The Bear, Cowbridge

This charming hotel, a character property with a rich history, offers a memorable stay in the heart of Cowbridge. Its signature feature is its blend of traditional charm with modern comfort, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that guests consistently praise. The hotel is an excellent fit for couples seeking a relaxing getaway, families looking for a fun and accommodating environment, and business travelers needing a comfortable base. It is also notably pet-friendly, making it ideal for those traveling with their furry companions. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, as well as the high quality of the food. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room at the rear of the hotel for a quieter stay, and take full advantage of the convenient, complimentary parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities that contribute to a comfortable stay. Guests frequently commend the inviting bar and lounge areas, often featuring a warm log burner, which create a cozy and lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation or socializing. The hotel also boasts beautiful courtyard and outdoor areas, including a glass-enclosed space, which are popular for dining and enjoying the weather. These spaces are well-maintained and add significantly to the hotel's appeal. For events, the hotel offers various function rooms, frequently used for weddings and other gatherings. While most guests find the Wi-Fi connectivity generally adequate, some have noted it can be inconsistent or poor in certain areas, particularly in some rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as immaculate, spotless, and well-maintained. Room comfort receives mixed but generally positive feedback; many find the spacious rooms and cozy rooms to be delightful, well-appointed, and comfortable, often featuring a unique character. However, some guests have noted that certain dated rooms in the older parts of the building could benefit from updates, occasionally appearing tired or small. The comfortable beds are frequently highlighted for ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests have expressed personal preferences regarding mattress firmness. Noise levels can vary, with some rooms facing the street or courtyard experiencing more sound, while others are noted for their quietness. The ensuite bathrooms are generally clean and feature powerful showers, and guests appreciate the quality toiletries provided, along with convenient coffee/tea facilities in the room.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a highly regarded dining experience, with breakfast being a consistent highlight. Served at the Penny Farthing across the road, guests describe it as excellent, delicious, and fantastic, offering multiple options including cereals, fresh fruits, and cooked dishes. While the location of breakfast is noted, it is generally seen as a positive due to the quality of the food and setting. The restaurant and evening meals receive frequent praise for their food quality, often described as incredible, very good, and top-notch, with a varied menu. The bar food, including popular items like burgers, cheese boards, and highly-rated fish and chips, is also well-received. The dining atmosphere is consistently described as lovely, comfortable, and pleasant, often bustling with activity. The hotel also makes efforts to accommodate dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegan options, though some guests have experienced occasional limitations or inconsistencies with these choices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the charming town of Cowbridge, placing guests within easy walking distance of local shops and restaurants. Its position is ideal for exploring the Vale of Glamorgan and provides convenient access to nearby areas like Cardiff. A significant advantage highlighted by many guests is the ample and free parking available at the rear of the hotel, which is also secure parking. However, guests should be aware of the hotel's accessibility features. Being an older, characterful property, it features numerous stairs and different levels, which can pose challenges for those with mobility issues. While some ground floor rooms and accessible rooms are available, it is advisable to inquire about specific room features if mobility is a concern, as some accessible showers may lack seating.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise, with guests frequently highlighting their helpfulness, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews commend the staff for going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from the moment of arrival through to departure. The quick check-in process is often mentioned positively, and staff are noted for their willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-ins or late check-outs. The hotel's pet-friendly service and family-friendly service are also frequently appreciated, with staff making extra efforts to cater to guests with children or pets. For those attending events, the event staff are consistently described as exceptional, professional, and highly supportive, ensuring smooth and successful gatherings.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, welcoming dogs in various areas including specific rooms, the bar, and during breakfast, with some even providing dog bowls and special treats. Guests frequently mention the hotel's role as a popular wedding venue, with many positive comments about the staff's professionalism and the facilities provided for such events. A recurring point of feedback relates to Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile reception, which some guests found to be poor or inconsistent within the hotel and the surrounding town, potentially impacting those needing to work remotely. The hotel's blend of modern and traditional elements means that room styles can vary, with some guests preferring the more contemporary annex rooms over those in the older, historic sections of the building.