The Speech House

Hotels
8.3 (637 reviews)
Nr Coleford, The Forest Of Dean , Coleford , gb

listing image 1
Show all photos
Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Family rooms
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 637 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
R
RICHARD • solo_traveller • gb
6
It was a last minute booking due to cancellation by previous hotel. Wouldnt recommend.
Pros:

Location. Big room.

Cons:

Hot and noisy due to wedding. Dated.

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
A
André • couple • ch
8
Gemütlicher Garten und tolle Gegend im Wald
Pros:

Gemütlicher Garten und Restaurant. Das Frühstück war sehr reichhaltig.

Cons:

Das Zimmer war sehr klein, dafür das Bad umso grösser.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
A
Anita • solo_traveller • ch
7
A very pleasant stay.
Pros:

Excellent location with good parking. All of the staff were very pleasant. Megan was particularly helpful.

Cons:

Absence of a lift. To find information about the accommodation, I was obliged to scan a QR icon. When breakfast was in the smaller dining area, the toast machine was not available.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
M
Malcolm • solo_traveller • gb
7
OK but could do better
Pros:

The food in the restaurant was excellent

Cons:

My room was very warm and my quilt would have suited mid winter rather than mid summer!!

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • couple • gb
4
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • extended_group • fr
8
Enjoyable.
Pros:

Good location. Nice oldie worldie decor.

Cons:

A lift would have helped. The four flights to my room were grueling!
Many of the staff could have benefited from more/better training, particularly the waitresses. When I ordered lamb I was not asked how I wanted it cooked and when it came I had to send it back to be cooked more. However Megan was very obliging and dynamic in the Orangerie and I would recommend her for employee of the month!
I was charged twice for my final bill. Luckily it was quickly detected and I was reimbursed but nevertheless it should not have happened.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
E
Emily • extended_group • gb
7
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
A
Amanda • family_with_children • gb
10
Had an amazing stay and would love to return in the future.
Pros:

Lovely friendly hotel and staff. Beautiful bedrooms and places to sit in and relax. Pretty garden and orangery to eat in. Great breakfast and meals in hotel. Plenty of parking.

Cons:

Nothing, all great.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • gb
10
Excellent short break hotel!
Pros:

Proximity to local towns and facilities.

Cons:

Wished all rooms had a “historical” feel - more modern rooms seemed quite disconnected from main house.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sally-anne • solo_traveller • gb
9
Fabulous stay, only one negative but will definitely return
Pros:

Lovely building, comfortable room, fabulous location, breakfast was also great value

Cons:

Bar was well stocked but no cold water for a mixer with whisky, was warm tapwater, even after saying with each drink, ice melted within less than 2 mins
Would jave been ice for water to be chilled beforehand - picky, maybe, but its an expensive double shot of its not enjoyable

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
T
Theresa • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
R
Robin Morgan • couple • gb
10
Love this hotel
Pros:

This is the forth time we have stayed and it is always a warm welcome, the staff are fantastic, do a wonderful job. Location is fabulous and the food always of a high standard added to this there is always a warm welcome for our dog, what’s not to love!

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • couple • gb
8
Very enjoyable visit. Will definitely be returning.
Pros:

Staff really helpful, room clean and comfortable and food excellent.The location very convenient for us to visit family nearby.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • gb
9
Happy
Pros:

Clean

Cons:

Tired

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
R
Rachael • extended_group • gb
7
Ok but I was told by booking . Com Breafast was included it wasn’t … we were charged…
Pros:

Good location

Cons:

Cleanliness was hit and miss one room was fine number 31 clean nice decor… 26 was a bit shabby not as clean and noisy from the road traffic…

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
B
Burton • couple • gb
8
Located in Forest of Dean with lots of walks from doorstep. Lovely food and very friendly staff. Very dog friendly
Pros:

Lovely old hotel with lots of history.

Cons:

Bedrooms dated. Mattress and pillows too soft

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
F
Farnham • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Great location . Fantastic room with lovely ensuite, and the food is excellent. Would def stay here again.

Cons:

Sunday morning breakfast staff were not as helpful as the previous morning. Empty tables were cleared first, even though guests were stacking used plates, bowls etc as they finished.

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
J
Jay • solo_traveller • gb
10
Really lovely, welcoming staff, wonderful location, tasty food.
Pros:

Beautiful historic house in wonderful location.

Cons:

Nothing - it was lovely.

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
S
Serendipitous Simone • solo_traveller • gb
9
Fantastic in heart of forest
Pros:

The staff were utterly amazing, Sarah on reception and Sue and the three gentlemen who advised us about wild boar.
The location is 2nd to none.
Nice traditional Verderers dining room dating to 1500s
Our ensuite was large modern and clean
Parking
Good breakfast
Hospitality tray in room

Cons:

No plugs by bed to charge phones
Room small

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
K
kevin • couple • gb
9
beautiful and worth the money
Pros:

great quality

Cons:

nothing

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee