The Lion Bicester

The room was nice but not that big, although the en suite was quite spacious. The bed was very comfortable, the coffee maker was a nice touch. Staff were generally very polite and helpful despite appearing to be overstretched at times. The food in the restaurant was delicious, we only intended to eat there the first night but ended up eating there every night.

The breakfast was also very good but there were no lighter options, just cooked food. There was no fixed mirror in the bathroom. Room service was unreliable; our room wasn't cleaned on the 1st day, so when we reported it were told we needed to place a wooden fob on the door handle each morning. The 2nd morning we put the fob on the handle but found it on the floor when we returned later that day and the room was still not cleaned! More information re cleaning policy would be helpful. Communications were also a bit haphazard, multiple duplicate emails and a rather confusing email after we returned home saying our booking had been confirmed!

My first stay at The Lion was at a testing time – Father’s Day weekend at this popular venue. I’d chosen The Lion for its proximity to Bicester Heritage’s classic car events – and I’ll definitely be returning. Despite the pressure on staff everyone across all roles and ranks gave me excellent service, including coping with my early arrival, late request for evening meal, and preference for a quite table away from revellers (I’d been driving since 4am). Food service was prompt, efficient and unfussy; good to meet the chef on day 2 and discuss desserts, with a friendly goodbye on day 3. Looking forward to another visit.

The room was very nice, well appointed, the bed was comfortable and the shower room great. The room was off the rear courtyard which was good because we got back late from and event at Blenheim Palace and there were no problems getting into the property. We also had a visit from the pub cat which was nice! We had lunch on arrival (sandwich and a Waldorf salad) and the food quality was outstanding.

The place was understaffed which meant there was a long wait at the bar and the bar staff are expected to do everything: serve drinks, serve food, check-in guests, show them the rooms etc, etc, etc. This was also a problem at breakfast. There was one poor waitress who was literally having to run to keep up with taking orders, delivering them, making coffee etc which meant the breakfast took over an hour. We paid for the inclusive breakfast but there was no info as to what was included and none of the usual help-yourself coffee, toast, fruit etc.

Really helpful staff, great breakfast and excellent dinner. They were very accommodating when we had to change our booking - kudos to the manager. We've stayed several times now to break journey between Durham dales and Portsmouth, and keep going back - very satisfied.

Ask for rooms at the front, if available - the room we had at the back, though very comfortable, had rather a small window. It was also too hot when we arrived, and without a thermostat to turn down.

The room was not only clean and big but also decorated very comfortable way. There was a big window so our dog could see outside view. The bathroom was also very clean and nice. The foods were excellent! We very much enjoyed a dinner at the table in the pub with accompanying of our dog. The atmosphere of the pub was very cosy. The breakfast under the morning light in the restaurant was a good start of the day. The manager and stuffs were all very friendly and kind. We definitely recommend this property!!!

What a fantastic find! We were looking for an overnight stay in the area and were viewing those soulless chains. This was around the same price and was perfect. It will now be our go-to place to break up our journey when travelling south. The room was ideal, the staff friendly and breakfast was very reasonably priced. It looked like the evening meal would be lovely too.

It is signposted as the Red Lion on the roads off the motorway, but the Satnav held true.

When I contacted the hotel on the day of my check in they said that I was only booked in for one night not two from tomorrow and there were no roo ms available for that night. Having travelled over 100 miles to the area I was not best pleased to hear this. However, they called me back 30 minutes later and advised me they could now accommodate us for the two nights as booked. On checkout they advised me they could not provide me with a bill as they had double charged for the two nights and debited my credit card at the time of check in. They needed to get their head office approval to issue a refund. I did receive the refund and the problem was resolved.

Staff were fantastic, food was really lovely and they catered particularly well for gluten intolerance. Room was very comfortable and big ... really big!

A few little issues in the room ... hook on back of bathroom door was on the wonk, the bathroom door handle was loose on the inside and there was the comedy light in the wardrobe/cupboard ... it worked on a proximity level so was a bit spooky initially, but it was hanging from the ceiling by its wires, which was a little disconcerting. Told the lovely staff about all of this though and they were sure to be right on it.

Excellent location for what we wanted, very friendly and helpful staff. Room lovely and cosy and the food was excellent. A word of warning however, the 3 meat Sunday dinner is absolutely huge, I always finish a dinner but was beaten by this. No scrimping on the meat serving just because you order the 3 meats instead of one. This did prevent me from trying a dessert which also looked lovely😂

Nothing not to like

Room was very comfortable -exceptionally clean Lovely evening meal served although some people were served Sunday dinner after the stated time on the menu - we did not choose to ask for this option due to the timings on the menu

Limited choice for breakfast - no fruit juice, cereals or toast were offered. Only hot breakfast dishes available on the menu but there was a good choice. Very poor Wifi connection throughout the bedrooms, pub and restaurant.