Macdonald Bear Hotel

Hotels
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
8 (2205 reviews)
Park St , Woodstock , gb

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Historic building
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Overpriced for the quality
Breakfast options need improvement

Categories

Cleanliness
6.5
Concerns about cleanliness mentioned in reviews.
Service
9.5
Staff were described as friendly and helpful.
Location
9.5
Good location for attractions, particularly Blenheim Palace.
Room Quality
7.5
Issues with bed setup and age of the hotel noted.
Amenities
8.5
Basic amenities mentioned, but some positive aspects noted.
Value for Money
6.5
Many reviews mention that it was overpriced.
Food and Beverage
7.5
Breakfast options were lacking; needs improvement.
Overall Experience
8.5
Mixed feelings but overall a generally positive experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 02:16

Property Description

Historic Charm and Celebrity Glamour

Luxurious Accommodations
The Macdonald Bear Hotel offers traditional bedrooms that have housed royals and film stars, boasting en suite bathrooms, satellite TVs, and mini bars. Each room features antique furniture and WiFi access, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Gourmet Dining and Cozy Atmosphere
Indulge in the atmospheric restaurant's innovative British menu, surrounded by bare stone walls, open fires, and exposed beams. The bar offers a selection of fine wines, malt whiskies, and real ales, along with light lunches and snacks.

Scenic Surroundings and Nearby Attractions
Situated just a mile from Blenheim Palace, the hotel is nestled in Oxfordshire's stunning countryside. Guests can enjoy a round of golf at Kirtlington Golf Club or explore The Wychwood Project, both just a short drive away.

Experience luxury and history at Macdonald Bear Hotel – book your stay now!

Important information:

The credit/debit card used to book a pre-paid rate must be presented to reception on arrival at the hotel. Please note that failure to do so will result in an alternative payment method being required.

Please note, some of the rooms and facilities at the property are accessed via uneven steps, which may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Pets are welcome for an additional charge of GBP 15 per pet, per night.

Please note that guests on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast package will have a GBP 30 per person allowance to spend on food only.

Any additional supplements should you go over the £30.00 per person dinner allocation, and any drinks are to be paid for separately.

Please note that the hotel doesn't accept any cash payments

When booking 7 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Please be aware that a limited parking is available onsite, charged at £5 per day.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

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

  • Groups

    When booking more than 7 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • 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.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 5 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 2205 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.5
Service: 9.5
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 7.5
Amenities: 8.5
Value for Money: 6.5
Food and Beverage: 7.5
Overall Experience: 8.5
S
Susan couple gb
8
Loved our stay & the ducks 🦆🦆🦆
Pros:

Happy staff great town with friendly people ☺️good parking and comfortable room with lovely views Room 33 will ask for it next time.

Cons:

N/A

2026-03-26 via Nuitee
S
Sheral family_with_children gb
8
2026-03-26 via Nuitee
N
Nic couple gb
7
2026-03-25 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
7
Disappointingly lacking in atmosphere
Pros:

The room was comfortable

Cons:

There is absolutely no atmosphere in either the bar or the restaurant. There is lots of competition in Woodstock and the Bear needs to up its game if it wishes to attract punters. Having stayed there 30 years ago and loved the experience, we had blithely booked a table for dinner. But after one unatmospheric drink in the miserable bar, we hot- footed it to the Woodstock Arms.

2026-03-25 via Nuitee
R
Ross couple gb
9
2026-03-23 via Nuitee
S
sarah family_with_children ie
8
Pros:

Perfect location and rooms were very comfortable, staff were very helpful

Cons:

Food could do with improving

2026-03-22 via Nuitee
J
Jon solo_traveller gb
6
2026-03-21 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
6
Very functional but great location
Pros:

Great location

Cons:

Very ‘yesterday’ breakfast. Poor quality bread for this day and age and only one jam !!

2026-03-21 via Nuitee
E
ELIZAVETA solo_traveller gb
10
My favorite countryside destination
Pros:

It’s not the first time I’m staying at the Bear in Woodstock. Absolutely the best experience of English countryside and traditional English Inns.

2026-03-20 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
6
Many aspects require serious attention.
Pros:

Historic building. Parking. Clean rooms.Housekeeping.Level of

Cons:

Staff communication / knowledge varied widely from poor to good.No offer of assistance on arrival. Extremely limited evening menu choice - extremely disappointing choice, bland and expensive meal. Requires TLC. Depreciated since our last visit.

2026-03-19 via Nuitee
T
Toni solo_traveller gb
10
2026-03-19 via Nuitee
V
VEMck Business Weymouth, Dorset, England
10
Charming with a star
Pros:

I have stayed here several times for work, it’s a quaint hotel with a historic charm, every room I have stayed in has had a different layout, unique and yes the floor boards creak and the stairs are a bit wonky but it all adds to the charm. Clean rooms with a tea tray & coffee machine.
The restaurant food is good - fish & big fat chips a favourite.
Apart from the uniqueness that has me returning, I am here to mention Angelo from the dinner room, he remembers me with a personal greeting and has a little jug of soya milk ready for me to take back to my room, such a thoughtful touch which is really appreciated.

2026-03-18 via Tripadvisor
B
Bromley couple gb
10
Great value and v clean with lovely staff
Pros:

Breakfast was v good but evening meal had Limited choice, was overpriced and poor quality.

Cons:

Evening meal

2026-03-17 via Nuitee
R
roger couple gb
8
Exceptional location close to Blenheim, and delicious breakfast.
Pros:

Very good breakfast. Plenty of choice from cereals, fruit, to hot foods.

Cons:

Although a spacious ground floor bedroom there was a constant humming/buzzing noise throughout our stay, which I reported to receptionist.

2026-03-16 via Nuitee
S
Sarah couple gb
9
2026-03-15 via Nuitee
M
Michael family_with_children gb
10
2026-03-13 via Nuitee
H
Haydon couple gb
8
Excellent- wonderful village with great character
Pros:

Breakfast was excellent!
Staff exceptional!
plus a wonderful Italian Restaurant across the road

Cons:

N/AExc

2026-03-11 via Nuitee
S
Steve couple gb
10
Great location, friendly people and good value
Pros:

Very friendly and helpful staff.

2026-03-11 via Nuitee
H
Howcutt couple gb
7
Nice room, good location.
Pros:

Room was very good

Cons:

The breakfast was at times overcooked, was only white bread for toast one morning.
The cost of food and drinks was higher than i'd expect to pay, even in a hotel,

2026-03-09 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
9
2026-03-09 via Nuitee