The Castle Inn

Location and Atmosphere: The hotel is set in a picturesque village, creating a magical ambiance that guests appreciate. The charming surroundings and historic setting offer a unique experience, making it ideal for relaxation and exploration.

It was a little difficult finding the entrance to the hotel but we were having driving challenges so that probably caused the issues. The hotel isn't fancy but it was super comfortable. The room was adorable and we had great views of the area around the hotel. We didn't eat at the hotel but we did have a few drinks in the evening and it was very enjoyable. Only issue was that there was no hot water when I was ready to shower before bed. However, the bed was so comfortable and I slept so well that I couldn't even let a cold shower lessen my review.

Castle Combe is a lovely village for a walk, and in the afternoon, we decided to stop for a quick drink. The Castle Inn looked inviting from the outside, but unfortunately, the experience didn’t match the setting. When I walked in, the bar area was empty of customers, but two staff members were working behind it. Despite clearly seeing me waiting, neither acknowledged my presence. One even walked past me several times carrying drinks to a table without so much as a “Hello” or “I’ll be with you in a moment.” Eventually, after he told his colleague he was going on his break, I finally got a minimal “Yes” as a greeting. I ordered two drinks, and even then, the service felt indifferent. The clutter around the card machine made paying unnecessarily awkward. I still said “thank you,” but again, there was no reply or acknowledgement. Outside, the location itself was idyllic for people watching on a sunny afternoon. Sadly, the tables let it down. Ours had empty glasses, a coffee cup, and three cigarette butts on it when we sat down, and other nearby tables were in a similar state. During the whole time we were there, staff didn’t make any effort to clear them, even though it was quiet. It’s a shame because the Castle Inn has such potential given its setting, but the lack of basic customer service and attention to cleanliness made the visit feel unwelcome. Hospitality should start with a smile, pleasenties, and a welcoming environment, all were amiss here. 👎