Sleeping Bear Hotels Dorchester

Hotels
8.7 (1369 reviews)
32 High West Street , Dorchester , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Non-smoking throughout
Shared lounge/TV area
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Comfortable rooms
Cons:
Cleanliness issues in some rooms
Noise from adjacent rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
7.91
Several comments were made about cleanliness issues, particularly with hair found in one of the rooms.
Service
9.38
Staff received high praise for being friendly and helpful in multiple reviews.
Location
9.42
The hotel location was frequently noted as a big plus, being close to the town center.
Room Quality
8.37
Most rooms were reported as comfortable, though there were specific complaints about cleanliness.
Amenities
8.9
Facilities such as tea/coffee options and room features were appreciated.
Value for Money
8.86
Value was mentioned positively, especially in relation to the room's comfort and amenities.
Food and Beverage
7.91
The lack of breakfast options noted in a review negatively affected this score.
Overall Experience
8.88
Overall experience was favorable despite some criticisms regarding cleanliness and noise.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 07:21

Property Description

Delightful Georgian Hotel in the Heart of Dorchester

Premium Amenities: Enjoy free WiFi, premium digital TV channels, and modern en suite bathrooms with a bath and power shower in every room.

Historic Charm: Built in 1756, the hotel boasts classic features such as fireplaces, panelling, and a magnificent grand staircase, offering a truly unique and charming stay.

Perfect for Relaxation: Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, The Wessex Royale provides an ideal setting for a peaceful and rejuvenating break.

Book now to experience the historic charm and modern comforts of The Wessex Royale in Dorchester.

Important information:

No elevator available.

Guests should note that we have limited parking available on site, and this is charged at £10 a day through Just Park, and needs to be booked in advance .

Please note, group bookings of more than 6 rooms will be subject to a 7 day cancelation policy - if canceled later than 7 days before the day of arrival the first night's stay will be charged.

The Reception Desk is staffed between the hours of 10.00am and 6.00pm. Outside of these hours, please use the self-service reception kiosk located in the lounge. It's quick and easy and takes less than a minute.
No elevator available. Guests should note that we have limited parking available on site, and this is charged at £10 a day through Just Park, and needs to be booked in advance . Please note, group bookings of more than 6 rooms will be subject to a 7 day cancelation policy - if canceled later than 7 days before the day of arrival the first night's stay will be charged.Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: BRS

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs GBP 15 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.7
Based on 1369 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.91
Service: 9.38
Location: 9.42
Room Quality: 8.37
Amenities: 8.9
Value for Money: 8.86
Food and Beverage: 7.91
Overall Experience: 8.88
K
Kar Wai • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
F
Fred • solo_traveller • nl
8
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
J
Joanne • couple • gb
10
Warm cosy comfortable
Pros:

Beautiful building where it needed to be facilities really good room warm clean and comfortable the bed was amazing.

Cons:

Perhaps reception hours could be extended to maybe 7 but not really anything to worry about.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
K
Katy • solo_traveller • gb
6
Nice hotel
Pros:

I choose sleeping bears as it was very close to the party I was attending so picked for location

Cons:

I was on a single room on top floor with no lift we were in The middle of a heat wave but that couldn’t be helped!
Only issue was lamp wasn’t working told the receptionist next day as desk is only manned from 10am til 6pm. I was advised I should have had both light switches on the wall down(opposite the lamp side of wall) in order for the lamp to work, I think a note on laminate paper in the room could have helped that situation. Also no WiFi code in the room I’m from the UK so had unlimited data but noticed the next day the code was featured downstairs again something in the room would have been handy for overseas guests or anyone that needs WiFi

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
L
louise • couple • gb
10
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

It was so lovely and kept very clean. Did not see any staff as I turned up late in the evening. I would recommend using this place

Cons:

I love the place it’s the first time I’ve stayed there very clean and tidy furniture and beds very well kept the property is kept to a high standards

2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
T
Tracy • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
F
Fran • couple • gb
8
Staff was very friendly and helpful, very welcoming.
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
N
Nitin • couple • gb
8
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
J
Joanna • family_with_children • gb
10
Great value for money
Pros:

Smart, attractive hotel right in the centre, close to restaurants. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable, and the huge bathroom with whirlpool bath and walk-in shower was a real treat! The man on reception was friendly, helpful and accommodating to a couple of requests we had such as a slightly later check out. Would recommend!

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
J
Justine • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
S
Sophie • couple • gb
9
Extremely comfortable stay at Sleeping Bear
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
J
James • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
V
Van • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • solo_traveller • nl
10
2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Self check-in was really useful, breakout rooms, brew station in the foyer

Cons:

The 'doorbell' buzzer was really quiet, especially contrasted against the traffic driving by

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
J
James • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
S
simon • solo_traveller • gb
7
A decent hotel worth staying at and probably the only good one in Dorchester
Pros:

Bed was comfortable and room fairly large. Nice en-suite bathroom. Standard coffee and tea facilities were provided in the room and milk available free from the 'fridge downstairs. The hotel was central so could eat out if you want to risk it. Dorchester has appalling takeaways and only two pubs that serve decent beer. Truly a waste land

Cons:

Whilst I was staying in Dorchester they reduced the welcome biscuit packs from decent biscuits to the small malt coffee type biscuits and whats with the sticker on the toilet roll, sealing the end of the roll? Pretentious 'twaddle'- a word I've been saving for such a situation

2026-05-21 • via Nuitee