The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
The Good Hotel Guide
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What hotels say about the Guide
The Guide that delivers
‘I am very keen on the Good Hotel Guide. It stands for traditional hotel keeping values rather than “marble and glitz factor” or high fashion.’ Tim Hart, Hambleton Hall, Rutland
‘Holy smokes! This is phenomenal promotion – yet again, The Good Hotel Guide pulls it out of the bag. Incredible that they have used our image at the top of the (Independent) article too. So impressive – thank you.’ Hannah Springham, Dial House, Reepham, Norfolk
‘I have a huge respect for the Good Hotel Guide; we do really well from it. Also you bring us easily the nicest guests.’ Baba Hine, Corse Lawn, Gloucestershire
‘One of the things we love about the Good Hotel Guide is its integrity, the fact that inspections are anonymous and that there is no charge for being included.’ Patricia Martin, Scarista House.
‘We are deeply indebted to you and your wonderful guide for all you have done to raise the profile of ours, and many small hotels in Scotland.’
Sally and David Fox, Kilcamb Lodge
‘The Good Hotel Guide has always been a fantastic publication that has provided us with very interesting guests. We will continue to use the guide as guests – it never lets us down. Neil Hope and Lesley Unwin, Tigh an Dochais, Broadford, Scotland
‘Great to see we are being viewed and always happy to support a great Guide.’ Richard Burton, Lake Isle, Uppingham, Rutland
‘I would like to thank you for all your support and hard work on ours and others behalf’. Nick Pullee, Pen-y-Gwyrd, Nant Gwynant, Wales
‘I am a great supporter of what you do for us all.’ Edward Mannering, The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire
‘Thank you so much for this exciting piece of publicity. You work so hard for all of us and of course in these terrible times it is extra welcome.’ Jenny Hadfield, Jeake’s, Rye, Sussex
‘Many thanks for all your support throughout our fifteen years of business. Our Cesar award is our proudest achievement.’ Brendan McDonagh, Swan House, Hastings
‘I love being in your guide. I also use it as a bible. Tell friends and family great place to go to.’ Fiona Doyle, Loch Gorm House, Bruichladdich, Scotland
‘We are very grateful to the Guide for flying the flag for independent Hotels across the UK.’ Emma Stratton, The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
‘May I take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the industry and of the hotel, very much appreciated in these difficult times.’ William Moeran, Trefeddian Hotel.
‘We thoroughly appreciate and support the Good Hotel Guide and its model of being a truly independent guide of the best hotels in the UK and Ireland.’ Jamie Moore, marketing manager, The Nare, Cornwall.
‘We have loved being part of the Good Hotel Guide and always valued your independence and principles. I’d like to thank you for that support over the past nearly 24 years.’ Barbara Garnsworthy, Castleman, Blandford Forum, Dorset.
‘What you are doing is fabulous in trying to keep bookings direct versus using OTA’s. If we could get even 20% more of our guests to book direct it would save us a huge amount of money.’ Paul Mernagh, Killiane Castle, Wexford.
‘Thank you for your excellent support over the years, we have been very proud to brandish your badge, and have enjoyed working with you.’ Janice Nelless, Thistleyhaugh Farm, Morpeth, Northumberland.
‘We are more than happy to continue our great relationship with the Good Hotel Guide and thank you and your team for all the support you give us.’ Ben Jones, Beech House & Olive Branch, Rutland.
‘We have felt a real loyalty to The Good Hotel Guide and it has always been a very positive relationship, and we greatly admire everything that you stand for.’ Tracey Baylis, Timberstone, Clee Stanton, Shropshire
”Hambleton Hall is delighted to continue to support the Good Hotel Guide and to be included in its print and web editions.’ Carolyn Turner, marketing manager, Hambleton Hall.
‘It is always a pleasure to deal with you. I admire what you do and how you do it.’ Barrie Munn, owner of Grasshoppers, Glasgow.
‘Thanks for producing such a great guide. Like running a small hotel, it must be a labour of love.’ Tim Finney, Helen Brownings Royal Oak, Bishopstone
‘Great and very worthwhile publication and please accept my most sincere thanks for all the support we have received.’ Matthew Wylie, The Pheasant Inn, Cockermouth.
‘Many thanks for all your work promoting all our businesses tirelessly through out the year.’ Nick Pullee, Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, Nant Gwynant, Wales.
‘From my past experience, I know how good the reach of the GHG is and we’re delighted to be part of it.’ Deborah Clark, owner of Southernay, Exeter, and former owner of Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea.
‘We greatly value the independence and opinion of the Guide and to be chosen as one of your Editor’s Choice Family Hotels is tremendous and provides a real boost for our staff ( and us!).’ Jeannette Goodrich, The Rose & Crown, Snettisham.
‘There is no other guide that we trust when Tim and I are selecting somewhere to escape on high days and holidays.’ Emma Ford, Little Barwick House, Yeovil.
‘Our guests certainly appreciate the quality and standards of accommodation featured in the Guide and it gives us the encouragement to continue to provide a high standard to our guests.’ Robert Smith and Arwel Hughes, Ael y Bryn, Pembrokeshire
‘We are proud to have been included in The Good Hotel Guide for the best part of 20 years or so and thank you for representing what is best in the independent small hotel market, we have enjoyed looking after the discerning guests that your publication represents.’ Sally & Chris Entwistle, The Old Rectory, Norwich.
‘The typical Good Hotel Guide guest is older, thoughtful, intelligent’. Angus Fordyce, Cavens.
‘Thank you and the GHG team for your help, background encouragement and generally for being there for independent hoteliers and their dreams over our 17 years.’ Deborah Clark, former owner of Burgh Island, Bigbury-On-Sea.
‘We are very proud to be included in the Good Hotel Guide, which we use ourselves when looking for somewhere to stay.’ Walter Sweeney, Newbegin House, Beverly, East Yorkshire.
‘It is a very worthy thing that you all do and the Guide continues to be regarded as a true mark of integrity.’ Andrew Chambers, La Collinette, Guernsey.
‘The Good Hotel Guide is really good at picking out the wheat from the chaff and making sure people remain on top of their game.’ Edmund Inkin, joint owner of Felin Fach Griffin and Gurnard’s Head.
‘We appreciate all your efforts and commitment to this sector and being featured in your guide is an honour. You have captured in the text our philosophy so well.’ Lorna Tyson, Mere Brook House
‘It’s always a privilege to be in the Guide, and it brings us some lovely guests, many of whom return again and again.’ Philip Gill, Shallowdale House.
‘We are very proud of our association with The Good Hotel Guide and appreciative of the guests you help attract.’ Adam Cornish, GM Hotel Endsleigh
‘I sincerely appreciate all your excellent work and your brilliant, one and only, guide site.’ Caroline Main, The Main House, London.
‘We got a fantastic response to our social media campaign in relation to the USA Today article. Our Facebook post has been our most successful ever with 77 shares, 300 likes and a reach of over 21,000 to date!’ Hannah Flynn, Roundwood House, Mountrath, Ireland.
‘We have deeply appreciated all the support and help that the GHG has given to this small family business throughout many years. We would like to thank you for “fighting the corner” for those of us in the independent sector.’ Michael Cooper, joint-owner of Cnapan, Newport, Pembrokeshire.
‘I remember all the grandees of the country house world explaining to me that the Good Hotel Guide was the one above all else; as it still remains to this day.’ Tim Howard, Judges, Yarm, North Yorkshire
‘We have huge respect for The Good Hotel Guide and its independence. Being listed in the Guide is not only important for business and attracting visitors but is also seen by us and our staff as an endorsement of the hard work that goes into making the businesses work.’ Jeanette Goodrich of the Rose & Crown, Snettisham and Bank House, King’s Lynn.
We really do appreciate and value our relationship with GHG, and advocate it at every opportunity. Jeff and Jill Sutheran, St Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses, Northumberland.
‘The Good Hotel Guide is a total bench mark of a guide for places to stay.’ Lizzie Rohan, No54, Helmsley, Yorkshire.
‘We love the Good Hotel Guide and its website’ Zoe Hipwell, Hodgkinson’s Hotel, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire.
‘Everyone who looks for or provides quality hospitality owes the Good Hotel Guide a huge debt for your good work. This year’s Guide is another good tome, well edited and immensely useful.’ Ian Kirk, Auchendean Lodge.
‘Yet again this year we have had a good number of referrals from your guide and it continues to outstrip other guides.’ Henry Hodgson, Currarevagh House, Co. Galway, Ireland.
‘The Guide has certainly been a successful source for new business this year and that is very much appreciated.’ Robert Smith, Ael y-Bryn.
‘We are absolutely thrilled to have won a César award. This is the one award we have always coveted and really recognises all the hard work, sweat and tears we have put into making our hotel what it is today. ‘ Simon and Wendy Bennett, Augill Castle.
‘Who needs the internet when you have a well-thumbed copy of the Good Hotel Guide to inspire you on your travels? The famous Guide, still going strong after 37 years, relies on discerning travellers to provide much of its copy, furnishing the pages with reviews of the hotels they have visited.’ The Torridon
‘The Good Hotel Guide is unique. The nearest comparison would be Wikipedia. And maybe salt.’ Katrina Le Saux, Bryniau Golau, Bala Lake, Wales.
‘We know how valuable the Good Hotel Guide is to us and equally as an independent, well respected guide which guests trust to select unique hotels on their travels.’ Emma Ford, Little Barwick House
‘The longer we are here running Scarista House, the more we appreciate the consistency and quality of the Good Hotel Guide, especially in this world of TripAdvisor.’ Patricia Martin, Scarista House, Isle of Harris.
Thank you for all your support over the years – it has been a priviledge to be included in your guide. Marie Lewis, The Spoons, Isle of Skye
‘Your new guide is better than ever and we all know that it is the only worthwhile guide out there.’ Jeremy Mogford, owner of Old Bank and Old Parsonage, Oxford.
‘The Good Hotel Guide has chosen us as one of its top ten green hotels. We are particularly proud of this accolade, as we revere this guide more than any other.’ Tim Withers, Old Vicarage, Dolfors, Wales.
‘Thank you once again for including Shallowdale House in the Guide. As well as appreciating the business that it brings, we feel blessed to be able to welcome the lovely clients it always seem to conjure up, many of whom keep returning year on year as old friends.’ Phillip Gill and Anton van der Horst, Phillip Gill and Anton van der Horst, Shallowdale House
‘The GHG website is one of the top referrers to the Montagu Arms website.’ Gemma Gilbert, marketing executive.
‘One of the true actually genuine guides left’, Dan Brod, Beckford Arms, Tisbury.
‘Thanks as ever for your diligent work on behalf of independent hotels.’ Nicola Reynolds, The Stagg Inn, Titley
‘The Guide is regarded by us as the ultimate in UK hotel grading.’ Eluned Rowlands, Y Goeden Eirin
‘Wow – we’ve hit the big time – for me this is the greatest accolade (César award) we have been awarded, by the most respected of independent guides. I am thrilled for the team and the business.’ Andrew Russell, The Cat Inn, West Hoathly.
‘We would like to say thank you for all the help and support you have given us over the years. Through you we have been introduced to some really interesting guests; many of whom have returned several times to stay with us.’ Susannah Woods, Neuadd Lwyd
‘The Good Hotel Guide is very good for us.’ Jenni MacKenzie, The Peacock at Rowsley
‘The Good Hotel Guide brings us a lot of business and some very special clients. Thank you.’ Roy McEvilly and family, Cashel House, Connemara, Ireland.
‘Your culture is very very similar to what we try to create in our hotels, the guest (or reader) comes first and you should be very proud of that.’ Chris Williams, Fowey Hall
‘Just a quick line to let you know that in the first month since we started the advertising package on your website the referrals to our own website has doubled.’ Tim Howard, general manager, Judges Hotel, Yarm.
‘Our web entry is proving to be very worthwhile’ William Cave, Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey, Wales.
‘Your Good Hotel Guide website is an absolute joy to view and excellently presented’. Catherine Flynn, Newport House, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
‘I value very much having an entry in the Guide. It is, as everyone points out, a wonderful independent analysis with loyal following. Not many of these around these days and therefore much appreciated.’ Judi Wilkes, the Malt House, Broad Camden.
‘We notice more and more guests are finding us through the Good Hotel Guide’, Manja Gibson, Glenfinnan Hotel, Scotland.
‘Your website works well for us, and the Good Hotel Guide is consistently in our top five for business sources.’ Don Birch, Beechwood Hotel, North Walsham, Norfolk.
‘We are pleased to have many loyal GHG guests who keep returning,’ Phillip Gill & Anton Van Der Horst, Shallowdale House, Ampleforth, Yorkshire.
‘We have greatly appreciated being in the GHG for many years. It has undoubtedly brought us much business. and is something we use ourselves whenever we go away in the UK.’ Roy Patten, Berkeley House, Lewes.
‘The Good Hotel Guide is way up the list of business sources and produced nearly £10,000 of revenue this year which is considerably more than a lot of publications and other advertising that I pay for.’ Antony Wallace, formerly of the Millstream Hotel, Bosham.
‘The Good Hotel Guide is in a league of its own for new bookings. It is our biggest source of new bookings,’ Don Birch, owner the Beechwood Lodge, North Walsham.
‘I think you have done a seriously nice job on your website.’ James Suter, Gliffaes Hotel, Crickhowell, Wales.
‘The articles in the Sunday Times and the Observer have brought in some super business. We are very pleased and grateful.’ Richard Morgan-Price and Huw Thomas at Penbontbren, Glynarthen, Wales.
‘The Good Hotel Guide brings us a huge amount of custom and we are grateful for your support.’ Baba Hine, owner, Corse Lawn, Gloucestershire.
‘Hope you continue to thrive as a much needed independent reviewer. We have appreciated being included in your guide for several years and will continue to recommend your guide for accommodation.’ David Ingram, owner of Ingrams, Edinburgh.
‘We consider the Good Hotel Guide to be by far the most authoritative opinion-forming publication for our sort of guest.’ Grahame Senior, Howard’s House, Teffont Evias, Wiltshire.
‘It is thanks to your guide that we can be proud in this country of our independent hospitality outlets. We are delighted to be included in this very fine guide.’ Tony Timmer, The Feathered Nest, Oxfordshire.
‘A difficult period is being boosted by increasing new business from the GHG.’ Peter Thompson, Llwyndu Farmhouse.
‘Congratulations, the new edition is inspiring, clear, concise, vibrant and in handy format. I am confident that you will get increased readership from both mature and younger readers.’ Rosemary Reeves, The Grey Cottage.
‘We are delighted with the success of our entry on the Good Hotel Guide website. It generates a lot of business.’ Sharon Pledge, the Carpenters Arms, Stanton Wick, Somerset.
‘We get a lot of bookings from the Guide and our guests really appreciate the copy in the bedroom as well. And we are really starting to get more business from the GHG website (since putting up a special offer on the home page). It is working very well for us.’ Manja Gibson, manager Glenfinnan House, Highlands.
‘I have been very pleased with the response we have received from our entry on the GHG website. It has generated new custom and has been a useful marketing tool, especially in promoting inclusive short breaks and special offers.’ James Francis, General Manager, The Star Castle, Scilly Isles.
‘This is the Guide we are most keen to be recognised by.’ Edmund Inkin, owner the Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon, and Gurnard’s Head, Zennor, Cornwall.
‘Congratulations on the website which I think as a hotelier is superb and a great string to the Guide’s bow in this day and age.’ Henry Hodgson, owner, Currarevagh House, Connemara, Ireland.
‘We particularly value the Good Hotel Guide as it is one of the few guides which are truely independent. Its total impartiality enables it to say what they like about each establishment. Many visitors do not realise that most other guides charge large amounts of cash for their inclusion.’ Ian Kirk, owner, Auchendean Lodge, Highlands.
‘Thank you for including Ballyvolane in the Guide and for giving us a César award. Not only has it generated extra bednights, it has given us real credibility in the international market place.’ Justin Green, owner, Ballyvolane House, Ireland
‘We are huge fans of your Guide–it is great that inclusion can’t be bought.’ Emma Stratton, joint owner, Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall.
‘People want reassurance about quality and value when times are tough which is why the type of place featured in the Good Hotel Guide is more likely to prosper.’ Antony Wallace, the Millstream, Bosham.
‘Many thanks for your continued support. I really appreciate it, and it brings in an important amount of bookings. I feel you are the last bastion of high standards.’ Baba Hines, Corse Lawn.
‘I consider that The Good Hotel Guide is my best form of publicity.’ Pat Redmond, Number Three Hotel, Glastonbury.
‘The business generated by the GHG is probably the difference between surviving and going under in these hard times.’ Midlands hotelier
‘We would just like to let you know that being in the Good Hotel Guide for the past couple of years has brought us a lot of customers and we are very grateful for the opportunity. ‘ Enid Nelless, Thistleyhaugh Farmhouse
‘We are very proud to be in the Good Hotel Guide and get lots of enquiries through your book and website.’ Janet Hutchings, owner, The Bell at Skenfrit
‘Thank you for all the wonderful people that have arrived through your guide,’ Bobbie Smith, owner of Lorum Old Rectory.
‘The Good Hotel Guide remains the last bastion of independent and impartial advice to hotel users, and as such we prize our entry in the guide above all others.’ David Armstrong, owner of Clow Beck House, Croft-on-Tees.
‘One of the many highlights this year was being awarded a Cesar by the Good Hotel Guide 2010. This guide has always been a bit of a bible to us, especially as its independence means you cannot buy your way into it, inclusion is based purely on merit.’ Morston Hall, Morston, Norfolk
‘We get a steady flow proffering discount vouchers. The scheme does work!’ Noele Thompson, Howard’s House Hotel, Teffont Evias, Wiltshire.
‘As the only true independent guide, we must support you’, Vanessa Scott of Strattons, Swaffham, Norfolk.
‘We have always been extremely grateful to The Good Hotel Guide for our inclusion each year. The Guide is very well respected and seems to go from strength to strength. With your success, we find that each year the guide brings a lot of inquiries, which ultimately leads to bookings.’ Toby and Leona Rutter, The Coach House at Crookham.
‘We had a number of very good bookings from the Guide last year and as ever are privileged to be included.’ Henry Hodgson, Currarevagh House, Oughterard, Ireland.
‘Your help and support has been invaluable to us and we hope that it will continue for years to come.’ Stephen Lyttle, Serendipity House, Derry.
‘We are delighted that the Guide is bring us such high quality enquiries…we have just had two guests staying at the same time (but not known to each other) who came to us from the Good Hotel Guide.’ Richard Hassell, Ilsington Country House Hotel, South Devon.
‘Thanks for including us in The Times as one of your five recommended B&Bs. We are still getting good hits from The Times website.’ Chris Searle, The Old Rectory, St Juliot. Boscastle.
‘Just a short note to congratulate you on your piece concerning Tripadvisor. It highlights the terrific work that is done at the Good Hotel Guide, and the need for its continuing unbiased opinion of our Hotels.’ Jonathan Watson, director of hospitality, Herm Island.
‘The César award still brings in a terrific amount of guests who have noted it in the Guide.’ Baba Hine, Corse Lawn, nr Tewkesbury.
‘We have been enjoying good publicity and business from your website and we would like to thank you for your continuing support.’ Phil Leonard, Cherry Trees, Stratford-on-Avon.
‘May I thank you for the sterling work you do with the Good Hotel Guide. We have only been in for a short while but have seen some very good bookings from it.’ Tim Hassell, Ilsington Country House, Newton Abbot, Devon
‘The continued relationship with the GHG is one that we value very highly.’ Nigel and Sharon Reed, Pendragon Country House, Camelford, Cornwall
‘Thanks for including us in the Good Hotel Guide–it brings us more customers than either AA or Visit Scotland.’ Alison Bouteloup, Barley Bree, Muthill.
‘Keep up all your good work. You are the only true champion of we independent hoteliers.’ John Pattin, The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern Wells.
‘Thank you so much for all your guidance, assistance and help over these past year. We will, of course, continue to use the GHG, at least with this guide you do know what you are getting. There are many guide books which do not “tell the truth” or should I say skirt round the facts that should be told but that are not.’ Angela Boocock, Gruline Home Farm.
‘I know that I have benefited greatly from your adverts. I have had an early start to the season with three bookings directly from your efforts. I know that sounds small but to me that has been essential.’ Anne Strachan, Blar na Leisg at Drumbeg House.
‘As always enjoyed reading this year’s guide. We do get a lot of business from it.’ Henry Hodgson, Currarevagh House, Co. Galway, Ireland.
‘I would like express our gratitude for our inclusion in what is undoubtedly the best independent hotel guide for the discerning traveller. How very luck is both the hospitality industry and the public to still have the Good Hotel Guide.’ Nigel Corbett, Orchard Barn, Bradpole, Dorset.
‘We strong believe that the Good Hotel Guide is the best available and are so pleased to be part of it.’ Louise Dinnes, The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale.
‘I have been convinced for some time that the internet will have a massive impact going forward. Your statistics prove how powerful it is.’ John Hanna, The Draycott Hotel, London
‘Over the years, we have had a good response from the Guide’, John Napier, Eagle House, Bathford
‘The Good Hotel Guide has for years ensured our success in respect of quality and service provided to our visitors…I wish the Good Hotel Guide’s new website receives all the success it deserves.’ Philippe Gorcynski, Hotel Beatus Cambrai, France.
‘We are huge supporters of the guide and the spirit it is written in, we will make a point of promoting it and selling it at Hell Bay and Number 38.’ Adam Dorrien Smith.
‘We are thrilled to have been chosen for inclusion in this fantastic guide.’ Angela & Olivier Noverraz.
‘I love the look of the Good Hotel Website. It really suits Scarista House. It’s also really easy to navigate and the photos load quickly – even with our frustratingly slow Broadband.’ Patricia Martin, Scarista House, Isle of Harris.
‘Receiving awards from an organisation with your pedigree and experience actually means something.’ Dan Brod, The Talbot Inn
‘We want to thank you so much for all the years we have been included in The Good Hotel Guide. We wish you many more years of helping others to fill their diaries with guests from all over the world .’ John and Gill Donald, Edenshead Stables.
‘We have very much appreciated our involvement with the Good Hotel Guide. Getting the Cesar award was a major high point which meant a lot to everyone here. I hope that the GHG continues to flourish. There has to be a place for something as trustworthy as the GHG.’ Bob & Isoble Hunter, Skirling House, Borders, Scotland.