The Bear of Rodborough
Rodborough Common, near Stroud · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Bear of Rodborough
A 44-room country hotel on National Trust common land above Stroud, with wide valley views and modern British cooking.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Bear of Rodborough
The Bear stands on Rodborough Common, a stretch of National Trust grassland high above Stroud where cattle graze freely in summer and the ground drops away on three sides into the Golden Valley. The setting is the main draw. Step out of the door and you are immediately on open access land with paths running along the escarpment, which makes it an unusually good base for anyone who wants to walk before breakfast.
Inside there are 44 rooms and suites, decorated with more confidence than the average country hotel: strong Farrow and Ball colours, oversized upholstered headboards and a mix of period and contemporary furniture. Sizes vary considerably, from compact standard doubles to family rooms and suites with sitting areas, so it is worth being specific about what you need. Several rooms look out over the common and the valley beyond.
The restaurant serves modern British food with a reasonable amount of Gloucestershire produce on the menu, and there is a proper bar with an open fire that fills with locals as well as guests, which gives the place more life than a hotel of this size usually has. Afternoon tea is a fixture. Dogs are welcomed in designated rooms and the common outside is about as good a dog-walking prospect as the Cotswolds offers.
Location-wise it is in the south-western Cotswolds rather than the postcard north, which is a genuine advantage on price and on crowds. Stroud and its Saturday farmers' market are five minutes down the hill, Painswick and Bath are both an easy drive, and the northern villages are around forty-five minutes away. Guest scores are high, at about 9.2 out of 10, and rates start around 95 pounds a night, which makes it one of the better-value four-star options in the region.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We stayed here for 2 nights and had a pleasant stay. The hotel is as you would expect, a typical Germanic style building, old and quirky with small rooms, very much like Fawlty Towers but without Basil Fawlty of course. The girl on reception was particularly lovely and very helpful. We didnt eat dinner here but the full English breakfast was amazing and of good quality. I'd definitely recommend staying here if you fancy something different to the normal chains. The parking is free and there's an outside bar with lots of seating, free bar football and table tennis.
2 months ago · via Google
This is a beautiful hotel, in gorgeous countryside. We had a room in the coach House which was ideal with our dog It was very comfortable with brilliant views. The garden area was perfect with lots of outdoor seating and the bar outside was open too. Lots of grassy area to play with a dog. The menu was great with a good selection of food. Breakfast was also great. Will definitely be back
a month ago · via Google
Just had a brilliant 2 night stay at the Bear. Struggling to fault anything at all. Staff were great, very friendly, attentive and polite. Food was brilliant. Our room was lovely, clean and spacious with a great view. It's without a doubt the most Dog Friendly Hotel I have ever stayed in.
2 weeks ago · via Google
my husband and I got married at the bear on May 22nd. From day one (which was over 2 years ago!) Amanda, the wedding coordinator was nothing but friendly, super attentive and organised. In each meeting and email I felt supported and reassured whilst planning the wedding. As for the venue itself, just wow. No need for loads of decorations as the Bear has such a personality and vibe itself! The wedding packages are amazing value for money and saved me booking 100 other vendors as it included everything. An afternoon tea choice for the wedding breakfast was such a unique idea that we and our guests loved! We had so many compliments on the venue and the staff which we could shout from rooftops about. Thankyou the Bear for making our day truly the best day of our lives! Katie & Dylan xx
2 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers delicious food, including excellent breakfast and pub fare, with comfortable, clean rooms and stunning countryside views. They also highlight the friendly, attentive staff and the beautiful outdoor spaces, which are perfect for events and dog owners.
Some reviews mention the drinks can be expensive.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Rodborough Common, Stroud, GL5 5DE Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Rodborough Common, near Stroud
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 9.2 / 10 (425 reviews)
- Prices from
- £95 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cotswolds