The Bear Hotel
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Summary of reviewsThe Bear Hotel in Devizes stands out for its prime location in the heart of this charming English market town, providing easy access to local shops, pubs, restaurants and the Market Square. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury, while free parking enhances its convenience.
Guests frequently praise the quality and range of the breakfast options, particularly the freshly cooked full English breakfast and a variety of continental choices that cater to all dietary needs. Similarly, the hotel's dining experiences, including well-prepared dinners with standout Sunday roasts, receive consistent positive feedback. The friendly and efficient service further enhances the dining experience.
The guest rooms, while generally described as comfortable, warm and clean with modern amenities, do display a need for modernization. Despite some dated decor and occasional maintenance issues, the rooms' character and cleanliness contribute positively to the overall experience. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness and cozy ambiance, though inconsistent temperature control and occasional noise can be drawbacks.
Cleanliness is a strong point with rooms and bathrooms frequently noted as spotless and well-maintained. Minor issues with decor are overshadowed by the high housekeeping standards.
Staff at The Bear Hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, significantly enhancing the guest experience. The welcoming atmosphere extends to families with spacious rooms, accommodating staff and kid-friendly dining options making it a popular choice for family stays.
The free WiFi service generally receives good marks, although some guests report spotty connections in individual rooms. The ample free parking is a significant benefit, appreciated by many for its convenience and security.
Beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable, while others cite issues with firmness and mattress quality. The variability in comfort across rooms suggests an area for improvement.
Overall, The Bear Hotel offers a traditional three-star experience characterized by historic charm, excellent service and a convenient location. While modern updates could enhance the guest experience, the hotel's unique character and welcoming atmosphere remain appealing to many visitors.
Categories
Guests frequently praise the quality and range of the breakfast options, particularly the freshly cooked full English breakfast and a variety of continental choices that cater to all dietary needs. Similarly, the hotel's dining experiences, including well-prepared dinners with standout Sunday roasts, receive consistent positive feedback. The friendly and efficient service further enhances the dining experience.
The guest rooms, while generally described as comfortable, warm and clean with modern amenities, do display a need for modernization. Despite some dated decor and occasional maintenance issues, the rooms' character and cleanliness contribute positively to the overall experience. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness and cozy ambiance, though inconsistent temperature control and occasional noise can be drawbacks.
Cleanliness is a strong point with rooms and bathrooms frequently noted as spotless and well-maintained. Minor issues with decor are overshadowed by the high housekeeping standards.
Staff at The Bear Hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, significantly enhancing the guest experience. The welcoming atmosphere extends to families with spacious rooms, accommodating staff and kid-friendly dining options making it a popular choice for family stays.
The free WiFi service generally receives good marks, although some guests report spotty connections in individual rooms. The ample free parking is a significant benefit, appreciated by many for its convenience and security.
Beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable, while others cite issues with firmness and mattress quality. The variability in comfort across rooms suggests an area for improvement.
Overall, The Bear Hotel offers a traditional three-star experience characterized by historic charm, excellent service and a convenient location. While modern updates could enhance the guest experience, the hotel's unique character and welcoming atmosphere remain appealing to many visitors.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is suitable for families.
3-Star Hotel
Situated in the market place of Devizes, this hotel offers a convenient location and a traditional coaching inn atmosphere. The hotel's central location makes it easy to explore the town and local attractions.
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Bear Hotel in Devizes is widely praised for its prime location, offering guests a superb base in the heart of this charming English market town. Situated right in the centre of Devizes, the hotel provides easy access to local shops, pubs, restaurants and the picturesque Market Square. It's a convenient spot for exploring the town, enjoying a morning walk or attending nearby events and festivals. Guests particularly appreciate the ease of access to numerous sights within a few hours' drive, including Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury. With the added benefit of free parking, The Bear Hotel combines historic charm with modern convenience, making it an ideal choice for visitors to this beautiful area. The location couldn’t be better for those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture and amenities.
The breakfast experience at The Bear Hotel is consistently praised across guest reviews with numerous mentions of its quality and range of options. Guests often describe the breakfast as excellent, great and wonderful with standout comments on the superb selection of both hot and cold items. A freshly cooked full English breakfast receives frequent acclaim, noted for its delicious and perfectly cooked elements.
Many reviews highlight the breakfast's variety, including options for vegetarians and those requiring gluten-free meals. The offerings extend beyond traditional cooked breakfasts to include continental choices, cereals, fruits, yogurts and various juices, ensuring there is something for everyone's taste.
Guests also appreciate the efficient and friendly service with breakfast items being promptly delivered and served fresh. Some guests noted minor issues, such as lukewarm coffee or a slightly disappointing selection on occasion, but these were exceptions rather than the norm.
Overall, the breakfast at The Bear Hotel is a significant highlight for visitors, contributing positively to their stay with its excellent selection, quality and attentive service.
The Bear Hotel consistently delivers high-quality dining experiences, earning praise for its delightful and well-presented meals. Many guests appreciated the substantial and good-value dinners with particular highlights being the Sunday roasts, which frequently stood out for their exceptional quality and delicious vegetables. The breakfast offerings also received high marks, completing the package of excellent culinary service from morning to night.
The hotel's restaurant and bar areas offer a wide-ranging menu that caters to various tastes, including gluten-free options, ensuring that dietary needs are met without compromising on taste or quality. Guests often noted the tasty, well-cooked dishes and the satisfying nature of both the bar snacks and formal evening meals.
While most feedback points to an overwhelmingly positive dining experience with many describing the food as lovely, excellent and even exceptional, there were occasional mentions of average or disappointing meals, particularly concerning a limited menu or specific dishes not meeting expectations.
Service at The Bear Hotel also garners high praise with many diners commending the slick table service and the friendly, helpful staff who enhance the overall dining atmosphere. Whether dining with friends, family or simply enjoying a meal alone, guests often felt at ease in the hotel's welcoming and relaxed bar and dining areas.
Overall, The Bear Hotel stands out as a venue that delivers consistently good food, enjoyable dining experiences and exceptional service, making it a reliable choice for both locals and travelers looking for a memorable meal.
The rooms at The Bear Hotel offer a mix of experiences, largely characterized by comfort and cleanliness but also displaying a need for modernization and maintenance. Many positive reviews highlight the spaciousness and coziness of the rooms with several guests noting them as comfortable, warm and clean. Rooms are often described as well-equipped, featuring essential amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, modern showers and tea and coffee makers. Guests appreciate quirky and characterful touches and some rooms boast lovely views and lovely décor.
On the downside, issues such as tired and outdated furnishings, frayed curtains and carpet stains are commonly mentioned. Several guests found the rooms too hot, poorly ventilated or too small with some also remarking on the noise from the surroundings. The lack of consistent temperature control, such as rooms being occasionally too warm or too cold, is a recurring complaint. The décor in many rooms appears to be in need of refreshment with some reviews highlighting shabby furnishings and old-fashioned fixtures.
Overall, while The Bear Hotel rooms are noted for their character, warmth and cleanliness, attention to updates and maintenance would significantly enhance the guest experience, ensuring a blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
The guest reviews for The Bear Hotel highlight a mixed experience with the beds, though many comments lean towards a positive assessment. Numerous guests found the beds to be comfortable with phrases such as "comfortable bed," "warm, comfortable beds," and "very comfortable beds" making frequent appearances. Descriptions of "huge comfy bed," "big comfy bed," and "king-size bed" are mentioned, suggesting that larger beds are a notable plus point for the hotel.
However, there were several mentions of the beds being very hard or uncomfortable with terms such as "extremely uncomfortable," "beds were a bit uncomfortable," and "mattress was uncomfortable" noted by some guests. Other criticisms included issues with the firmness of the pillows and the beds feeling too firm or soft for some preferences. A few guests pointed out that headboards were not attached and were wobbly, adding to the discomfort.
It appears the comfort level can vary significantly from one room to another with some guests mentioning specific issues like saggy, lumpy or outdated mattresses and one even citing a mattress with springs poking through. Despite these issues, the clean and tidy condition of the beds and bedding was consistently praised.
Overall, while many guests seem to have enjoyed a comfortable night's sleep, there are enough negative comments to suggest that the quality of the beds may not be consistent across all rooms, pointing to a variability in the guest experience at The Bear Hotel.
Reviews for The Bear Hotel largely highlight its commendable cleanliness. Guests frequently mention that rooms are consistently clean, tidy and comfortable. Numerous comments point out rooms and bathrooms as being very clean or even spotless, contributing significantly to a positive stay. Many noted the fresh, clean bedding and overall clean ambiance throughout the hotel. Despite some remarks about dated decor and areas needing a touch-up, the cleanliness of the rooms overshadowed these observations.
The bathrooms received particular praise, often described as super clean. The consistent mention of clean and tidy rooms suggests that the hotel's housekeeping standards are high. A few reviews highlighted some cleanliness issues, such as dusty rooms, cobwebs and the need for general updating. However, these were in the minority.
Guests also appreciated the clean common areas and overall well-maintained facilities. While some noted the decor could use refreshing, the clean, comfortable and well-equipped rooms made for a pleasant stay. Overall, despite a few signs of age, The Bear Hotel's focus on cleanliness ensures a welcoming environment for its guests.
The Bear Hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional service and welcoming demeanor. Descriptors such as friendly, helpful, accommodating and professional are frequently mentioned. Guests particularly appreciate how staff go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, often highlighting the team's warm greetings and attentive service. The bar and restaurant staff also receive positive feedback for their efficiency and pleasant interactions. Whether it's the reception, bar or housekeeping, The Bear Hotel's personnel are noted for their friendliness and willingness to assist, creating a genuinely welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Overall, the staff’s dedication to customer service considerably enhances the hotel experience.
The Bear Hotel presents a mixed picture when it comes to its WiFi services. Generally, guests appreciate the availability of free wifi throughout the premises with many describing the quality as good, fast and reliable in areas such as the lounge, lobby, dining area, bar, reception and restaurant. The coverage can sometimes be a bit slow or patchy, particularly in individual rooms, where the connection can range from good to intermittent. Some guests also noted that while the WiFi works well during certain parts of the day, it can be more reliable in the morning and evening. The hotel's efforts to provide fast and free WiFi are commendable, despite occasional inconsistencies and the presence of free parking adds to the overall convenience for guests.
The Bear Hotel offers a well-received parking experience, highlighted by multiple guests who appreciated the abundance of free, convenient and on-site parking. Visitors frequently mentioned that the parking was a deciding factor in choosing the hotel with many noting that it made their stay easier and more enjoyable. The parking facilities are described as ample, easy to navigate and included in the room price, adding an extra layer of convenience for travelers.
Many guests pointed out that the parking area at the rear of the hotel was particularly advantageous, as it was both secure and provided plenty of space, minimizing any worries about finding a spot. The availability of on-site parking was a notable feature with several reviews stating it was a significant benefit that contributed positively to their overall experience at the hotel.
While there were mentions of the parking area being a bit small, particularly for larger vehicles, the majority of guests found the spaces sufficient for their needs. Some visitors highlighted that the parking could occasionally be limited, but these instances seemed to be less common. Overall, the consistent praise for the free and convenient parking at The Bear Hotel underscores its value as a strong amenity for guests.
The Bear Hotel, frequently praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking a welcoming environment. Many reviews highlight the comfortable and spacious family rooms, including rooms equipped with bunk beds and adjoining options, which make it easy to accommodate larger groups. The hotel's staff consistently receives accolades for their friendly and accommodating nature, adding a warm, familial touch to the stay.
The dining options are also well-regarded with specific mentions of a good selection for kids and the capacity to arrange private dinners for sizeable family gatherings. This makes it an ideal venue for family events such as weddings and special celebrations. The hotel’s policy adjustments ensure a welcoming atmosphere for families, despite some minor critiques about limited drawer space in three-bedded rooms.
Additionally, the presence of amenities such as cots and child beds, along with quirky room details and the convenience of a nearby country market, further enhance the family-friendly appeal. Overall, families feel very welcomed and well-cared for, making it a recommended choice for those visiting the area.
The Bear Hotel offers a charming and traditional three-star experience with a comfortable, old-fashioned atmosphere. Situated in an excellent location close to the town center and market square, it provides convenience and a rich sense of history. The characterful inn features excellent staff and has a great coaching atmosphere that makes it unique.
However, the hotel's age is evident in various areas that need some tender loving care (TLC). The overall decor and furnishings are dated with some aspects such as carpets and curtains showing signs of wear and tear. The building itself is historic but could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and some updates to modernize the space. Despite these cosmetic issues, the hotel still maintains a clean environment with welcoming touches like tea and coffee available in rooms.
While the amenities might not meet the expectations of every traveler, particularly those looking for more modern conveniences, the charm and character of The Bear Hotel make it a noteworthy choice for guests who appreciate the quirks of an older property. The three-star rating is well-earned, reflecting the standard facilities and services provided. Despite its need for refurbishment, many guests enjoy their stay and feel inclined to return, drawn by the hotel's unique charm and excellent location.
The Bear Hotel presents a mixed experience when it comes to accessibility for guests with disabilities. There are several positive aspects that make it suitable for some with limited mobility. The hotel offers accessible rooms and specific pathways are noted for their step-free access. Wheelchair-friendly rooms and bathrooms are also available and the hotel entrance is accessible to wheelchairs, allowing smoother transitions for guests using mobility aids.
The staff at The Bear Hotel are generally helpful and have been praised for their assistance, making the stay more comfortable. For guests requiring no steps, some rooms cater specifically to this need, potentially providing a hassle-free experience.
However, there are several drawbacks that could pose challenges. The absence of lifts in many parts of the hotel means that guests often have to navigate numerous stairs, making it difficult for those with more severe mobility issues. Some reviews mention the lack of grab rails in the bathrooms and high steps that are not ideal for disabled guests. Additionally, some rooms assigned as ‘disabled’ were not requested, leading to unnecessary confusion. Historic features like sloping floors and staircases add to the complexity of navigation within the property.
Guests with severe mobility issues may find the hotel's layout challenging, especially given the lack of consistent elevator access and necessary adaptations, such as safety rails in bathrooms. Accessibility needs should be communicated with the hotel prior to booking to ensure a more comfortable stay.
Overall, while The Bear Hotel does accommodate guests with some accessibility needs, the historic nature and structure of the building can present considerable challenges for those with significant mobility restrictions.
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Location
Breakfast
Many reviews highlight the breakfast's variety, including options for vegetarians and those requiring gluten-free meals. The offerings extend beyond traditional cooked breakfasts to include continental choices, cereals, fruits, yogurts and various juices, ensuring there is something for everyone's taste.
Guests also appreciate the efficient and friendly service with breakfast items being promptly delivered and served fresh. Some guests noted minor issues, such as lukewarm coffee or a slightly disappointing selection on occasion, but these were exceptions rather than the norm.
Overall, the breakfast at The Bear Hotel is a significant highlight for visitors, contributing positively to their stay with its excellent selection, quality and attentive service.
Dinner
The hotel's restaurant and bar areas offer a wide-ranging menu that caters to various tastes, including gluten-free options, ensuring that dietary needs are met without compromising on taste or quality. Guests often noted the tasty, well-cooked dishes and the satisfying nature of both the bar snacks and formal evening meals.
While most feedback points to an overwhelmingly positive dining experience with many describing the food as lovely, excellent and even exceptional, there were occasional mentions of average or disappointing meals, particularly concerning a limited menu or specific dishes not meeting expectations.
Service at The Bear Hotel also garners high praise with many diners commending the slick table service and the friendly, helpful staff who enhance the overall dining atmosphere. Whether dining with friends, family or simply enjoying a meal alone, guests often felt at ease in the hotel's welcoming and relaxed bar and dining areas.
Overall, The Bear Hotel stands out as a venue that delivers consistently good food, enjoyable dining experiences and exceptional service, making it a reliable choice for both locals and travelers looking for a memorable meal.
Rooms
On the downside, issues such as tired and outdated furnishings, frayed curtains and carpet stains are commonly mentioned. Several guests found the rooms too hot, poorly ventilated or too small with some also remarking on the noise from the surroundings. The lack of consistent temperature control, such as rooms being occasionally too warm or too cold, is a recurring complaint. The décor in many rooms appears to be in need of refreshment with some reviews highlighting shabby furnishings and old-fashioned fixtures.
Overall, while The Bear Hotel rooms are noted for their character, warmth and cleanliness, attention to updates and maintenance would significantly enhance the guest experience, ensuring a blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
Beds
However, there were several mentions of the beds being very hard or uncomfortable with terms such as "extremely uncomfortable," "beds were a bit uncomfortable," and "mattress was uncomfortable" noted by some guests. Other criticisms included issues with the firmness of the pillows and the beds feeling too firm or soft for some preferences. A few guests pointed out that headboards were not attached and were wobbly, adding to the discomfort.
It appears the comfort level can vary significantly from one room to another with some guests mentioning specific issues like saggy, lumpy or outdated mattresses and one even citing a mattress with springs poking through. Despite these issues, the clean and tidy condition of the beds and bedding was consistently praised.
Overall, while many guests seem to have enjoyed a comfortable night's sleep, there are enough negative comments to suggest that the quality of the beds may not be consistent across all rooms, pointing to a variability in the guest experience at The Bear Hotel.
Cleanliness
The bathrooms received particular praise, often described as super clean. The consistent mention of clean and tidy rooms suggests that the hotel's housekeeping standards are high. A few reviews highlighted some cleanliness issues, such as dusty rooms, cobwebs and the need for general updating. However, these were in the minority.
Guests also appreciated the clean common areas and overall well-maintained facilities. While some noted the decor could use refreshing, the clean, comfortable and well-equipped rooms made for a pleasant stay. Overall, despite a few signs of age, The Bear Hotel's focus on cleanliness ensures a welcoming environment for its guests.
Staff
Wi-Fi
Parking
Many guests pointed out that the parking area at the rear of the hotel was particularly advantageous, as it was both secure and provided plenty of space, minimizing any worries about finding a spot. The availability of on-site parking was a notable feature with several reviews stating it was a significant benefit that contributed positively to their overall experience at the hotel.
While there were mentions of the parking area being a bit small, particularly for larger vehicles, the majority of guests found the spaces sufficient for their needs. Some visitors highlighted that the parking could occasionally be limited, but these instances seemed to be less common. Overall, the consistent praise for the free and convenient parking at The Bear Hotel underscores its value as a strong amenity for guests.
Family
The dining options are also well-regarded with specific mentions of a good selection for kids and the capacity to arrange private dinners for sizeable family gatherings. This makes it an ideal venue for family events such as weddings and special celebrations. The hotel’s policy adjustments ensure a welcoming atmosphere for families, despite some minor critiques about limited drawer space in three-bedded rooms.
Additionally, the presence of amenities such as cots and child beds, along with quirky room details and the convenience of a nearby country market, further enhance the family-friendly appeal. Overall, families feel very welcomed and well-cared for, making it a recommended choice for those visiting the area.
3 Star
However, the hotel's age is evident in various areas that need some tender loving care (TLC). The overall decor and furnishings are dated with some aspects such as carpets and curtains showing signs of wear and tear. The building itself is historic but could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and some updates to modernize the space. Despite these cosmetic issues, the hotel still maintains a clean environment with welcoming touches like tea and coffee available in rooms.
While the amenities might not meet the expectations of every traveler, particularly those looking for more modern conveniences, the charm and character of The Bear Hotel make it a noteworthy choice for guests who appreciate the quirks of an older property. The three-star rating is well-earned, reflecting the standard facilities and services provided. Despite its need for refurbishment, many guests enjoy their stay and feel inclined to return, drawn by the hotel's unique charm and excellent location.
Accessible
The staff at The Bear Hotel are generally helpful and have been praised for their assistance, making the stay more comfortable. For guests requiring no steps, some rooms cater specifically to this need, potentially providing a hassle-free experience.
However, there are several drawbacks that could pose challenges. The absence of lifts in many parts of the hotel means that guests often have to navigate numerous stairs, making it difficult for those with more severe mobility issues. Some reviews mention the lack of grab rails in the bathrooms and high steps that are not ideal for disabled guests. Additionally, some rooms assigned as ‘disabled’ were not requested, leading to unnecessary confusion. Historic features like sloping floors and staircases add to the complexity of navigation within the property.
Guests with severe mobility issues may find the hotel's layout challenging, especially given the lack of consistent elevator access and necessary adaptations, such as safety rails in bathrooms. Accessibility needs should be communicated with the hotel prior to booking to ensure a more comfortable stay.
Overall, while The Bear Hotel does accommodate guests with some accessibility needs, the historic nature and structure of the building can present considerable challenges for those with significant mobility restrictions.
No, The Bear Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Bear Hotel.
No, The Bear Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Bear Hotel.
No, The Bear Hotel doesn't have a gym.
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