The Old Bell Hotel

Hotels
9 (1247 reviews)
Abbey Row, Malmesbury , Malmesbury , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Beautiful hotel
Quirky design
Cons:
Overpriced for facilities
Old furnishings
Dirty carpets
High drink prices

Categories

Cleanliness
8.46
Some comments indicated issues with maintenance, such as battered paintwork and dirty carpets.
Service
9.43
Consistently praised for being friendly and attentive.
Location
9.47
Highlighted as very good and within a charming area.
Room Quality
8.42
Some rooms were noted as slightly uncomfortable with old furnishings.
Amenities
8.95
Good amenities, though drinks were remarked as expensive.
Value for Money
8.41
Several reviews indicated that it felt overpriced for certain facilities.
Food and Beverage
9.46
Excellent food quality noted; breakfast and meals received high praise.
Overall Experience
9.43
General sentiment reflected enjoyment and comfort during stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 02:08

Property Description

Historic Charm and Character
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of England's oldest purpose-built hotel. From log fires to period furniture, every corner exudes historic charm.

Prime Location
Nestled next to the famous Abbey in Malmesbury, and conveniently located near the Cotswolds and M4 motorway, The Old Bell offers the perfect base for exploring the picturesque surroundings.

Unique Room Experience
Individually furnished rooms provide a blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort. Whether you prefer a cozy, period-style room in the main house or a light-filled retreat in the Coach House, each accommodation is a unique experience in itself.

Experience quintessential English hospitality at The Old Bell. Book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.

Important information:

Please note that the following rooms are located on upper-level floors:
- Double Room - Character
- A unit of 'Deluxe Double Room'
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms 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 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 6 years old to 17 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 1247 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.46
Service: 9.43
Location: 9.47
Room Quality: 8.42
Amenities: 8.95
Value for Money: 8.41
Food and Beverage: 9.46
Overall Experience: 9.43
D
dee090 Couples
10
Couldn't fault anything
Pros:

Stayed here for 2 nights. I had only booked a cosy category room as we were in Malmesbury to attend a wedding so I knew we wouldn't be spending much time in our room. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we actually had a room which other hotels would categorise as a suite. We had a nicely decorated bedroom with a separate living room. It was very hot weather during our stay but the fans were very effective & we slept well.

The decor is quirky but I liked it. There is free private parking. We had dinner one night which was very good. We had breakfast both mornings which offered a good choice all freshly cooked. All of the staff were delightful, friendly & efficient.

Really enjoyed our brief stay & would happily return.

2026-07-30 via Tripadvisor
J
jrs576 Family Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10
Nailed it
Pros:

Loved Malmesbury as a home base for Cotswalds touring and loved our accommodations at the Old Bell. We were in townhouse at 86 abbey row, it was great for our family. Two roomy bedrooms and then pull out couch in living room equates to plenty of space. Unexpected bonus was a small patio and yard to enjoy the beautiful weather. The decor was exquisitely done, totally nailed the English countryside vibes one dreams of when going to the Cotswalds

2026-07-27 via Tripadvisor
P
Peter couple gb
10
Beautiful location, and amazing hotel throughout and staff were spot on .
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-24 via Nuitee
N
Nigel couple gb
8
Enjoyed our stay
Pros:

Location and restaurant

Cons:

No air conditioning
No fresh fruit for breakfast

2026-07-23 via Nuitee
G
Gary couple gb
7
All in all a nice place in a good location.
Pros:

Room was OK, a little on the small side but was clean and tidy.

Cons:

Breakfast was OK but not superb.

2026-07-22 via Nuitee
R
Richard G couple gb
8
2026-07-22 via Nuitee
N
Nia couple gb
10
2026-07-22 via Nuitee
C
Carole solo_traveller gb
10
2026-07-20 via Nuitee
A
Amanda couple gb
2
Total rip-off! Please purchase effective fans/mobile air-con units asap!
Cons:

Room 7, 'Robins', at the top of the hotel, described as 'cosy'.......so cosy, difficult to to pass round the bottom of the bed avoiding chair for desk! It was at the top of hotel - very very hot - 18th July 2026.

Fan in room not on, and window shut! Fan in situ was ineffectual, 2nd fan requested also ineffectual, 3rd desktop style better! One for me, one for my husband and one for our dog! We had travelled from Notts and were only staying at the hotel, as attending a good friend's 50th W.Anniversary lunch at the hotel.

No floor length mirror, in room, and only a small 14inch? square mirror on the desk which wasn't at the right height, so couldn't see the top third of my face! No large mirror in the bathroom - only a small round shaving mirror!

We were charged approx £340 for the room - understandably wanted to look as smart as possible/difficult to style hair, and apply make-up, to look my best for our friend's special lunch - very very disappointing, and felt we were totally ripped off. (had asked to change rooms but told fully booked)
Expected with what we were paying for such a small room, we should have a small frig in room, as cans of water by the bed were hot! Fresh milk would be appreciated, for quality tea and coffee in room.

Breakfast also very disappointing, dried apricots in juice, tinned peach slices......no fresh fruit - why? in such an expensive hotel? I ordered 'egg benedict' - only 1 x poached egg - everywhere else I've stayed has always offered 2 - and therefore cut muffin in half, so displayed one egg on each. Not much ham either. My husband ordered the full English, with 2 eggs, sausage, bacon, tomato, baked beans etc. suggest you review the 'egg benedict' offer, the thick muffin was very cold and very doughy too! (would have sent back, and requested another dish, but had to be at friend's for 11.

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
M
mattlM8575CN Couples Highworth, Wiltshire, England
10
A Beautiful, Historic Spot with Generous Portions (Just Don't Rush!)
Pros:

My wife and I recently visited the charming market town of Malmesbury. While exploring, we came across The Old Bell Hotel just before looking around the stunning Saxon Abbey.
Stepping inside the hotel feels like entering a small stately home. The restaurant is located opposite the bar, which wasn't immediately obvious, but the staff politely guided us to a lovely, breezy room with views of both the front patio and the rear garden. Having visited during the intense July 2026 heatwave, we were incredibly grateful for the cool, comfortable interior.
The menu features a specials page and is impressively diverse, offering something across the entire culinary spectrum. I opted for the large Ploughman’s, while my wife chose the triple-cheese toasted sandwich, and neither of us was disappointed. The portions here are exceptionally generous—long may it stay that way! My Ploughman’s was a proper feast with an amazing variety of food. It included pâté, various continental hams, Brie, Cheddar, Stilton, cornichons, sliced apple, celery, and a side salad. It also came with delicious individual pots of chutney and baby silverskin onions, plus plenty of toasted bread (though I did have to ask for butter). My wife’s cheese toastie was equally excellent, accompanied by a side salad and her own pot of chutney for dipping. To finish, she had the Eton Mess, which was spectacular and, once again, a very generous portion.
The staff were friendly, helpful, and polite, though service was on the slower side. There was a wait of about 20 minutes between drinks and courses, and our entire lunch took around an hour and a half.
We would definitely return multiple times to try more of their varied menu. It is highly recommended—just don't go if you are in a rush!

2026-07-19 via Tripadvisor
D
David solo_traveller gb
9
2026-07-19 via Nuitee
X
Xerxes extended_group gb
9
Beautiful hotel in prime location in lovely ancient Wiltshire town.
Pros:

Beautiful ancient inn in the centre of Malmesbury. Quirky fun decor. Very helpful and welcoming staff. Lovely outside terrace. Good food.

Cons:

Rather small room and quite expensive.

2026-07-19 via Nuitee
K
KRW couple gb
9
A great stay im Malmesbury
Pros:

Lovely hotel in a great location.
The food was excellent, breakfast cooked to order and something to suit everyone.
Dinner was a relaxed affair, the staff are really attentive but you are not rushed.
The restaurant is spacious as are all the resident areas.
On site parking is a big plus too.
The staff could not have been more helpful or friendly, we felt really well looked after!
Thank you for a memorable few days in Malmesbury

2026-07-17 via Nuitee
S
Simone couple be
10
Wederom een fantastische plek om te verpozen!!
Pros:

The Old Bell voelt als thuiskomen, de sfeer is zeer gemoedelijk, fijn zeer gastvrij personeel, zeer smaakvol gedecoreerd, de terrassen zijn voorzien van heerlijke stoelen, kortom, een plek om steeds weer terug te komen!!

Cons:

Kan eigenlijk niets benoemen, er is overal wel iets, maar als je iets niet bevalt doet iedereen z’n uiterste best om het in orde te maken!

2026-07-16 via Nuitee
S
Simon solo_traveller gb
8
Nice but dusty
Pros:

Good location nice a peaceful

Cons:

Floors and surfaces way too dusty, making residue on my clothes

2026-07-16 via Nuitee
D
Debra couple gb
9
Superb
Pros:

Breakfast was lovely and the area we sat in was really nice

Cons:

Maybe a little more toast

2026-07-15 via Nuitee
A
Amalia extended_group gb
10
Amazing hotel. We stayed in the apartment across the road
Pros:

Breakfast was amazing as was dinner.

Cons:

nothing

2026-07-15 via Nuitee
F
Fiona solo_traveller gb
7
Comfortable, and provided what is expected
Pros:

The room was comfortable and clean, towels lovely, and a fan was provided. Food was generally very good, the plates well presented. Staff were courteous and the waiting staff smiled - unlike reception staff.

Cons:

Though the food was good, and the room comfortable, throughout my visit I was irritated by small things.
Parking: There doesn't seem to be enough parking for the number of rooms, so when busy, town parking is required. I was directed to the long term parking below the hotel, and though less than a 5 min walk, it's uphill - no fun in the heat (or the rain), dragging a suitcase. I had the impression there was some kind of event on when I arrived, and wondered if participants had taken up some parking spaces? I don't know, but I strongly feel that priority should be given to hotel residents.
Bedroom: Aesthetics won over practicality: bedside table lamp was so large, and along with the retro phone also on the table, there was very little room for a glass of water, book or whatever, and the lamp didn't actually shed much light. Nothing to hang a wet towel on in the bathroom, shower glass 'door' needs to be wider, no grab rail, or non-slip mat available. Pillows were polyester lumpy bumpy.
Dining: Breakfast seemed a bit disorganised. Breakfast overflowed into the lounge area on one day and I was given a table with very low seating. It was uncomfortable. I felt a bit of an afterthought. Why not use the larger Tyga bar area for breakfast? (all the time I was there, it seemed like a wasted space and sorry, but the African theme doesn't fit with the hotel).
There seemed to be some sort of photoshoot in the lounge one day, with dogs on sofas, which I didn't like. Overall, I felt that the hotel catered more for outside events, than their residents.

2026-07-14 via Nuitee
S
Simon couple gb
9
Highly recommended.
Pros:

Great location in the heart of the town. Dedicated parking for residents but limited number of bays. Eclectic decor. Delicious breakfast.

Cons:

Room overlooking the general car park and kitchens area.

2026-07-14 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
10
Pros:

Beautiful property. Good food. Friendly staff. Great location.

Cons:

Our room was very hot despite two fans being provided. Heat wave. On ground floor so difficult to have windows open.

2026-07-13 via Nuitee