Macdonald Bear Hotel

The rooms are gorgeous, with luxurious items fully stocked, and we’ve tried a few different kinds. The hotel itself is elegant and beautiful, full of historic features. Everyone on staff is super friendly, and breakfast is wonderful. Blenheim Palace is also stunning and only a short walk away.

Jose, the barman, is outstanding and really keeps this place going. The rest of the staff didn’t show the same attentive service you’d expect for the high prices, lovely building and excellent location, being there when needed and out of the way otherwise. I think it’s a training issue, rather than an attitude problem.

After years away, I came back to the bear and lovely Mia upgraded my room for free. It faced the street, had a four-poster bed and felt cosy while still having plenty of space. There was a bath and shower, plus everything I needed, including a hairdryer and iron. Breakfast was excellent and included. On my last night, I enjoyed the lovely atmosphere by the open fire in the bar. I’ll be back soon. It’s still the wonderful Bear I remember.

I’ve stayed at Macdonald hotels before, but this one has been allowed to run down and is far too expensive for its quality. I was there for two nights in December 2025. On the first night I arrived late to a room that smelled of drains and was ridiculously hot, even with every radiator off. The shower waste trap was broken and had been given a bodged repair. A main delivery pipe, about 3 inches across, ran behind the bed and was the source of the heat. I had a terrible night. The manager refunded that night. He knew the room was rubbish but let me have it anyway, perhaps thinking I wouldn’t complain. It’s a really bad setup, don’t use it! There are some great restaurants in Woodstock, but The Bear isn’t one of them.