The Great Western Hotel

It’s a lovely old place. I was there on a business day and didn’t stay, so I can’t comment on the rooms. I only took off a star because I’m tired of coffee costing such an astronomical amount these days, ever since Costa and Starbucks came along.

The hotel had a lovely welcoming feel, with delicious breakfasts and a very clean, comfortable room. Someone had taken real care making the bed look pretty, with cushions and nicely folded towels. All the staff were friendly and helpful, especially Alex, who worked hard and was always pleased to lend a hand.

The railway touches give this hotel character: it has been refurbished tastefully without losing its charm, and there’s memorabilia in the clean, spacious public areas. My clean, roomy bedroom looked out over the station. It’s right across the road from the train station and about a ten-minute walk to the town centre. Breakfast was very good, service was prompt, and the staff were welcoming and efficient. A gem of a hotel. I’d definitely recommend it and stay again.

The breakfast was absolutely fantastic, and I loved finding a cafetiere with freshly ground coffee in the room. It was large and very, very clean, easily one of the nicest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in over the past year or two, unless I’ve travelled two or three thousand miles or more. The shower was a little underpowered for my taste, though. The hotel is lovely and very close to the station. There’s a wonderful self-opening door at the entrance that invites you in. I couldn’t find reception at first, my fault and nobody else’s, but the receptionist came to find me. They and the other staff I met were very friendly and a credit to the hotel. I’d recommend it to anyone staying in Taunton, though it’s so good I almost want to keep it secret!