The Speech House

Hotels
8.3 (596 reviews)
Nr Coleford, The Forest Of Dean , Coleford , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Facilities for disabled guests
Packed lunches
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.

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 596 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
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
R
Rance • solo_traveller • gb
9
Great stay
Pros:

nice surroundings friendly and helpful staff and excellent breakfast

2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
D
david • couple • gb
8
2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
T
Tracey • solo_traveller • gb
4
Pros:

Food was nice in the orangery, and staff were friendly .

Cons:

After booking which was not refundable if I cancelled, I had an email to say dogs are £15 each. I have 2 dogs. This was not stated when I booked.

We had the twin in the white cottage for one night.
The toilet did not flush properly, even flushing a few times it was not flushing away.
Bulb was not working on lamp next to the bed.
The walls are paper thin, we was woken by doors banging and talking as well as them having loud sex.
Did not sleep well at all.

We have stayed before in the the main house, the four poster bedroom which was excellent.

2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • solo_traveller • gb
9
Lovely hotel
Pros:

Loved the history of the hotel. The dining room was full of history , it was clean and tidy everywhere. The staff were very friendly

Cons:

I will say the traffic outside was quite noisy. And I just thought there would be a lift ( my fault for not asking) my husband struggled with the stairs he'd had a heart operation last year , they were quite steep and alot of them ,

2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • family_with_children • gb
5
2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
L
Leigh • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pleasant and enjoyable
Pros:

Warm and courteous welcome at reception. Interactive and polite staff. Choice of TV programs, pleasant decor.

Cons:

Having to climb two flights of stairs with my suitcase laptop bag and handbag.

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
R
Rachael • couple • gb
8
Lovely staff and food. Sue at breakfast was so accommodating to us- helping us to sit in the Orangery with our new puppy
Pros:

Excellent location

Cons:

A bit dated

2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
J
john • couple • gb
8
Very enjoyable
Pros:

Full of character

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee
M
Mahdavi • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Lack of water bottles

2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
E
Erica • couple • gb
9
2026-03-29 • via Nuitee
D
Darren • couple • gb
10
2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
C
Cheryl • family_with_children • gb
9
Warm and friendly hotel
Pros:

Every one of the hotel staff we met were really friendly and welcoming. The whole ambience was very warm and relaxed. We loved all the history attached to the building - really interesting to learn about the Verderers Court.
Our room was a really good size and had everything we needed. Everything was very clean and the bed very comfortable.
The food in the Orangery was good and the breakfast was excellent.
We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely return at some point.

Cons:

The only small niggle was the shower. The water pressure was very weak, but this was probably not helped by the fact that we were on the top floor.

2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
8
Friendly good value
Pros:

Nice room
Friendly staff
Nice food

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
L
Lee • couple • gb
9
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • extended_group • gb
9
A lovely hotel in a great location to explore the forest of dean
Pros:

Great location. Friendly staff. Comfortable bed and good shower. Lovely breakfast

2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
H
Hinna • couple • gb
9
Wonderful birthday trip, definitely recommend the hot chocolate - its was yummy!
Pros:

Location, genuinely dog friendly, food and drink

Cons:

Would of been ideal if dog friendly rooms included a bath!

2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
J
James • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-03-06 • via Nuitee