The Bell Hotel

This historic hotel, with its charming character and prime riverside location, offers a memorable stay for guests. It is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic escape, families exploring the area, and pet owners who appreciate a truly welcoming environment for their companions. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness of the staff and the delicious food quality, especially the breakfast. While the hotel embraces its heritage, some areas show signs of age, which contributes to its unique charm for many. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper, and be aware that the hotel does not have a lift, which might be a consideration for those with mobility concerns or heavy luggage.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a welcoming atmosphere with various communal spaces for guests to enjoy. The bar is frequently praised for its good selection and lively ambiance, offering a pleasant spot for relaxation. Guests appreciate the convenience of an in-room coffee machine or kettle, often accompanied by a thoughtful flask of fresh milk. For comfort, fans are provided in rooms, especially useful during warmer periods. While the hotel does not feature a lift, which guests with heavy luggage or mobility issues should note, it offers other conveniences like an iron and ironing board in rooms. There are also comfortable lounge areas and a bright conservatory for dining or unwinding, along with an inviting outdoor terrace for socializing.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and condition is varied. While some guests found rooms to be tired, dated, or in need of a refresh, many others described them as clean, spacious, and comfortable. The beds consistently receive high praise for their comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms offer pleasant river views, enhancing the overall experience. However, some guests noted issues with noise levels, particularly from street noise or due to thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms. Bathroom conditions received mixed reviews, with some mentioning issues like mould, low shower pressure, or problematic taps. In-room amenities typically include a coffee machine, toiletries, and sometimes dressing gowns, though some rooms lack a fridge.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a significant highlight for many guests. The breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent, delicious, and offering a great variety, including a superb full English option and choices for vegan/vegetarian diets. While the continental buffet sometimes has limited options, the cooked breakfast is a standout. Dinner and restaurant meals are generally well-regarded for their food quality, with guests enjoying generous portions and dishes like roast dinners, steak, and fish. The bar food is also noted as being good. However, a few guests reported isolated instances of slow service or issues with food temperature and preparation during busier periods, though these seem to be exceptions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the heart of the town, making it ideal for exploring the area on foot. Guests appreciate its proximity to the river and the Quay, offering scenic views and easy access to local attractions. It is conveniently situated within walking distance of the railway station and various shops and eateries. While parking is a frequent topic, the hotel has limited on-site spaces. However, a public car park is conveniently located nearby, and the hotel offers reduced-rate vouchers for overnight parking, which is a helpful amenity. Some guests noted challenges with accessibility for those with mobility issues due to the town's infrastructure and the hotel's lack of a lift.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, often noting that "nothing was too much trouble." The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. The hotel is particularly commended for its pet-friendly service, with staff making dogs feel very welcome. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of slow service during peak times or specific staff interactions that were less than ideal, but these are rare compared to the overwhelming praise for the team's dedication.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in a charming historic building that many guests appreciate for its unique character, though some areas are noted as being in need of a refresh or undergoing scaffolding due to ongoing work. A distinctive and highly appreciated touch is the provision of a flask of fresh milk for in-room tea and coffee, a welcome change from UHT alternatives. Guests should be aware that rooms typically do not include a fridge and that the hotel does not have air conditioning, which can lead to warmer rooms during hot weather. Some rooms may experience event noise from functions held within the hotel, and a few guests noted the absence of an in-room safe.