The Castle at Taunton♡

The years have not been kind to this hotel

4.0

I remember when this was a go to destination with various top chefs leading the kitchen. They make much of 75 years of family ownership but that means little if your offer is average at best. It feels more like a Forte hotel from the 1970’s and we’ve moved on. It feels like there is no passion now for what was once a venerable hotel. The public rooms have no cohesion and where they have been refurbished they simply seem to have been done cheaply. By contrast the grand staircase shows what the whole could look like. Bedrooms are basic and not worth the cost really. Again whilst upgraded this seems to have been done cheaply: painted walls, an odd mix of furniture and a very basic bathroom. Simple toiletries, no bathrobe, less than luxurious beds, poor insulation. A very quiet night but I still had the smallest double room. So glad I stayed one rather than my originally planned two nights. I’d hoped for a rather enjoyable trip down memory lane but It’s all rather sad and a bit depressing. It needs a rethink and perhaps new life rather than simply relying on ‘we’ve owned it for 75 years’. I last visited over 30 years ago and the years have not been kind.

So average

6.0

This hotel is so average. Our room was really poor, the bathroom tired and breakfast poorly presented with staff who just weren’t interested.

Wonderful Weekend

10.0

Stayed the weekend and attended the Chefs Tasting Experience on the Saturday evening. Absolutely fantastic meal with a tasty wine flight. The menu was well thought out and the food beautifully presented. Enjoyed a cocktail in Brazz beforehand for a perfect start to a great evening. We also stayed for Sunday lunch, another outstanding meal, best Sunday roast, everything cooked perfectly, very generous portions (including the meal on Saturday evening). Fantastic staff, wonderful hotel. Will definitely be staying again.

Avoid!!!

2.0

Really disappointed considering the cost of the "garden room", which overlooked the so called garden. Room itself was big but there was music being played which kept us up until midnight. I had to put tissue paper in my ears to try and drown out the noise. Hotel claims it was from a venue outside but we believe it came from the music room in the hotel as it was the same noise when we left the morning after. The central heating was noisy and woke us up at 5am. Then when checking out we had our parking and drinks charge duplicated. When challenged they already processed payment so they owe me money, which I still haven't had 4 days after our stay. No refund, just an apology so I would stay clear.

A Grand Hotel

8.0

We stayed for one night at the very grand Castle Hotel. The hotel has a long history dating back many centuries. The receptionist was very helpful as was all staff we encountered. Our room was large & spacious unlike many hotel rooms which tend to be on the small size. Breakfast was good we had the cold buffet with various fruits, yogurt and pastries followed by Eggs Benedict. The Castle is located in the centre of Taunton with an abundance of shops, bars and restraints close by.

FAB SUNDAY LUNCH!

10.0

Went with a friend for Sunday lunch - superb! Should have asked for a small plate :) The stuffing was exceptional as was the whole meal including wonderfully tasty carrots, a huge Yorkshire pud, cranberry sauce, cauliflower cheese, greens, turkey, roast potatoes, pig in blanket, parsnip and so on - all beautifully cooked so well done chef/s! ~And the salmon starter also very good and beautifully presented. Many thanks! And the decorations were also lovely with a huge tree. Only moan would be having to pay for parking whilst a guest - seemed rather petty to us and I think any charge should be deducted from the bill.