The Bell Hotel, Saxmundham

Hotels
9 (327 reviews)
31 High Street , Saxmundham , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Good location
Cons:
Noisy at times
Expensive for some

Categories

Cleanliness
8.89
Several comments indicate the room was clean, though some areas were noted as a little tired.
Service
9.86
The staff received high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness across multiple reviews.
Location
9.4
The location was considered good, particularly for meeting family and proximity to amenities.
Room Quality
8.35
Rooms were described as spacious and comfortable, but some rooms experienced noise issues.
Amenities
8.88
The hotel offers good amenities but could improve in some areas like the bar offerings.
Value for Money
8.84
Some comments noted the hotel is slightly pricey but generally considered worth it.
Food and Beverage
8.39
Food was enjoyed but there were some comments about disappointing meals on certain occasions.
Overall Experience
9.36
Overall, guests had a great experience with significant praise for staff and stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 17:42

Property Description

Beautiful Countryside Setting
Nestled in the stunning Suffolk countryside, The Bell Hotel, Saxmundham offers a picturesque retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and charm.

Charming Georgian Rooms
Indulge in the elegance of our beautifully decorated rooms, adorned with large Georgian windows and a soothing palette of light colors. Enjoy modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and tea/coffee-making facilities for a comfortable stay.

Local Pub Experience
Unwind at our traditional pub and savor a selection of local beverages, immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a classic coaching inn.

Experience the allure of Suffolk from the heart of Saxmundham at The Bell Hotel. Book now for a delightful countryside getaway.

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Property Policies

  • 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

    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 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 327 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.89
Service: 9.86
Location: 9.4
Room Quality: 8.35
Amenities: 8.88
Value for Money: 8.84
Food and Beverage: 8.39
Overall Experience: 9.36
C
Cordelia solo_traveller gb
10
Perfect
Pros:

Really comfortable room. The staff were fantastic and the location is great whether you are driving or using public transport. Loved it!

Cons:

Everything was great.

2026-07-08 via Nuitee
M
Mandy couple gb
8
Excellent - would recommend.
Pros:

Staff really helpful , friendly and welcoming . Easy to park .
Good directions as to where parking was before visit
Great location.
Nice coffee bags in room!

2026-07-06 via Nuitee
K
Keith solo_traveller gb
8
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
A
Adam solo_traveller pt
10
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
H
Hilary solo_traveller gb
10
2026-06-23 via Nuitee
A
Ann couple gb
8
Pros:

Loved the decor. It’s recently been refurbished beautifully.
It’s a gorgeous and characterful hotel.

2026-06-21 via Nuitee
C
Claire couple gb
10
We only stayed for one night, but it felt like a home from home!
Pros:

Fabulous hotel with the friendliest staff and incredible restaurant.

Cons:

No negative comments.

2026-06-14 via Nuitee
K
Kay solo_traveller gb
9
I really enjoyed my stay and the chef and bar staff excelled themselves.
Pros:

Very good- they made me lovely porridge every morning

Cons:

Room check and tidy was supposed to be daily and it didn’t happen, likewise the bathroom was not checked regularly. The General Manager apologised for this and will rectify this issue.

2026-06-13 via Nuitee
F
Frankie solo_traveller us
9
Marvelous
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
S
Sharon couple gb
10
Lovely staff who went out of their way to accommodate us. We left something in the safe and the receptionist posted it
Pros:

The rooms were very large and comfortable and exceptionally clean.

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
B
Brand couple gb
9
Pros:

The staff

Cons:

Did not get a parking space

2026-06-06 via Nuitee
R
Rosemary couple gb
4
Sort out the strategy: it's not in the league it thinks it is. Cannot recommend.
Pros:

Not much. Smilyness of staff does not compensate for other shortcomings.

Cons:

I think it's got a bit of an identity crisis: a handsome building trying to do a modern take which looks good but is but is not well maintained: furniture worn, room carpet stained, both in bedroom, and breakfast room. Had to point out that for two of us we needed two hand and bath towels, although quickly remedied. Staff very well-meaning but amateur - the single lady staff member was really struggling to cope with breakfast service, as well as doing checkouts. We had dinner one night and two breakfasts - just not up to standard - fine for a small country pub but not for c£430 for a two-night stay (room only). Clearly not a place for locals either - the bar and restaurant on Friday night were funereal. With minimal spend but better housekeeping, front of house and more careful chef (no need for the menu to be more ambitious but just get it right) it could do so much better.

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
R
Rachel couple gb
9
Lovely stay, wonderful staff, delicious food.
Pros:

Central location, lovely bedroom, nice bar and restaurant, delicious food and fantastic team of friendly and accommodating staff.

Cons:

Slight noise from the road.

2026-05-20 via Nuitee
J
John solo_traveller gb
10
The belle of Saxmundham is the Bell
Pros:

Staff,location, private car park 100m away, menu and drinks.
Rooms, lift available.
Could not fault anything,
Old building with modern comfort..

Cons:

Not able to park outside the hotel, but OK for offloading luggage.
Half hour across the road by shops but not a problem as car kept for long periods in private car park close by.

2026-05-14 via Nuitee
E
Edmondson couple gb
7
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
4
Disappointing. A comfortable bed and good food but let down by very mixed customer service.
Pros:

Friendly staff. Good food. Comfortable bed.

Cons:

Parking is arkward and can be an issue - it was all full on our arrival.
Our room was at the front and was very noisy overnight (single glazed windows).
Our toilet handle broke on our third day. We reported this but nothing was done to fix it nor were we offered an alternative room so we had to remove the wooden cover to access the cistern and flush it by putting our hand in and pulling up the lift rod. We were very disappointed with the complete lack of response or help from the hotel staff. When we asked we were simply told "well it is Sunday".
Some items in particular seemed over expensive eg a 175 ml glass of Sauvignon Blanc at £11.10.
Breakfast is not included in the room rate which was as we expected but we didn't expect to have to pay for tea and coffee at breakast as a further additional item - £9.00 for a pot of tea for two seemed a lot.
Our room was very clean but some minor consumable items were not replenished every day.

2026-05-12 via Nuitee
S
Swindon solo_traveller gb
7
Not value for money
Pros:

That it was close to my training venue. Central to shops etc

Cons:

Bed uncomfortable. Water was tepid, but they did rectify that issue. Restaurant closed. Parking off the premises. Certainly not £150 worth. I find it so hard to justify this price.

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
D
David solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Very pleasant hotel. Great bathroom and shower. Very comfortable bed.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-08 via Nuitee
G
Gail couple gb
8
Pros:

Breakfast was not marvellous. Room size was excellent. We were comfortable enough. Shower was poor. Wouldn't say that cleaning after first day was terrific but I know they were very short staffed. So was ok.

2026-05-07 via Nuitee
J
Jackie couple gb
7
We were attending a wedding nearby so it was very convenient , not much to do in saxmundhsm itself though .
Pros:

The room was quite newly refurbished and tidy.

Cons:

It was a bit haphazard , the room that we were checked into was all over the place and not made up , however it was sorted within an hour and a half .

2026-05-06 via Nuitee