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Summary of reviewsThe Macdonald Bear Hotel, located in the heart of the picturesque village of Woodstock, enjoys a stellar reputation for its prime location. The proximity to Blenheim Palace and the accessibility to local shops, restaurants and bars make it an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds and Oxford. The historic and charming building fits seamlessly into the beautiful village setting, enhancing the overall ambiance. Ample parking and good bus connections to Oxford further add to its appeal, making it a top choice for travelers.
The breakfast experience at the hotel garners mixed reviews. Many guests find the breakfast delicious with fresh, well-cooked meals and a generous spread offering a variety of options, including commendable full English and vegetarian breakfasts. Table service adds a nice touch to the experience. However, some guests feel the breakfast is overpriced with extra charges for certain items and note issues with slow service and inconsistent food quality.
Dinner at the hotel also receives mixed feedback. While some guests enjoy the high-quality, well-prepared food with specific praise for dishes like fresh haddock, others criticize the limited, overpriced menu and slow service. The dining ambiance and noise levels add to the mixed reviews, although some diners find the environment pleasant.
Rooms at the Macdonald Bear Hotel vary in quality. Guests often praise the spacious, comfortable rooms with good amenities. Beautifully decorated and clean rooms with luxurious touches such as Elemis products contribute to a pleasant stay. However, some rooms are noted as tired and in need of refurbishment with issues like flickering lights, outdated decor and worn fixtures. The absence of air conditioning in certain rooms and occasional noise from adjacent rooms are also mentioned. Nevertheless, many guests appreciate the excellent room service and the charming ambiance.
Cleanliness at the hotel is generally appreciated with many guests highlighting the spotless conditions of the rooms and common areas. However, there are isolated reports of issues such as cobwebs, dusty rooms and stained carpets, indicating room for improvement in maintenance.
The staff at the hotel receive mostly positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness with many guests commending their courteous and attentive service. Although there are some reports of unwelcoming behavior and slow, inattentive service, the overall impression is that the staff significantly contribute to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere.
WiFi service at the hotel is another mixed aspect with some guests finding it adequate and free, while others experience issues with connectivity and reliability, particularly in rooms located in the courtyard area.
Parking is convenient and often praised for its availability and ease of access. The presence of free EV car charging is a notable benefit. However, the £10 per night parking fee is a point of contention for some guests.
Family stays at the hotel are generally pleasant with comfortable and accessible family suites. The hotel proves to be a favorable choice for families with the staff’s efforts positively impacting the overall experience.
The beds receive a range of feedback with many guests praising the comfort and size, particularly the king-size and super king-size beds and the exceptionally comfortable four-poster beds. However, some guests find the beds too firm or saggy and taller individuals may find them too short.
While the hotel boasts several positive aspects, its four-star rating is debated by some guests. The characterful building and courteous staff are appreciated, but the lack of certain amenities and the high cost not always matching the quality provided are areas for improvement. Business travelers find the hotel’s central location and business amenities suitable for meetings and conferences, although specifics on the business experience are limited.
In summary, the Macdonald Bear Hotel offers a charming, characterful stay with a prime location and generally positive service. However, improvements in breakfast and dinner offerings, room maintenance and certain amenities are needed to fully meet the expectations of a four-star establishment.
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