One of the finest 4-star historic hotels in Taunton offering cozy rooms, versatile meeting rooms and elegant wedding services.
Summary of reviews
The Castle Hotel in Taunton receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its prime location, exceptional dining experiences, comfortable accommodations, and admirable service. Positioned in the heart of the town, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions, shops, and dining options, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Guests appreciate the charming historic building and serene gardens, despite occasional nighttime disturbances from the surrounding city life.
The hotel’s dining options are consistently applauded. The breakfast buffet impresses with its quality and variety, offering a memorable start to the day. Special mention is given to the creative and delicious dinner offerings across the main restaurant, brasserie, and bar, complemented by a notable wine selection.
Spacious and comfortable rooms contribute to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. While maintaining a balance of historic charm and modern comfort, some areas exhibit signs of aging. Nonetheless, overall cleanliness and attention to detail are commendable, assuring a pleasant and hygienic stay for guests.
Exceptional staff service is a hallmark of the Castle Hotel experience. The friendliness and professionalism of the staff, from the reception to the dining areas, significantly enhance the overall guest experience. Personalized and attentive service often results in guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Lastly, the comfort of the accommodations is enhanced by the beds, which are frequently described as some of the most comfortable guests have experienced. This, coupled with the hotel’s desirable location and friendly staff, ensures a highly satisfactory stay at Castle Hotel.
This property holds an AA 5-star rating and features an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant. It offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and towards Glastonbury Tor.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Luxury' category
Crossways impresses with its beautifully decorated interiors and very comfortable beds, ensuring a clean and tidy environment. The staff are lovely and accommodating, adding to the overall excellent accommodation experience. The hotel offers a range of luxurious services and amenities, contributing to its luxury ambiance and creating a truly amazing stay. Despite these highlights, some guests felt that the hotel did not fully meet the expectations of a 5-star luxury experience. Nonetheless, the availability of good quality accommodations and items stands out, making Crossways a commendable choice for a sophisticated stay.
A historic building with parts dating back to the 14th century, this is listed as a 5-star hotel. It has undergone extensive renovations, including its bedrooms, to offer a luxurious stay.
An 18th-century building listed as a 5-star hotel, The Bower Inn provides stylish rooms equipped with luxury bathrooms. Guests can enjoy delicious homemade food at the inn.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Luxury' category
The Bower Inn is renowned for its luxurious accommodations and attention to detail, providing a refined experience for guests. The rooms are highly praised for their modern yet elegant design with amenities that elevate the overall stay. Each room offers both a bath and shower in the en-suite, featuring luxurious bathrooms equipped with rain showers and quality shampoos and body washes. The beds are notably large and comfortable, complemented by wonderfully plush pillows and huge, luxurious towels. Guests appreciate the additional touches typically found only in high-end hotels.
Breakfast at The Bower Inn also receives commendations with a luxury menu that starts the day on a high note. Throughout the inn, the decor maintains a modern and sophisticated feel, creating a continuous atmosphere of opulence. Service is attentive, especially noted during lunch and the selection of higher-end drinks adds to the premium experience. All these features come together to offer good value for a truly luxurious stay, making The Bower Inn stand out as a choice destination for travelers seeking comfort and elegance.
The Red Lion Inn offers a delightful escape in the heart of the countryside, combining charm and tranquility with outstanding guest experiences. The location, a picturesque setting just off the A303, is complemented by friendly and helpful staff, making it an ideal choice for a restful getaway. The inn's charming rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished, blending modern comforts with historical elegance. With meticulous cleanliness throughout, each room promises a tranquil and comfortable stay.
Breakfast at The Red Lion Inn consistently receives praise for its excellent offerings and imaginative touches, including cinnamon-infused stewed prunes. Guests enjoy a superb dining experience, with both breakfast and dinner menus providing quality and originality, highlighted by beautifully presented dishes in a cozy pub atmosphere. The welcoming presence of the staff further enhances the dining experience, with their attentiveness and friendliness leaving a lasting impression.
Dinner at The Red Lion Inn is a culinary delight, featuring fantastic, well-seasoned dishes and a variety of excellent choices that cater to diverse tastes. Despite small portions noted by some, the overall quality and delightful ambiance compensate, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
The cleanliness of the inn stands out, with rooms described as immaculate and bathrooms praised for stylish features and fluffy towels. This commitment to maintaining a spotless environment enriches guests' stays, ensuring comfort and reliability.
The inn's staff is renowned for their warmth and efficiency, going above and beyond to assist guests, creating a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with travelers. Lastly, the beds are highlighted as extremely comfortable, offering guests a restful night's sleep in a cozy and inviting setting. Overall, The Red Lion Inn provides an exquisite blend of quality accommodations, exceptional dining, and outstanding service in a charming English village setting.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Luxury' category
The Lion at West Pennard offers an exceptional experience with its luxurious accommodations. Guests consistently praise the well-appointed, comfortable rooms that feature cozy beds and pillows. The bathrooms stand out for their lavish design, often including freestanding baths and separate walk-in showers, along with large fluffy towels and sumptuous toiletries. The attention to detail is evident everywhere with additions such as proper coffee machines and top-quality bedding.
The rooms are not only spacious but also decorated and furnished to an exceptionally high standard, combining beautiful refurbishment with modern comforts. Visitors appreciate the luxurious touches, which extend to the in-room amenities like upscale tea and coffee options and toiletries from Bramley. The overall presentation and updated features ensure that the rooms feel very appealing and luxurious.
Furthermore, guests note that the exceptional food and fantastic amenities contribute to a thoroughly enjoyable stay. Whether it’s the superb rooms or the meticulously curated extras, The Lion at West Pennard delivers luxury where it matters.
Burnt House Farm has earned widespread acclaim for its enchanting location, nestled in the tranquil Somerset countryside. Guests find it a perfect retreat for serenity and exploration, providing easy access to attractions like Weston-super-Mare and Cheddar Gorge. The picturesque village setting is complemented by the opportunity to stargaze under clear, dark skies, and enjoy a nearby local pub renowned for its cuisine. The farm is also noted as an ideal stopover for travelers to and from Devon and Cornwall, offering a dog-friendly environment with modern amenities that ensure comfort and charm.
The exceptional breakfast at Burnt House Farm is consistently praised, with hearty English offerings sourced locally. Guests can enjoy a variety of choices, made memorable by the warm hospitality and personal touches from hosts Carmen and Steve, such as homemade plum jam. This fosters an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by their accommodating nature which ensures a perfect start to the day.
Rooms are applauded for their cleanliness, spaciousness, and comfort, with lovely decor and tranquil garden views. The annex is especially appreciated for its space, catering well to families and pet owners. Despite minor issues with some rooms, guests overwhelmingly express satisfaction and comfort, often commenting on the homely ambiance. The meticulously maintained property guarantees a serene experience, exuding cleanliness and hospitality.
The hosts, Carmen and Steve, excel in providing a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests feel at home with their sociable and kind demeanor. Their exceptional hospitality leaves a lasting positive impression, matched by the comfort of the beds, frequently lauded as some of the best guests have experienced.
Burnt House Farm's commitment to a five-star experience is evident in its stellar reviews, with guests frequently recommending the property due to its superb location, hearty breakfasts, and inviting beds. The dog-friendly ethos, with ample walking opportunities and pet-welcoming local establishments, adds to its appeal, making it an ideal choice for travelers with pets seeking relaxation and comfort.
Cross Keys Inn emerges as a well-loved destination for visitors seeking a charming and convenient stay. Its prime location is celebrated for offering logistical ease, especially for those attending nearby events or traveling between regions such as Kent and Cornwall. The inn is further enhanced by its picturesque setting, which many guests find pleasing and inviting.
The dining experience at Cross Keys Inn is exceptional. Guests frequently rave about the delicious and varied dinner menu, with standout dishes such as Confit Duck. The quality and presentation of the meals make dining a delight, accompanied by a well-rounded selection of drinks, including great beers. Similarly, the inn's breakfast offerings are remarkable, with a wide array of high-quality continental options that exceed expectations and serve as a healthy and enjoyable start to the day.
Accommodations at Cross Keys Inn are equally commendable. Rooms are noted for their cleanliness, comfort, and thoughtful amenities, all contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Despite some rooms being on the smaller side, their functional design and traditional charm, complete with open fires, create a cozy environment. A secure and spacious parking area adds convenience and peace of mind for guests.
The outstanding staff at Cross Keys Inn further enriches the guest experience. The team is praised for their friendly and helpful nature, making guests feel welcomed from the moment they arrive. This commitment to service is evident throughout guests' stays, ensuring comfort and satisfaction.
In summary, Cross Keys Inn provides a delightful experience characterized by excellent cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service—all set within a charming and convenient location. Whether visiting for a meal or an overnight stay, guests consistently leave with positive impressions and memories of a warm and memorable visit.
The Grade II listed property from the 15th century is surrounded by beautiful gardens spread on over 7 acres of land. Since 2013 the property offers a unique and luxury accommodation in a rural surrounding.