Winchester Royal Hotel - Winchester

Zara B.

We looked at a couple of venues in Winchester to host an afternoon tea to celebrate our civil partnership with our immediate family. When we viewed the waitress who showed us around was so attentive and knowledgeable, that we didn't hesitate with making a reservation.

Unfortunately this same lady wasn't working on the day (understandable) and the service we received couldn't have been more contrasting. When our guests arrived whilst we were having photos taken, there was no one to greet them and after waiting they made their own way to the Garden Restaurant and seated themselves. Over the course of two hours we weren't offered any refreshed tea and retrieved our own drinks from the bar which was cluttered with dirty crockery and glasses, plus we had to wait an exceptional amount of time for the bartender to appear. The only time we did receive table service was when the afternoon tea was brought out and the waiter decided to interrupt my brother, who was standing and mid-speech, to tell us the sandwich fillings. Paying was a painful process as I had to ask reception to send me someone so that I could pay (the bartender had disappeared again).

I've worked in the past in hospitality and fully appreciate and respect when you are rushed off your feet, however, we were the only table in the restaurant and there were only a few tables in the garden and lounge. We were basically ignored for two hours and would have liked to try out some of the wonderful gins on offer, but even waiting for a bartender to appear at the bar was frustrating and not acceptable. In short, absolute appalling service under any circumstances, but made worse that this was a very special celebration. The afternoon tea itself was enjoyable, plus you had wonderful guests who offered us congratulations and compliments (probably fed-up with seeing me walk laps trying to find a member of staff) which notably your illusive staff couldn't even muster up.

Whilst the afternoon tea and ambience was enjoyable, the lack of service completely lets this down. We won't be returning as paying guests.

Paul G.

I stayed here when cycling King Alfred's way. The staff were really helpful. They provided secure bike storage inside a conference room. Everything else was great. The room, restaurant and breakfast.
A beautiful garden to relax in. Perfect

ocheun293185

The staff were lovely and accommodating, very pet friendly. The rooms were nice and clean. Location was brilliant, everything was in walking distance. The garden was so lovely in the sunshine, and the bar was so comfortable, and the food was really good too!

Mike F. (. E. M.

Totally recommend a stay at the Winchester Royal Hotel

Fabulous stay.
One of my favourites of the last few years travels for work.

Great location. Wonderful service at every touch point. Relaxing lounge and bar. Loved the menu with quality food. Cleanliness attention. Plus overall a super mix of retaining the history with the modern features added by the new management team .

You won’t be disappointed if you book some time to stay here.

Roving43950355651

A first class hotel ... what more can I say? Comfortable bed in a lovely room overlooking the garden, and a superb buffet breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff, and car parking was easy. Will certainly stay here again, and recommend highly.

StephenCr0ss

The Winchester Royal Hotel takes you back in time. Very old world and quaint. The Walled Garden and deck chairs are lovely. Bar is nice and a lounge separately. Breakfast was a bit disorganised and figure it out for yourself. Parking ok. Bedrooms a bit disappointing and dated. No hair conditioner. No fridge. Floorboards very creaky. Windows old. Needs an update. Staff good. Overall good value.

Niki P.

Loved this hotel. Only one night. Had a garden view. Very comfy bed. Breakfast was a fairly relaxed buffet style, but had all a good amount of choice. Staff were friendly. Central location with parking was brilliant. Would definitely stay here again.

Elizabeth L.

Stayed at Winchester Royal for 2 nights in a quiet upgraded room overlooking the garden. The bed was very comfortable and the shower in the very large bathroom was fine. It had a hot towel rail which was great for drying towels - an extra not normally seen these days. The TV remote control batteries were running out and we asked for replacements. They were replaced together with a NEW TV and remote. Never ever seen that before!!!!. A bedside lamp didn't work so that was replaced immediately as well. Ate in the restaurant both nights as we couldn't be bothered to go out and the food was lovely. Only downside was the difficulty in finding the Parchment street car park and then locating the back entrance to the hotel . Although we were advised that there were clear signs, couldn't find them at all. We cannot praise the hotel enough for the very friendly staff and the service whilst we were there. We hope to return to the hotel for the Xmas market.