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  5. Reviews of Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Reviews of Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Barnby Moor, Retford, DN22 8QS, United Kingdom

#11 of 18 hotels in Retford

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 228 hotel reviews

7.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.1

  • Comfort

    8.0

  • Location

    8.3

  • Facilities

    8.1

  • Staff

    8.9

  • Value for money

    7.0

  • Free Wifi

    7.5

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 76 - 100

  • Reviewed: March 22, 2024

    5.0
    Average
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Ended up on the furthest room from the entrance, TV was small and batteries hardly worked in the remote control. There was no way of turning the shower on without getting wet though, the shower nozzle pointed straight towards the sliding shower door. No one wants to have to stand in a shower and then turn it on. Ended up having to put a towel on the floor to soak up the water whilst turning it on.

    Location ok for where I was working. Bed was comfy

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 20, 2024

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Business trip
    • Group
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Mattress uncomfortable, dirty windows and dusty in the room. Generally needs a good freshen up

    Staff were friendly, food choice good

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: February 29, 2024

    4.0
    Disappointing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I didn't like the price, thought very overpriced for a smallish room with broken window loo that didn't flush properly and chair where the back fell out when you sat in it and non working lamp. Coffee was Luke warm at breakfast which is a pet hate of mine

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: December 31, 2023

    10
    Perfect for our trip.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Very quaint and welcoming. Staff really friendly.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: November 8, 2023

    10
    Excellent rooms and food. Definitely returning.
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Excellent in all aspects.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: October 27, 2023

    4.0
    As above
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I was very disappointed in the room no bath very small room and not very clean bed was not comfortable very hard mattress asked to be moved but staff not very helpful and just told me they was fully booked and I should have asked for a bath when I booked not very helpful made me very sad for my two night’s stay . Also think it was overpriced for the room I got on that note I won’t be coming back.

    The area was ok for what we was there for

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: September 25, 2023

    10
    Wonderful spot
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Classic Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Good coffee

    Everything fab. Just would have loved a good coffee

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: August 31, 2023

    4.0
    Disappointing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Hotel is very outdated, they’re was mosquitoes flying around the room,it was extremely cold,in the morning the shower was freezing cold, when inquiring about this on checkout the staff said they have issue with the boiler and they didn’t think to let any residents know !? For £150 a night I expected a lot more I’ve had premier inn stays for £60 Better

    Close proximity to the spa and pubs

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 31, 2023

    10
    We were in the area for a wedding and stayed in The Grove for two nughts, everything was perfect.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything, there is nothing not to like!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 27, 2023

    10
    Recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It's so nice place. Strong recommend. Staff is so nice, and the place is so nice the room is clean and nice. Food is fantastic. Breakfast is so good. Nice place for staying.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 23, 2023

    6.0
    if a hotel is mainly about the room, this disappointed.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The room was a huge disappointment - felt like a Travelodge, small uncomfortable bed, mould in the shower. Nothing like the photos of the large rooms with large beds on their website for a superior category. Also the wifi didnt work at all all night, the lady on reception said it was a regular thing 'when lots of people check in' so a known issue they didn't feel the need to resolve. My husband is on call and we need a hotel with wifi. The things we liked we paid extra for such as the spa (you need to pay just to access it) and of course the restaurant. For a room rate of £275, this didnt come with breakfast, so we felt it was expensive for what we got.

    The positives of this place are delightful staff, a great restaurant (we didn't have breakfast) and an on site spa that's very good indeed. H

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 4, 2023

    1.0
    Terrible
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Wasps noice room

    Nothing I put in a complaint and heard nothing

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: July 9, 2023

    3.0
    A Cross between Medieval Times and Fawlty Towers - a true journey back into history
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Attic room on a hot day. Unbearable heat. No sleep. We arrived at about 9pm and were told to rush to the restaurant as it closed at 9:30pm. We had to haggle at 9:20 to get any food. "Let me check if the kitchen is still open" kind of thing. We were blessed with a positive response, but told not to ask for a starter. We behaved. A 4' 6" bed and only one hand towel and one bath towel between a couple. Once we'd rushed to eat we really felt it was too late to complain. Reception in the AM said I should have asked for a fan. For £200 for the B&B stay, I would think that aircon was a pretty basic requirement (despite the age of the property.).

    Good location, breakfast good but portion moderate (e.g. 15 baked beans) and staff seemed jolly enough (albeit a bit regulated and I sensed inflexible.) "Please help yourself to the breakfast buffet: you can take as much or as little as you want!" was a strange, albeit a touch engaging comment by the hostess on arrival for breakfast. Maybe they'd had to tell off some people in the past for 'taking advantage'?! :) Shower worked well. Harrogate water in the bedroom.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: June 19, 2023

    5.0
    pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    no choice of pillows , which were very firm. cobwebs in the bedroom and the wardrobe door wouldn’t close. summer weight duvet was needed.

    location and size of room. spa on site as well breakfast cooked to order and a good selection. staff at spa were lovely and treatment was very relaxing.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 15, 2023

    6.0
    Overpriced Hotel, stunning spa!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hotel itself is incredibly dated, I appreciate it’s a period property, but the decor is tired. The rooms are small, and bathrooms are basic and not finished to a high standard, definitely not for the price you pay for the room. The food is average, we had breakfast and dinner, and it doesn’t represent the price you pay at all. All that said, the staff were lovely, and couldn’t do enough for you. Overall I would recommend a visit for the Spa but if within travelling distance, save your money and stay elsewhere with more value for money. I paid £290 for one night, with rooms then going for £150 on the night, which would definitely be more in price bracket I would recommend.

    The Spa and settings are absolutely gorgeous, can’t fault it!

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 6, 2023

    5.0
    Fair
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Meal at night was bad breakfast was excellent not to my taste

    Staff were nice

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: May 21, 2023

    4.0
    A rip off for very poor quality hotel & room.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    My room was in much need of refurbishment. From the sink not being fixed properly, the bottom of the shower had no seal so would flood the bathroom. The flush button on the toilet wasn’t in properly. The bathroom hadn’t been painted properly dispute it undergoing a recent “refurbishment”. One of two indows, there was missing so you couldn’t fix it in place. All of the paintwork in the room is tired and shows cracks. All of the spotlights have cracks around them and the carpet had numerous stains on. There was a wedding at the venue but there was music until gone midnight outside. Overall the rate for a standard room is embarrassing when the hotel is in the state it is. The corridors smell fusty and not pleasant at all. I stayed during May when it wasn’t too hot but the room was really warm. There’s no air con or a fan so I had the windows permanently open for both nights I stayed.

    The staff and food here were absolutely brilliant. And it’s a real shame everything else lets it down. Ever so friendly and welcoming. When I spoke to them regarding the issues with the stay they were very helpful and dealt with it really well.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: May 3, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Classic Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Excellent breakfast. Staff delightful. Delicious curry in the bistro

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: April 3, 2023

    10
    Nice and comfortable staying
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I don’t have anything to complain about this property.

    The hotel is exceptionally beautiful and offers great comfort. The hotel staff is dedicated to ensuring your utmost comfort and satisfaction, going above and beyond to meet your needs. The staff is friendly, helpful, and amazing. The room is immaculately clean and well-organized, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 5, 2023

    2.0
    An attempt at a romantic night with my wife that ended up being the worst night ever.
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    For a superior room I wasn't expecting a lousy budget divan bed with a collapsed mattress. The walls were grubby, the carpet hadn't been cleaned and the paper coasters hadn't been changed and were well used. I'm not that overweight but I couldn't bend down in the shower without leaving cheek marks on the glass. The noise from the main road was so bad that I actually went down stairs to see if I could change rooms only to find all the lights off at 23:30 and nobody at front desk.

    Breakfast was nice.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: February 18, 2023

    10
    Excellent a very well run hotel and extremely friendly staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing

    The evening meal was excellent and the room (76) was very comfortable. Most of all the staff were very welcoming efficient and friendly... very busy with a wedding and a funeral but nothing was too much trouble. Also I had to cancel after Christmas as I developed Covid the day before and I could have been charged but the management kindly returned my money in full

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: January 21, 2023

    4.0
    Good location, nice staff, but tired facilities, and expensive for what was provided.
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Classic Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    TV did not work, no WI-FI connection in Room (44), waited ten minutes for hot water to come thru in morning, but was only warm, so no shower.

    Friendly and helpful staff at Reception and in Restaurant.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    nothing!

    Honestly a beautiful hotel / spa , one of the best spa’s I have ever been to . They truly have thought of everything , if you need to de - stress then come here ! I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life , beautiful staff from the moment you walk through reception - nothings too much to ask for and everyone is so friendly. Couldn’t say a bad thing about it! And exceptional value for money , thankyou so much for an unforgettable stay ❤️

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: December 31, 2022

    3.0
    overpriced, but did a job. staff gave a laugh at how poor they were, lady running breakfast service was by a mile the be
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    over priced rooms, reception staff, restaurant staff and food really poor.

    bathroom in room great and bed comfy.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: November 9, 2022

    10
    great staff with a sense of humour
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Classic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    pool closed at 6 pm

    very friendly

    Stayed in November 2022

Showing 76 - 100

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