The Bear Hotel

This historic coaching inn, dating back to the 1400s, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, making it a memorable stay for guests. Its signature feature is its central location in the market square, providing easy access to local attractions and amenities. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway in a historic setting, as well as families and groups like golfers or cyclists due to its spacious accommodations and welcoming atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff and the hotel's overall character. To enhance your visit, it is advisable to register your vehicle at reception upon arrival to utilize the free parking, and be mindful of the numerous stairs if you have mobility concerns, as the building retains its original architectural features.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities that contribute to a comfortable stay. Guests frequently highlight the inviting bar area, known for its well-kept beers and a convivial atmosphere, often featuring a cozy log fire. The property also includes a dedicated restaurant space for dining. For convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises, ensuring guests can stay connected. A significant advantage is the ample parking located at the rear of the hotel, which is both free and off-street, with some covered spaces. While there is a lift, guests should note it only serves up to the first floor, meaning higher floors are accessed via stairs. The presence of charming open fireplaces in communal areas adds to the historic ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and good quality linen that ensure a restful night's sleep. Some rooms are noted for being spacious, and many feature a good ensuite bathroom with plentiful hot water and decent shower pressure. Thoughtful touches like bottled water and tea/coffee facilities are also provided. However, feedback on room decor is mixed; while some find the uneven floors and traditional style charming, many describe the decor as tired or dated, with some mentioning a need for refurbishment, including issues like stained headboards, torn curtains, or paint imperfections. Some guests have also experienced hot rooms, particularly on upper floors, and noted occasional noise levels from the street or internal hotel operations.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent, delicious, and offering ample choice, including freshly cooked options with good quality ingredients. Many guests particularly enjoy the variety of cooked dishes and the prompt service. However, some reviews indicate that breakfast can be inconsistent, occasionally being merely adequate, not plentiful, or having items that are overcooked or served cold. Dinner and evening meals are also frequently commended for being excellent, delicious, and well-presented, with a classic English style menu featuring popular dishes like pies and Sunday roasts. Despite this, some guests have found the dinner quality to be inconsistent, with occasional issues such as dry meat, burnt items, cold dishes, or limited menu options, suggesting variability in the dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location directly in the market square, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the town and its attractions, including nearby museums, the canal walk, and various shops and eateries. This prime position allows for easy access to everything Devizes has to offer. A significant benefit for guests traveling by car is the availability of free parking at the rear of the hotel, which is ample and off-street. However, the historic nature of the building means there are many flights of stairs and different levels within the property, which can pose challenges. The lift only reaches the first floor, making accessibility difficult for guests with mobility issues who are staying on higher floors.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, being described as amazing, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming and accommodating nature, noting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist. The quick check-in process is often appreciated, and many reviews commend the excellent hospitality and professional demeanor of the team. Specific mentions include the attentive service provided by breakfast staff and housekeeping, ensuring a pleasant stay. The hotel is also noted for its family-friendly service and pet-friendly service, with dogs welcomed in the bar area, contributing to a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.

Additional Information
As a truly historic building dating back to the 1400s, the hotel exudes a unique old-world charm with quirky features like uneven floors and open fireplaces. While this character is largely appreciated, many reviews suggest the property is in need of some refurbishment, describing it as tired or shabby in places, though generally clean. Guests with mobility challenges should be aware of the significant number of stairs and the limited reach of the lift. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs in certain areas. It also serves as a popular community hub for locals, adding to its lively atmosphere. Unique historical touches, such as fascinating guest books from the 1920s and 30s, are available for guests to peruse.