Reviews of The King's Arms 4 stars
30 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF, United Kingdom
#3 of 10 hotels in Dorchester
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 1099 hotel reviews
8.9Score breakdown
-
Cleanliness
9.4
-
Comfort
9.4
-
Location
9.4
-
Facilities
9.2
-
Staff
9.5
-
Value for money
8.7
-
Free WiFi
9.0
How guest reviews work
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We are currently testing a weighted review system in Malta and Iceland (excluding hotel and vacation rental chains). For properties in these countries, the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
- Politically sensitive comments
- Promotional content
- Illegal activities
- Personal or sensitive information (e.g. emails, phone numbers or credit card info)
- Swear words, sexual references, hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, or references to violence
- Spam and fake content
- Animal cruelty
- Impersonation (e.g. if the writer is claiming to be someone else)
- Any violation of our review guidelines.
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
Guidelines and standards for Reviews
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
Translations disclaimer
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog content-
Reviewed: 6 May 2024
Bushell
United Kingdom1 review8.0“Great for an overnight stay in Dorchester”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Great location. Free parking. Nice rooms. Breakfast was delicious.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 5 May 2024
Paulkelly
United Kingdom1 review8.0“Generally good experience in this central Dorchester hotel”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Bedroom too hot (aircon had little effect) and noisy (overlooking high street).
Facilities in hotel and bedroom were comprehensive and good quality.
Stayed in May 2024
-
Reviewed: 30 April 2024
Hillary
United Kingdom2 reviews10“Well worth a visit.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing, can only give praise.
Relaxed venue, lovely food, fantastic staff who did so much to make our staff so enjoyable.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 26 April 2024
Rebecca
United Kingdom7 reviews10“Lovely, characterful hotel and bar in an ideal location”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
We didn't try the food, as the vegetarian choices didn't appeal to us.
Very good communication before the trip, with a warm, friendly welcome on arrival. They were able to store our bags for us when we arrived early, and on the day of departure. The decor of the hotel and bedroom was very opulent, smart and tasteful, with lots of lovely touches in the room, including gorgeous toiletries and a fridge with a mini carton of milk, which was very welcome instead of UHT milk! There was also a minibar with a range of goodies, some of which were included in the room rate. The bar and lounge area were lovely, inviting spaces to sit and relax with a cup of tea or glass of wine; perfect after a day of sightseeing. The location is ideal for the many local museums that Dorchester offers, and, even though we were next to the road, traffic noise wasn't really an issue (although they provide ear plugs in the room if needed). All in all, a perfect place for a minibreak (especially with its literary links).
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 25 April 2024
Lucy
United Kingdom3 reviews8.0“Cosy stay in lovely central hotel”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Just a small thing but I think chargeable mini bar items should all be kept in the fridge - clear of the free tea/coffee and biscuits (which were a nice touch)
Spotlessly clean. Cosy room with lovely bathroom and good, comfortable bed. Restaurant food was tasty and healthy. Good choices for all. Stylish decor. The staff were all lovely.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 17 April 2024
Margaret
United Kingdom4 reviews10“A perfect short stay which exceeded expectations”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
We should have stayed more days there was nothing to dislike
The room was beautiful comfortable and spotless. We were given a wonderful table in the dinning room and the evening meal was superb, the Cheese puffs just so delicious and the chicken and leek pie a masterpiece. All the staff were so helpful and kind
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 16 April 2024
Carol
United Kingdom9 reviews2 helpful votes10“Just perfect, huge comfortable bed”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
All good!
Lovely decor, very boutique. The website really doesn’t do it justice!
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 14 April 2024
Richard
United Kingdom1 review10“We will be back to this gem, thank you all team at The Kings Arms.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing.
As soon as you step into reception you immediately feel the history. Beautifully decorated throughout the whole hotel and our room did not disappoint.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 14 April 2024
Sheena
United Kingdom1 review9.0“Best stay I've had in Dorset and would definitely stay again.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Superior Double Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
i don't think i would have changed anything
The location was amazing and the food was pout of this world. We had my sons wedding lunch there and the staff went above and beyond to make them feel special. Nothing was too much trouble. i love the fact they had car parking space as well
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 12 April 2024
Derek
United Kingdom14 reviews9.0“Characterful hotel with good rooms and service.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Not much. Food was pub like in quality.
Character of the hotel. Part pub/part hotel. Very friendly and efficient staff. Attention to detail for a hotel of this price eg fresh milk in fridge. Continental Breakfast was good quality and value.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 9 April 2024
Ann
United Kingdom4 reviews8.0“Very pleaseant”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
No problems
Good variety
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 8 April 2024
Mark
United Kingdom4 reviews10“Classy with a great vibe.”- • Business trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Excellent hotel. Everything was to a very high standard with a great atmosphere.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 7 April 2024
Rob
United Kingdom35 reviews3 helpful votes9.0“Great place to stay to explore Hardy country”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The room was very comfy and a good size. The hotel is in a great location and despite being next to the road I never heard the traffic. The food and wine selection in the restaurant was really good, as were the cakes on sale in the reception area on Thursday.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 7 April 2024
Gilbert
United Kingdom35 reviews10“A lovely friendly place to stay while we explored Dorchester”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
Excellent breakfast enough to last unti dinner.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 4 April 2024
Alison
New Zealand49 reviews4 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nilgood
Good Breakfast
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 4 April 2024
Emmalouise
United Kingdom3 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Standard Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
How accommodating the hotel was towards dogs. The Woof gift box was a sweet touch.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 1 April 2024
Paul
United Kingdom5 reviews8.0“Great location for a 3-day walk along the Jurassic Coast.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Beer, wine and spirits choices a little limited. Car park ver small - got locked in and had to get another guest out of bed to move, to let us out.
Great location, good atmosphere, friendly staff. Good food including catering for gluten free.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 31 March 2024
Alison
United Kingdom9 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The only thing that was a bit of a negative were the very squeaky floorboards in the room
to be honest, really nothing to complain about, the staff were really good very attentive but not intrusive.... on our last morning, the chef failed to show up but the young man who was there, was so lovely, very professional and genuinely concerned that we had something to eat. 5 stars to this young man... the hotel is very inviting and comfortable...great location with parking.... we will definitely return... thank you
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 29 March 2024
Wendy
United Kingdom16 reviews7 helpful votes10“Inviting comfortable and friendly”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe King Suite
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
It’s an old building so creaky floor boards and small corridors with a few steps but there is a lift …It does add to the charm x
Not a chain group hotel and staff love their jobs .Everything shows attention to detail which is so comforting.Its a truly beautiful place to stay.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 29 March 2024
Andy
United Kingdom9 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
.was a bit noisy friday night after dj finished and people were leaving
Great location to walk around the town. Lovely pubs and cafes.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 27 March 2024
Siobhan
United Kingdom4 reviews10“Was a lovely hotel as a base for going out for days in Dorset”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
I always struggle paying for bottled water in a bedroom when water to drink is an assessable. I always think two cheap bottles of water is a sign of good manners. I do not like having to pay for it.
Although our room was very small and cosy, it was very clean and well equipped. The staff who were working at front of house were very friendly and efficient, and the people who responsible for the cleaning of the hotel were very friendly.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 26 March 2024
Angela
United Kingdom1 review8.0“Lovely town and helpful staff”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
There was no quiet seating area as exceptionally busy and noisy
The excellent bedroom and bathroom
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 26 March 2024
Hazel
United Kingdom12 reviews2 helpful votes8.0“Nice relaxing - if overpriced - 2-day getaway.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Rather disappointed that the restaurant had no steak whatsoever on Sunday evening. Had been looking forward to a juicy steak all day. Waitress advised they had to run out to Waitrose to re-stock on steaks and even those had been used. Marker? Would describe our room as a standard double despite having booked a superior double. Very dark and a bit depressing, certainly not 'Cosy' as described by the hotel and definitely not worth the £250 for the Saturday evening. Unfortunately the hotel was fully booked and so we couldn't move. Bathroom was great though.
Food choice and standard was very good. Service was excellent.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 25 March 2024
Derek
United Kingdom8 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Their was no alcohol free beer or wine in the entire hotel.Not every customer is able to enjoy alcoholic drinks as they advance in age and we do not want to be limited to childrens Pop. I sound like a drunk on holiday, however I have been fighting cancer for 5 years with good success but chemotherapy and alcohol is a no,no. Come on keep up!!
Almost everything.The food in particular was way above my expectations. Two little areas were maybe small but iritating. why sell a double room ,and our room was well appointed - the double bed was fantastic - and only provide one chair.
Stayed in March 2024
