A rejuvenated gem in the making…read more.... We were moving into the area having sold our lodging business in the US and were looking for some accommodation for a few nights. We booked before they even had the reservation system up and running and the manager was incredibly helpful with our requests. So we turn up after the place had been open for about three weeks. Well where do we start....the bathrooms are a creative delight, some with enormous bathtubs and great powerful showers. Yes they are creative fun but also work, they have thought about where you hang your towel and where you stand to shave etc. Non of your UK water dribbly showerheads here....one even has an old wind up gramophone as a shower head! The beds are huge and VERY comfortable, with great linen. All the rooms we looked at (cos' we asked for a tour...not often asked for in the average PIG hotel is it?) seemed to have a wonderful level of whimsy and humour. All the bedrooms are a decent size with room for a suitcase etc. The bar on the ground floor is fitted out gastro pub style with loads of individual tables but also has a proper bar you can stand at and sup very decent beer. Again thought has been applied to the fixtures even including retro salt and pepper shakers. Onto all things edible.....and boy are they just that. The prices are fair and the wine list we thought offered good value with most vino bottles in the 18 - 30 quid mark. So what of the staff...well they smile, chat and seem to be not only affable but also efficient. Very rare these days, visible owners. The two brothers Ollie and Jules whose bank manager has we deduce been supportive of their capital expenditure, want their new venture to work and genuinely seek client feed back. Onto the point of feedback ......As former innkeepers we are fussy travellers, so we asked to move rooms after the first night as the traffic noise first thing in the morning woke me up early and I 'm usually a late riser (my partner slept and snored once too often for my liking!) To put this into perspective we used to live in a rural field in the US so i'm a sensitive soul for this urban living lark. In a jiffy we were packed up and whisked to an equally delightful bedroom and quirky bathroom at the rear of the hotel. As a result we missed the huge free standing copper tub in our suite, but I discovered my own ability to snore, according to my partner. This was probably caused by one extra pint of the local Bristol beer I had before retiring! If you arrive by car take note that car parking is around the corner in a car park a short stroll away but only costs a whopping £2.00 a day.....A bargain! So in summary this place is the biz in the 21st century. When you visit see me at the bar cos' I believe I'm going to be consuming a few beers in the Crooked Swan for many years to come.....

We have been lucky enough to stay in a few Red Carnation Properties but the attention to detail…read morehere is over the top excellent! We stayed in Room 1 which is beautifully appointed, large bright and with a great bed. The second bathroom also has antique bath tub which is perfect. The grounds are gorgeous and we took a great hike through the nearby deer park. The staff is friendly and helpful and management really caters to every guest desire. The full English breakfast exceeds expectations as does the tasting menu and service at dinner. If you wanted to be treated like royalty, stat at the Summer Lodge!

Have stayed at Summer Lodge twice, and eaten there a handful of times…read more Old world luxury, sumptuous afternoon tea and delicious lunch/dinner (with local produce) make it worthwhile driving from London for a great day out. If you like it, go back for a weekend. Great walks and not far from the spectacular Dorset coast.

Welcome to the Castle Hotel at Taunton. This historic Norman fortress has witnessed over 9…read morecenturies of turbulent history. In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth's officers gathered here on the eve of the Battle of Sedgemoor, where they were defeated by the forces of King James II. The infamous Judge Jeffries held his Bloody Assize in the Great Hall of the castle shortly afterwards. Over 200 rebels from the Monmouth Rebellion were tried, convicted and then hanged, drawn and quartered. A further 800 were transported to the West Indies to work on the sugar plantations. The building we see today is a Grade II listed, 18th century reconstruction of the original Norman castle, but does incorporate the original east gate, Castle Bow, which boasts 13th century features.

Where to begin! Staying here was a highlight of my recent, and first trip to England. I was coming…read moreto do some family history work at the archives in Taunton, as well as visit Glastonbury Tor. When I read this was an actual castle with medieval beginnings, I was immediately drawn in. Then I visited their website and read a few reviews and I booked it! It's a unique experience to say the least. Coming through the front, revolving door had an old world charm that was very welcoming (even though I snagged my luggage). The front desk staff were all super friendly, accommodating, and professional. The room was huge! I don't know how I ended up with a suite but I certainly did not book it nor pay extra so, the only conclusion is they upgraded me because it was available? No matter, I was in awe! I cannot recommend this place enough, it's a castle! Unforgettable.

Would thoroughly recommend this as a venue for a wedding reception. The staff are friendly,…read morethorough and determined to make the day special for you. The food was fantastic and the room has space for a band at one end. They will also provide someone to introduce the speeches. Unlike most places, the room is included free if you have a sit down meal and the bride and groom also get a free bedroom for the night.

2nd Time coming here, it was even better from the 1st! The view is incredible, the staff are lovely…read moreand the food, although its a tad expensive, is delicious. The garden at the back of the hotel is kept in pristine condition and it is full of civilised people reading newspapers. It feels straight out of a film from the 60's. The hotel has a lovely calm, quiet and zen feel to it. It is near the sea if you enjoy the beach. Overall I think this is the best hotel/restaurant in the area. I have come here before and I would come here again. Pros: * Lovely garden * Sea view * Bar * Incredible Restaurant * Cozy Cons: * Expensive * Car park is a bit on the small side

Popped in here after a walk round the town and booked up a Dorset Cream Tea for 3 People for just…read moreunder 20 pounds. We sat outside on the deck area overlooking the gardens and cobb, an amazing viewpoint. The tea arrived with three large warm scones, three large scoops of clotted cream and a large dish of Strawberry Jam, a pot of tea, a pot of hot water, rough brown and white sugar chunks. The quality and choice of location to consume your dorset cream tea at the Alexandra Hotel is excellent and second to none. Worth a visit

The atmosphere in this rural retreat is warm and inviting with a real fire burning in the winter…read moreand pleasant helpful staff. The food is moderately expensive but overall good. Rather large helpings of chips, less so when it comes to vegetables. The wild duck was rather hard to eat and rather short on meat but perhaps that's what wild duck is like everywhere. Deserts were good. Real ale available. Overall quite a good pub and restaurant that is worth a visit if in the area.

The Carvery is amazing - the beef is cooked to perfection. Staff are professional. the Bar is cosy…read more I have only had food from the a la carte once and that was equally as good. There is a Side restaurant at the back called Le Roche which does black rock steak where it comes out on a hot rock so you can cook your steak to your own liking - a novelty but fun. I find the Arms good for large groups there are 17 of us there next weekend for a carvery for a birthday meal.

Had a great weekend staying here, great welcome on arrival. Great breakfast. Lovely garden at the…read morerear for children to play in. Guest kitchen provided if required. One for the little black book.

I love this old pub, we often dash down from London for the weekend to meet friends in the George…read moreon a Saturday lunchtime for a pint of Thatchers. The food is always very nice and good value, although the menu changes quite often. As with most places in Dorset it stops serving lunch at 2pm so you gave to be quick!