The Bell Inn

I booked a "Deluxe Double Room" to use as a stop-over on our journey to Cornwall from the Midlands. Google maps failed miserably and we ended up on a mystery tour of the one way system of Cheltenham. After eventually stumbling across the pub which is quite small (again no thanks to Google maps) we discovered that there were no spaces available in the on-street parking bays adjacent so I ended up parking on double yellows and later moved the car once a space became available, in fairness the description on booking.com did describe the parking as non- reservable but it does make things a bit of a pain. On arrival a very friendly young lady greeted us and led us up several flights of stairs to our room which rather strangely had no door handle on the outside? This made closing and locking the door when we later went out for a stroll in search of a meal a bit of a conundrum to say the least. The room itself was clean but not exactly what I'd describe as being "deluxe," the floor was very uneven (but then it is an old building) and the decor was basic and a little tired. The door between the small bathroom and the bedroom was a plastic concertina affair - a bit less than ideal really. In the bathroom as you'd expect there was toilet, a basin and a small shower cubicle and some toiletries and towels were provided. The double bed was clean and fairly comfortable, the rest of the furnishings were basic and there was no wardrobe, instead there was hanging space on a simple rail across an alcove. A kettle, mugs, coffee and tea were provided. After we'd looked around we went down into the pub for a pint and there was an extensive choice of good beers. The pub itself is a traditional old fashioned local, a "drinkers pub" you might say, like pubs used to be back in the day (a good thing) and it seemed popular with the locals. The location itself is within an easy five minute walk to lots of other traditional pubs and many fast food outlets. It's also perfect if you want to visit possibly the noisiest branch of Spoons in the UK which I would recommend you avoid at all costs unless you are under twenty and/or happen to like what the kids of today laughingly describe as "music." All in all our one night stay at the Bell was peaceful and the £90 price tag for the room does reflect the fact that the pub is in affluent and touristy Cheltenham. Would I visit again? For a few pints yes, but not for a stay.

10 months ago · via Google

Nice & clean room. They gave us plenty of coffee etc in the room. Very good with our dog. The staff were lovely & the customers chatty & welcoming. Location is spot on. If you’re lucky park outside the pub free or a car park 100yrds away.

a year ago · via Google

A cool place. Nice owners.

a month ago · via Google

Great little pub in a great location for the town centre, the town hall, the theatre. They do a nice selection of ales and a really nice pint of Guinness. It's an old style pub where you can sit and enjoy a drink.

2 years ago · via Google