The Duchess of Cornwall

Dorchester 50.71518000, -2.46647900 , 12 Queen Mother Square (Show on Map)
8.7
Very Good


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsThe Duchess of Cornwall Hotel, nestled in the heart of Poundbury, Dorset, shines with its exceptional location, making it ideal for both short and extended stays. Guests are captivated by the serene and picturesque setting with beautiful views over Queen Mother Square and nearby hills. Its central positioning offers easy access to various local attractions like Dorchester, Weymouth and Maiden Castle, all while providing free, abundant parking for seamless travel logistics.

Breakfast at the hotel receives accolades for its varied and high-quality offerings with particular praise for the full English breakfast and vegan alternatives. The breakfast room's stunning light and elegant atmosphere enhance the enjoyment, further supported by friendly, professional service and an extensive selection of fresh, delicious dishes.

Dinners, while generally praised for their quality and deliciousness, present a more mixed experience. Many guests commend specific dishes like the beef/steak pie and appreciate the ambiance of the bar and restaurant. Friendly and pleasant service enhances the meal, although some mention inconsistent dish quality and slow service as areas needing improvement.

Guests frequently rave about the hotel's rooms, noted for their beautiful decor, tastefully designed interiors and luxurious, spotlessly clean bathrooms. The spacious and comfortable accommodations, featuring large beds and modern amenities, provide a cozy, inviting stay. Although there are occasional remarks about room temperature and minor maintenance issues, the overall feedback remains highly positive.

Cleanliness stands out as a consistent strength with rooms and common areas meticulously maintained. Housekeeping is often highlighted for its thoroughness, enhancing the guest experience in a clean and charming environment.

The staff at The Duchess of Cornwall receive considerable praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and courteous service. Guests appreciate their warm and welcoming nature, as well as their dedication to creating a pleasant atmosphere. Despite a few isolated complaints, overall feedback suggests that the staff play a vital role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Beds at the hotel are another significant highlight. Numerous guests find the beds exceptionally comfortable, often described as the best they've ever slept in. Large sizes and superb bedding quality contribute to a restful night's sleep with only minor mentions of firmness or squeakiness.

While the Wi-Fi experience is mixed with some guests enjoying good connectivity and others facing issues, it's a minor setback in an otherwise highly regarded establishment. The hotel's four-star rating is generally seen as well-deserved, despite some critiques regarding dining and accommodation expectations.

Accessibility features are well-received with guests noting the convenience of accessible lifts, bathrooms and ample parking. Despite minor issues like occasional lift malfunctions, the overall accessibility is considered good, offering convenience and comfort to all guests.

Luxury is a defining trait of The Duchess of Cornwall. The beautifully designed building with its historical feel and modern amenities, offers a regal experience. Guests appreciate the high-quality mattresses, lavish rooms and the thoughtful touches like luxury toiletries and classic British decor, which together create a charming and sophisticated ambiance.

In summary, The Duchess of Cornwall Hotel delivers a delightful and comfortable stay with its exceptional location, charming rooms, high cleanliness standards and friendly staff. Its blend of picturesque setting, luxurious decor and thoughtful amenities makes it a superb choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration in Dorset.
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Dog Friendly Inn
This inn is known for being pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and other animals. It offers comfortable accommodations suitable for guests travelling with pets.

4-Star Inn
This spectacular hotel is situated in Poundbury, just outside Dorchester, and offers a glorious 18th-century setting. It's known for its excellent service and comfortable rooms.

Accessible Inn

Room Types
Deluxe Room The spacious double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a hairdryer. This double room offers heating and a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Deluxe Plus The spacious double room features a wardrobe and an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom boasting a hairdryer. This double room provides heating and a TV.

Comfy Accessible Room Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The double room offers a TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle and heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

Indulgence Room The spacious double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom boasting a hairdryer. This double room provides heating and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.

Indulgence Plus The spacious double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom boasting a hairdryer. This double room provides heating and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.

Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
The Duchess of Cornwall is praised for its exceptional location, making it an ideal spot for both short stays and extended visits in Dorset. Nestled in the heart of Poundbury, the hotel offers a tranquil setting with beautiful views over Queen Mother Square and the surrounding hills. Guests frequently highlight the convenience of free and abundant parking, easing travel logistics. Its central positioning provides easy access to local attractions in Dorchester, Weymouth and Maiden Castle, making it a practical base for exploring the area.

The picturesque and quiet environment, combined with the hotel's charming architecture and scenic surroundings, creates a delightful atmosphere. Despite its serene ambiance, the hotel is well-situated in close proximity to the town center, shops and main roads, ensuring that guests can effortlessly navigate the region.

Whether visiting for business, leisure or en route to other destinations, the Duchess of Cornwall's location proves to be a significant advantage. The hotel's seamless integration with Poundbury's unique village-like setting adds an extra layer of charm to this already impressive accommodation.

Breakfast
Visiting 'The Duchess of Cornwall' offers a unique breakfast experience that has garnered a range of opinions. On the positive side, many guests laud the varied and high-quality breakfast options. Reviews frequently highlight the full English breakfast and the vegan alternatives as exceptional. The breakfast offerings are described as delicious, fresh and beautifully presented. The atmosphere in the breakfast room, often noted for its stunning light and elegance, adds to the overall experience. Guests also appreciated the extensive selection, from pastries to cooked dishes and the friendly, professional service provided by the staff.

However, some reviews mention areas for improvement. Issues such as limited fruit selections, lack of butter or jam and occasional overcooked or poorly cooked items like eggs and bacon were noted. There were also complaints about the wait times for breakfast and dissatisfaction with the coffee quality. Despite these mixed reviews, the breakfast at 'The Duchess of Cornwall' generally leaves a positive impression, making it a noteworthy aspect of the stay.

Dinner
Reviews of dinners at The Duchess of Cornwall largely highlight a mix of praise and occasional criticism. Many guests commended the food, describing it as gorgeous, stunning, delicious, fresh and of high quality. Diners often found the pub meals exceptional with dishes such as the beef/steak pie receiving specific praise. The ambiance of the bar area and restaurant added to the positive dining experience, along with friendly and pleasant service from the staff.

Despite these positives, there were noteworthy issues. Some diners reported inconsistent quality with specific complaints about overcooked fish and chips, dry confit duck leg and tough steak. The menu was frequently described as limited and sometimes missing several items, which led to disappointment for some guests. Moreover, slow service and long waits for starters were a recurrent problem and several diners noted poor service during their meals.

The dinner portions were sometimes deemed small and some guests felt the quality did not meet their expectations for a four-star establishment. Additionally, there were occasional problems such as being charged twice for dinner and no dinner service on Sunday. Overall, while the food was generally good and well-prepared, the dining experience could be improved with a more extensive menu, better service and consistently high-quality dishes.

Rooms
The Duchess of Cornwall hotel offers an intriguing architectural experience, reflected in its beautifully decorated and thoughtfully designed rooms. Guests often praise the spaciousness and cleanliness of the accommodations, appreciating the tasteful decor and comfortable furnishings. Many rooms feature large, comfortable beds and well-appointed bathrooms, often described as luxurious and spotlessly clean.

The hotel rooms are equipped with modern amenities and offer charming touches, such as personal items and tea-making facilities, ensuring a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The decor is typically English, combining period style with modern comfort. Some rooms even provide stunning views, adding to the overall pleasant experience.

However, a few reviews note issues with room temperature with some spaces being uncomfortably warm. Occasional maintenance concerns, such as a lack of hot water or specific cleanliness details, were mentioned by a few guests. Additionally, while most rooms are spacious, a minority were described as smaller than expected, sometimes lacking adequate storage solutions. Despite these minor setbacks, the overwhelming consensus is that The Duchess of Cornwall hotel delivers an excellent stay with beautiful, comfortable and well-maintained rooms.

Beds
Guests consistently praised the beds at The Duchess of Cornwall, highlighting their comfort and quality. Many described the beds as very comfortable with some even stating they were the most comfortable they've ever slept in. The large bed sizes were appreciated and frequently noted, providing ample space for a restful night. The bedding, often referred to as superb and sumptuous, added to the overall positive sleeping experience.

However, there were occasional mentions of beds being too hard or firm for some guests' preferences and a few noted squeaky frames. Despite these minor concerns, the general consensus remained strongly supportive of the quality and comfort offered by the beds. The spacious, stylish rooms with well-maintained, clean bedding further contributed to the positive impressions. Overall, the beds at The Duchess of Cornwall were a significant highlight for many visitors, contributing to their enjoyable stay.

Cleanliness
"The Duchess of Cornwall" hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking both comfort and hygiene. Most guests highlight the spotlessly clean and well-maintained rooms, often described as beautifully decorated and spacious. The bathrooms, in particular, get frequent mentions for being sparkling clean and well-designed.

Common areas of the hotel are also lauded for their impeccable cleanliness with everything being kept tidy and in order. Housekeeping is noted to be first-rate, as cleaning staff are often described as outstanding and thorough. The ambiance of the hotel often surpasses guests' expectations, offering modern, tastefully decorated rooms that are both comfortable and inviting.

While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests have pointed out areas that occasionally need attention, such as dusty spots around the elevator doors and some instances of dirty mirrors. However, these minor issues seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, as guests typically find the hotel's overall cleanliness to be excellent.

In summary, "The Duchess of Cornwall" hotel is highly regarded for its cleanliness and charming decor with well-maintained rooms and bathrooms that ensure a comfortable stay for its guests. The positive feedback on the cleanliness standards showcases the hotel's commitment to providing a pristine environment, thereby enhancing the overall guest experience.

Staff
The reviews of 'The Duchess of Cornwall' hotel prominently highlight the exceptional quality of its staff. Guests consistently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and courteous with many noting their warm and welcoming nature. The attentive and efficient service has been particularly praised with numerous mentions of the staff going out of their way to meet guest needs and create a pleasant atmosphere.

The hotel's personnel are recognized for their professionalism and dedication with comments about their ability to handle requests promptly and with a smile. Specific mentions of super friendly, incredibly helpful and polite behavior, along with excellent customer service, illustrate a commitment to hospitality that many guests appreciated. Some individual staff members received special mention for their standout service, further enhancing the guest experience.

However, it's worth noting that there were occasional negative comments regarding management and some service staff, indicating areas for potential improvement. There were isolated cases of non-responsiveness and inexperience among certain staff members and some dissatisfaction with the management's handling of requests. Despite these few criticisms, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive with guests frequently commending the staff's friendliness, helpfulness and dedication to making their stay pleasant and memorable.

In summary, the majority of guest feedback suggests that the staff at 'The Duchess of Cornwall' play a central role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay, earning high praise for their exceptional service and warm hospitality.

Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi experience at 'The Duchess of Cornwall' hotel appears to be quite mixed based on guest reviews. While some found the internet to be good with consistent signal and good speed, many others had issues with connectivity. Guests staying on the top floor and throughout the premises often reported poor and slow Wi-Fi with some describing it as unreliable. Many struggled with streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer due to patchy service, making the overall entertainment system less enjoyable. Despite some guests logging into their streaming accounts successfully and experiencing good internet, the general sentiment leans towards Wi-Fi being a hit or miss at this location. Additionally, there were mentions of 4G being slow, adding to the frustration for those on mobile networks.

4 Star
The Duchess of Cornwall Hotel is a charming establishment with mixed reviews regarding its four-star rating. Many guests appreciate the hotel's stylish character and describe it as a very nice four-star property, emphasizing its high standards and excellent quality-price ratio. The building itself is often noted for being lovely and the overall experience is generally considered good for a four-star hotel.

The hotel provides a regal experience with thoughtful conveniences such as teapots, cups and great linen, adding to the overall comfort. However, there are some criticisms, particularly regarding the restaurant food and breakfast, which some guests feel do not meet the expectations of a four-star hotel. Additionally, a few visitors mentioned that serving cereals in boxes and the size and quality of the accommodations seemed sub-par for its rating, indicating that there is room for improvement.

Overall, The Duchess of Cornwall offers good value and a fantastic place to stay for the price, but it may not fully conform to the high standards expected of a four-star rating.

Accessible
The Duchess of Cornwall offers a mix of accessibility features for guests with disabilities. Positive aspects highlighted include accessible lifts and bathrooms, as well as ample free parking that caters to both cars and field access. Guests found the hotel layout very accessible with easy access to nearby shops and convenient parking options.

The accessible rooms were well-received and despite some minor inconveniences like the lift occasionally breaking down and the noise from rooms near the lift shaft, the overall setup was considered good. The ambiance and room accessibility were adequate with 'no problems' reported by some guests. The hotel's great price, positive staff and good food and beer were also appreciated.

However, a few issues were noted, such as the need for automatic door openers and occasional lift malfunctions. Despite these, the hotel maintains a well-connected, cosy environment, making it a convenient option for many.

Luxury
Nestled in a beautifully designed building with a historical feel, The Duchess of Cornwall offers an upscale experience that transports guests into a luxurious haven. This posh inn boasts high-quality mattresses and an array of luxury rooms, each beautifully decorated with ornate furnishings and adorned with unique, antique touches. The overall atmosphere is classically luxurious, exuding a great English vibe that makes for an extremely inviting and memorable stay.

The stunning architecture of the hotel is reminiscent of an older property with stylish quirks and beautiful modern elements melded seamlessly. Guests are greeted with impeccable attention to detail, from the luxury toiletries and plush towels to the charming short stories left by the bedside and the classic radio station playing softly in the background. The staff's attentiveness further enhances the relaxing luxury experience.

Characterful rooms with superb decor and literary touches contribute to an environment that feels both charming and sophisticated. The well-appointed spaces are accented with high-end amenities, making for a overall very comfortable stay. Armchairs and classic British elements add to the quiet, classy ambiance this fantastic place offers.

Whether it's the beautifully presented accommodations, the luxurious decor or the smart and well-run operations, this hotel is more than a pleasant change from typical options. It provides plush accommodations and excellent service, which make it stand out as one of the best hotels. Although the price reflects the high calibre of the rooms and facilities, the overall quality ensures that a visit to The Duchess of Cornwall is a uniquely luxurious and unforgettable experience.


No, The Duchess of Cornwall doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Duchess of Cornwall.

Yes, The Duchess of Cornwall welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at The Duchess of Cornwall.

No, The Duchess of Cornwall doesn't have a gym.

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