Checked out after one night!
by TripAdvisor Member Kate24_London
We were sorely disappointed by almost every point of our stay here, which was supposed to be for two nights but we decided we couldn't bear to stay for the second. Some things are a matter of personal preference (such as an extremely uncomfortable bed), but others were just totally unprofessional. The room was supposedly recently refurbished, but although large was quite dingy and felt tatty. The bathroom was unheated (with a tiled floor), and there was not enough hot water for a shower in the evening when we arrived. Bizarrely, the towels provided looked clean, but smelled as though they has been used by the previous occupants and left unwashed. I ended up having to use only the hand towel, which was the least awful. After a broken night, we hoped that the breakfast would partially help to redeem the situation. It looked promising at first, with a large buffet and wide selection of cereals and cold dishes, but was let down by the quality of the food - crunchy scrambled eggs were the last straw!
We raised most of these points with the duty manager at the time, and were duly given a reduced bill when we checked out a few minutes later. The service was the one good thing we found about this hotel.
Wonderfully romantic
by TripAdvisor Member Dex67
Our stay at the Bear Hotel was truely outstanding, from the spacious rooms to the level of service. The majority of the rooms surround a courtyard and ours looked like the entrance to an old fashioned tea shop - complete with double bay window! Inside the furnishings were excellent and the bed wonderfully comfortable. The bathroom was on the small size but spotlessly clean. Breakfast was a feast with plenty on offer and all freshly cooked. The staff was excellent and very courteous. All in all highly recommended for a special stay
A bit disappointed really
by TripAdvisor Member MeganMick
We stayed at the hotel for one evening for a romantic getaway before spending the day in Oxford.A double room cost £150 for the night including breakfst and was in our opinion vastly overpriced (and that was with internet discount). The room was nice but small as was the bathroom. The staff were on the whole pleasant but did not offer to help us with our bags on arrival (although they interestly offered an older more afflent looking couple assistance!).
We ate in the restaurant that evening - again we felt it was overpriced, and with hindsight would have eaten in the village as there are several restaurants nearby.
In summary, lovely location and very pretty hotel but would not pay that much to stay in such a small room again.
Ps don't even think about the minibar if you are on a budget - they have to be the most expensive Mars Bars ever!!
Overpriced disappointment
by TripAdvisor Member gracillus
We have just spent a night at The Bear, very disappointing. We were put in a tiny room with rising damp £150 and NOT told that checkout was 11.00am. BE WARNED if you arrive late, they don't tell you anything. They add £3 onto the bill for payment by credit card and £1 charity donation which then does not appear on the bill. When I asked what charity the money goes to? I was told 'children's charities'. I imagine Macdonald hotels feel very good about 'it's charitable' donations, be nicer if the money was out of their pockets not the customers. I stayed in the hotel ten years ago, it was great, now it's a money making machine and the poorer for it.
Nice Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member JPG074
Nice hotel set in a beautiful village. Hotel staff were friendly and very helpful. Room was tastefully decorated and very clean, though the heating wasn't great. Though overall I would recommend it!
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