Joe P
November 25, 2024
Alas, if I am unable to award a "sixth" star, then a "five" star it shall be! Which means there can truly be no other five stars, as the Cliveden House is nothing short of the most spectacular hotel on the planet. What was to merely have been a convenient overnight stay, albeit an opulent one, in order to get to Heathrow the next morning, turned out to be singularly the grandest hotel experience of a lifetime. Ours was to have been a subdued visit, hoping for no more than to absorb the elegant ambience and to allow our imaginings to transport us to a time of dignity and gentle grace long gone by. But the hotel staff would not permit us to relegate this experience to make believe. In no uncertain terms our splendid hosts at the Cliveden opened its doors with a warmth and social embrace that left us agog. We were not royalty, nor people of even conspicuous means, yet for perhaps the first time in our lives my wife and I were made to feel as such. This was a staff not only of gracious attentions, but also of good hearted humor. Nothing about our visit resonated falsely. My wife and I realized we would never have another experience like this again! Or at least until the next time we visit, which we can assure will be for more than just one night!