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Reviews of The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant

20 Sadler St, Wells, BA5 2SE, United Kingdom

#14 of 15 B&Bs and Inns in Wells

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 1028 hotel reviews

8.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.5

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    7.9

  • Staff

    9.0

  • Value for money

    8.2

  • Free WiFi

    8.9

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    9.0
    enjoyable stay in historical Wells.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night

    The location was great in the historical centre of Wells, our room overlooked the green and had a beautiful view of the cathedral. The room was comfortable and tastefully decorated. Staff were pleasant and helpful with local knowledge. We didn't eat breakfast but did enjoy a lovely dinner in the restaurant.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Classic Single Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night

    the main radiator in the bedroom could not be turned down and the room was too hot until the heating went off

    It was just what I needed for and overnught stop

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 March 2024

    8.0
    A stay at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel adds to the antiquity of the city of Wells.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    There is no on-site parking, but the parking options advised were very helpful. If you time it right (i.e. between 8.00pm and 8.00am for 20 minutes), you can use the nearby layby for dropping off passengers or luggage.

    The hotel location was right in the centre of Wells. It is a beautiful ancient building. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. We were informed in advance that the flight of stairs to the second floor on which we were staying was very steep and it was a good workout to get up there! The bedroom itself had all we needed. Being at the front of the hotel, there was a lot of noise from the road but this is to be expected in the centre of the city. The breakfast was very tasty and plentiful. We had a lovely meal at the Rugantino restaurant and it really was authentic Italian food. The service was excellent too. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 March 2024

    8.0
    Quirky historic building overlooking the Cathedral Close.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Could not have a proper shower due to sloping ceilings in the en-suite but not an issue as it was off-set by the view out of the window.

    Great room overlooking the Cathedral Close but all a bit tight - not unexpected in a historic building. Evening meal in the Rugantino restaurant was quite expensive for what you got but very tasty.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    9.0
    It was a bargain. Not luxury. But interesting. Not luxury!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Quirkiness and ancient building. Four poster bed.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The second time, we've stayed a lovely hotel and an ideal location

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bedroom was a bit too warm.

    Was good location for our visit and concert in the cathedral. Staff very friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2024

    9.0
    Super staff and building,.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wallpaper / but that’s me.

    Location and architectural ambiance. Wonderful stuff.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 February 2024

    8.0
    Excellent central location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The room is soon going to be refurnished and the hotel thanked us for our suggestions for improvement, for example more shelf space for toiletries in the bathroom, a hook for coats on the back of the door, and a large cushion for your back when sitting up in bed. A proper shower would have been plus in the en-suite, and they say they are also considering this as part of their upgrade. These were minor points and wouldn't stop us considering a return trip.

    We had a good experience from the outset, being warmly welcomed and able to check in to our room ahead of time. The hotel sent useful information on the various public parking options in Wells and so their not having guest parking of their own was not a problem. We had the superior double with lovely views overlooking the green and the Cathedral. The food in the Rugantino restaurant was excellent. The building is old and full of character - expect to hear other guests on the creaky stairs.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 February 2024

    8.0
    Extremely convenient, comfortable and with the perfect location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Classic Single Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Lots of little decorative things needed doing in the room: bits of paintwork, filling in holes etc. Shame!

    Very friendly and helpful staff. Located right in the middle of town, very nice restaurants close by - perfect. Historic building, with period features.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Too warm in room- radiator behind bed

    Fantastic location and friendly staff

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 January 2024

    8.0
    Living history.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room was small but very adequately furnished with comfortable beds and quality linens. Our only comment would be lack of electric sockets in useful places but in an old building this is understandable.

    I loved the ancient feel to the place. Although they have an old winding staircase it is well covered by beautiful brass banisters making it an easy climb even for 2 oldies with mobility issues.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 January 2024

    7.0
    Lovely stay, clean and comfortable room, great location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed a bit lumpy and uneven so felt like you might fall out!

    Great location in the centre of Wells, right by the cathedral. Very little noise even though we were above restaurant/kitchen and they were fully booked. Very clean.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 January 2024

    7.0
    Quirky building with a beautiful view.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I booked this hotel partly because of the Italian restaurant, which I discovered after booking was closed on the day we were there. The central heating went off overnight and during the morning, so despite the extra radiator we were cold. The bathroom, particularly the floor was freezing. We liked our room, but didn’t realise at first it was also the route to the fire escape for the hotel, which made us a little nervous. Had we realised sooner, we’d have taken the alternative offered. The mattress was the sort that rolls you towards the middle of the bed.

    The location and view of the cathedral. Hearing the cathedral clock strike and the bells clearly. The building was quirky and had interesting features. The woman on reception was friendly and helpful and offered us another room if the one allocated on the top floor didn’t suit us. She had also thoughtfully plugged in an extra radiator because of the cold weather. We would stay again, which is the best recommendation for a hotel.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2024

    9.0
    Would definitely stay again
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    No complaints

    Cozy clean and welcoming

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Four-Poster Bed and Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Private bathroom required separate entrance key to bedroom. Steps between bedroom and bathroom 'rickety'.

    Comfortable bed, excellent view, quiet, very good on-site Italian Restaurant

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 31 December 2023

    8.0
    Very comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing bar

    Restaurant down stairs.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 31 December 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The location is amazing directly opposite the cathedral, and the building is wonderfully quirky in its ancient features.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 December 2023

    7.0
    Nice hotel for a short stay to explore the city
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Parking was tricky, car parks all full. Found space near Tesco on the road in the end.

    Central location to enjoy the city of wells. Restaurant underneath which served lovely food.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 December 2023

    9.0
    The trip was great location and great food breakfast was also a bonus
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Four-Poster Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    They didn't offer free nights lol 😆

    The room was great a little dated but more than practical for what was required,great location in

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 December 2023

    8.0
    Very good stay for one night.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room was to hot, couldn’t control the radiator as it was behind the bed.

    The location.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 December 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 December 2023

    9.0
    Very happy
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Classic Single Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Not keen on those horrible little containers of long life milk - there's never enough milk in these for a good cuppa and they taste awful. Always prefer it if fresh milk is provided.

    Very kindly provided room service late supper as I was a late arrival.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 December 2023

    9.0
    Amazing location and a very comfortable stay in a building full of history and atmosphere.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bathroom was modern and excellent but the bedroom was a little tired and the drapes on the four poster a bit lacklustre. A few pictures and a freshen up wound lift the space. Saying that, we were very pleased overall.

    A warm welcome and avery comfortable stay. Terrific breakfast and our hostess couldn’t do enough for us. The location was superb.

    Stayed in December 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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