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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 1056 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: 25 April 2024

    8.0
    I very much enjoyed my stay and would certainly look to make a repeat visit.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Classic Single Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    There was not really sufficient room in the bedroom to work on a laptop, as the dressing table did not have sufficient depth and there was only 1 chair, a deep armchair which was not suitable for desk-top level work. Otherwise, everything in the room was fine.

    The room service (Anna) was really excellent and the room itself was very clean and tidy. The other hotel staff were also very helpful, friendly and polite, and gave me a lot of help with lifting and storing heavy luggage. The view from the bedroom window was unforgettable!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 April 2024

    7.0
    superb location, staff very pleasant and friendly, bed comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 6 nights

    Only one bedside light meant only one of us could read in bed

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 April 2024

    8.0
    Lovely hotel, great location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Room was lovely. Bed was very high, but thats only a problem as I'm so short!

    Location is fabulous, perfect for a weekend in Wells

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Breakfast lady was excellent

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 April 2024

    8.0
    Great stay in a wonderful location room 3 had great views of cathedral
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The Bath/shower was unusable as a shower.Toilet flush was difficult to stop.The mirror light was difficult to work out.

    Staff managed a continental breakfast for at very short notice

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2024

    9.0
    A lovely short break in a beautiful city in a quirky excellently located B&B.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The stairs were very steep, but we had been informed about this so it wasn’t a surprise. We were disappointed that the on-site restaurant wasn’t open on our initial night and we had already made plans for subsequent meals. That said, on return in the evenings when it was open it was very busy which is always a good sign! There is no actual parking on site, but as we had been informed beforehand, parking is available alongside the green (and other places), albeit limited to overnight stays. We found this worked a treat.

    The property is quite quirky, being pretty old. The location is fabulous, being just across the green from Wells Cathedral. The staff were great, friendly and interactive. Communication before the trip was very good too. Breakfast was great.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 April 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Great location and breakfast

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 April 2024

    8.0
    A great location with a wonderful view, for a short break in Wells.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room was tired and could do with a facelift.

    Very friendly and accommodating hosts. The food in the restaurant was very good with fast professional service.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 April 2024

    8.0
    My stay was restful and the staff were warm and helpful.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    More diary free options at dinner

    The view of the cathedral, the quiet, the character of the room and building, the bed was large and comfortable, dinner and breakfast were good, the location is excellent.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2024

    8.0
    Lovely quaint hotel in an excellent location. Very good breakfast
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Classic Single Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Lovely quaint hotel in an excellent location. Very good breakfast

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2024

    9.0
    Huge historic character, high comfort, friendly staff we know from before
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Four-Poster Bed and Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    We also enjoyed an excellent dinner in the restaurant (Rugantino’s) with a large group beforehand. The restaurant were accommodating about our late start because we gave a concert in the Cathedral. Fantastic unique ancient bedroom over the old gateway. We like the awkward old spiral staircase and sensational view over the Cathedral and the Green. Excellent large breakfast served by very friendly lady.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2024

    9.0
    Ideal location for visit-parking options given were ideal.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Some road noise.

    Location.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 April 2024

    9.0
    Fabulous
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No bar

    Location,view, food

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

    7.0
    Stunning location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Classic Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Parking is a problem, everywhere suggested by staff was full on arrival so it took us some time to find somewhere. Everywhere requires you to renew your payment early next morning, so not relaxing really.

    The breakfast was excellent, everything cooked to perfection

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 March 2024

    9.0
    Beautiful hotel, beautiful place - definitely returning soon!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Cathedral View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    The property is in an amazing location - super central with everything on your doorstep! The view of the cathedral from our bedroom was stunning and made our trip! The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and helped to make our stay extra special!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • 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

Showing 1 – 25

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