The King's Arms

Perfect location in the centre of Dorchester, with free parking behind. Historic building refurbished to a high standard. Room was extremely comfortable with ace air conditioning - really needed in the heatwave. Staff were great - welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Lovely walks around the town from the hotel - River Frome, Maumbury Rings, the Roman House etc. Lots of interest in the town - Dorset Museum, Shire Hall and the Military Museum. Central for visiting Dorset coast and country. Easy reach of coastal resorts and countryside. Great for exploring Thomas Hardy country close to his cottage and Max Gate. Would definitely stay again! Can't wait to come back...

Nothing!

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the room was beautiful and comfortable and the breakfast was exceptional. The products in the room were of a very high quality.

The room was incredibly hot (it was an exceptionally hot day outside) as there was no air conditioning in the room that I was in, and I couldn't have the window open as it was a sash window that wouldn't stay open. Thankfully the very friendly and helpful lady at reception kindly gave me a very good fan so it was made more comfortable.

The King's Arms is a wonderful old building situated in the heart of Dorchester and has the additional benefit of its own car park. Above anything else we will remember, it will be the staff. Every single staff member we encountered was helpful and happy, however much pressure they were under at the time. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble, and everything was done with a smile.

There really was nothing we didn't like, a couple of things were a bit quirky but that's to do with the character of an old building and certainly nothing to complain about.

Staff were fantastic from checking to checking out. Couldn’t have been friendlier. Room was lovely; we had asked for a quiet one and had one at the back of the hotel. Couldn’t fault it. Would have preferred a bath to a shower, but that’s very minor. We ate in the restaurant and the steak was nothing short of excellent.

I know that it’s becoming more and more common, but there is a (discretionary) service charge added to all food bills - including breakfast. If you ask for it to be removed, it’s like saying that service was below expectations- which it wasn’t. It was very good. We normally tip well in excess of this addition, but don’t now. I just don’t like being put in that position and would far prefer to acknowledge good service myself. Very minor point is that room 200 is next to the lift motors and as it is so quiet, whenever the lift is used, you hear the motors. As I say, it’s very minor and nothing to stop us staying again.

Beautiful building with a lovely atmosphere. Conveniently located and parking round the back of the hotel was a real bonus. Stunning room (King’s Suite/Epic room), which felt like a real luxury! The little extra touches made it feel special too. The food at the hotel was delicious and amazing quality and we thought it was fantastic value for money. The staff were lovely and very friendly. Very clean and beautifully decorated throughout

Springs were coming through one side of the mattress so could do with a re-fresh. To be extremely picky, there are a few paint touch ups needed in the room however it didn’t effect our stay at all, almost added to the feel of the room. The blinds did let some light through but that’s coming from someone who usually has a pitch black room to sleep!

Hotel , facilities and staff were superb and really couldn’t do enough to make our stay exceptional . ONLY difficulty which has no bearing on the Hotel at all and is solely the responsibility of Booking.com is their room description - Kings Arms Hotel hotel use 5 different room descriptions and have advised Booking.com as such …. Standard room from Booking.com description , is in fact , a snug room when checking Hotels own site ! Hotel is faultless and fully recommend and will go again …. NB If you book direct you’ll also enjoy free breakfast included currently when booking .

Faultless - excellent food , friendly and helpful staff - fabulous hotel and accommodation .

English breakfast excellent. Central location meant that we could access all the places we wanted to visit very easily. Lovely large room with great bathroom. Attentive staff who coped well with food intolerances. Private parking in city centre very useful. A general buzz and a positive vibe about the place - even on a Monday evening.

Lighting generally low level, in room and in public areas. Lots of stairs, though there is a lift. Menu though interesting is slightly quirky and some might say limited.

This is the second time we have stayed at the Kings Arms and have enjoyed both stays. The hotel has a truly homely feel about it. Our room wa spacious and extremely comfortable. The bathroom and shower were exceptionally clean with quality fittings and plentiful shower gel, hand cream and shampoo. The breakfast was sensational, the poached eggs absolutely perfect. The staff were extremely pleasant, attentive and helpful at all times. They made you feel like as a guest, nothing was too much bother. WE LOOK FORWARD TO RETURNING. Robert and Brenda

They could have locked to door so we couldn't leave and would have to stay longer.

This was our second stay at the King's arms and we absolutely love it. The location is fantastic, parking included. Food is good quality and the hotel itself has a lovely warm and cosy feeling. Definitely will come back. We went for a special occasion and they gave us a brownie to celebrate this which was a nice touch. They were very accommodating about meal times and happy to give suggestions for things to do if asked. Lots of history all around it which is lovely, great location.

Felt it was slightly less value for money as breakfast was not included (it was last time) and we were told that breakfast is £7/pp- but at breakfast given a menu with various items and prices. When asked about what £7 was for, the staff member initially said no that's not right which was confusing as we'd been messaged about this. Later clarified with the lovely lady at reception that this was for the continental buffet and had to pay for the cooked breakfast. Felt there was some miscommunication which could be looked into.

great location, great staff, good food

room was extremely hot. The bar pub area was also extremely hot with a fire and heaters going at the same time. when asked if they could turn down the heat the staff said no the owners like it that way. I guess forget what the customer wants. my room was above the bins outside. In order to cool the room I had to open a window and the noise of the bar dumping empty bottles was infuriating with the window open. honestly the worst nights sleep I’ve ever had in a hotel in years.