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Reviews of The Sydney Arms

11 Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 2NG, United Kingdom

#10 of 10 hotels in Dorchester

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 362 hotel reviews

6.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.0

  • Comfort

    6.9

  • Location

    7.9

  • Facilities

    6.4

  • Staff

    8.2

  • Value for money

    6.8

  • Free WiFi

    6.4

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 6, 2024

    5.0
    Fair
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The bed was awful it squeaked everytime I moved

    Did not have breakfast

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: February 25, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    We didnt mind the noise from the pub. unfortunately before the pub closed the fire alarms where set off and it took a long while for the alarm to be turned off, as it was a false alarm.

    As we was visiting family, the accommodation was perfect. It would of been nice if breakfast had been available. The room was cosy and well stocked with tea and coffee. Unfortunately it was very dusty with cobwebs at the top of the wall and behind the very small tv that didnt work and there was no remote control to.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: October 26, 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    A bit cold. Radiator not effective

    Quite and comfortable. Affordable parking close by

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: October 22, 2023

    7.0
    The host was new to the pub so I guess he has intention of improving things? The ambience was not delightful,
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Unwelcoming, dank, musty corridor and stairs up to rooms. The bathroom needs a complete overhaul to combat creaking, old fashioned, but clean, appearance. Mine host didn’t offer to carry my bag (I’m not young) to clean but noisy (directly above bar) small room. A club chair or two in the room instead of the wardrobe would be helpful. I didn’t expect a view but felt the room overpriced.

    Host offered free drink as I arrived as the Booking system up the spout so I had to wait half an hour before I suggested going to the room.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: September 25, 2023

    6.0
    Not a good nights sleep
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Road noise, poor mattress.

    Had a pub

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: September 6, 2023

    7.0
    It was OK but no carpark. Had to park in the public carpark . Only a 3 min walk away .
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The pub outside the room is as a bit tired and there wasn’t any food.

    Pub looks a little tired and stairs were grubby but the room was clean and comfortable with everything we needed.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: August 24, 2023

    6.0
    A place to lay your head before going to a cafe for breakfast.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    There was black mould ingrained in the bathroom grout and between tiles, not great to look at and a bit of similar in the bedroom too. This may be an issue to anyone with sensitive asthma, presumably there is a damp issue. Not a significant problem for me (though I did feel like I didn't want to touch the shower tiles) - other than that the bathroom was functional, albeit small. No shampoo/gel supplied but I'd read other reviews so was prepared. Toilet paper was supplied. Mattress obviously cheap and flimsy but I wasn't expecting more than a place to lay my head.

    Check-in was nice and easy, just introduce yourself at the bar, and I got the feeling they were ready for me whenever I rocked up. Friendly too, a quick show-round all that was required. After checkout, they were also happy to look after my case until I was ready to leave Dorchester and again, again all smiles and this leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth. Other reviewers mentioned the noise from the pub downstairs, I can't comment as I didn't get back until after it had closed, but it seemed to be keeping regular pub hours even at the weekend, so this would only be an issue if you have kids along for the trip. Tea/coffee and kettle were supplied, but no means of cleaning the cup between my 2 days, no worries, rinse round with handsoap and fingers. The single room is pretty low priced so I was expecting what I got, and everyone was friendly and the room quiet enough at night (facing back of hotel).

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 14, 2023

    6.0
    Just adequate for a one night stay, while travelling for work.
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The bed was like a slate. The shower and toilet room was very small and dimly lit. Building work going on until 6pm and starting again before 8am. No food was available and parking is a few minutes walk away. This is despite the page for the place, on this site, saying there was parking and a restaurant.

    The room was quite airy and clean. Plenty of Tea and Coffee available. It's a short walk into town for cheaper beer and available food. Dorchester is a very nice town with a variety of pubs and restaurants and, thankfully, free overnight parking.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 14, 2023

    7.0
    Overall good , you will get what you will pay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I booked two bedroom . One Bed was not comfortable

    Good location , affordable price , great service

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 1, 2023

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Property is on a very good location, easy access

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: July 16, 2023

    7.0
    Sydney Arms
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The bed was very noisy.

    It was close to the town centre, without being too close.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: June 30, 2023

    7.0
    Okay for the price range but it has some buts
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    While the shower didn't make me want to leave my slippers on while using it, there are some black mold in some of the corners and the space between the tiles. It would definitely freak out most people while it wouldn't take much effort to fix. The other thing is the bed. While it provided a good night sleep (because I was dead tired each night) the structure is really shaky and feels like it wants to fall apart on each turn. It could use some maintenance.

    The place is above a pub which provides some free time opportunities and it is perfectly okay for overnight stay within the price range. The negatives I point out here does not make me regret my decision to stay here at all and would consider it again the next time around.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 26, 2023

    7.0
    Welcoming and conveient for my route
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The corridors and paintwork could have been cleaner

    the room

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 26, 2023

    6.0
    This pub was in a good location. Room was satisfactory but the pub itself was a bit ordinary.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The pub was a bit of a dive. We did not feel like having a drink or a meal there so went elsewhere. As the room was quite OK we just kept to ourselves.

    The room was quite comfortable and quiet with an adjoining old-fashioned bathroom.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 18, 2023

    7.0
    We were made to feel very welcome
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The bed was very creaky, the mattress very lumpy. Suggest renewal of both

    Location was excellent for exploring the beautiful town. Mark was extremely helpful and welcoming. The shower was superb.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 5, 2023

    7.0
    Room was ready early, staff were very friendly, room airy and clean.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Bathroom was a little on the small side, and difficult to find parking. Otherwise was a very pleasant stay!

    Didn’t have breakfast

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 4, 2023

    6.0
    A good enough stay for our needs.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    No parking at the venue. Facilities and cleanliness, especially the bathroom/shower could have been better.

    Booking in was easy and suited our timescale. Position was good for central Dorchester and for our needs.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: May 29, 2023

    6.0
    okay
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Sports TV every where

    I sleep well

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: May 22, 2023

    7.0
    Friendly and welcoming people works for cyclists
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was noisy at night but it is a lively pub and it was quiet after 11.30pm. No breakfast but the team suggested a small cafe nearby which was great

    We are cyclists and the management provided secure storage for our bikes. The rooms were comfortable. The staff were very helpful and friendly and provided a wholesome evening meal reasonably priced.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: April 23, 2023

    5.0
    Cheap and cheerful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Bathroom a bit tired and in need of a refresh.

    Cheapest room in Dorchester - clean and did the job.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: April 19, 2023

    5.0
    The room was good but expensive as compared to its facilities.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No bath soap or gel and shampoo for shower.

    Staff was good. Room was clean but there was no soap or shampoo for shower so I didn’t take shower.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: March 20, 2023

    5.0
    adequate for an overnight stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    minor details, which due to the length of stay were as such, minor, however if staying longer, they could/would have been an issue. lack of parking.

    friendly and helpful staff

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 13, 2023

    5.0
    disappointed with state of room but great lication
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    room needed a complete overhaul. lots of damp and mould. heating in room did not work

    location. near to railway station and within walking distance of town and sights

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: December 20, 2022

    7.0
    Good value for money
    • Business trip
    • Group
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Bit dated and grubby

    Comfortable and good value for the price pod

    Stayed in December 2022

Showing 1 - 25

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