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Summary of reviewsThe Dolphin Hotel in Wincanton enjoys a host of positive reviews, particularly for its central and convenient location on the high street. Visitors appreciate the hotel's proximity to local attractions like the Wincanton Race Course, Longleat, and Stourhead, along with the benefit of private parking. The hotel offers a peaceful and strategically placed retreat for travelers.
Guests are particularly impressed with the quality of the breakfast at The Dolphin Hotel. The freshly prepared Full English breakfast consistently receives praise for its taste, generous portions, and inclusive nature, which is included in the room rate. Visitors commend the attentive and friendly staff that contribute to an exceptional dining experience. The hotel's new Stables restaurant also offers an impressive dining experience for dinner, with the Thai curry and fish and chips frequently highlighted as standout dishes.
Despite some rooms being slightly dated, guests are generally pleased with the spaciousness and cleanliness of the accommodations. Family rooms are noted for their suitability, and the traditional charm of the old coaching inn enhances the hotel's quaint appeal. Cleanliness is a strong point, with rooms being kept tidy and well-equipped. Some minor maintenance issues are occasionally mentioned, yet these do not detract significantly from the overall positive sentiment.
The hotel's staff members are frequently praised for their warm and welcoming nature. Guests report feeling well-cared-for, with staff members going above and beyond to assist and create a pleasant atmosphere. While certain beds have received mixed reviews, with some guests noting squeaky frames or minor issues, overall comfort remains generally satisfactory.
In summary, The Dolphin Hotel stands out for its excellent location, delightful dining options, cleanliness, and exceptional service provided by a friendly staff, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Show more
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Categories
Historic Inn
With parts of the building over 400 years old and operating as a coaching inn since at least 1774, this hotel played a role in the town's history, including its rebuilding after a major fire.
Cheap Inn
Located in Wincanton, this inn offers affordable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers. It provides basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
Dog Friendly Inn
Small Inn
Room Types
Twin RoomBright and airy room with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms have a cosy seating area, and a private modern bathroom with free toiletries. This room cannot accommodate extra beds/guests.
Single RoomA compact, newly refurbished room with a TV and tea/coffee makiing facilities. All rooms have a cosy seating area, and a private modern bathroom with free toiletries.
Double RoomA newly refurbished room with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms have a cosy seating area, and a private modern bathroom with free toiletries.
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)Consisting of 1 double bed and 2 single beds, the Family Room features a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, a cosy seating area, and an en suite modern bathroom with free toiletries.
Double RoomThe single occupancy double room with Freeview TV, en suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryer.
Small Single RoomThe unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe RoomThe unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Wincanton, The Dolphin Hotel enjoys a highly praised central location that guests find both convenient and charming. Its position on the high street offers easy access to local attractions, including the nearby Wincanton Race Course, making it an ideal pit stop for travelers en route between London and Cornwall. The hotel's proximity to places like Longleat and Stourhead further adds to its appeal for those planning day trips. Guests appreciate the added benefit of private and secure parking, a rarity in such a central position. The surrounding area is quiet at night, ensuring a peaceful stay, while also being well-situated for events and celebrations at nearby venues like the Memorial Hall. Overall, the Dolphin Hotel stands out for its excellent, strategic position in Wincanton's bustling landscape.
Breakfast
Visitors to The Dolphin Hotel are consistently impressed by the quality of breakfast offered at this charming establishment. Guests rave about the excellent, freshly prepared Full English breakfast that often exceeds expectations and serves as a highlight of their stay. The menu offers a comprehensive variety, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether opting for a self-service or cooked-to-order experience. Diners appreciate not only the delicious meals but also the attentive and friendly staff who enhance the overall dining experience.
There are repeated mentions of the breakfast being freshly cooked, beautifully presented, and setting guests up perfectly for the day ahead. The hotel also receives praise for the generous portions and inclusive nature of the breakfast, which is included in the room price and allows guests to enjoy as much or as little as they desire.
While some guests note a slight decline in quality compared to prior visits, the overall sentiment towards breakfast remains overwhelmingly positive, with some of the best mushrooms and bacon receiving special mentions. The Dolphin Hotel's breakfast experience, complemented by its lovely pub setting, continues to attract commendation from guests seeking a hearty start to their day in a welcoming and pleasant environment.
Dinner
The Dolphin Hotel offers a dining experience that has left many guests satisfied with its exceptional food quality. The hotel's new Stables restaurant is highlighted for its exceptional cuisine. Guests frequently describe their meals as delicious, particularly praising the Thai curry, which is called fabulous, and the fish and chips, noted for being perfectly cooked and presented. A standout mention is the tastiest burger and chips, contributing to the hotel's reputation for providing amazingly good meals. Generous food portions are another appreciated aspect of the dining experience. Dinner at the hotel is generally considered very good, although there are isolated incidents of disruptive behavior. Overall, both dinner and breakfast receive high praise, affirming the hotel’s capability to deliver excellent food options.
Rooms
The Dolphin Hotel offers a charming and comfortable stay, often praised for its spacious and clean rooms. Guests appreciate the careful room setup and attention to cleanliness, which contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. The family room stands out as a perfect choice for those traveling with children, and many find rooms to be adequately spacious with lovely soft bedding and fluffy towels. Despite some rooms being on the smaller side, they are still deemed cozy and suitable for guests’ needs.
The hotel’s location is noted as convenient, adding to the overall enjoyment. While some areas and rooms exhibit a slightly dated decor and could benefit from a refresh, the facilities are functional, providing good value for money. The Dolphin’s old-world charm, as an old coaching inn, may lack modern style but enhances its appeal with a quaint pub and picturesque garden. The friendly staff further enrich the experience, creating a welcoming environment.
In some cases, specific rooms may require updates, such as improvements in bathroom fixtures or offering more comfortable mattresses. Nevertheless, the daily cleaning and upkeep contribute positively to the guests' experience. Overall, The Dolphin Hotel provides a comfortable and inviting stay with clean rooms, good amenities, and an excellent value-for-money option for travelers seeking a pleasant respite.
Beds
The beds at The Dolphin Hotel receive mixed feedback from guests. Many reviewers appreciate the comfort provided, with comments frequently noting that the beds are comfortable or even very comfortable. Cleanliness is also a positive aspect, as mentioned in the context of comfort. Despite these favorable remarks, there are some criticisms. Several reviews point out that some beds are squeaky or creaky, while a few guests mention discomfort, with issues such as a lack of mattress protectors or an unpleasant smell. Overall, while most guests find the beds to offer a satisfactory level of comfort, there are occasional concerns about specific details.
Cleanliness
The Dolphin Hotel provides an overall satisfying experience when it comes to cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for travelers who prioritize this aspect. Most reviews praise the cleanliness of both the rooms and shared facilities, highlighting that the rooms are very clean, tidy, and equipped with the necessary amenities such as tea and coffee making facilities. Guests frequently mention the welcoming atmosphere that accompanies the spotless environment. This hotel is particularly noted for its dog-friendly features, offering blankets and bowls for pets alongside the human-focused services. Although some guests observed signs of wear and tear in certain areas, these seem to be occasional remarks rather than a widespread concern. The overall impression is one of comfortable, clean accommodations enhanced by friendly service and excellent breakfast options.
Staff
The Dolphin Hotel seems to shine particularly bright when it comes to its staff, with reviews consistently highlighting their warm and welcoming nature. Guests frequently describe the personnel as friendly, helpful, and incredibly attentive. The team impressively manages to create a lovely atmosphere, making visitors feel immediately welcomed and safe. Notable mentions point out how the staff are not only polite and accommodating but also go above and beyond to assist guests, with some individuals like David receiving special recognition for exceptional service. Overall, the hotel staff are praised for their efficient, friendly, and approachable demeanor, making them a standout aspect of the guests' experience.
No, The Dolphin Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Dolphin Hotel.
Yes, The Dolphin Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Dolphin Hotel.