The Bell Hotel

The Bell made a move to the area for work, with two cats, a lot easier. I needed a proper place to stay while finding a home, and this hotel was one of the options I was given. It was also the handiest for work during my temporary lodging. I expected nothing special, but my stay with Kim, Mike and their lovely staff was absolutely outstanding. The owners took over a year or two ago, and the Bell I read about before arriving seemed very different from the place I experienced. The new team has been working hard to turn around the old reputation. Don’t assume the old reviews describe the hotel as it is now. It isn’t a four or five star hotel, and it doesn’t pretend to be. There’s no bar in the room or massive TV. Downstairs, though, there’s a pub and bar with rich wood finishes and phenomenal, engaging staff who ask how you are and what might make things better. The whole hotel has Starlink, and compared with an average three-star hotel the internet is fast. I worked and played at high bandwidth without interruptions or connection trouble. Pet-friendly rooms include an extra room where your furry family can move around or hide, for a very reasonable price. The cleaning staff keep rooms clean daily, with fresh towels, vacuuming and bed turn-down, or you can request privacy. They knock in the morning if there’s no sign on your door handle. Residents can get in and out easily through a hard-locking door, including late-night smokers heading to the outside patio. The pub has a restaurant too, and both are worth checking out. There are draft beers, mixed drinks and friendly conversation. Staff and patrons alike make you feel at home, with regulars coming in every night to eat and drink. Rob, their chef, never served me a meal I didn’t finish in a hurry. His English dinner on Sundays is something you must try. People look out for you even when you’re just passing through, bringing you into the family atmosphere and making being away from home feel less daunting and more homely. If you prefer to skip the bar and restaurant and just stay in the hotel, the family atmosphere won’t get too loud or interfere with you or your family. There’s plenty close by, often within a block: two grocery and corner stores, KFC, Dominoes, a coffeeshop, two REAL barbershops, and more. St. Andrews Cafe is just around the corner, where I’d go for breakfast. The location is also a good jumping-off point for Ely, Brandon and the surrounding towns. Kim and her staff know the area well and gave me useful recommendations more than once during my longer stay. Free, private parking is behind the hotel in a convenient park, reached by a one-way road. Even on busy event nights I always found a space. The Bell is pet friendly, has STARLINK internet, an on-site pub and restaurant, and free hotel parking. Thanks to the Bell staff for making me feel like family. I won’t forget you.

We had another lovely Sunday lunch at The Bell today. Rob’s roast was delicious, Laura was amazing serving us and Evie’s service was perfect. Thanks to everyone at The Bell.

The Sunday roast is a real highlight, with delicious food at amazing value. The new owners are doing a great job.

I only stopped in for evening drinks, but had a great time. The John Smiths was an excellent pint. Can’t wait to come back!