As another year draws to a close, the team at Orion Holidays reflect on what has been a busy year with over 1200 holidays taken and many hundreds of guests enjoying our well-equipped waterside lodges in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswold Water Park.
As a family-run, independent holiday company we take pride in our personal, hands-on service and want to ensure every guest has a wonderful holiday. That’s why we ask for feedback after every stay and are delighted that our review rating is 4.6 out of 5.
Here are some of our top reviews from 2023 that show just why our guests come and stay and keep returning to have a holiday with us.
Rooftop Hot Tub was the Actual Winner
‘What a stunning place to stay. It was incredibly clean, it had every single thing you could think of that most holiday homes don’t have e.g washing up liquid, cork screw, dish washer tablets.
We had such a good time here and highly recommend if someone wants a bit of luxury and so close to some beautiful places to visit.
The rooftop hot tub was the actual winner here and the view of the lakes. Take me back!!!’
Guest at Minety 43, Green Haven
![Rooftop hot tub at Minety 43, Green Haven](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/minety-43-review.jpg)
Right Near All the Activities
‘We stayed with three teenagers and a dog and it was perfect. They each had their space, we had a fully stocked kitchen to cook meals that were economical, and we were right near all the activities – kayaking, biking, and even bouldering. It was a great holiday and we will be back!’
Guest at Waters Edge 15, Kingsholm
![Open plan living are of Waters Edge 15](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/waters-edge-15-review.jpg)
Well-Equipped for More Than Ten People
‘We came for half term with the family and as it was our golden wedding we invited other family members for a day, the house was well equipped for more than 10 and we had everything we needed to cater for everyone. The hot tub was a great success and the youngsters enjoyed kayaking on the lake whilst still being near enough for the older members to watch the fun.’
Guest at Windrush 80/81, Waterlow Lodge
![Fantastic kitchen/dining space at Windrush 80/81](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/windrush-80-81-review.jpg)
Walking Distance to Kayaking
‘Had a lovely stay at Waters Edge, great location, everything close by. Enjoyed being able to walk to other lakes for kayaking and great meals at The Lakeside Brasserie and The Gateway.
Accommodation was outstanding just wish we had better weather! However, it didn’t stop us using the jacuzzi in the rain, just had to wear a hat!! Would love to return.’
Guest at Waters Edge 5, Amaranth Lodge
![hot tub and views from private sun deck of Waters Edge 5](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/waters-edge-5-review.jpg)
Lovely Dog Walks Around the Estate
‘Can’t recommend this place enough Lovely clean cottage overlooking the lake with outside decking with garden & own jetty to take your paddle boat or canoe out on. Perfect for us & our two Granddaughters & our dog. So pleased we chose this particular one as it met all our needs. Very quiet & we could park close by & lovely dog walks around the estate. Would love to come back again.’
Guest at Mill Village 70, Horse Shoe
![Views of the lake from Mill Village 70](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mill-village-70-review.jpg)
Well Located and Just over an Hour from London
The house was in a good location overlooking the lake. It was also well located for being able to get out and about exploring the area. London is only just over an hour away by train from Kemble train station and parking at the station was very good. Our dog enjoyed the walks around Windrush and Isis lakes. The customer service was very good and issues were dealt with promptly and efficiently. Hope to return.
Guest at Windrush 87, The Retreat
![Luxurious open plan living area at Windrush 87](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Windrush-87-review.jpg)
Spa Treatment was Amazing
‘A perfect 3-day break at Howells Mere 47, Robin Lodge. Beautiful house which was fully equipped and very comfortable. Everything was of high quality and ample space for 8 of us. Spa treatment was amazing, and we made full use of the pools. Was excellent having free passes! Would definitely recommend and hope to return.’
Guest at Howells Mere 47, Robin Lodge
![Swing seating on balcony of Howells Mere 47](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/howells-mere-47-review.jpg)
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on the Lake
‘Sun kissed lodge is literally that. We were lucky with the weather, and it was bathed in sun all day. The view over the lake is spectacular. I went with my husband, son, daughter in law and 10-year old twin grandsons. The twins loved paddle boarding and kayaking on the lake all day. We could see them very well from the patio, which felt very safe. The lodge itself is well equipped and very comfortable. We BBQ’d every day and the hot tub was a bonus. We also played tennis and the boys enjoyed snooker and table football in the clubhouse. Outside the park are numerous restaurants and of course the beach on a nearby lake. We have been to Cotswold Water Park for the last 3 years and will be going again next year. This was the best lodge so far.’
Guest at Windrush 66, Sun Kissed Lodge
![Patio furniture and views on sun deck of Windrush 66](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Windrush-66-review-v2.jpg)
Property Exceeds Expectations
‘Have stayed here on numerous occasions. The property exceeds expectations and booking through Orion is very simple. Orion also offer a great support service as evidenced when I had a power failure in one room (lights only) – I phoned the out of hours number and a member of staff was there on the doorstep at 10.15pm and just 20mins after my call. Great service!’
Guest at Clearwater 86, Clouds Keep
![Exterior view of Clearwater 86 with sun deck and hot tub](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Clearwater-86-review.jpg)
Spotlessly Clean. Great Walks with the Dog
‘We loved our stay at Spring Lake! Fabulous, spotlessly clean villa with everything we needed for our family of 4, plus dog. Enjoyed a BBQ on the deck overlooking the water and had so many great walks with the dog. The staff at Orion Holidays were so helpful and the food at the onsite restaurant was excellent too. Highly recommend.’
Guest at Spring Lake 52, Eider Lodge
![View of Spring Lake and a person water-skiing](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Spring-lake-52-review.jpg)
Onsite Pool and Spa Facilities Top Notch
‘House and location are perfect for a family get together. Beautifully furnished and well equipped. The on-site pool and spa facilities are top notch. The Balihoo restaurant is fabulous. The lake activities were great fun. All highly recommended’
Guest at Howells Mere 70, Sunnybank
![Lower Mill Spa in the Cotswold Water Park](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Howells-Mere-70-review.jpg)
Orion Holidays was Truly Exceptional
The booking experience provided by Orion Holidays was truly exceptional. They gave me some great advice about the properties available, helping make the right decision for our first visit, to the Lower Mill Estate.
The clear and concise correspondence from Orion, made arrival and check in, really easy. The information pack provided, answered all the questions about the house, the estate and the facilities.
The cottage was just perfect. Loads of character, with a contemporary touch. The kitchen had everything you needed, the living room was spacious, a dining area which could easily seat 8 and downstairs toilet with a washing machine and dryer. The bedrooms were beautifully furnished and the beds ultra comfortable. The bathrooms were modern and bright.
The outside space is very special with a great big wraparound deck overlooking the lake, a large sofa, table for 6 and a very impressive BBQ (gas included). Just a perfect place to relax and take in the views.
The Lower Mill Estate has some great facilities. The spa’s indoor swimming pool is fantastic if you choose your swim times correctly. Maybe, if you don’t have children, avoid the Saturday morning/afternoon and wait for the adult only evening sessions.
Even though we didn’t use the lake facilities, it did look very tempting. Paddle boards and kayaks are relatively cheap to hire.
Overall, I can only say, this break was just what the doctor ordered. A truly relaxing few days, made ever so easy, by the exceptional service by Orion Holiday
Guest at Mill Village 67, Rush House
![Sun deck with patio furniture of Mill Village 67, overlooking the lake](https://www.orionholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mill-village-67-review.jpg)
Book Your Next Holiday With Us
Whether you’re looking for a large holiday home to celebrate a family birthday, want a short break away with the dog, or need a holiday with activities to use up the kids energy, our holiday homes in the Cotswold Water Park have something for everyone.
Many of the lakes allow fishing and whilst your partner is content doing that, you can relax in the hot tub on your own private sun deck.
So why not download our 2024 brochure and start planning your next holiday.
If you need help choosing a property or want to organise a group booking of properties close together, just give our friendly team a call on 01285 861839.
We hope to see you in 2024!