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Hotel Chocolat Review

Monday, February 10th

2025 Chocolate Gift Box Reviews

Hotel Chocolat Review 3 Star Rating

Hotel Chocolat

3 Star Rating
  • Pricing from $150 to $540
  • 4 listed packages to choose from
  • 14 flavors
  • Chocolates, caramels, hot cocoa, and bark
  • Free shipping on $50+
  • Happiness Guarantee

Hotel Chocolat was founded by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris, who wanted to "transform” the way you enjoy chocolate. They wanted a playful approach to this decadent treat with more cocoa and less sugar. Known for its hot chocolate "Velvetiser", Hotel Chocolat is a standout for hot chocolate as well as chocolate truffles and bars. Today Hotel Chocolat has 126 stores in the UK and serves a range of bars and restaurants. The chocolate is all made in Cambridge, UK. More recently Hotel Chocolat began offering its chocolates and gift boxes in Japan and the USA (as of 2023).

Click through to listings to see prices

Browsing for chocolates at Hotel Chocolat makes you feel like you've stepped into a mix of Willy Wonka and a Cambridge Library. The warm and inviting website makes it simple to find chocolate gift boxes. All you need to do is click "Chocolate” on the navigation bar, and you'll see a scrolling list of the collections and boxes offered at Hotel Chocolat. Each listing shows a photo of the entire "collection” with a short description. Some of the items have a maximum purchase allowance (so you can't buy more than two of the festive collections, for example), and a "Shop Now” button to take you to the purchase page for individual packages. Once you get to a specific listing page, you'll see a more detailed description of everything you'll find in the collection, a full list of ingredients and allergens, and the shipping policies.

Best Chocolate Gift Boxes

4 packages and around 14 flavors

There were 4 different chocolate gift boxes at Hotel Chocolat at the time of our review. These may rotate seasonally, as all of them qualify as "festive” collections. The bundles and collections include a variety of chocolate treats, including an all-milk chocolate collection, a dark chocolate collection, an "everything” collection, and the "Ultimate Bundle” which includes a Velevetiser Starter Kit for making your own hot chocolate. You can find classic chocolates, chocolate almonds, chocolate batons (like a Kit-Kat shape), and a range of cute chocolate designs in fun shapes like Caramel Penguins. Across the different boxes, we found around 14 individual flavors of chocolates, though Hotel Chocolat lacked some transparency on the exact details of the flavors. You're left to kind of sleuth out the contents by checking the ingredients list, which doesn't separate out ingredients by each chocolate, regrettably.

Pricing from $150 to $540

Pricing is simple at Hotel Chocolat, but it isn't cheap. The Milk and Dark collections are $150 each, the Everything Collection is $250, and the Ultimate Bundle is $540. There are occasionally sales that help with this cost. For example, at the time of our review, there was a promotion on the Ultimate Bundle that made that particular chocolate gift box $400 instead. There is also the opportunity to get 10% off by reading through the history of the company in a popup window and going through a little interactive story. Once you're finished, you'll just have to add your name and email address to get the discount.

Shipping is free on orders $50+

If you spend more than $50 at Hotel Chocolat, you'll qualify for free standard shipping (2-5 days) to any address in the contiguous US. Since all of the chocolate gift boxes offered by Hotel Chocolat are well over $50, you can be sure to get free shipping any time you order. While it doesn't make the boxes more affordable, it does help keep costs down (and avoid any sticker shock when you check out).

Happiness Guarantee included

There isn't a specific refund policy for Hotel Chocolat, but the company offers a Happiness Guarantee listed on every single item in its inventory. The guarantee states that all chocolate that you purchase is covered by the guarantee and that if you aren't happy, Hotel Chocolat will "do everything” they can to solve the problem. However, there's no mention of refunds or reshipments in the actual guarantee details.

Best Chocolate Gift Boxes

Rave reviews for chocolate flavors

Regrettably, Hotel Chocolat holds a "C” rating from the Better Business Bureau, and there are currently no reviews on the BBB for this chocolatier. We did find plenty of reviews on Trustpilot during our research. Over 50,000 customers have left reviews for Hotel Chocolat with an average rating of 3.9 stars out of 5. There is ample praise for the delivery and quality of the chocolate. One reviewer said the flavor of her chocolates was "absolute heaven” and that she plans to buy Hotel Chocolat's sweets on repeat. Most of the poor reviews show that customers ordered Hotel Chocolat sweets from other vendors, and owed most of their complaints to the delivery service through that vendor rather than Hotel Chocolat itself.

A balanced choice if you can afford it

Hotel Chocolat is a mixed bag in terms of chocolate gift boxes. It has great flavors, but the details on those flavors are hard to find on the Hotel Chocolat website. The company offers competitive guarantees and a low threshold for free shipping, but it's also extremely pricey and may be out of budget for many chocolate fans. Overall, Hotel Chocolat earns a balanced rating in our review. It's definitely worth a look, but you may want to search elsewhere for your chocolate gift boxes if budget is a primary concern.

Where is the Best Place to Get Chocolate Gift Boxes?

Whether you want a traditional chocolate, something like a holiday Ferrero Rocher, or a new confection with unique flavors like lavender or orange, there's a box of chocolates out there for you. With online ordering, you have access to far more assortments and flavors than you would at a local sweet shop, and you can easily send chocolates to your loved ones anywhere in the country (or the world).

If you choose to indulge in this cacao-based confection, you'll be in good company. Americans spend an estimated $22 billion on chocolate each year, and 90% of recent consumers said that chocolate is their favorite category of treat. Milk chocolate, unsurprisingly, is a popular favorite, especially in the US. Around the world, dark chocolate is generally preferred. Chocolate is something that brings people together. So, why not enjoy it?

The Best Chocolate Gift Boxes Compare Chocolate Gift Boxes Compare Chocolate Gift Box Reviews What are the best Chocolate Gift Boxes Best Chocolate Gift Box Reviews

Chocolate Gift Box FAQ

You'll find everything from classic milk and dark chocolates to truffles, caramels, pralines, and even exotic flavors like sea salt or chili-infused chocolate. Many sites offer curated gift boxes with a variety of options. A few chocolatiers let you build your own box to make the gift extra personal.
Yes, many chocolate delivery services cater to dietary needs like vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free, or gluten-free chocolates. Some chocolates also highlight ethically-sourced, organic, or fair trade ingredients for a more conscientious sweet treat. Always check the product details or use filters when searching for chocolates to make sure you get the sweets that fit your needs.
You can rely on your chocolates to be freshly made before they're shipped to you. Chocolate gift box services package the chocolates carefully to maintain the quality and flavor of your sweets. Some packages even include cooling packs to prevent your chocolates from melting during transit.
This depends on the service you purchase from and your location. Most chocolate gift box sites offer standard shipping from 3-5 days. You can also look for expedited shipping or next-day shipping from some vendors if you're in a hurry. Always check the estimated delivery dates during checkout so you can plan accordingly. If you're sending the chocolates as a gift, you can schedule ahead for your specific delivery date too.
Prices can vary widely depending on the type and size of the gift box. You can find small boxes for around $5, while more high-end assortments with premium chocolates can go for over $100. Many sites offer a range of chocolate gift boxes that suit multiple budgets, so you're sure to find something that fits what you're looking for.
Chocolate gift boxes are usually packaged in sturdy containers and sometimes wrapped in additional protective layers to keep your chocolates from breaking during shipping. With many chocolates situated in plastic trays that hold the sweets away from one another, you shouldn't need to worry about anything sticking or breaking before it gets to your door.
Most reliable chocolate gift box delivery services have a satisfaction guarantee or refund policy. In some cases, you will be eligible for a refund or reshipment of your order. The exact terms will depend on where you buy your chocolate from. You may need to take photos of your chocolates as proof in case of any concerns.
There are definitely chocolates out there free of allergens. Avoiding any sites that work with peanuts or nuts in their facilities will be a great start. Most reputable chocolatiers will list allergens on the site if there's anything to be worried about. Always read the ingredients closely before you purchase to ensure your safety.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

When we say chocolate is a classic sweet, we don't just mean in the last few decades. Chocolate has one of the most interesting stories out there. The discovery of chocolate (specifically cacao beans) can be traced back to Mesoamerican civilizations. The beans were so precious, they were once used as a form of currency.

Our word for chocolate comes from the Aztecs who called the bean "xocoatl”. Originally, chocolate was made into a drink, similar to the hot cocoa we drink today, but a lot spicier (try Mexican Hot Chocolate sometime, if you want a more authentic flavor). Supposedly the Aztec emperor Montezuma drank 50 cups of chocolate per day.

While you might not be as much of a chocolate superfan as the emperor, we can definitely see the appeal. Chocolate, as we know it (the chocolate bar and chocolate confections), started being made around 1847. There are tons of benefits to enjoying chocolate too. Cacao can lower your blood pressure, and dark chocolate has a range of health benefits including improved brain health, improved mood, and promotion of your good (HDL) cholesterol. Bottom line? You can enjoy your sweets without any guilt.

There's no limit to what you might find in a chocolate gift box online. If you're ready to get that delightful melt-in-your-mouth chocolate treat, but aren't sure which confectionary to choose, don't sweat it. We've put together some factors that can help you pick the best vendors for chocolate gift boxes:

  • Cost. When buying chocolate gift boxes online, you'll want to make sure you're getting the best deal for the price. How many chocolates are included in the box? Are the flavors unique enough to warrant the price? What is the quality of the chocolate? Keep in mind any costs for shipping too, as that might change your total during checkout.
  • Variety. Chocolate is such a versatile confection that you'll want to make sure the chocolate gift boxes you choose have a competitive variety of flavors, chocolate types (milk, dark, and white), and add-ins. Once you find a chocolatier you like, it's frustrating to need to find another spot to shop if your favorite flavors are missing. Looking for a one-stop chocolate shop can ensure that you know exactly where to shop every time.
  • Dietary restrictions. If you're on a special diet, there are tons of sites that cater to your needs. With the right chocolatier, you can find vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. Make sure you check out the ingredients list for dietary changes and allergens.
  • Reputation. When searching for chocolate gift boxes online, it's smart to check trusted review platforms like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Feedback from other chocolate enthusiasts can help you find the best deals, best quality, and best customer service out there for your next chocolate purchase.

"Life is like a box of chocolates"... or it could be as soon as you grab these gift boxes for yourself, your friends, and family. To help you find the best chocolatier to satisfy your cravings, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the top chocolate gift boxes out there today. Now, crack open those sweets and pick one. Like they said in Forrest Gump, you never know what you're going to get!

Compare Chocolate Gift Boxes

Select any 2 Chocolate Gift Boxes to compare them head to head

best-chocolate-gift-boxes
  • Compartes
  • Z Chocolat
  • Ghirardelli
  • Russell Stover
  • Astor Chocolate
  • Vosges Haut-Chocolat
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • La Maison Du Chocolat
  • Godiva
  • Simply Chocolate
Compartes vs Z Chocolat Compartes vs Ghirardelli Compartes vs Russell Stover Compartes vs Astor Chocolate Compartes vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Compartes vs Hotel Chocolat Compartes vs La Maison Du Chocolat Compartes vs Godiva Compartes vs Simply Chocolate Z Chocolat vs Ghirardelli Z Chocolat vs Russell Stover Z Chocolat vs Astor Chocolate Z Chocolat vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Z Chocolat vs Hotel Chocolat Z Chocolat vs La Maison Du Chocolat Z Chocolat vs Godiva Z Chocolat vs Simply Chocolate Ghirardelli vs Russell Stover Ghirardelli vs Astor Chocolate Ghirardelli vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Ghirardelli vs Hotel Chocolat Ghirardelli vs La Maison Du Chocolat Ghirardelli vs Godiva Ghirardelli vs Simply Chocolate Russell Stover vs Astor Chocolate Russell Stover vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Russell Stover vs Hotel Chocolat Russell Stover vs La Maison Du Chocolat Russell Stover vs Godiva Russell Stover vs Simply Chocolate Astor Chocolate vs Vosges Haut-Chocolat Astor Chocolate vs Hotel Chocolat Astor Chocolate vs La Maison Du Chocolat Astor Chocolate vs Godiva Astor Chocolate vs Simply Chocolate Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Hotel Chocolat Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs La Maison Du Chocolat Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Godiva Vosges Haut-Chocolat vs Simply Chocolate Hotel Chocolat vs La Maison Du Chocolat Hotel Chocolat vs Godiva Hotel Chocolat vs Simply Chocolate La Maison Du Chocolat vs Godiva La Maison Du Chocolat vs Simply Chocolate Godiva vs Simply Chocolate
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