The Old Bell Hotel♡

Beautiful location, and amazing hotel throughout and staff were spot on .

10.0

Everything

− Nothing

Enjoyed our stay

8.0

Location and restaurant

− No air conditioning No fresh fruit for breakfast

All in all a nice place in a good location.

7.0

Room was OK, a little on the small side but was clean and tidy.

− Breakfast was OK but not superb.

Total rip-off! Please purchase effective fans/mobile air-con units asap!

2.0

− Room 7, 'Robins', at the top of the hotel, described as 'cosy'.......so cosy, difficult to to pass round the bottom of the bed avoiding chair for desk! It was at the top of hotel - very very hot - 18th July 2026. Fan in room not on, and window shut! Fan in situ was ineffectual, 2nd fan requested also ineffectual, 3rd desktop style better! One for me, one for my husband and one for our dog! We had travelled from Notts and were only staying at the hotel, as attending a good friend's 50th W.Anniversary lunch at the hotel. No floor length mirror, in room, and only a small 14inch? square mirror on the desk which wasn't at the right height, so couldn't see the top third of my face! No large mirror in the bathroom - only a small round shaving mirror! We were charged approx £340 for the room - understandably wanted to look as smart as possible/difficult to style hair, and apply make-up, to look my best for our friend's special lunch - very very disappointing, and felt we were totally ripped off. (had asked to change rooms but told fully booked) Expected with what we were paying for such a small room, we should have a small frig in room, as cans of water by the bed were hot! Fresh milk would be appreciated, for quality tea and coffee in room. Breakfast also very disappointing, dried apricots in juice, tinned peach slices......no fresh fruit - why? in such an expensive hotel? I ordered 'egg benedict' - only 1 x poached egg - everywhere else I've stayed has always offered 2 - and therefore cut muffin in half, so displayed one egg on each. Not much ham either. My husband ordered the full English, with 2 eggs, sausage, bacon, tomato, baked beans etc. suggest you review the 'egg benedict' offer, the thick muffin was very cold and very doughy too! (would have sent back, and requested another dish, but had to be at friend's for 11.

A Beautiful, Historic Spot with Generous Portions (Just Don't Rush!)

10.0

My wife and I recently visited the charming market town of Malmesbury. While exploring, we came across The Old Bell Hotel just before looking around the stunning Saxon Abbey. Stepping inside the hotel feels like entering a small stately home. The restaurant is located opposite the bar, which wasn't immediately obvious, but the staff politely guided us to a lovely, breezy room with views of both the front patio and the rear garden. Having visited during the intense July 2026 heatwave, we were incredibly grateful for the cool, comfortable interior. The menu features a specials page and is impressively diverse, offering something across the entire culinary spectrum. I opted for the large Ploughman’s, while my wife chose the triple-cheese toasted sandwich, and neither of us was disappointed. The portions here are exceptionally generous—long may it stay that way! My Ploughman’s was a proper feast with an amazing variety of food. It included pâté, various continental hams, Brie, Cheddar, Stilton, cornichons, sliced apple, celery, and a side salad. It also came with delicious individual pots of chutney and baby silverskin onions, plus plenty of toasted bread (though I did have to ask for butter). My wife’s cheese toastie was equally excellent, accompanied by a side salad and her own pot of chutney for dipping. To finish, she had the Eton Mess, which was spectacular and, once again, a very generous portion. The staff were friendly, helpful, and polite, though service was on the slower side. There was a wait of about 20 minutes between drinks and courses, and our entire lunch took around an hour and a half. We would definitely return multiple times to try more of their varied menu. It is highly recommended—just don't go if you are in a rush!