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Summary of reviewsThe Casterbridge generally receives positive reviews across various categories, making it a favored choice for visitors to Dorchester. Its prime location offers guests convenient access to the town's attractions and amenities, while providing reasonable pricing for such central positioning. Many appreciate the hotel’s charming ambiance and character, complemented by the helpful host who enriches stays with local knowledge.
Breakfast at The Casterbridge is a standout experience, with guests delighting in the fresh, tasty meals prepared using local produce. The varied menu caters to diverse tastes, and the attentive service further enhances the dining experience, leaving a lasting impression on guests.
The rooms are praised for their blend of comfort and elegance. Visitors highlight the spaciousness, cleanliness, and tasteful decoration, with beds often described as exceptionally comfy. Despite some minor room size critiques, the overall sentiment remains positive, with guests enjoying a tranquil and restful environment.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is consistently noted as exemplary, contributing to the inviting and well-maintained atmosphere. The staff, including Noorani, the owner, are recognized for their exceptional service and warm hospitality, making guests feel welcome and valued.
While parking offers some challenges due to limited spaces, the hotel provides helpful guidance and alternatives. Guests appreciate the thoughtful arrangements made to ease the parking process in the bustling town center.
The comfort and quality of the beds further enhance the hotel stay experience. Despite occasional mentions of variability in bed firmness or size, the reviews generally emphasize the luxurious feel and restful sleep provided.
Overall, The Casterbridge is celebrated for its excellent location, delightful breakfast, stylish rooms, impeccable cleanliness, and exceptional service, creating memorable experiences for its guests. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Boutique-style Guest House
Located in Dorchester, this hotel offers modern accommodations with a touch of boutique style. Its personalized service make it a desirable choice.
Guest House with Free Wi-Fi
Located on High East Street, The Casterbridge guesthouse provides complimentary Wi-Fi for guests. This allows for easy communication and access to online services.
Guest House with Parking
Guest House with Gym
Small Guest House
Guest House with Tennis Courts
4-Star Guest House
Room Types
Standard Double RoomThis double room includes a TV with streaming services, a private bathroom as well as a balcony. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomThe double room includes a private bathroom equipped with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV with streaming services, as well as wine/champagne for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Double or Twin RoomThis double room's special feature is the fireplace. The double room provides a seating area, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. This double room features soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV with streaming services, as well as wine/champagne for guests.
Deluxe Double Room with BathGuests will have a special experience as the double room offers a fireplace. The double room provides a seating area, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. This double room features soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with Garden ViewThis double room has a private bathroom and a sofa. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City ViewThis twin/double room has a private bathroom, a seating area and a sofa. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
The Casterbridge is nestled in a prime location, offering guests easy access to the heart of Dorchester. Visitors frequently praise the hotel's central positioning, highlighting its convenience for exploring the town's amenities, restaurants, museums, and shops. Its setting is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in Dorchester's charm, with the added convenience of being close to all major roads for further exploration of inland Dorset. The hotel is also noted for its character and a stunning property ambiance, situated right on the doorstep of central attractions. While some reviewers mention minor noise from the main road, the overall sentiment towards the location remains highly positive. Guests appreciate the hotel's reasonable pricing for such a central spot. A friendly and helpful host adds to the appeal, offering insightful recommendations about the local area, making stays at The Casterbridge not just comfortable, but enriched with local knowledge.
Breakfast
Nestled in the center of town, The Casterbridge offers a breakfast experience that stands out for its quality and variety. Guests frequently praise the delicious, freshly cooked meals that start their day at the hotel. With a focus on local produce, the breakfast chef delivers dishes that are not only tasty but also showcase the best of the region's ingredients. This attention to detail ensures that each morning meal is of high standard, from sumptuous omelettes to an assortment of cereals and fresh fruit.
Hot plates served daily provide hearty options such as bacon and eggs, alongside lighter, nutritious choices like abundant fruit selections. For those with specific tastes, individualized options are readily available, and guests delight in the occasional special requests, such as the uniquely crafted Sri Lankan dahl. The conservatory setting adds a charming touch, making breakfast a pleasant start to the day.
Despite occasional comments on portion sizes, the overall consensus is one of satisfaction due to the well-cooked and varied options, making it easy for visitors to fuel up for a day of exploring. The host and staff receive commendation for their friendly and attentive service, ensuring that nothing is ever too much trouble. With first-class facilities and a perfectly executed menu, The Casterbridge is recognized for providing a breakfast experience that leaves a lasting impression on its guests.
Rooms
The Casterbridge impresses guests with its comfortable and stylish rooms. Many reviewers have praised the spaciousness and elegant decoration, highlighting the charming blend of comfort and sophistication. Visitors commonly describe the beds as exceptionally comfy, contributing to a restful stay. The rooms are noted for their cleanliness, often featuring fresh, crisp linens that enhance the overall experience.
Accommodation options vary in size from expansive King Rooms to cozy setups, but many appreciate the spaciousness and thoughtful arrangement of furniture, including comfortable armchairs and ample seating. Bathrooms are often highlighted for their generous size. Guests also value the convenience of the location, which offers easy access to shops, walks, and transportation, complementing a delightful stay.
Rooms at The Casterbridge are frequently characterized as quiet despite overlooking busier streets, offering a peaceful ambiance for relaxation. The decor, often in calming shades like blue and white, adds to the cozy feel, ensuring guests enjoy a serene retreat. Overall, the hotel rooms combine comfort and elegance, making them a favored choice for travelers seeking a pleasant accommodation experience.
Beds
At The Casterbridge, guests frequently praise the comfort and spaciousness of the beds, which consistently deliver a restful night's sleep. Many describe them as luxurious and comfortable, with some noting the beds in the deluxe rooms as particularly large and warm. Guests often enjoy the medium to firm quality of the mattresses, catering well to those who prefer such a feel. However, there are occasional mentions of variability in bed quality, with a few reviews pointing out issues such as sagging on one side or beds being slightly harder than expected. Some guests found specific bed types, like the four poster bed, to be smaller than ideal for a pair. Overall, the majority of reviews emphasize the notable comfort and quality of the beds, contributing positively to the overall hotel stay experience.
Cleanliness
The Casterbridge sets a high standard for cleanliness that consistently impresses its guests. Rooms are described as spotlessly clean, creating an inviting atmosphere where exceptional cleanliness seems to be the norm. Interiors are well-kept and beautifully decorated, with linens that add a touch of elegance and comfort. Despite some minor critiques regarding the size of certain rooms and anticipated updates for bathrooms, the overall experience remains positive. Visitors appreciate the immaculate rooms and comfortable beds, complemented by a delightful breakfast service provided by friendly staff. The attention to cleanliness extends throughout the property, contributing to a pleasant and well-maintained environment that guests appreciate.
Staff
Visitors to The Casterbridge are consistently impressed by the hotel's exceptional staff, whose friendliness and helpful demeanor leave a lasting impression. Guests describe the team as welcoming and professional, demonstrating a genuine commitment to providing cheerful and attentive personal service that complements the charming historic setting. Noorani, the owner, receives high praise for her warm and approachable personality, consistently going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay. She is noted for her extensive local knowledge, offering valuable insights into the area and assisting with arrangements to enhance guests' experiences. The staff as a whole, described as superb and knowledgeable, contribute significantly to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere, with many guests singling out their kindness and generosity. Whether it’s assistance with bookings or providing thoughtful local recommendations, the team at The Casterbridge is dedicated to making each visit exceptional.
Parking
Parking at The Casterbridge offers a mix of convenience and accessibility, appreciated by many guests for its valuable perks in a bustling town center. The hotel helps guests navigate their parking options through helpful communications detailing where to park, ensuring a smoother arrival. Parking is available on a first-come basis, with three free spaces located about 150 yards away, offering guests a much-appreciated benefit in the heart of the town.
While the limited spaces mean guests must act swiftly to reserve a spot, local council car parks provide reasonably priced alternatives compared to other towns, aiding those who cannot secure a hotel space. The high street has restricted parking—only allowing an hour from 8 am to 6 pm—but guests have the option to park in front of garages in nearby streets, ensuring some flexibility. Despite occasional challenges, guests seem to have managed weekend parking with minimal issues, appreciating the thoughtful arrangements made by the hotel.
No, The Casterbridge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Casterbridge.
No, The Casterbridge doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Casterbridge.