The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant

Wells 51.21038400, -2.64659500 , 20 Sadler St (Show on Map)
8.1
Very Good


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsThe Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant, situated in the picturesque heart of Wells, offers guests a truly unique lodging experience steeped in historical charm. The location across from the magnificent Wells Cathedral and adjacent to Bishop’s Palace ensures breathtaking views and easy access to the town's attractions, shops and dining options. Guests consistently praise this central yet serene setting, lauding the hotel’s architectural charm and the warm, welcoming environment fostered by friendly and attentive staff.

Breakfast at the hotel receives high marks for its quality and service with a variety of well-cooked and delicious options available, including both full English and continental styles. The pleasant ambiance of the breakfast room, often with views of the Cathedral, further enhances the experience. Though a few guests found the breakfast slightly overpriced, the overall sentiment remains favorable.

The dining experience at the in-house Rugantino Restaurant is a standout feature, particularly noted for its superb Italian cuisine, excellent service and memorable ambiance. Guests enjoy a wide menu selection, including standout dishes like pasta and calamari and appreciate dining options both indoors and on the charming outdoor patio. Despite occasional closures, the restaurant is a consistent favorite among guests.

Rooms at The Ancient Gatehouse are characterized by their unique and charming decor with elements like four-poster beds and tasteful furnishings adding to the historical allure. Most rooms offer stunning views of Wells Cathedral, although some guests noted minor issues such as smaller room sizes and the need for updates. Nevertheless, the excellent facilities, including powerful showers and modern bathrooms, ensure a comfortable stay.

Cleanliness is generally praised with many rooms described as spotless and well-maintained. However, there are occasional mentions of areas needing more attention, such as carpets and communal spaces. Despite these few concerns, the overall experience remains positive.

The exceptional staff at The Ancient Gatehouse greatly enhances the guest experience. The team is frequently described as friendly, welcoming and accommodating with specific employees receiving commendations for their outstanding service. The helpfulness and local knowledge provided by the staff contribute to a seamless and enjoyable stay for guests.

Wi-Fi connectivity has mixed reviews with some finding it reliable and others encountering issues. On balance, the service meets the needs of most guests. The location also makes it convenient for guests interested in exploring the local nightlife with various eateries and pubs nearby, despite some noise disruptions from the vibrant city center.

Beds at the hotel are widely praised for their comfort, contributing significantly to the overall guest satisfaction. Most guests rave about the comfortable sleeping arrangements with only minor inconsistencies noted.

The hotel’s pet-friendly policy is a bonus for dog owners, who appreciate the clean, spacious and comfortable accommodations for their pets. Although dogs are not allowed in the restaurant during evening meals, the surrounding area offers plenty of alternatives, ensuring a pleasant stay for both guests and their canine companions.

Overall, The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant provides a delightful blend of historical charm, comfort and excellent service, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors to Wells.
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Dog Friendly Inn

Inn near Nightlife Spots

Small Inn

Room Types
Double Room with Four-Poster Bed Includes an original 4-poster bed. These first and second floor rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, a digital TV and an en-suite shower room.

Classic Double or Twin Room These first and second floor rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, and an en-suite shower room.

Superior Double Room with Cathedral View This first floor room features tea and coffee making facilities, a digital TV and an en-suite shower room.

Classic Single Room with Cathedral View This second floor room features views of Wells Cathedral, tea and coffee making facilities, a digital TV and an en-suite shower room.

Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View These first and second floor rooms feature half-tester beds tea and coffee making facilities, a digital TV and an en-suite shower room. One of these rooms has a street view, while the other has a cathedral view. These are subject to availability. These rooms are accessible by narrow corridors and steep staircases.

Double Room with Four-Poster Bed and Cathedral View The unit offers 1 bed.

Deluxe Double Room The unit has 1 bed.

Deluxe Double or Twin Room The unit has 2 beds.

Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Wells, 'The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant' boasts an exceptional location, making it an ideal base for exploring the charming historic town. With its prime spot directly opposite the magnificent Wells Cathedral and adjacent to the tranquil Bishop’s Palace, guests are treated to unparalleled views of these stunning landmarks right from their rooms. The hotel’s central position means that all of Wells' attractions, shops and dining options are mere steps away, providing ultimate convenience for visitors.

Set in a beautifully preserved ancient building, the hotel exudes character and historical charm, offering a unique and quaint atmosphere that complements its surroundings. Guests appreciate not only the hotel's architectural ambiance but also its serene environment, which belies its central location. Additionally, the friendly and attentive staff contribute to a warm and welcoming experience.

Whether visiting for a weekend getaway, a concert at the cathedral or a leisurely exploration of Wells, 'The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant' stands out as a perfect choice. With phenomenal views, a historic setting and proximity to all the delights of Wells, it's no surprise that guests consistently praise this superbly situated hotel.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant is widely praised by guests for both its quality and service. Many reviewers highlight the excellent, well-cooked and delicious breakfast options, often prepared to order by attentive and friendly staff. Guests note the variety in breakfast choices, from full English to continental with special appreciation for dishes like bacon, poached eggs and "home-cooked" meals.

The presence of an Irish lady serving breakfast is frequently mentioned with guests commending her politeness and attentiveness. The breakfast room itself offers a lovely ambiance with a notable view of the Cathedral, enhancing the dining experience.

However, some reviewers mention the breakfast being overpriced at £15 with a few noting that the serving sizes were smaller than expected or that the quality didn't match the price. There are mentions of better value at nearby cafes, although the convenience and quality at the hotel were generally appreciated.

In summary, breakfast at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant is largely well-received for its taste, preparation and view, despite a few concerns about its cost.

Dinner
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience that consistently impresses guests with its superb Italian cuisine. Many reviews highlight the fantastic pasta dishes and delectable desserts as standout features of their dining experience. The restaurant is praised for its great food, excellent service and delightful outdoor dining options, particularly on the patio at sunset or by the Cathedral Green, which provide a memorable ambiance.

Evening meals at Rugantino's are described as lovely, well-cooked and delicious with a wide menu selection ensuring there is something for everyone. The staff receives commendation for being helpful and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. Guests appreciate the high-quality and authentic Italian dishes, reflecting genuine Italian culinary expertise.

Despite a few logistical challenges, such as occasional closures, guests found plenty of other nearby dining options on those nights. Popular dishes include calamari, pizzas and overall well-presented meals that left many satisfied and happy to recommend the restaurant to others.

Whether dining in the restaurant downstairs or enjoying room service, the food and service at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant are consistently praised, making it a highlighted feature of any stay.

Rooms
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers a lodging experience rich in character and history with rooms that are both unique and impeccably maintained. Guests appreciate the charming and quirky decor, which includes four-poster beds and tastefully decorated spaces. Many rooms provide superb views of Wells Cathedral, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The hotel’s rooms are generally clean, comfortable and well-furnished, though some guests noted the need for minor updates and attention to maintenance details. The beds are widely praised for their comfort with some guests mentioning particularly spacious and soft twin beds. Despite the building’s ancient structure, which includes steep stairs and narrow corridors, the quirks add to the appeal rather than detract from it.

Facilities in the rooms are excellent with powerful hot showers, modern bathrooms and tea and coffee making amenities. While some rooms are on the smaller and more compact side, others offer ample space and practical furnishings. Temperature control was occasionally an issue with some rooms being too warm until the heating was adjusted.

The views from the rooms, especially those facing Wells Cathedral, are exceptional and add significant value to the stay. The hotel’s central location makes it perfectly situated for exploring the medieval city center. Coupled with friendly and helpful staff, the overall experience is enhanced despite a few minor quibbles related to room size and outdated elements. For those who appreciate a historic ambiance and quirkiness, The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers a memorable and delightful stay.

Beds
At The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant, one of the consistent highlights among the guest reviews is the comfort of the beds. Many guests found their beds to be very comfortable with terms like super comfy and lovely comfortable bed frequently mentioned. Four-poster beds were particularly praised, offering a touch of elegance and a cozy sleeping experience.

Several guests enjoyed the large and soft beds, often noting that they contributed greatly to the comfort of their stay. Despite occasional remarks about minor issues such as lumpy mattresses or noisy springs, the overall sentiment leans toward positive experiences. Guests appreciated the warm, inviting beds and many reported sleeping well during their stay.

While some beds were described as too soft or small for certain preferences, the majority of feedback focused on favorable aspects like good mattress quality and comfortable bedding. However, there were a few mentions of poor-quality sheets and pillows, highlighting minor inconsistencies in bed comfort.

In summary, guests at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant generally found the beds to be a significant factor in their enjoyable stays with numerous mentions of comfort and relaxation.

Cleanliness
The cleanliness of The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant receives mixed reviews from guests. Most frequently, rooms are described as very clean, tidy and even spotless. The majority of the bedrooms and bathrooms are noted for their cleanliness, receiving praise for being immaculate and well-presented. Positive mentions often highlight the rooms as cozy, welcoming and comfortable. Guests appreciated the prompt service from cleaning staff and the cleanliness maintained during their stay.

However, several reviews point to issues requiring attention, such as dusty areas, grubby carpets and communal spaces needing a deep clean. The carpets, in particular, frequently emerged as a concern, described as filthy and stained. Some guests found the decor outdated and noted that the hotel generally seemed in need of an update. Despite these issues, the overall cleanliness of individual rooms and bathrooms often meets guest expectations.

While the property boasts incredible views and a welcoming atmosphere, the consensus suggests that more thorough attention to areas such as carpets, communal spaces and detailed cleaning would significantly enhance the guest experience.

Staff
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant boasts an exceptional team that consistently receives high praise from guests. The staff is described as amazing, friendly, welcoming and incredibly accommodating. Many reviews highlight specific employees for their outstanding service, including Neil, Nicky and Evelyn. The warm welcome and easy check-in process contribute to a pleasant arrival experience for many visitors. The reception team, including a cheerful and friendly receptionist, is noted for being helpful and providing clear explanations during check-in.

Guests frequently mention the delightful breakfast service with particular commendation for the Irish lady who serves breakfast. The hotel's team, including the hosts and owners, is recognized for their friendliness and helpfulness, providing excellent local knowledge and recommendations.

Despite a few occasional comments about the reception being disappointing or the staff appearing busy, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The staff is seen going above and beyond to accommodate guest needs, from helping with baggage to offering attentive and professional service. The hotel's location coupled with such a dedicated staff makes it a well-recommended choice for visitors.

Whether it’s offering a warm welcome, assisting with luggage or ensuring a comfortable stay, the staff at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant proves to be a key factor in the positive guest experience.

Wi-Fi
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant offers a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. While some guests found the WiFi easy to connect to and noted it was capable of supporting streaming services like Netflix, others encountered issues with weak signals and had trouble accessing WiFi on their devices. The absence of WiFi passwords and detailed instructions in the rooms was mentioned as a drawback, although the staff was described as helpful in resolving these issues. Despite some inconsistent feedback, there were no overwhelming complaints, suggesting that the WiFi worked satisfactorily for many guests.

Nightlife
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant is ideally situated for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife, thanks to its central location near the market place, numerous restaurants and pubs. Guests find the hotel's proximity to historic sites and good bars particularly appealing, making it a convenient choice for evening entertainment.

Dining at the hotel's restaurant is a highlight, offering a relaxing ambiance just steps from their rooms. Additionally, late-opening coffee shops and kitchens add to the convenience. Visitors appreciate the frequent bus services to nearby attractions like Glastonbury and Bath, broadening their exploration options.

However, potential guests should be aware that the bustling city center location can lead to some noise disruptions at night, particularly for rooms facing the road. This noise includes background sounds and late-night activity, which can affect sleep quality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the hotel's historic charm and accessibility to nightlife make it a compelling choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.

Dog Friendly
The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant is highly recommended for dog owners due to its very dog-friendly facilities. Guests appreciated the spacious, clean and comfortable pet-friendly rooms. The establishment ensures that bringing dogs along is smooth and trouble-free. While dogs aren't allowed in the restaurant during the evening, there are plenty of nearby dining options. The hotel’s location also accommodates guests traveling with their canine companions.


No, The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant.

Yes, The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant.

No, The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant doesn't have a gym.

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