Bell Hotel Sandwich

Bell Hotel Sandwich: A Charming Michelin Key Selected Stay in Historic Sandwich

The Bell Hotel Sandwich, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests for its superb location, exceptional staff, and a successful blend of historic charm with modern comfort. With an overall rating often described as "Very Good" to "Excellent" (e.g., an average score of 8.0 on some platforms from over 1,000 reviews, and 8.3 on others), it stands out as a top choice for visitors to this picturesque Kentish town.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Bell Hotel Sandwich is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating around 8.0 to 8.8 across various booking platforms. Guests frequently describe their stays as "wonderful," "charming," and "superb," highlighting a very good overall experience. The hotel successfully offers a relaxing break and a blend of comfort, elegance, and historic appeal.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Bell Hotel Sandwich:

• Location: Its prime position in the heart of Sandwich, right beside the river, is a standout feature, providing easy access to the historic town, local attractions, and scenic views.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives exceptional feedback for being friendly, helpful, professional, attentive, and genuinely caring. Many guests specifically commend individuals for going "the extra mile."
• Dining: The on-site restaurant and bar are frequently mentioned for their excellent food, wide range of choices, and good quality breakfast.
• Atmosphere & Design: The hotel is praised for blending vintage with contemporary in a warm and welcoming way, retaining its historic charm while offering updated interiors.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the Bell Hotel Sandwich are generally described as lovely, spacious, very quiet, and spotlessly clean. Guests appreciate the comfortable mattresses and the thoughtful design. Some rooms offer captivating views. While the renovation has brought the rooms up to date, maintaining a stylish and sumptuous feel, some minor points of feedback include occasional mentions of small TVs for the room size and inaccessible connectors, hard pillows, or bathrooms that might benefit from upgrading. Amenities typically include a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, telephone, radio, electric kettle, and free WiFi.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at the Bell Hotel is a significant highlight. The attached restaurant and bar are highly rated, offering a wide range of choices for both breakfast and dinner. Guests frequently describe the food as "wonderful" and "excellent," with breakfast being consistently praised for its quality and variety. The cuisine is often characterized as upscale-rustic farm-to-table cooking. Some guests have noted issues like soggy croissants.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at the Bell Hotel Sandwich are consistently rated exceptionally high (e.g., 9.1 and 8.8 for staff performance). Guests frequently use terms like "wonderful staff," "friendly and helpful," "exceptional, always professional, considerate, helpful and served with humour and energy." Many recount instances of staff going above and beyond, making them feel very cared for.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "unbeatable" location in the heart of the historic town of Sandwich, earning an outstanding rating of 9.3 to 9.6 for its location. It is situated right beside the river, offering picturesque surroundings. Guests have easy access to local attractions like The Salutation Gardens, Sandwich Bay, Royal St George's Golf Club, and Richborough Roman Fort. The hotel is also conveniently located a short walk from Sandwich train station, making it easily accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

The Bell Hotel is often considered to offer "good value," with its official 3-star rating often feeling higher in standard. While specific pricing fluctuates, an average room price around $180 has been noted, which is considered exceptional value compared to the city's average. Guests often find the inclusive breakfast to be a significant value addition.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is largely positive, some minor recurring criticisms include:

• Parking: Limited parking spaces (only around 3 for a large hotel) can be a challenge, though staff do their best to assist.
• WiFi Speed: While free WiFi is available, some guests have reported it not being the fastest.
• Bathroom Facilities: A few reviews suggest that some bathrooms and showers could benefit from upgrading, and some older fixtures like separate hot and cold taps are present.
• Room Comfort Nuances: Occasional mentions of hard pillows, small TVs, or rooms being a little cold due to curtains covering radiators have appeared.
• Lack of Lift: Some guests mention that a lift would be helpful for upper floors.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. agoda.com
4. hotels.com
5. bellhotelsandwich.co.uk
6. hotelskent.com
7. booking.com
8. tablethotels.com