Macdonald Bear

The staff we met were all top class, and breakfast was a very nice start to the morning before checkout. Our room had loads of extras, including two TVs, a fridge, a dressing gown, a sleeper, tea and coffee. There was a spacious bedroom with a really comfortable bed, plus an excellent, relaxing living room. The room itself was amazing, with original beams and a low beam in the bathroom that we had to duck under each time. It gave the place real character. The hotel feels old in the best way, historic and grand, and it’s perfectly placed for Blenheim Palace and the lovely village of Woodstock.

The Bear still feels like the wonderful place I remember, and I’ll be back again soon. After years away, I returned and Mia kindly gave me a free room upgrade. The street-facing room was delightful, cosy but roomy, with a four-poster bed. It had a bath and shower, plus everything I needed, including a hairdryer and iron. Breakfast was excellent and included, and on my last night I loved the atmosphere around the open fire in the bar.

There are some great restaurants in Woodstock, but The Bear isn’t one I’d recommend. I’ve stayed with Macdonald hotels before, but this one feels neglected and is far too expensive for its quality. I stayed two nights in December 2025. When I arrived late on the first night, the room smelled of drains and was ridiculously hot, even with the radiators off. The shower waste trap was broken, with what looked like a bodged repair, and a 3-inch main delivery pipe behind the bed was causing the heat. I had a very bad night. The manager refunded that night. He knew the room was rubbish but let me have it anyway, perhaps assuming I wouldn’t complain. The whole setup was really bad. Don’t stay here!

Parking behind the hotel was good, and I had a clean, good-sized room in the main building. Breakfast was a good buffet, and the service was fine even though they were busy. Just keep in mind it’s an old building, with some stairs that have a bit of character.