Cheltenham Accomodation - Gloucester v Chelts

You wouldnt want to get a taxi from glos to Chelt. Trains run often and will get here a lor faster cause the roads are always rammed.

In my opinion its always less hastle to stay in Chelters. The last thing you want to be doing (after doing your bollux at the races) is to wait an hour for a train or a taxi.

We stayed in Gloucester last year and won't be again.  It was ridiculously quiet considering Cheltenham is only a few miles down the road.  We stayed in the Travelodge which was OK because it is a new build.  It wasn't too bad getting a taxi, but we were staying out until about 2am after racing - taxi was about £15 - £20

Getting to Cheltenham, you'd be better getting the train to Cheltenham Spa (only a few minutes from Gloucester) and then the shuttle buses to the course.

I don't think Cheltenham was particularly good either.  We thought it would be a good laugh but everywhere was rammed and it was a c0ck fest wherever you went! (if you like that sort of thing).  The only good part was seeing Mick Fitz and Chris Kamara in the Hoggs Head (Kammy was smashed and people were buying him drinks all night!!)

The year before we stayed in Bristol which was a right laugh.  Cheap and only about an hour on the train.  Nightlife was good as well.

This year, we've thrown a curve ball and are staying in Cardiff (may well be a master stroke or a disaster!!)  Looks good for a night out and about an hour and 15 from Cheltenham on the train.  From our experience, we'd rather spend an extra half an hour on the train and stay somewhere better.

Hope this helps

Hoggs head!

That place is full of absolute neanderthal filth!

I'll do a little piece in Febuary on accomidation and restaurants to assist you lot.

If you want to get stabbed, score some drugs or shag a pikey then go to Gloucester.
Otherwise stay somewhere else!

It has to be Cheltenham and if you choose your night venues it is class.....alas friday is now pretty chavvy wherever you go. pay the cash, make the effort and you will be very happy

A friend stayed at Central Hotel in Nov and it defies belief.

I always stay in Tewksbury, plenty of nice B&B's and a few hotels. Bus's run regular and fairly late, takes you right into the town centre, 20mins or so. Another option.

Gloucester is a sh1thole of the highest order, no contest, tko 2 secs

Mr E

If you think the Hogshead is bad, you should try Chambers in Gloucester.

It makes the Hogshead look like the lounge bar of the Ritz hotel!!

I would advise staying in Cheltenham.

If you go anywhere on the train you have got the hassle of getting a bus to and from the station. Add to this the time waiting for a train and the journey itself and you are wasting a lot of your time.

I have previously stopped at the new Holiday Inn Express before they realised that they could charge £300+ per room during the festival. I now book a room in a private house through Fay at "socheltenham". The property I stay at is fantastic. We have our own room and bathroom in a private area of the house almost like a Granny annexe. We get charged £65 per person per night including a big fry up. I couldn`t recommend it highly enough.

I can walk into town, walk to the races etc. In fact during the week I never need to get a single taxi or bus.

The nightlife in Cheltenham during festival week is good. I generally meet up with people I know who are down for some or all of the week and want a good drink after racing. If you are looking to go on the pull I imagine it probably isn't going to be the best week of the year but I wouldn't worry about that. It is a racing week for racing people and can't be beaten in my opinion.

There used to be one decent sleeping house in Gloucester, The Fleece in the centre of town but it closed down about ten years ago.
Remember being laid 9/1 about Large Action for the Champion when it was less than half that price. 'Twas about 5 in the morning but the place barely slept and there was always good banter and fanciful prices knocking around.
Also stopped in the New Inn (rank bad value and always in a rush to boot you out when it ticked to 11, whether you were resident or not)
Also stopped in the Tall Ship next to the marina which was ok to rest your head and a hearty breakfast.
Agree with the earlier poster about the Chambers. Muggings galore on that open stretch outside. An absolute dive inside.
In summary, having spent a fair bit of time in Gloucester, I'd peg it as one of the worst places to spend time in the entire UK.

Any hotels, still have availability ?