The Old Vine

The Old Vine stands on a narrow traffic-free street on the other side of the spacious green with mature trees in front of Winchester Cathedral. It is only a few paces from the pedestrian-only High Street, which is exceptionally well-endowed with restaurants, cafes and shops. Our room on the first floor was large and well-furnished with a spacious bathroom en suite. Staff members were always friendly, helpful and efficient. The restaurant/bar served a generous breakfast of varied choices and very good quality meals in the evening and throughout the day. It was an exceptional place to stay in an equally exceptional location.

Parking is Winchester is challenging. The Old Vine issues a permit to park in any of several narrow streets nearby. We were grateful for this and always managed to find the one space remaining. This is not really a 'didn't like', more a 'making the best of an unavoidable situation'.

The location was amazing and due to being in a pedestrian area pretty quiet for being in the town centre. The staff were all very young but attentive and efficient. Dined in the restaurant twice and food was good and well presented.

While an on street parking permit was provided, finding a spot was difficult and not for the faint-hearted. We had expected a hotel type reception area whereas entry to the accommodation was through the bar. As a very old building, there was no lift and stairs where very uneven and steep. Difficult for older people. Also no one to help us with our luggage on check out which was difficult due to steepness of stairs.

The manager clearly has the patience of a saint and wants to give great service. The main access road to the hotel was closed so he stayed on the phone and talked us through an alternative route. His time was much appreciated. The young team of staff were an absolute credit to him, friendly welcome, smiley service and very helpful. The room was spacious and the hotel had a beautiful mix of antique furniture and modern facilities. The food was delicious, we ate there in the evening and at breakfast. I can recommend the croquettes, duck and sticky toffee pudding. The waiting staff had the right level of happy chat and professional service. We could not fault this delightful hotel, its location, its food and its team of staff.

Nothing.

Location was excellent, lose vicinity to the pub was very handy and staff and breakfast were great.

Door in the bathroom was broken and wouldn’t close properly. Also parking was problematic with the SUV we had not fitting into their parking garage and the on street parking was impossible to access. Clearer directions to alternative long stay car parking facilities would have been helpful. Although we knew the apartment was over 3 floors, didn’t realise that there was an additional steep, narrow flight to access the apartment first. Thanks to Wally for helping get our bags up at the beginning of our stay.

This was my favorite place we stayed at in England. If you are a family, their 2 bedroom apartment across the street is truly amazing. Its quiet, beautifully decorated, and comfortable. The breakfast the next day in the restaurant was one of the best we had had, modern and efficient and in their beautiful pub, with the fire on and everything! This location is also right in town, you can literally walk across the green to the cathedral. I really didnt want to leave.

If you are driving, and its a busy time of year (we went during Easter break) then the parking pass is a joke, its all one way narrow streets and full! Dont waste your time, just drop off your bags, and park in the Lot a few blocks away. It'll save you time and avoid tears! This apartment has 4 stories, all stairs, so be prepared to lug up your bags. BUT this is a plus as there is no noisy elevator to keep you awake.

Room was really big and very quiet, even with the super central location. Nice touch to have tea/coffee and juice in the fridge. Restaurant was excellent, really good dinner and breakfast.

Decor in the room was really old fashioned and it didn't create the best first impression trying to check in through a busy bar. Also a bit misleading describing the property as having parking. You can get a permit but you need to find a space first on a narrow busy street. We couldn't find one so had to park nearby. At £17 it adds on a bit too the room price.

The location was excellent, tucked away neatly right by the cathedral. The staff were welcoming and it was explained in advance that we would need to order breakfast to our room as the common areas in the restaurant were being worked on in the morning - which is something they offer at all times anyway! Our room was huge and accessorised beautifully, with all the facilities we could need. There was a coffee maker and fresh milk and juice included. The breakfast had a good choice and was huge! It was also lovely that they have gluten free bread and the sausages were gluten free as well, which was wonderful for the coeliac in the party!

Really hard to fault this place. My only possible comment really was that the lighting in our room was a little harsh with the main lights - two LED spotlights - perhaps switching to a warm light would be better.

Absolutely lovely accommodation, we stayed in the apartment opposite the pub. Accommodation was stunning 😍 perfect location to explore the Christmas Market and town. Would 100% recommend. Breakfast was amazing and staff were lovely and parking was easy.

The only thing I could fault was check in. It was busy on the Saturday as expected when we arrived but when taken over to the apartment across from the pub we were not shown anything in the accommodation or told anything about breakfast. As we were given absolutely zero information at checking in I spent both nights booking breakfast on the website, and we were put separately each morning in the bar not the restaurant. It wasn't until the last morning we were told that a table would have already been reserved for us in the restaurant for breakfast. It would have been lovely to have eaten in the restaurant other than the bar. Perhaps more information could be left in the room especially breakfast information as we did feel alittle lost.

The Old Vine is a very quaint inn, just steps away from Winchester Cathedral, Jane Austen's final residence, Winchester College, wonderful shops and pubs. The hotel and rooms have historic character, the staff were incredibly friendly and the food in the gastro pub (breakfast and dinner) was delicious, some of the best food during our trip in the countryside. Our triple room was very spacious and well appointed with quality toiletries, a great shower, coffee and tea service. I wish we'd had more time for our stay in the area, and at the Old VIne.

The entrance to the hotel was quirky and a little hard to find. The parking in this historic area is a bit challenging but the hotel provides a parking pass so that you'll find a spot nearby.

This is a pub hotel, with lots of character and good facilities and in a great location in the centre of Winchester. We had a nice room, the restaurant offered a really good breakfast and the position was perfect for us. I would stay again.

It is not manned 24 hours and our flight was late from Guernsey, so there was a bit of angst as to how we were going to access our room if we arrived after pub closing. Fortunately we made it with half an hour to spare but that is something to bear in mind if you're arriving late in the day. A little expensive but then all the hotels in Winchester seemed expensive over the graduation ceremony days.