The Old Bell Hotel

The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, United Kingdom, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely celebrated for its unique blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. Reputed to be England's oldest hotel, dating back to 1220, it offers guests an "elegantly eccentric" and "seriously stylish stay".

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Old Bell Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its character, design, and exceptional service. It holds an overall rating of 8.7 on Agoda and an "Excellent" rating of 8.9 based on 787 reviews on Booking.com. Many describe it as a "beautifully renovated hotel with very attentive staff" and "absolutely wonderful hotel full of character".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of The Old Bell Hotel:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel underwent a striking revamp by Texan owners Kim and Whit Hanks, resulting in interiors that balance heritage with relaxed, design-led flair. Expect rich colors, period features, quirky touches like resident giraffes in the hallway (Gerald and Janet), zebra print ceilings, and bold wallpapers from renowned designers. The vibe is described as "elegantly eccentric" and "fun without being in any way tacky".
• Location: Its prime location next to the spectacular Malmesbury Abbey is a significant draw, offering picturesque views and easy access to the historic market town.
• Service: Attentive, friendly, and helpful staff are repeatedly highlighted as a major positive.
• Food & Drink: The excellent food, particularly at the Abbey Row restaurant, and the "killer cocktails" at the Tyger Bar are frequently praised.
• Amenities: Modern comforts like Dyson hairdryers, Bramley toiletries, homemade chocolate cookies, and Cotswold coffee are appreciated in the rooms. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, free private parking, and access to a local gym. It is also proudly dog-friendly, offering luxury fur beds, bowls, and treats for canine guests.

3. Room Quality

The hotel boasts 34 individually designed bedrooms and several Townhouse Suites. Rooms vary but generally offer a luxurious and comfortable stay.

• Variety: Options include Master Suites, Junior Master, Character, Classic, Master Cosy, Cosy, and Single rooms. Townhouse Suites in separate nearby properties are also available, offering self-catered accommodation.
• Design & Comfort: Rooms are described as spacious, exquisitely decorated, and brimming with personality. They showcase unique blends of curated wallpapers, textiles, and antiques. Guests often mention comfortable beds and well-appointed bathrooms. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, retro-style telephones, Dyson hairdryers, bathrobes, Bramley bath products, and tea/coffee making facilities with local products.
• Features: Some rooms feature 13th-century beams, four-poster beds, or super-king beds, along with views of the Abbey or gardens. The Coach House Cosy rooms are noted as stylish and budget-friendly. Many rooms also feature memory foam mattresses for exceptional comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The Old Bell Hotel is a haven for lovers of fantastic food and drink.

• Abbey Row Restaurant: The on-site Abbey Row restaurant offers "inventive modern British fare" in a dramatic and colorful space. The ambience is intimate and laid-back, featuring stained-glass windows, painterly wallpaper, and a ceiling adorned with 8,000 hand-painted gold stars. The menu is seasonal and locally sourced, with many vegetables grown in the hotel's own kitchen garden at Abbey House Manor. Guests have praised dishes like scallops and beef, and delectable desserts.
• Breakfast: Breakfast, included in the room rate, is consistently described as "amazing" and a "real treat" with excellent produce. The Malmesbury Full English is a popular choice, with one guest highlighting the hash browns as among the best ever tasted.
• Afternoon Tea: The hotel serves a popular afternoon tea brimming with mouth-watering pastries, mini desserts, savories, and buttermilk scones.
• Tyger Bar & 1220 Cocktail Bar: Guests enjoy "killer cocktails" and a wide selection of drinks, including almost thirty gin options, in the stylish lounges and bars, such as the Tyger Bar.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Old Bell Hotel is consistently lauded as outstanding. Guests frequently report staff being "friendly and polite", "attentive", "helpful", and making them feel like "family & VIP's". Many appreciate the staff's genuine approach and willingness to go out of their way to ensure an enjoyable visit. The check-in and check-out process is noted as very smooth.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is perfectly situated in the quaint and historic hilltop town of Malmesbury, "encircled by the Bristol Avon river".

• Attractions: It sits snugly alongside Malmesbury's spectacular abbey and is a stone's throw from attractions like Market Cross and The Abbey House Gardens. Malmesbury itself is described as one of the most scenic and unspoilt towns in England.
• Transport: The Old Bell Hotel is conveniently located just a few miles from the M4 motorway (Junction 17), offering easy access to Bath, Bristol, and London. Free private parking is available on-site. The closest airport is Bristol Airport, approximately 35 miles away.
• Accessibility: As England's oldest hotel, the layout can be complex. The hotel encourages guests with accessibility needs to call ahead to discuss the layout, and staff are available to assist on arrival. Currently, the property does not have wheelchair access.

7. Value & Pricing

The Old Bell Hotel is generally considered "very, very good value" for the experience it offers. Room prices typically range from around $185 to $702, with an average room price around $235. Classic rooms might be around $351, while Deluxe rooms can reach $702. These rates often include breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Dining Service (minor): One guest mentioned slow service for breakfast when sitting in the lounge with a dog.
• Dessert Quality (minor): A guest found the dessert in the restaurant to be of a slightly lower standard than the rest of the meal, though still fantastic.
• Room Specifics (isolated): One review mentioned an uncomfortable mattress and a poorly positioned TV in a specific "annex" room.
• Decor Preference (subjective): A very limited number of guests found the quirky decor "tacky" and lacking style, though this sentiment is rare and contrary to the general positive feedback on design.
• Accessibility: The hotel's historic nature means it currently lacks wheelchair access, which could be a complaint for some guests.

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