Lion & Pheasant Hotel

This hotel, a quaint old coaching inn brimming with character, is celebrated for its unique charm and central location, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, explorers, and couples seeking a memorable stay. Its signature feature is its historic architecture, which provides a distinctive backdrop for guests. Many visitors highlight the exceptional breakfast and the consistently friendly and attentive staff as key elements of a positive experience. While the hotel is well-suited for those who appreciate historic ambiance and easy access to local attractions, guests sensitive to noise should consider requesting a room away from the main road. Additionally, while on-site parking is available, its access can be quite tight, so utilizing the nearby public car park is a practical alternative.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that contribute to a comfortable stay, including a welcoming bar and a popular wine bar that also serves tapas. Guests appreciate the inviting lounge areas and a pleasant garden or courtyard space for relaxation. While the property retains its historic charm, it's important to note that there is no lift, which means guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns may find navigating the multiple staircases challenging, though staff are often helpful with bags. Rooms are generally equipped with coffee/tea facilities, and Wi-Fi is available. Some guests noted the presence of earplugs in rooms, a thoughtful touch given potential noise.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, describing rooms and en-suites as spotlessly clean and well-maintained. The comfortable beds with quality linen are frequently highlighted, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. Rooms are generally well-decorated and tastefully furnished, often featuring a good shower with ample hot water, though some older rooms may have less consistent water pressure. However, a recurring concern is road noise and traffic noise, particularly in front-facing rooms, which can significantly impact sleep quality. Some guests also reported issues with thin walls or squeaky floors, and temperature control, with some rooms being hot due to lack of air conditioning or cold upon arrival.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent, fabulous, and delicious, offering a wide choice of freshly cooked options. Guests appreciate the quality of ingredients and the attentive service during breakfast. Feedback on the restaurant and dinner service is more mixed; while many commend the excellent food, delicious dinner, and good quality ingredients, some experienced inconsistent quality, small portions, and long wait times. The bar and tapas offerings are generally well-regarded, providing a pleasant atmosphere for drinks and lighter meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the town. Guests find it within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and key attractions, including the river and the English Bridge. A significant advantage is the availability of on-site parking, though this is frequently described as having tight access and a narrow entrance, with limited spaces that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For those with larger vehicles or preferring easier access, a public car park across the road (NCP) is a readily available alternative.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional service. Guests frequently describe them as friendly staff, helpful, attentive, welcoming, and accommodating. The quick check-in process is often highlighted, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Many appreciate the staff's willingness to assist with luggage, especially given the lack of a lift, and their professional demeanor in the restaurant and bar areas. While isolated instances of slow service or communication issues were noted, the overwhelming sentiment is that the team goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Additional Information
The hotel's unique character stems from its status as a historic building, with many guests appreciating its charming and quirky rooms and corridors. Some accommodations, such as the coach house and stables accommodation, offer distinct layouts and experiences. A notable point for guests is that housekeeping services are not always automatic and may need to be requested, which some found surprising. The hotel also provides earplugs in rooms, a thoughtful amenity for those sensitive to noise, particularly from the main road.