I visited Sandwich on a blissfully summery evening. We walked all round town and settled on our hotel as the most pleasant setting in the sun to eat. Staff were lovely, each having smiles and interest in their customers. It was a busy bank holiday evening, but we ate well and the food was good, nothing too fancy. Natalie at the hotel reception was perhaps the takeaway highlight. She was so pleasant and welcoming, with the biggest of smiles. She told us all about the duck race in town and made sure we knew all we needed to know. She answered my silly Ham Sandwich Deal questions, no doubt getting this all the time. The breakfast was sumptuous and beautifully presented. I’m glad we went early on because it got very busy. The twin room we had was all we needed. It had rooftop views, which in Sandwich is interesting enough with all its higgeldy piggedy built charm. I liked the Nespresso machine in the room, including decaf options. I’m glad I stayed at the Bell Hotel because it really has the best location in town.

One barman seemed to have not had the same smiling customer focus of all the other staff. I thought the golfers ramming the reception with their over privileged sense of entitlement, might have realised that their bags created an access issue for visually impaired people. Rich entitled Americans may be the life blood of this hotel, but it is wrong to block access for others, guests or not, with their stuff. We had to clamber around all their baggage. If there had been a fire this would have been a severe issue for the person in charge of safety at this hotel.

The location is absolutely superb and overlooks some of the many wonderful and beautiful buildings you will find in this village/town. The rooms are also very lovely and clean which means we have stayed here before and will not hesitate to book again in the future. We love Sandwich and the excellent breakfast included in the stay sets you up for a good day of exploring and enjoying.

I would have given it a higher rating if the shower had contained hot water. However, I did raise this with reception who was excellent and refunded part of the cost without me having to argue it out...well done and many thanks! They also informed me that this will be investigated and fixed shortly. therefore, I am not put off at all and will return.

The Bell Hotel is "very good." We traveled by train to/from London, and 1/2 mile walk to hotel flat. Two security guards at station did volunteer to help us with rollaway luggage over the tracks, but otherwise it was an easy walk to hotel. It is ideally situated in Sandwich, a quiet Medieval town. Walking paths by and around river and town, which my wife enjoyed while I play golf at RSG's one of the two mornings we stayed there are extensive and are used by locals; my wife felt very safe. (RSG will pick you up and return you.) Fish and Chips traditional and excellent; breakfast off-the-menu very good, and staff friendly. Beware there is no elevator, and the stairs are steep to room. But room with view of River Stour, open doors, and small balcony, fit our tastes. PS Namaste restaurant in alley behind hotel is excellent for Indian food and jammin' on a Thursday night. I hear from local source that Luigi's is also very good.

Room wasn't ready at 3:00 pm arrival. But Brendan, receptionist, took our luggage upstairs, so that helped out when we returned twenty minutes later. TV selection limited. With the PGA Championship on SkySports, it would have been nice to have had that fairly standard British amenity. Not sure we would have selected in Sandwich if I hadn't had my eye set on RSG's, probably would have stayed in Canterbury. But I'm glad we did stay in Sandwich! It is a decent hotel and a very good place to stay in one of England's best preserved old towns.

Breakfast was very good. Well cooked and good portions and help yourself was good quality. The room was comfortable, a good size for the two of us (travelling with my son).

The shower door fell off its railing twice.. my son was able to fix.. I mentioned to reception and said it wasn’t an issue but I think it wld have been for me if I was alone as I found it too hard to go due to my height. The bathroom just felt a bit tired.. because of this and some bathroom furniture eg soap dish felt over used/needing tightening etc . My only real mention is the cleaning staff talking loudly with clearly non work convos outside the door on our landing area .. particularly on the Wednesday morning from quite early 7:45am. Ok for us as we were on an early start but I’d have been irritated if I wanted to sleep in a bit. Otherwise everything was great - these tweaks wld have given a 10/10 score.

I cannot compliment the staff more, everyone we interacted with was so friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious, rooms and wider hotel very clean and comfortable. Restaurant serves such lovely food and we were actually pleased the restaurant we were going to was closed on the Monday because what we had was so tasty. They put champagne glasses in our room upon our request and additional towels. Cannot fault the service from the staff.

We had the misfortune of having inconsiderate guests in the room above ours which meant we didn't sleep as well as we'd have hoped. Could hear them stomping around until gone 1am and they were talking so loudly that we had to sleep with earplugs in. Although not something that can be controlled by the hotel bare in mind if you are a light sleeper.

The breakfast was nice and the staff friendly. Coffee with breakfast was a bit of letdown though but at least there was a coffee machine and pods in the room to had coffee there Instead of the dining room. Room was nicely decorated, can tell they have been refurbished. We had mentioned we are travelling with our 7 year old son and they set up two extra single beds in the room when one would’ve been sufficient but it was lucky the room was big enough that we did mind it. The hotel Is also located across from two great restaurants - the Crispín Pub and Toll Bridge SmokeHouse. Both really good

Very little parking. We managed to get parking the first day but the second day we had to pay for it down the road. The bathroom also had a slightly mouldy smell and we could not work out why because there was no mould visible.

Location is very good, and the hotel is splendid old building which has been well looked after.

The available car parking arrangements could have been explained a lot more clearly. We were unlucky enough to have a party of drunken young men staying immediatley above us. They kept us awake for hours and made a horrible mess on our balcony. There was nothing the hotel staff could realistically have done about this, except to blacklist the guilty guests against future stays. Which they appear to have done.

Great location and establishment with a superb team of staff. The food was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Bravo for working so hard and with a smile in the sweltering weather conditions. Especial thanks to Brendan for sorting out our room booking switch with finesse. We needed to bring our Scottie dog with us at the last minute after his little stay in hospital. It felt like every member of staff greeted and welcomed the little pup.

The staff were fantastic - special mention to Brendan on Reception and the Restaurant Manager who was very knowledgeable. Our meal was amazing and superbly cooked (recommend the steak best I have had) and breakfast next morning exceptional. Room was clean and spacious overlooking the river. Loved our stay

Hotel being refurbished and needs a bit of love as it's architectural features will then be more apparent.

I loved this hotel so much I sort of want to live there. Everything was much better than anticipated. The staff were absolutely lovely as well and whilst I was having dinner I could over hear management talking to them, everyone seemed so happy and like a great little team I thought what a wicked place to work. Nothing was too much trouble, the rooms are stunning with everything you need. Location is beautiful. Food was good and great value for money. I would have paid a lot more for this stay. Would highly recommend.

There isn’t anything to complain about. The only downside is the parking but there’s nothing that can be done about that, and there is a huge car park opposite, although it was very full so I had to walk with my case for 5 minutes, but I’m completely scraping the barrel to find a negative. Parking was free over night until 8am.