The Bear Hotel

Our one-year-old grandson had a great time in the lovely warm pool, and the staff were wonderful with him. We’d just come back from a weekend at this lovely hotel, travelling as a family ranging in age from 1 to 85. Everyone on staff was amazing, dinner on the first night was fab, and there was plenty to choose from at the buffet breakfast. We couldn’t fault anything and will definitely come back.

I appreciated Jonathan’s gracious reply, and I’m sympathetic to how hard it is to run a business like this, having done so for many years. Still, I have to stand by my review. One thing that left me frustrated was the difference in service around the 6pm switch from the bar menu to the restaurant menu. At about 5:45, I asked to order drinks and was bluntly told by the bar staff to get food and drink at the bar, so I did. Yet at ten to six, two people sat two tables away and got table service from those same staff. That didn’t improve my mood. My bar menu meal was poor: possibly the worst fish and chips I’ve had. There was hardly any fish beneath the rock-hard batter, it wasn’t cheap, and the bar staff didn’t check back. They were rude, too. Thanks again to Jonathan for replying.

The location in the city centre was really convenient, with a bus stop behind the hotel for trips to Castle Coombe and Lacock Abbey. Check-in was quick and easy, and the room was a nice size. There’s also a pool and gym, which looked quiet and nice, though we didn’t use them.

I picked this hotel based on its ratings and price, but expected more given the reviews. The room was clean and comfortable, though rather tatty and in need of redecorating. The bathroom door repair looked cheap and poor, as did earlier repairs. Really, the door should have been replaced. Breakfast was okay, but the cereal selection could have been better.