The Bear Hotel

Room quality: Rooms are of high standard, clean and comfortable with tasteful decoration. Some rooms have impressive bathrooms like those with copper bath tub.

Pros: room was of a high standard and very clean, the ordered breakfast was tasty and fresh (plus a nice option to sit outside on the patio), and the location was great to explore the local area. Cons: we stayed when there was a (British) heat wave - around 28 - 32°C. The room was very warm and the fan provided was inadequate - you could only set it for a maximum of 2 hours, so we had to constantly get up in the middle of the night to avoid being uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this meant we did not sleep that well because it was quite hot in the room. Separately, I think there should have been a few more items on the buffet breakfast as some may want smaller breakfasts. Overall, I would stay at this hotel again if I was in in the local area (and have recommended), but the heat was uncomfortable and I think air-conditioning should be considered in the rooms. We are, after all, getting increasingly hotter summers!

It’s actually silly, but I just could not find even the smallest thing that was unsatisfactory or amiss on our overnight stay at the Bear in Wareham. It was a perfect overnight stay in every way. This was a couples break on transit to see family in early December, we turned up in a huge downpour. Luckily we were able to quickly park directly outside to unload the car and then the (public and free overnight) car park is a 30 second walk from reception. The reception staff greet you with warmth and genuine friendliness and the immaculate detail and beautiful corridor that strides out ahead of you confirms that you have made a good choice in your booking. To the right, a cosy bar and dining area with a Christmas tree, roaring log burner and a real invitational warmth beckon you in. We were fortunate to stay in Aloysius with its stunning bathroom centralised around a shimmering copper bath tub. The room was spacious, immaculate and the bed was truly the most comfortable I have ever slept in. Let’s not forget that a good nights sleep is an absolute must when staying in a strange room for a night. The food and local seasonal menu in the hotel, coupled with a great drink selection really is the work of talented chefs and compliments the high standards of this hotel perfectly. We had the most enjoyable meal of recent times taking full advantage of the fish courses on the main and specials menu that night. We make the trip to family a good few times a year and whilst not directly en route, this fantastic hotel will be worth the extra diversion next time. A big “Thank you” to all the staff at the Bear (but especially Abby, Alice and Linda). You really made our stay perfect in every way and we were buzzing when we left. We can’t wait to come back.