The Wessex Royale Hotel, Dorchester

32 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UP 3

A warm and pleasant stay is always guaranteed. The Wessex Royale Hotel guarantees a friendly welcome. During your stay you can enjoy the comforts of o... more

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£ Rooms from £79 (≈ $145) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
9/10 Check-in process
8/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
9/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
8/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
9/10 Overall value for money
  • 10/10 Steven ( Family with older children) 

    from Herts , GB  on  June 6, 2008

    "Lovely hotel, beautiful little town and overall we loved the stay there and would definately stay there again. The people made us feel very welcome and were very helpful." (97803031)

    Very pleasant welcome, lovely size family room.

    As silly as it sounds, little things like the bottled water in the room had already been used and not replaced. Family room at top f stairs and when carrying 2 young children it seem the stairs were never ending. Parking was an issue, had to park on the street overnight but once there was space in the car park they told me immediately and was able to park in the car park.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Gill ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Pershore , GB  on  April 25, 2008

    "Overall it was fine, it was just somewhere to sleep and eat breakfast, I wouldn't have wanted to stay longer." (97914487)

    Easy to book and central to town

    Shower worked when running bath. Noisey corridor. No where to park!

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Stephanie ( Same sex couple) 

    from Dunfermline , GB  on  August 20, 2008

    "The hotel was lovely and the staff were really helpful." (97536655)

    We booked a standard room but got a suite which was a lovely surprise, it really made the weekend/

  • 5/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Bedford , GB  on  March 5, 2008

    "You were significantly more expensive than your competitor, the room was poor, the furniture cranky, the beds uncomfortable. The staff were friendly and accomodating but this did not compensate for what was overall a poor experience. We will not be staying again." (97321427)

    Much

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Robert ( Same sex couple) 

    from Bransgore , GB  on  July 15, 2008

    "OK, May have got a better rate if i booked direct with Hotel!" (108020775)

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 13, 2008

    a bit difficult for a person with bad legs with all the stairs, a lift would help.

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  July 11, 2008

    "Thoroughly enjoyed it." (97359297)

    Excellent service and food. Staff always very helpful.

    Limited parking, and therefore had to stay in public carpark (although the price was relatively cheap.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 18, 2008

    "We had a pleasant time but found our room was very noisy due to traffic and were unable to sleep properly for the whole duration of our stay. The hotel was just ok." (97625421)

    Pleasant staff, particularly in the restaurant.

    Felt that the hotel needed decorating in places and was a little dated generally. Found our bathroom and bedroom dusty on skirting boards etc so a little more time needed in cleaning overall.

  • 9/10 Raymond ( Young couple) 

    from Cardiff , GB  on  February 14, 2008

    really good hotel , food was great and the breakfast was hot and well cooked.Also the room was nice n quite

    Could of done with a extra towel as we had one each and none for drying hair

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  June 6, 2008

    "One of the best stays in a hotel in a long while" (97492061)

    Good Food, served well, any requests quickly dealt with

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  February 6, 2008

    The staff were very friendly, polite and professional. Nothing was too much of trouble for them and they went out of their way to be hospitable.

    I think the price was rather uncompetitive given the prices atother hotels in the town. This was shown in the number of people staying there and it was rather quiet.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 4/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 2, 2008

    "When we arrived we were allocated a room in an annexe overlooking the car park at the rear of the hotel, (we were not aware of this at the time of booking). This room was small and unattractive and we asked if another room was available. The duty manager was very helpful and we were quickly offered another room in the main hotel, which was better, although not very clean and had very limited wardrobe space. The info on the hotel refers to the fact that it prides itself on its cuisine. We had dinner in the restaurant on the first night, The food was very disappointing,the restaurant was empty and lacked any atmosphere. The breakfast however was good and all staff were very helpful. We were booked at the hotel for three nights but checked out after the first night. We did not consider this hotel to be good value for money" (97477878)

    The staff were helpful.

    Hotel not very clean, lacked any atmosphere

  • 7/10 Michael a. ( Mature couple) 

    from Langport , GB  on  May 18, 2008

    "The hotel was in a conveniet place for our purpose. The dinner on the Friday was nice and we enjoyed it as was breakfast on the Saturday morning but because of the seemingly very large party on the Saturday night, the dinner was not up to the same standard and a disappointment and like wise our breakfast on the Sunday morning. Although it was an extremely warm evening, it was not possible to have the window open in the room on the Saturday evening because of the noise from the party and the number of children running up and down the fire escape outside which gave us no chance of any sleep until early next morning. This spoilt the weekend which was a shame. For some strange reason most of the restaurants in the town were closed and it was not possible to have a normal Sunday roast luncheon that day and most places such as museums were also shut." (97906839)

    The hotel was convenient for our purpose of visiting the town, the staff gave of their best even though they were over stretched due to a large party being held there on the Saturday night.

    There was nowhere to hang ones clothes, the room was small and airless, it was not possible to have the window open on the Saturday night because of the noise from the party.

  • 9/10 Terry ( Other) 

    from Thames ditton , GB  on  May 16, 2008

    "Having stayed in this hotel on a number of occassions using standard rooms and suites, I have always found everything to be in good condition. The reception staff recognise you as a past guest (considering their turnover) I think that is a compliment, the restaurant and bar area are very cosy and the service in either one excellent. Of course the icing on the cake is the car park, small but I have always found a space." (97874223)

    Room very clean and all in good working condition.

  • 10/10 Lucien ( Solo business traveller) 

    from London , GB  on  May 5, 2008

    "i liked the feeling of a good traditional and elegantly furnished accomodation with an unpretentious, easygoing and familiar atmosphere in excellent central location in Dorchester and I was surprised by the very reasonable and economical prizes. The relationship quality/prize is outstanding" (97752787)

    Friendliness and Relaxedness with excellent and tasteful accomodation

    nothing

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  May 3, 2008

    "Your hotel is clean and comfortable, and staff are welcoming and very helpful. Your car park is a bit of a nightmare at times. The breakfasts are just great!" (97044902)

    Friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable and reasonably priced.

    Cooking smells coming through open window. And lack of parking!

  • 8/10 Anthony ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Swansea , GB  on  May 3, 2008

    "Pleasant professional staff. Clean room, excellent food prepared promptly ideal for one night business stop-over,thank-you." (97234262)

  • 9/10 Keith ( Mature couple) 

    from Brentwood , GB  on  May 3, 2008

    "Comfortable, clean room and excellent breakfast. Parking limited at hotel, however public car park close by." (97775647)

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  April 22, 2008

    "Other than the lack of a radio station and the parking limits, I enjoyed my stay and look forward to returning when I come to Dorchester. The town is an excellent centre for exploring West Dorset as well as Dorchester itself." (97549732)

    central position in Dorchester clean and tidy room and dining-room free newspaper efficient breakfast service excellent cuisine for evening meal the staff were generally welcoming and helpful

    no radio available ; tried clock radio but could not tune it to any station while parking was available in High West Street I had to move the car by 9 a.m. The parking at the rear was full and very tight, anyway

  • 10/10 Guy ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from St martin, jersey , GB  on  April 16, 2008

    "Excellent, friendly staff, great food, relaxing atmosphere.Recommended" (97251288)

    Very nice room, very clean well furnished

  • 8/10 Alan ( Mature couple) 

    from East wittering west sussex , GB  on  April 4, 2008

    "hotel was generally excellent in all respects,however we were the only diners in the hotel restaurant on the one night we dined there with a consequent lack of atmosphere" (97840412)

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 2, 2008

    Central location

    Small room, not good value for money

  • 6/10 Jane ( Mature couple) 

    from West hoathly , GB  on  March 27, 2008

    "SadlyI will not be go there again." (97530401)

    We have stayed hotels for the same money and received far superior accommodation

    We thought the overall appearance was tatty. In the dining room the chairs which were of adequate condition were dirty. If the seats had had a quick spong over they would have looked ok. The corridors were tatty. The room was uninspiring and the bedlining was poor. The cover smelt. We would have eaten in the hotel, but were put off by the overall appearance.

  • 9/10 Jodie ( Family with young children) 

    from Hailsham , GB  on  March 26, 2008

    "The staff were very welcoming and extremely friendly. Even my 4 year old son was chatting to them 1" (97814489)

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  March 18, 2008

    "I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would be happy to recommend this hotel to anyone whether they were an overnight stayer such as myself or a tourist. It was very efficiently run with good staff, good facilities and immaculate decor. Everything was very much as stated on their website. Very impressive." (97189632)

    Clean, orderly and tidy. Facilities were good and in good working order. Hotel was very nicely decorated and pleasing on the eye throughout. Staff were extremely polite and helpful.

    Parking actually on site was minimal, but there was some out of hours road parking to the rear hotel (6pm - 8am only)

  • 8/10 Alan ( Mature couple) 

    from Littlehampton , GB  on  February 6, 2008

    "The only complaint was on Sunday morning a road cleaner decided to go up and down at 4 am. Of course not the Hotels fault, someone should have a work with the Council." (97997218)

    The restaurant was first class with a good selection of starters and main course, we went for sea bass which was excellent

    The accomodation was clean and comfortable and even a shoe cleaning service is you wished

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  January 30, 2008

    "Staff were friendly and helpful.The room was comfortable and well provisioned We would return.The bottled water was particularly welcome." (97449982)

    It looked fresh clean and welcomimg

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  January 29, 2008

    I liked a lot the staff and the clenliness of the hotel

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  January 28, 2008

    Friendly staff, compact but clean rooms

  • 9/10 Anne-marie ( Family with older children) 

    from Chelmsford, essex , GB  on  January 15, 2008

    "I have stayed at this hotel at least 3 times now and every time has been excellent. Twice I have had front bedrooms which have been noisy, but this time the room was overlooking the carpark at the rear and was quieter. Quick check-in and check-out. I liked the bathroom and heated floor." (97269268)

    Friendly welcome and service. Twin room comfortable and warm. Had a room with rear view which was much quieter than the front. Good breakfast and service. Parking not a problem this time.

    Everything was fine.

  • 7/10 Peter ( Mature couple) 

    from Plymouth , GB  on  January 15, 2008

    "On-line booking was relatively easy. The hotel was fairly described on your web site and even more so on their own. The bedroom was comfortable and a good size. Dinner in the resturaunt was very good and the service was excellent. It suited our purposes as an overnight stay I would happily enjoy returning a short break.Overall we were satisfied with the standards of accommodation and the service was both friendly and efficient" (97804657)

    Most of the character of the building has been retained.The bedroom was of a reasonable size and adequately furnished although the bathroom was quite small. Facing into the rear court yard it was quiet.

    Access was only fair. The bathroom was quite small and on site parking was very restricted but laid out to maximise space available.

  • 9/10 Barry ( Mature couple) 

    from Leeds , GB  on  January 14, 2008

    "I am normally concerned most with the convenience of the location of a hotel, the facilities of the room, availability of services through the day and convenience of parking facilities. In this case all this information was provided by the website. The only thing I had not anticipated was the friendliness and helpfulness of all the staff I came into contact with, from the concierge to the room maids and the bar staff to the dining room waitresses. A rare occurrence these days and top marks to a wonderful team." (97558947)

    In addition to a well-sized attractive room there were several small lounges around the hotel for quiet relaxation or conversation.

    As a previously well-seasoned business traveller, this is one of the few hotels I have stayed in where I'd leave nothing but compliments.

  • 9/10 Irene ( Mature couple) 

    from London , GB  on  December 30, 2007

    "We discovered this hotel a few years ago and always stay there when visiting Dorchester. We have always had a positive experience. The staff are unfailingly friendly and helpful, the rooms are comfortable and the restaurant is very good. Overall, very good value for money." (97192431)

    Spacious room, warm and comfortable. DVD / Video available in room.

  • 9/10 Roy ( Mature couple) 

    from Dunstable , GB  on  November 25, 2007

    "Our overall impression of the Hotel was very good and if we need to stay in the Dorchester area again, we would certainly use The Wessex Royale. We were particularly impressed with the attitude of the reception and restaurant staff who could not have been more helpful. The full English breakfast was excellent." (97640303)

    The overall cleanliness of the Hotel and the helpful,friendly attitude of the staff. The breakfast was excellent.

  • 10/10 Deborah ( Family with young children) 

    from Reading , GB  on  November 3, 2007

    "We enjoyed our stay very much and were plesantly surprised by the hotel and its facilities. Our room was very spacious and the staff were friendly and helpful. However, the hotel car park was full with only 6 cars (the website says there is space for 10)- it would have helped if directions to alternative parking were posted on the website and given out at reception rather than having to drive round an unfamiliar town looking for public parking. Also, the noise and music from the bar could be easily heard when we went up to bed - not ideal when children are trying to sleep." (97308407)

    Our 'Family room' was actually a suite with 4-poster bed - nice surprise! Staff were easy to communicate with and have a meaningful 2-way conversation.

    Inadequate car parking facilities. Could hear noise and music from the bar in our room.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  November 1, 2007

    "No problems except for occasional bad smell, an excellent hotel." (97913150)

    Smell coming from the drains, reported to reception

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  October 26, 2007

    "Staff v helpful but room was cramped. Breakfast was good. Hotel car park v small so few spaces for guests." (97319646)

    Breakfast was excellent, but room was cramped. Staff very polite and helpful. No parking on arrival as hotel car park is v small.

    Cramped. Decor (apart from breakfast room). Lack of parking facilities.

  • 7/10 Simon ( Young couple) 

    from Reading , GB  on  October 17, 2007

    I liked the central location and proximity to the wedding I was attending, the building itself was also quirky and interesting, staff were helpful

    The price, for a standard double bedroom for one night at the front of the hotel (where we were woken by noise on several occaisions during the night)Its was an adequate room for the price that was charged

  • 8/10 Dennis ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Paignton , GB  on  September 30, 2007

    "A comfortable and pleasant hotel within easy access to the town centre. A well equipped room with a comfortable bed. Staff were efficient and friendly" (97631311)

    I liked the Iron And Board in the room and the quiet courtyard location I enjoyed

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  September 26, 2007

    There was plenty of room in the room and bathroom for clothes etc.

    Hard bed and creaky floorboards!

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  September 11, 2007

    "Nice enough hotel, unfortunately located on the main road and so very noisy at night time. The bath room spacious and clean though the flimsy plastic toilet seat akin to a bronco ride. Good food, fine wine selection." (97019047)

    Friendly staff all round. Private, free though limited parking

    Awful muzac in the restaurant!

  • 6/10 Keith ( Mature couple) 

    from Small dole , GB  on  July 1, 2007

    Clean

    Uncomfortable bed

  • 8/10 Rob ( Mature couple) 

    from Chorley , United Kingdom;GB  on  June 11, 2007

    The breakfasts were fantastic

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 7, 2007

    "the staff were all very helpful" (99142774)

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  June 6, 2007

    "Excellent, could not have been better. Bob the barman is fabulous!" (99606864)

    Friendliness of staff, overall appearance, comfort

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  June 6, 2007

    We were given a four poster suite on our arrival. Was lovely.

    Had to ask for the bedding to be brought for the sofa bed. And only one set of towels provided.

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  May 10, 2007

    "There was a wedding reception at the hotel on the Saturday night, and sadly the hotel is not big enough to host this without it affecting the other guests. We could sit in the lounge as it was full of guests and when we did eventually get to the bar we ended up sitting on the stairs with our drinks. There were children running up and down corridors and the fire escapes. When I asked about food for that night in the bar I was told that if we could find a seat they may serve us, but they were going to be extremely busy. Knowing that the wedding was taking place they could have put us in a room away from the disco but no, our room was right opposite. We stayed at the this hotel last August and thoroughly enjoyed it - sadly we will not stay there again." (99814276)

    Lack of thought for other hotel residents

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  April 25, 2007

    staff very good

    Room was small and very noisy due to floor boards and sound through walls

  • 8/10 Brenda ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from London , GB  on  April 18, 2007

    "Staff were really friendly and helpful. Good central location, but a bit noisy." (99386247)

    Generally comfortable, nice bathroom

    Faint smell of cigarette smoke

  • 9/10 Katie ( Young couple) 

    from Witley , GB  on  December 19, 2007

    "very good i would recommend this hotel,one or too problems arose due to have a small car park but saying that i did not have any trouble parking. also i had a special request that was not done but i did ask my room to be upgraded which they did with no problems. music did play most nights well into 4-5 in the morning which did keep my wife awake but we did not complain to the hotel as we did not want to upset our stay,and some food was not avabile on the menu whan i asked so i want out to buy it at a local shop upon my return i was asked for a spoon to eat the pudding with to be told i could have asked for it to be taked out the frezer instead of going out!. when i was checking out i payed cash but i am still waiting for the recipt for this as it was not avable on the day." (97732409)

    in all very good

    some staff

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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