Sleeping Bear Hotels Dorchester

Hotels
8.7 (1400 reviews)
32 High West Street , Dorchester , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Heating
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Meeting/banquet facilities
Non-smoking throughout
Daily housekeeping
Designated smoking area
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 1400 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
R
Rosario • couple • gb
8
We stayed during week days, and we did not see many people. The hotel felt underused.
Pros:

The settings. Nicely done, lots of places to sit and relax. Big dining area with lots of tables, but no breakfast... Strange.

Cons:

We should have read the reviews with more attention. Parking at the back of the hotel is owned by Just Parking and prices are extortionate. This is not clear in the information you find upfront in the booking.com page. It is only mentioned in the reviews, and not in a negative way. In short, misleading.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
P
Philippa • family_with_children • gb
6
Comfortable but impersonal.
Pros:

The room was clean and bed comfortable

Cons:

There are no staff available visibly so it feels very impersonal. No breakfast. The car park used to be for the hotel guests' use but is now managed by just park which I failed to notice on late arrival last night, having previously parked then when it was under different management.
I prefer more personal touch in a hotels

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
L
Lowe • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • solo_traveller • gb
10
Excellent stay in a very clean room with friendly staff
Pros:

Excellent service , very welcoming and extremely clean room.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
C
Calogero C. • solo_traveller • it
8
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
L
lawrence • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • couple • gb
10
2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • solo_traveller • gb
10
I really like staying at the Sleeping Bear Hitel. A new experience, the modern approach.
Pros:

They had a breakfast guide which I used

2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • couple • gb
8
Clean, efficient and well located
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Lack of parking but understandable in city centre location

2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
D
Donia • solo_traveller • gb
10
reliable and comfortable
Pros:

Great place to stay, stayed here a few times due to work. There is a great canteen area where you can heat food up, eat a take away, there is also tea and coffee freely flowing too. Rooms are very clean and beds are extremely comfortable... I always get a good nights sleep. Staff are very friendly and always remember you from previous visits, see you all soon, i'm sure.

Cons:

The only thing i didn't like was getting up for work, and not being able to stay in the nice comfy bed for a little bit longer!!

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
C
catherine • couple • gb
5
Lovely location .
Cons:

Bit pricey for one night with no breakfast

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
A
Ann • couple • gb
8
A very nice place to stay.
Pros:

Central location. On site parking if you pre book. Very helpful staff. Very clean and everywhere looked well looked after. Lots of lounge areas and plenty of tea and coffee at all times. A very nice hotel

Cons:

Not much to dislike. It was extremely hot when we stayed and the only fault we had was that the window wouldn’t stay open. We propped it open which helped and Housekeeping supplied us with two fans.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
R
Robin • solo_traveller • gb
8
Really helpful staff Alan ensured a got a cool room for the heatwave. Many thanks.
2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
B
Boglarka • couple • hu
9
We went for the Tank Fest at Bovington and this was a perfect stay nearby.
Pros:

Lovely building , perfect location

Cons:

The attic room was very hot , windows are little there so not much ventilation

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • couple • gb
8
2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
7
Please room in a nice building that was once an inn, but now offers no food or bar service
Pros:

Location and comfort

Cons:

Minimal staff presence and no food or bar service other than from vending machines and free coffee. A waste of what was obviously previously an inn

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
G
Gerald • couple • au
9
Enjoyed the central location and parking was a bonus
Pros:

A great location

Cons:

All good

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • extended_group • gb
9
Great hotel and really central
2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • solo_traveller • gb
5
Conveniently located and served the simple purpose of overnight accommodation.
Pros:

Bedroom quite spacious. Bed comfortable. No breakfast (known in advance) but attractive local cafes readily available and actually a good alternative !

Cons:

Reception unmanned 18.00 to 10.00 next morning. Though the auto booking in and out was easy to use & worked well.
But definitely NOT the hotel experience I appreciate.
Place soulless and very plain. Just a place to sleep. so not good value for money at the price asked.

2026-06-21 • via Nuitee
I
Iain • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Very quaint little hotel and room, in a very quaint little location.

Cons:

No complaints

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee