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Summary of reviewsThe Bear, Cowbridge, enjoys acclaim principally for several standout features that make it a desirable destination for visitors. Situated in the heart of Cowbridge on the High Street, its central location offers unbeatable convenience for exploring local shops, restaurants and amenities and even serves as a practical base for trips to Cardiff and the coastal areas. Guests appreciate the ample and easily accessible parking, which adds to the hotel's allure.
Accommodations at The Bear are praised for their cleanliness, comfort and spaciousness. Rooms are often described as cozy and nicely decorated with excellent beds that promise restful nights. Guests find the combination of historic charm and modern amenities appealing, as well as the quiet atmosphere enhanced by effective blackout blinds. Minor criticisms, such as lighting or occasional heating issues, do not overshadow the overall positive experience.
The hotel's dining experiences further enhance its reputation. Although breakfast receives mixed reviews—some guests find it inconvenient to cross the road to the café and note limited choices—the quality and taste are generally appreciated. Dinner, on the other hand, consistently receives high marks for its delicious food, charming atmosphere and excellent service. The attentive and friendly staff play a significant role in ensuring a pleasant dining experience, accommodating special dietary needs with care.
Cleanliness is a notable strength of The Bear with rooms and public areas frequently described as immaculate. The bathrooms, in particular, receive high praise for their cleanliness and luxurious nature. The staff, frequently lauded for their friendliness and professionalism, contribute significantly to the hotel's welcoming ambiance. Their attentiveness and helpfulness particularly stand out, enhancing the overall guest experience.
On-site facilities like the well-regarded restaurant and bar add to the hotel's positive reputation. Guests appreciate the inviting atmosphere and quality of the food, which complement the exceptional service provided by the staff.
However, some drawbacks are noted, particularly regarding WiFi connectivity, which is reported as poor or intermittent, especially in the annexes. Certain guests also mention discomfort with the beds, pointing out issues with firmness and occasional noise from functions downstairs.
Despite these minor issues, The Bear in Cowbridge is highly recommended for its central location, excellent amenities and welcoming ambiance, making it a beloved choice for visitors to the area. Show more
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Dog Friendly Hotel
The Bear Hotel offers dog-friendly accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, television, phone, toiletries, tea and coffee, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. It has a designated dog-friendly lounge, landscaped gardens for dogs, and allows dogs in The Grill Bar.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
The Bear Hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property. It is ideally located and provides room service. The hotel also features meeting rooms.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers parking facilities for guests. This provides added convenience for guests exploring Cowbridge and the surrounding areas.
4-Star Hotel
The Bear, Cowbridge is a popular 4-star hotel known for its excellent service and convenient location on High Street in Cowbridge. It provides comfortable accommodations and is highly rated by guests, offering a pleasant stay.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe ApartmentThe fireplace is the standout feature of this quadruple room. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The well-fitted kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, an oven and a microwave. The quadruple room has parquet floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a private entrance, as well as a dining area. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe ApartmentThis twin room's special feature is the fireplace. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The fully equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, an oven and a microwave. The twin room has parquet floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a private entrance, as well as a dining area. The unit has 3 beds.
One-Bedroom ApartmentFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which features a stovetop, a refrigerator, an oven and a microwave. The double room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a private entrance, as well as a dining area. The unit has 2 beds.
Two-Bedroom ApartmentThe double room has a private bathroom, a washing machine, a private entrance, as well as a seating area with a flat-screen TV. In the kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, an oven and a microwave. The double room offers a dining area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, tumble dryer and a TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Two-Bedroom HouseThe double room has a private bathroom, a washing machine, a private entrance, as well as a seating area with a flat-screen TV. The well-equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, an oven and a microwave. The double room features a dining area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, tumble dryer, as well as a TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Single Room with BathroomProviding free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The single room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, heating, as well as a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family RoomProviding free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Double or Twin RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle and heating. The unit has 2 beds.
King Room - Disability AccessFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, parquet floors, heating and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Queen RoomThis double room features a fireplace. Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, heating, as well as a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
Located in the heart of Cowbridge, The Bear hotel receives high praise for its excellent and central location, making it a prime choice for visitors. Frequent mention is made of the ample and easy parking, which adds a level of convenience appreciated by many. The hotel's prime position on the High Street places it squarely in the vibrant center of Cowbridge, an advantage noted by guests looking to explore the charming old town and its surroundings.
Its strategic location offers convenience not only within Cowbridge but also for travelers using it as a base to visit Cardiff and the nearby coastal areas. Reviewers often highlight the hotel's proximity to shops, restaurants and other amenities, describing it as an ideal spot for various activities, including family events and weddings.
Guests also commend the property for its clean and comfortable accommodations with spacious rooms and comfortable beds frequently mentioned. The pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, combined with friendly and professional staff, enhances the overall experience, making stays both enjoyable and memorable.
The Bear's on-site facilities, including a well-regarded restaurant and bar, further contribute to its positive reputation. Guests appreciate the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere of the pub, complementing the exceptional location with great service and convenience.
Overall, The Bear in Cowbridge stands out for its superb central location, excellent amenities and welcoming ambiance, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors to the area.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Bear, Cowbridge offers a mixed bag of reviews with several positive highlights consistently mentioned. Predominantly, guests appreciate the quality and taste of the breakfast, often describing it as very good, excellent, fantastic and delicious. The breakfast is notably served in a café or restaurant just across the road, identified by some as The Penny Farthing, which contributes to a quaint and community-integrated experience.
Highlights include excellent service, a varied and flavorful menu with options ranging from traditional cooked breakfast to a mix of Welsh and Continental dishes and an enjoyable atmosphere. The setting in an old room with a vaulted cellar adds to the unique and charming dining experience. Guests frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff as a positive aspect of their breakfast experience.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some guests find it inconvenient to leave the hotel for breakfast, particularly in unfavorable weather. Complaints also arise regarding the limited breakfast choices with several reviewers noting the lack of fruit and yogurt and a small portion size. Critiques also include experiences of uncooked eggs, hard bacon and sausage and occasionally poor service with long waits.
Overall, despite a few logistical drawbacks and occasional service issues, the consensus leans towards a generally positive breakfast experience, particularly lauded for its quality and the friendly atmosphere of the nearby café.
Dinner
The Bear in Cowbridge offers a delightful dining experience that has garnered positive feedback from numerous guests. Evening meals at the hotel have been described as very good, delicious and amazing with tasty dishes and excellent food that adds to the charm of the restaurant. The atmosphere during dinner is often noted to be great, complementing the high quality and value of the meals served.
Guests particularly appreciated the charming setting with some enjoying the unique experience of dining in the glass annex or the courtyard. Special dietary needs are accommodated thoughtfully, such as a gluten-free vegetarian option, ensuring all guests have an enjoyable meal. The dinner staff receive high praise for their delightful service, enhancing the overall dining experience.
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive with adjectives like fantastic and excellent frequently used to describe the food, there is a minor mention of one dish being bland and a preference against enamel plates. However, these do not overshadow the general impressions of delicious and generous servings.
Overall, whether dining in the main restaurant or the cube, guests have been impressed by the quality of the meals, the restaurant's lovely ambiance and the excellent service, making dinner at The Bear a highlight of their stay.
Rooms
The rooms at The Bear, Cowbridge, are largely celebrated for their comfort and spaciousness. Guests frequently describe the accommodations as beautiful, cosy and nicely decorated with several noting the large, super comfortable beds that promise a good night's sleep. Cleanliness is a consistent highlight with many reviews mentioning the well-maintained and well-appointed nature of the rooms, which often come equipped with good-sized bathrooms and adequate toiletries.
The historic charm of the inn is well complemented by modern amenities, resulting in rooms that are described as both cozy and sympathetically updated to reflect the era. The accommodations are also praised for being quiet with effective blackout blinds ensuring a restful stay.
Guests appreciate the welcoming and excellent staff, adding to the positive experience. The rooms range from standard to superior with the superior rooms receiving particular commendation for their lovely design and comfort. However, some reviews mention minor downsides such as insufficient lighting, occasional heating issues and the occasional room not matching guests' expectations of the executive category.
Overall, The Bear, Cowbridge, seems to offer a delightful blend of historic charm and modern comfort, making it a lovely choice for a stay in the town center.
Beds
The beds at The Bear, Cowbridge, have garnered mixed feedback from guests. Many praised the comfort of the beds, describing them as very comfortable, incredibly comfortable and featuring some of the best pillows ever experienced in a hotel. There are mentions of large, spacious rooms with super comfy beds that contribute to a pleasant stay. Numerous reviews highlighted wonderful and lovely comfy beds, underlining the overall positive sleeping experience for many visitors.
However, some guests found the beds to be a bit too firm or hard and a few mentioned issues with mattresses or pillows being uncomfortable, suggesting they may need updating. There were isolated complaints about beds sinking in the middle and discomfort due to loud functions downstairs. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the predominant sentiment points towards a high level of comfort in the majority of guest experiences.
Cleanliness
The Bear in Cowbridge is a charming destination that consistently impresses visitors with its exceptional cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Guests frequently highlight the immaculate state of the hotel's rooms and public areas, noting the attentiveness of the housekeeping staff. Rooms are described as beautifully clean, well-equipped and comfortable with many appreciating the careful decoration and attention to detail. The bathrooms, in particular, receive high praise for their cleanliness and luxurious showers.
Though the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few note areas where improvements could be made, such as occasional cobwebs and an unpleasant smell in some bathrooms. Despite these minor issues, the general consensus is that The Bear provides a spotless and welcoming environment.
In addition to cleanliness, guests commend the friendly and helpful staff, enhancing their overall experience. The hotel's lovely ambiance, combined with its excellent service, makes it a highly recommended place to stay in Cowbridge.
Staff
Nestled in the charming town of Cowbridge, The Bear offers a welcoming retreat characterized by its exceptional staff and inviting ambiance. Visitors frequently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, describing them as polite, professional and always ready to lend a hand. The night porter, Will, has been notably commended for his excellence.
Guests appreciate the attentive service, noting that the staff go out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay. The owner and his team are praised for their incredibly attentive demeanor, making each guest feel special. Even under pressure, the staff remain considerate and accommodating, embodying a genuine warmth that resonates throughout the hotel.
The Bear's location on the High Street adds to its charm, offering a great spot for visitors to explore the local area. This dog-friendly establishment further endears itself to pet owners, combining excellent service with a welcoming environment.
The bar area receives positive mentions, providing a nice setting to unwind. Many guests express their intentions to return, a testament to the hotel's delightful experience and the staff’s unwavering commitment to top-notch hospitality.
In summary, The Bear in Cowbridge stands out for its superb staff, who are consistently friendly, helpful and attentive, creating a delightful and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.
Wi-Fi
Reviews of 'The Bear, Cowbridge' revealed consistent concerns about the hotel's WiFi connectivity. Numerous guests experienced a poor or non-existent WiFi signal in their rooms, particularly in the annexes, describing it as intermittent and unreliable. Additionally, there were mentions of poor phone signal, which compounded the issue. Guests also noted a disappointing quality and variety in the cooked breakfast offered by the hotel.
Parking
The Bear in Cowbridge receives high praise for its parking facilities from many guests. Reviews consistently highlight the ease and convenience of parking at the hotel with several mentioning ample and plentiful parking spaces. The car park is described as large, spacious and closely situated to the rear of the hotel, providing hassle-free access.
Several guests appreciate the complimentary parking, noting that it adds to the overall convenience. The introduction of a coded barrier in the car park is a welcome feature, adding an extra layer of security and efficiency. Despite a few guests mentioning that the car park can initially be hard to locate, the general consensus points to a very accessible and well-managed parking area that caters effectively to guest needs.
However, it's worth noting that some reviews express concerns about the security of the parking, particularly highlighting non-operational CCTV cameras.
Overall, the parking facilities at The Bear offer a significant advantage, enhancing the comfort and ease of stay for visitors.
No, The Bear, Cowbridge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Bear, Cowbridge.
Yes, The Bear, Cowbridge welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Bear, Cowbridge.