더 벨 호텔

Old building with character and good size room in annexe. A bit creaky and not very soundproof but suited us. Service was rather hit and miss - room was prepared for one although booked for two, room not cleaned on second day (new towels etc provided after request), and no food available on day of arrival as chef was off sick. Breakfast was just about average and quite limited in choice. However it is perfectly located for Clare village and a good range of pubs and cafes, and the bus stop is a couple of minutes away. Overall enjoyed stay.

Requested parking space as this web site said was necessary but no parking available when we arrived. Receptionist said it is on a first come first served basis. Told we could park on the road out front but there was no spaces there either. Had to park further away. Not a good start. Booked a table for two via this site by telephone and surprise surprise they had no record of it. They had a party of MG enthusiasts taking up the restaurant so found us a table in the lounge area. Then basically forgotten. A Quarter of the main meals were not available. We were bothered by flies buzzing around us and landing on our food both at dinner and breakfast. Asked for bill and we sat waiting for another 20 minutes before we received our bill. Room is in need of a refurb and was dirty (see photos). The wardrobe was falling apart. Thick dust around edge of carpets. Dirty doors etc., No air conditioning so hence hot. No fan as advertised on site so opened windows but with constant steam of traffic we had to shut it again. Bed not king size. Anybody going to the toilet or shower generated an awful noise. Taps wouldn’t turn off without force. Breakfast was a joke. The smallest portions I have ever seen and charged another £1.50 to add salmon to my miniature portion of scrabbled egg on toast. Continental was very limited too. Trying to book out was also problematic as I couldn’t find anybody at reception, bar or in breakfast room.

Very nice stay for a last minute bank holiday break. The owners were very friendly and welcoming, and the location was a good base for cycling at Wicken Fen and visiting the history festival at Kentwell just down the road.

breakfast wonderful

We stayed to attend a family party nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful, the bar food was good. The pub was old and interesting. My room was very clean and the bed was very comfortable.