The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection

Marlow 51.54616400, -0.80994900 , High St, Hurley (Show on Map)
7.7
Good


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Summary of reviews**The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection:**

The Olde Bell is celebrated for its exceptional location in the picturesque village of Hurley, a serene spot known for its historic buildings and proximity to the River Thames. Visitors appreciate the tranquil ambiance, ideal for a peaceful countryside retreat. Its accessibility to nearby towns and walking paths further enhances its appeal. The inn’s historic charm and inviting atmosphere make it a favored choice for those exploring the natural beauty of the English countryside.

Breakfast at The Olde Bell generally receives positive marks for its quality and variety, featuring hearty portions and well-cooked dishes, particularly the full English breakfast. Friendly and attentive staff enhance the dining experience, although some guests noted inconsistencies in service and occasional issues with food temperature and organization during busy times.

Dinner experiences are equally noted for their delicious and well-presented meals with commendations for evening meal quality and the bar's ambiance. Though some found the menu uninspired and service slow, the overall quality of food remains a highlight, particularly for those on the dinner, bed and breakfast package.

Rooms at The Olde Bell combine spaciousness, cleanliness and historic charm, adding to the cozy and comfortable stay experience. En-suite bathrooms and clean bedding receive positive mentions, though some rooms could benefit from better maintenance and updates. The unique ambiance of the outbuildings like the barn offers a different appeal, despite occasional issues with noise and temperature.

Cleanliness across the property is usually praised with many areas described as spotless. However, a few guests noted lapses in cleaning standards, especially in corners and bathrooms. Guests are encouraged to address any concerns promptly with the helpful staff, who generally earn high marks for their friendly and accommodating service despite occasional understaffing during peak times.

Free Wi-Fi availability is hit-or-miss with some guests enjoying fast and reliable connections while others report weak signals and frequent disconnections. Ensuring a stable connection remains an area for improvement.

Parking facilities at The Olde Bell are highly rated for their convenience and abundance, making it easy for guests to park without hassle. The availability of free and secure parking adds to the stress-free experience.

The beds are typically described as large, clean and comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. While some guests experience issues with mattress firmness or bed setup, most find the accommodations satisfactory.

Accessibility features are commendable with step-free entrance and easy navigation, although improvements in areas such as the lobby and bathrooms can provide better support for guests with disabilities.

The boutique charm of The Olde Bell is a significant draw, offering a quintessential old English inn experience within a beautiful and historic setting. Its luxurious ambiance, particularly in chic and spacious rooms, enhances the overall guest experience, making it a gem in the luxury market.

In summary, The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, is highly recommended for its idyllic location, historic charm, generally high-quality food, comfortable accommodations, friendly staff and convenient parking, despite minor areas needing improvement in service and maintenance.
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Categories
Luxury Inn
As one of the oldest inns in the world, The Olde Bell in Hurley offers a blend of history and luxury with designer rooms spread across five buildings. The rooms feature handmade mattresses and quality linens. The hotel provides atmospheric dining in its restaurant or orchard garden, focusing on traditional English cuisine.

Dog Friendly Inn
As part of the BW Signature Collection, The Olde Bell offers a unique and potentially historic experience. Its dog-friendly status likely includes amenities that cater to pets, making it a charming option for dog owners.

  Dogs Stay Free  


Accessible Inn
This historic inn has a disabled room located in the Brick Barn with an assisted bathroom. Accessible toilets are available on the ground floors in both the Malt House and Tithe Barn.

3-Star Inn
This inn offers a blend of historical charm and modern comfort, providing a unique and memorable stay. Its location and character make it a standout choice.

Boutique-style Inn

Inn with Parking

Inn with Tennis Courts

Inn where Dogs Stay Free

Room Types
Executive King Room - Non-Smoking Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features a tea and coffee maker, heating and a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Classic King Room Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, heating and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.

Superior King Room - Non-Smoking Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room is air-conditioned and features a TV, a tea and coffee maker and heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

Deluxe King Room - Non-Smoking The double room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.

Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, is heralded for its exceptional location, nestled in the picturesque village of Hurley. This quaint village charms visitors with its serene and idyllic setting, characterized by historic buildings and close proximity to the River Thames. Guests appreciate the tranquil and quiet ambiance, perfect for those seeking a peaceful countryside retreat.

The inn's location offers easy access to surrounding attractions, including the nearby towns of Marlow and Henley. Ideal for walkers, the area boasts numerous walking paths, including scenic routes along the Thames Path and through Chiltern Way. The pastoral beauty of the village and its surroundings is a recurring highlight with many guests noting the picturesque landscapes and the delightful garden as key features of their stay.

Additionally, the hotel's historic charm and old-world character add to its appeal, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The location is also practical, providing easy access to key roads and being within a short drive to London, making it a convenient spot for both a relaxing weekend away and travelers on the go.

Overall, The Olde Bell's location in this charming countryside village, combined with its historic appeal and beautiful surroundings, make it a favored choice for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty and tranquility of the English countryside.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, showcases a mix of praise and criticism from guests. On the positive side, numerous reviews highlight the quality and variety of the breakfast with terms like “excellent,” “superb,” and “first-class” frequently appearing. Guests appreciate the hearty portions, delicious flavors and the ample selection of dishes available. The full English breakfast, in particular, receives high marks for being cooked well and flavorful with some guests noting it as the best they’ve had in a hotel. The buffet breakfast is often described as generous and well-organized, offering a wide range of tasty options. Diners also appreciate the friendliness and attentiveness of the breakfast staff.

However, some guests were not as impressed, citing issues such as cold food despite being served on hot plates, slow service and a disorganized setup during busy periods. Some reviews point to an apparent inconsistency in the breakfast experience with a notable difference between the quality of service on consecutive days. Specific shortcomings include a lack of fresh coffee and tea, limited healthier cereal options and an occasional shortage of breakfast essentials like marmalade.

In summary, while many guests leave with positive impressions of the breakfast at The Olde Bell, some improvements in service efficiency and consistency could enhance the overall dining experience.

Dinner
Dining at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection presents a mixed bag of experiences, but with many highlights worth noting. The food is often described as delicious, tasty and well-presented with several guests praising the excellent quality and superb flavors of both dinner and breakfast. Many reviewers enjoyed the evening meals and found them to be good with a reasonable variety of choices. The Camden light ale and other drinks also received positive mentions for their quality.

The overall dining atmosphere in the bar and restaurant is appreciated, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. Friendly staff and good service are recurring compliments that enhance the dining setting. The restaurant's ambiance with its local charm and beams, adds to the enjoyable experience of many guests.

However, there are some notable criticisms. The dinner menu is often cited as limited and uninspired, leading some guests to dine elsewhere. Problems such as cold food, slow service and meals not matching the orders have been reported. Additionally, some guests felt that the food and drink prices were on the higher side, sometimes not justifying the quality.

Nonetheless, for those staying under the dinner, bed and breakfast package, the value is generally seen as good. Breakfasts and bar meals receive favorable reviews for being good with breakfast often highlighted for its quality. The overall quality of food at The Olde Bell is considered very good by many, making it a recommended choice for a comfortable and pleasant stay, despite some occasional hiccups in the dining experience.

Rooms
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, offers a mix of room experiences based on guests' reviews. While many rooms are praised for being spacious, clean and comfortable with large, cozy beds, there are also mentions of some rooms being basic, dated or in need of renovation. The historic charm of the building and lovely decor in certain rooms are highlighted by many. Guests frequently appreciate the en-suite bathrooms, some of which are particularly large and well-furnished. Cleanliness is generally noted positively, although a few reviews mention issues with dirt, dampness and the need for better maintenance.

The rooms across the road in outbuildings, such as the barn, provide unique stays with slightly different ambiance, described as both spacious and well-appointed, but also sometimes cold or musty. Noise issues and lack of proper room service are occasional concerns. However, upgrades to superior rooms often delight guests with unexpected luxury.

Overall, 'The Olde Bell' strikes a chord with its historical allure, character and the comfort of many of its rooms, making it a pleasant stay for those appreciating both quirks and qualities.

Beds
Guests' reviews of 'The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection' highlight mostly positive experiences with the hotel beds, describing them as generally large and comfortable with many praising their extreme comfiness and good size. The bedding and towels were frequently noted to be clean, contributing to enjoyable sleep experiences. Guests in luxury rooms particularly noted the superb accommodations, including the beds. However, some reviews mentioned issues such as the absence of headboards, misfit of mattresses with bed frames and occasional discomfort with overly soft or lumpy mattresses. A few guests reported needing more pillows and noted some inconsistencies with some describing their beds as terrible or uncomfortable. Despite these occasional criticisms, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that most visitors found the beds to their liking, making for a restful stay at the hotel.

Cleanliness
Staying at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness. Many guests appreciated the spacious and clean rooms, some even describing them as spotless. The common areas also received positive remarks for their cleanliness. Several reviews highlighted comfortable and clean bedding, well-maintained rooms and scrupulously clean beds, which contributed to an overall satisfying stay.

However, some areas need improvement. Issues such as dusty corners, cobwebs and dirty carpets were noted, indicating inconsistent cleaning standards. Bathrooms occasionally showed signs of neglect with moldy windows, unclean shower heads and need for deeper cleaning. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel's heritage and charm, combined with its helpful and friendly staff, often left guests with a positive impression.

For those who prioritize cleanliness, it may be worth inspecting the room upon arrival and addressing any concerns with the staff immediately. Ensuring that the room meets expectations could enhance the experience and make the stay more enjoyable at this charming, historical property.

Staff
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, generally receives praises for its friendly and welcoming staff. Many guests highlight the team's politeness, helpfulness and accommodating nature, underscoring the pleasant and professional demeanor of the reception and service staff. The cheerful and kind attitude of the staff appears to be a consistent positive factor during the guests' stay, contributing significantly to an enjoyable experience.

However, there are some noted areas for improvement. The hotel often appears understaffed, leading to slower service during peak times, especially at breakfast and in the dining room. This shortage of staff sometimes affects the attentiveness and efficiency of the service provided. Additionally, housekeeping staff were reported to be slow and there are instances where the reception area was empty on arrival or the receptionist was hard to find.

A few guests also noted a need for better training and organization among the newer or younger staff members, indicating that while they are friendly, their inexperience sometimes shows. Despite these challenges, the staff's efforts to assist and their positive attitude earn repeated commendations from guests, suggesting that with improvements in staffing and training, the service at The Olde Bell has the potential to be outstanding.

Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi experience at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, has been a mixed bag according to guest reviews. On the positive side, some guests have found the Wi-Fi to be fast and dependable with comments about good connection and free, very good Wi-Fi. However, many guests have faced challenges. Issues such as a weak signal, frequent session expirations and non-existent reception in certain areas have been frequently mentioned. The lack of readily available Wi-Fi codes in the rooms has also been a recurrent inconvenience. Additionally, some guests noted that these connectivity problems extended to the bar area, affecting even basic operations like payment processing. While some found limited connection adequate, others were frustrated by the constant need to seek assistance from the staff. Overall, while there are pockets of good Wi-Fi service, the reliability and consistency of the connection appear to be areas needing improvement.

Parking
Parking at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection is frequently described as highly convenient and abundant. Many reviews highlight the ample parking space available, making it easy for guests to find a spot without hassle. Guests appreciate that there is a large car park right next to the property, which is both a practical and valuable feature for those driving to the hotel. Some reviewers mention that the off-street and on-site parking options are a bonus, contributing to a stress-free stay. Free parking is considered an added advantage, making the experience even more appealing. Overall, the parking facilities at The Olde Bell receive consistently positive feedback for being easy, secure and plentiful.

Accessible
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, offers some noteworthy accessible features that make it a viable option for guests with disabilities. The hotel boasts a step-free entrance and easy access overall, which is complemented by secure and comfortable parking facilities. Guests appreciated the excellent accessible facilities and the ease of navigation throughout the property. The surrounding village also provides a flat terrain, making it an easy walk.

However, there are areas in need of improvement. The lobby and entrance are not particularly wheelchair-friendly and the lack of grab rails in the shower poses a challenge for those with mobility issues. Additionally, requesting specific room types, such as ground-floor accommodations for older travelers, sometimes goes unfulfilled, which can be difficult for guests with limited mobility. Despite these setbacks, the hotel's accessible aspects and convenience make it a commendable option for a comfortable stay.

Boutique-Style
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, exudes historical charm with its abundance of historical detail, making it a quintessential old English pub. Set in a quaint old building, it feels like a classic old inn and offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the English atmosphere. Nestled within a picturesque small village, this beautiful historic inn provides a peaceful retreat.

Guests rave about the charming boutique features and the stylish, individually decorated rooms with particular mention of the beautiful accommodations in The Malt. The setting is both beautiful and lovely, adding to the overall charm and character of the inn. This charming boutique inn is ideal for anyone interested in staying in a slice of history amidst a serene environment.

Luxury
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, exudes a historic charm that seamlessly blends with its luxurious ambiance. Guests have frequently highlighted the inn as a very luxurious property and a true gem in the luxury market. The rooms, often billed as luxury, are described as chic, spacious and exuding a luxurious feel, offering a sense of indulgence to guests.

Rooms at The Olde Bell come with large double beds and luxurious bathrooms that feature opulent baths, contributing further to the overall elegance of the accommodation. The luxurious suites are especially well-regarded with some guests describing them as very exclusive and worth the extra cost.

Many guests have also praised the luxurious breakfast, adding to the sense of a luxury experience throughout their stay. However, some guests noted discrepancies in room size and features compared to website descriptions, indicating a slight inconsistency in expectations versus reality.

Overall, The Olde Bell manages to create a luxurious atmosphere, providing a memorable and plush getaway for its visitors.

Dog Friendly
The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection, is a haven for dog enthusiasts seeking pet-friendly accommodations. With a stellar reputation in welcoming four-legged guests, the hotel stands out as a top choice for travelers with pets. Guests frequently highlight its exceptionally dog-friendly atmosphere, noting that the facilities and services cater well to canine companions. There's an evident appreciation for the dog-friendly garden and bar area, perfect for dining or enjoying a drink with furry friends.

Rooms designated for guests with pets are described as exceptionally accommodating, often surpassing those at other hotels. Dog avenues in and around the property provide a comfortable space for pets to stroll and play, ensuring a pleasant stay for dogs and their owners alike. The staff's welcoming attitude extends to pets, making the hotel a go-to for families and individuals alike seeking a genuinely dog-friendly environment.

However, it's worth noting that dogs are not permitted in the main bar area and occasional disruptions due to barking have been mentioned. Overall, The Olde Bell offers a dog-friendly experience that many find perfect for their travels with a welcoming and accommodating environment for all pet-loving guests.


No, The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection.

Yes, The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection welcomes dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection.

No, The Olde Bell, BW Signature Collection doesn't have a gym.

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