Crown Hotel

I have a long history with this hotel. Dating back to 1980. It was the place to go to to drink the famous Badger Ale. People leaving on posting or demob, used to have their farewell lunch and drink there. I left in 1991 and settled in Cardiff. But occasionally visited. Then when I move overseas. I make a point each time I return to the UK to stay for a night or two. I just love this place, the cosiness, familiarity and of course the ale. This last trip however was not the same. I missed the Shakshuka for breakfast, but was still able to sample honey straight from the comb. No the problem is old age. Our room this time was probably the furthest one they had from the main house. I know we crossed a courtyard upstairs. There was a lift but the corridor and a few steps made things difficult for my wife. Worst of all, the bathroom had a shower but the hight of the bath meant she could not shower for the three days we were there. Even I struggled, and there wasn't even a handrail to assist. So I guess we have outgrown the Crown. Yes we could have asked for some assistance but we ex-military do not do that, and my wife said she would have been too embarrassed.

Where to start? Helen on reception, what a diamond! So friendly, so helpful, excellent first impression. My room was divine. The bath huge and deep, the room well appointed. It’s full of original features which I loved. Dinner. Shepherds Pie, which deserves a five star review on its own. Delicious….. The bed…. OMG SO comfy! I literally must have gone straight to sleep it was amazing. Special mention for Vince! Vince is a delight and made my stay! What a gorgeous, lovely, funny, Gentleman! Breakfast….. OMG… lush, well worth getting up early for. I stayed one night but wanted to stay longer. I sincerely hope I get to stay at this outstanding hotel again! Bravo! Beautiful stay, loved it.

Stayed here 7-8March. All was fabulous this hotel is really lovely. Great feeling as you walk in with such a friendly welcoming. We were extremely lucky and given room 11 which was huge warm and spotlessly clean. Missive comfortable bed with two good pillows each. The bathroom with very large bath and overhead shower. Nice tea tray with biscuits and two small bottles of water. Had drinks in the smashing old fashioned bar that had friendly young bar staff. Beer was super nice too! Dinner in the main dining room was out of this world. Haven’t had a hotel meal that great for absolutely ages. All so so delicious so don’t miss the chance of enjoying your supper here! We didn’t have breakfast but I’d bet that it’s pretty amazing also. There is nothing to dislike about this beautiful hotel. I really wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you for such a short but amazing stay. Please don’t change a thing about it we want to come back!

Had a midweek lunch with friends. Rob served us and he was very friendly and accommodating to our needs. 3 of us had fish and chips which was a huge portion but a little overpriced at £16.95 and the other a club sandwich £10.45. All very tasty. Lovely restaurant, hotel and bar in a good location at the end of Blandford high street. Would recommend.

Lovely hotel, antique but modern feel at the same time, which was different and great. Dog friendly and ALL of the staff were really helpful and friendly. Food was also excellent, decent parking, Definitely would stay here again. Thank you

A fine , traditional , hotel that is obviously at the heart of the town. The hotel is a good place to stay , with good food and nice rooms at a reasonable price, without being pretentious . It was noteworthy for the friendly and helpful staff who keep the place so well. We used it as a base for local walks and thoroughly enjoyed these [ but do use the Ordnance Survey maps to help plan routes ]

Popped in off the cuff for some food. I never really have much luck when I order a roast but for some reason decided I’d give it a try. OMG it was exceptional, the beef pink and melted in the mouth. The potato’s crunchy on the outside soft on the inside, the parsnips and carrots awesome!! Brilliant

This was a great experience. Superbly comfortable bed and the shower was the best we have ever experienced. The view up the road from our windows was also very nice as it had a suttle red glow from the 'Crown Hotel' front signage when the curtains were open.. Even with the window open a little, we were not disturbed by traffic at all. Less then a minute to be handed the keys and a couple of minute to hand them back and pay, Superb. Parking great too. The only reason we dropped a star was that the breakfast seemed a little under par. Plenty of it though.