb
8
2026-04-20 via Nuitee