Half Moon, Sherborne by Marston's Inns

The hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily due to its central location directly opposite the historic Sherborne Abbey, providing guests with a charming and convenient base for exploration. Its traditional pub atmosphere, combined with comfortable accommodation, makes it a popular choice. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly staff, the generally good food served in the pub, and the convenience of on-site parking. This establishment is particularly well-suited for sightseers eager to explore the town's attractions, couples seeking a cozy getaway, and families who appreciate the welcoming environment and diverse food options. Business travelers also find it convenient due to its central position and parking. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main street if you are sensitive to noise, and always ensure your vehicle is properly registered upon arrival to utilize the free parking and avoid potential issues.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel, housed in an old building, is frequently described as being tired or in need of refurbishment, with some areas appearing dated or "shabby." Despite this, rooms are generally equipped with essential amenities such as tea and coffee making facilities, modern smart televisions, and Wi-Fi, though connectivity can sometimes be inconsistent in rooms. Guests appreciate the provision of clean linen and towels. While there are no extensive leisure facilities like a fitness center or pool, the hotel's character as a traditional inn is maintained. It is important to note that, being an older property, there is no lift, which means guests with mobility issues may find the stairs challenging, although staff are often praised for assisting with luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many reviews commend the rooms for being clean or even "spotlessly clean," with particular praise for the comfortable beds and high-quality linen that ensure a restful night's sleep. However, a notable number of guests reported issues such as mould (especially in bathrooms and on ceilings), dust in corners or on blinds, water marks on baths, and stained carpets. Rooms are often described as dated or in need of updating, with some mentioning peeling wallpaper, damaged paintwork, or loose fittings. A significant recurring theme is noise disturbance, stemming from the pub below (music, patrons), street noise (traffic, people outside), adjoining rooms (conversations, televisions), and the frequent ringing of the Abbey clock bells, which can impact sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, primarily served in its pub, generally receive positive feedback for their quality and value. The full English breakfast is frequently praised as "excellent" or "fabulous," with guests appreciating the good coffee and available continental options. For other meals, the menu offers a variety of pub classics, including roasts, pizzas, steaks, and burgers, which are often described as "tasty" and "well-presented." Service for food is typically noted as "quick" with "short wait times." However, some guests have experienced unavailable menu items, found certain dishes to be "unpleasant" or "bland," or noted issues like sticky tables. Despite these occasional concerns, the overall consensus is that the food provides a satisfying and reasonably priced dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests directly opposite Sherborne Abbey and within easy walking distance of the town center, its various shops, and other restaurants. Its proximity to the train station also makes it highly accessible for those arriving by public transport. A significant benefit is the provision of on-site parking at the rear of the property, which is free for residents. However, a recurring issue mentioned by guests is the confusion or difficulty in registering vehicles, leading some to unfortunately receive parking fines despite being eligible for free parking. This underscores the importance of ensuring proper registration upon arrival to avoid unexpected charges.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive reviews, often being described as the establishment's greatest asset. Guests frequently commend their friendliness, helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Many instances are cited where staff went "above and beyond," such as assisting with luggage due to the lack of a lift, accommodating late arrivals, holding meals for guests, and providing prompt assistance with various requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as smooth and quick. This dedication to providing excellent service creates a welcoming and positive atmosphere, significantly contributing to guest satisfaction, even when other aspects of the hotel might be considered dated.

Additional Information
A unique and frequently mentioned aspect of staying here is the constant ringing of the Abbey clock bells, which chime every 15 minutes, potentially impacting sleep for those sensitive to noise. While some reviews suggest a pet-friendly policy in the bar area, others report conflicting information or difficulties with bringing dogs, particularly regarding room access. Guests have occasionally experienced issues with the heating not working effectively, leading to cold rooms. The absence of a lift in this older building can pose a challenge for guests with mobility issues, though staff are often praised for assisting with luggage. The pub also hosts live music events, which contribute to a lively atmosphere but can increase noise levels in rooms located above the bar.