Kings Arms Bicester

We tried the Sunday roast today, one adult and two children. The food was lovely, the portions just right, and the service was on point even though we hadn't booked.

The room was spacious and clean, though the bed felt a bit too hard. Pubs and restaurants are only about two minutes away, and the station is a 5-10 minute walk. The lounge looked lovely, but it was a shame there was no food available that weekend.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and we didn't hear noise from the nearby rooms. It's a lovely 17th century building close to the shops in Bicester, with competitively priced rooms and free parking if you register at reception. There was a safe in the wardrobe, though no mini fridge. Our stay was let down by the plumbing. Hot water came from both taps, and the bath taps were too hot to touch. After we went out to see family, we came back to a room that felt like a sauna. Some light bulbs had blown and hadn't been replaced, and the fan could have used a wipe. The restaurant wasn't available either, so we had to find somewhere to eat off site. Without the plumbing problems, we would have had a good stay.

The location was excellent for the nearby wedding we were attending, but that was the only good part for us. We had booked three nights and stayed just one, only because the bank holiday weekend meant we couldn't find another hotel. The room was appalling, and the bedding was the only thing that seemed clean. There was boiling hot water from both taps, and the advertised kitchen facilities weren't available on site. Finding somewhere to eat was difficult over the bank holiday weekend. The cleaning staff were friendly and helpful, but the person at reception and the bar made us feel like an inconvenience. With nobody at reception all the time, I couldn't make a complaint while we were there. I wouldn't recommend this property to anyone.