The Saracens Head Hotel

After reading some reviews on this site and others I was a bit apprehensive prior to our arrival. That apprehension was totally unfounded. The Saracens Head has clearly struggled post COVID, with reduced restaurant/bar opening hours and staff retention. The reception staff couldn't have been more warm and friendly, even offering a cup of tea on arrival. There were issues with the heating but the owner had provided a portable oil filled electric heater and the room was nice and toasty throughout, even with an overnight temp of 3 degrees. The room and en-suite were clean and full of the character you would expect of a 14th Century Inn. Breakfast was very nice, with a choice of hot dishes, toast, cereals, fruit and juices and croissants. All served by attentive staff. My wife and I couldn't fault the stay to be honest.

It would have been nice to have the option to have an evening meal in the hotel, but there were other places to eat in the town.

Hotel is still pleasant although very short of staff and undergoing gradual refurbishment. Breakfast is excellent but at night, the hotel shuts very early and staff leave shortly afterwards. At times it felt you were the only person in the whole building. I love the clocks downstairs which still work well but where has the carpet gone in the downstairs lounge? I truly hope its survives the current trading climate -it deserves to.

Such a shame to see the place so run down.

We have been before so knew what to expect. The hotel is situated right in the town centre and is convenient for shops and Minster. The welcome was good and the room clean and comfortable. We had drinks and dinner in the evening and it was good, with pleasant and timely service.

Just prior to booking out we found a cleaner in the room who had put some of our stuff in to a bin. She realised her mistake and apologised (we still had our key), but this should not have happened.

Central location is great for visiting Southwell. It has a fantastic Minster (Cathedral) and it takes just seconds to get there. We went to the Evensong service and the music was excellent. Afterwards we went to one of the many nearby pubs and had superb beers and wines. After a good night's sleep we came down for breakfast which was in their delightful lounge. A really good place to come, it is quite quirky but the staff are friendly and service was very good.

No lifts, but we knew that so otherwise no complaints.

Breakfast was very good / excellent. Dinner was tasty although too small. The hotel itself was lovely and the Staff were very polite and helpful. Everything was clean and tidy. Hotel had a lovely Beer Garden at the back.

The size of the Dinner Portions were minute. The Toilet Flush Cistern took forever to fill up.

My Husband & I spent the night of our first wedding anniversary at The Saracens Head, Southwell. What a beautiful hotel and David looked after us fantastically and even upgraded us to the Kings Suite. We had the most wonderful stay and we would highly recommend you book that visit...There are not many places I would return as there are so many places to visit however, I can't rate this property and the team highly enough and we will definitely book again to stay.

We loved every aspect of this stay!

The original part of the building is full of history but the bedrooms are in a modern annexe and don't really look out on anything identifiable. It was quiet. Breakfast was so-so.

The furnishings are somewhat tired and the beds were not the best. The plug arrangements were not very good but I always travel with a multiplug. It was quite expensive for what you got. Windows didn't open much. The decor didn't really lift the spirits.

We have a preference for centrally located traditional coaching inns. The Saracen's head is exactly that. The dining area was well spaced and well furnished, and the sitting room generous and elegant. OUr purpose was to visit Southwell MInster and this hotel was perfectly situated.

Going through Booking.com there was no facility for providing a map of how to access the parking. In the dark without a map it was frustrating and difficult although reception did a good job of talking us in.

Lovely historic hotel. Lovely friendly & helpfull staff. Nice bar area & nice breakfast with a lovely selection. Lovely comfortable large bed & nice comfortable clean bedding.

The only problem we had was because its an old building when somebody nearby flushed their toilet it made a racket in our bathroom but it cant be helped & i soon went back to sleep

A lovely hotel with lots of history. Made very welcome and relaxed. Receptionist very friendly, helpful and informative . Maiya served our breakfast which was very nice with good selection. She was lovely, polite and very efficient. We were attending a wedding nearby and when our taxi failed to turn up the owner, a complete gentleman, drove us there in his own car which we thought went ‘above and beyond’. Thankyou so much, we would definitely stay there again. Highly recommended.

We were disappointed that the restaurant was not open as we would have chosen to eat there in the evening. We fully understand though that this was due to the present ongoing Covid situation. There were places nearby to eat, all within walking distance.