The Bull Hotel

The Bull Hotel in Bridport, United Kingdom, a Michelin Key Selected property, is highly regarded by guests for its charming blend of historic character and contemporary comfort. It consistently receives "very good" to "exceptional" feedback, with an average rating often around 8.5 out of 10.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Bull Hotel is overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently describe it as a "hidden gem" and a "beautiful eccentric pub hotel" that offers a warm, clean, and convivial atmosphere. The sentiment highlights a relaxed environment, excellent staff, and high-quality food.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of The Bull Hotel:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently lauded as friendly, welcoming, helpful, efficient, and accommodating, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.
• Location: The hotel boasts an "excellent location" in the heart of Bridport, providing easy access to the bustling market, independent shops, and local attractions. It also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the stunning Jurassic Coast and nearby West Bay.
• Design: As a former 16th-century coaching inn, the hotel combines its historical roots with a contemporary, eclectic design, featuring beautiful old architecture and welcoming log fires in communal areas.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the free WiFi, complimentary parking, on-site restaurants, and the "secret" Venner Cocktail Bar. Thoughtful in-room amenities like Nespresso machines and Bramley toiletries also enhance the stay. The hotel also features a lovely courtyard garden and a games room.

3. Room Quality

The Bull Hotel offers 19 individually designed bedrooms, described as beautiful, comfortable, and often spacious and quirky. Rooms are equipped with modern comforts such as 1600 pocket-sprung mattresses, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and luxurious Bramley toiletries. Some rooms feature indulgent touches like roll-top baths, four-poster beds, or scenic views of Bridport. Guests have noted the effectiveness of thick blinds and curtains for a good night's sleep.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a highly-rated dining experience with two on-site restaurants, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The cuisine focuses on classic and contemporary British dishes, often utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

• Breakfast: Frequently praised as "delicious," "excellent," and "awesome," with a wide choice including yoghurt, cereals, pastries, homemade bread, fruit, and hot options like Eggs Benedict and kippers, as well as a fantastic full English. Pets can even enjoy a freshly-cooked sausage at breakfast in designated areas.
• Lunch & Dinner: The restaurant provides a "fine-dining experience with a nod to traditional pub favourites," offering Chef's Signature Specials and popular dishes like Fuller's London Pride battered haddock and chips, aubergine and tomato ragout, and tasty Sunday roasts. There's also a special Moules Frites menu.
• Bars: The hotel houses the elegant Venner Cocktail Bar, accessible through a "secret" door behind the ballroom, offering a wide range of cocktails. Additionally, located towards the car park, The Stable is a rustic cider bar (not directly linked to the hotel) serving wood-fired pizzas and West Country produce.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Bull Hotel consistently receives glowing reviews. Staff are repeatedly described as "friendly, welcoming, and helpful," with many guests highlighting their efficiency and accommodating nature. This contributes significantly to the hotel's warm and inviting atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Bull Hotel enjoys an "ideal location" in the vibrant market town of Bridport. The Bridport Street Market sets up just outside the hotel every Wednesday and Saturday. Cultural attractions like the Bridport Arts Centre and the Electric Palace cinema are a short 4-minute stroll away. The hotel is also conveniently positioned as a "gateway town" to the Jurassic Coast, with West Bay Beach (a filming location for Broadchurch) just a 5-minute drive away. For outdoor enthusiasts, Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, is a short drive from the hotel. Transport links include the X51 bus service and Dorchester South train station, from which a 25-minute taxi ride will get you to the hotel. Free private parking is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider The Bull Hotel to offer good value for money, with a Booking.com rating of 8.2 for this category. Reviews suggest it is "reasonably priced for the standard" provided. While prices can vary, a typical room rate might range from approximately £80 to £207 per night, and breakfast is often included.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, a few minor issues have occasionally been mentioned:

• Some guests have experienced a squeaky bed or mattress in certain rooms.
• Service at breakfast has been described as a little slow at times, requiring reminders for items like coffee.
• One review noted that the interior, particularly paintwork and electrics, was "looking a little tired," though it was also mentioned that the bedrooms were due for refurbishment.
• An isolated incident of an incorrect drinks tab was reported, though it was resolved without payment.

Sources

1. booking.com
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5. michelin.com
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10. hotels-dorset.com
11. thebullhotel.co.uk
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15. michelin.com