Marlborough Arms

This charming historic coaching inn offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its excellent staff and superb breakfast. Its signature feature is its prime location in the heart of Woodstock, providing easy walking access to Blenheim Palace. The hotel is ideal for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as families looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation. Guests consistently praise the hotel's warm atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and the genuine hospitality of its team. To enhance your experience, consider taking advantage of the hotel's recommendations for local restaurants offering guest discounts, and utilize the convenient bus service to Oxford directly from outside the hotel.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's inviting communal spaces, including a cozy lounge area often featuring a roaring log fire, creating a warm and relaxing ambiance. There is also a small bar available for residents to enjoy evening drinks, though some guests note its limited selection and early closing time. The hotel operates primarily as a bed and breakfast, meaning there is no full restaurant service for dinner, but this is well-compensated by the abundance of nearby dining options. A charming courtyard provides an outdoor space for relaxation. The building's historic character, with its traditional features, adds significantly to the overall guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The rooms are consistently described as spacious, spotlessly clean, and very comfortable, ensuring a restful stay for most guests. Many reviews highlight the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, contributing to a good night's sleep. Rooms are generally well-appointed with amenities such as coffee makers, tea and coffee supplies, and bottled water. While some guests in street-facing rooms noted traffic noise if windows were open, this typically subsided in the evening, and many found their rooms to be quiet. The bathrooms are often praised for their good size, with some featuring walk-in showers or even claw baths, though a few older bathrooms might benefit from minor updates.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent, superb, and delicious. Guests appreciate the wide variety of options available, including a comprehensive continental buffet with fresh fruit, cereals, and pastries. The highlight for many is the cooked-to-order hot breakfast, with options like a full English breakfast, often featuring local ingredients. Special mention is frequently made of the homemade jams and marmalades, adding a delightful touch. The breakfast is served in a bright and airy dining room, and the attentive staff ensure a pleasant start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the charming town of Woodstock, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the area. Its proximity to Blenheim Palace is a major draw, with guests enjoying an easy walking distance to the palace gates. The hotel is also ideally situated for accessing Woodstock's numerous shops, pubs, and restaurants, many of which offer special discounts for hotel guests. For those wishing to visit Oxford, a bus stop is conveniently located directly outside the hotel, providing easy and stress-free public transport. A private car park is available at the rear of the property, which is a significant advantage, though some guests found it could be tight or busy at peak times.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel are overwhelmingly praised as its greatest asset, consistently described as friendly, helpful, welcoming, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. From the quick check-in process to the service during breakfast and general assistance, the team's dedication to guest satisfaction is evident. Many reviews commend the staff for their cheerful demeanor and efficiency, making guests feel valued and at home. This exceptional level of customer service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel, being a historic 15th-century coaching inn, retains much of its original character, which includes charming quirks like creaky floorboards and sloping floors, adding to its unique appeal. Most guests find these features contribute to the ambiance rather than detracting from their stay. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, with specific rooms available for guests traveling with their dogs. Many guests enjoy a complimentary cream tea upon arrival, often including Prosecco, which is a much-appreciated welcoming gesture. The property also provides guest discounts at several local restaurants, encouraging exploration of Woodstock's dining scene.