The Old Ship Inn
The Old Ship Inn descritpion
During the week, The Old Ship Inn is a picturesque traditional pub and on Friday and Saturday nights it transforms into a lively venue for karaoke, DJs, and live bands until late into the night. In the very centre of town, Dorchester’s oldest pub offers en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, and on-street parking nearby.
Each room has en suite or private bathroom facilities with shower and complimentary toiletries. All rooms have a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee facilities.
The historic county town of Dorset, Dorchester is famous for its connections to Thomas Hardy and has a Roman Town House and Maiden Castle among its attractions. The coastal resort of Weymouth is just 8 miles to the south.
Guests can enjoy lunch and evening meals in the pub from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, it is open for lunch. The Old Ship Inn is host to live music, discos, and karaoke until closing time. Guests party in this noisy town centre pub until 01:00 on Thursdays and 03:00 at weekends.
Recommand
Low rates——Best price for 2 guests: $79+ • No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
18 properties in Dorchester——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
93 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at The Old Ship Inn. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
The staff speaks English——The Old Ship Inn's staff speaks:English
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
Facilities of The Old Ship Inn
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Karaoke | Nightclub/DJ | Evening Entertainment
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.
Services ：Baggage Storage
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Designated Smoking Area
Reviews for The Old Ship Inn
Review 1：Noisy - room located in beer garden of pub not separate from pub goers even on Monday-weds nights, shouting swearing less than a meter from room door at 1.30am Tuesday night Unsafe - ground floor direct access from rear of pub/beer garden and street, windows not lockable, door dosnt close properly on the catch, had to wedge chair against it during night just in case reopened again. Dirty- damp patch above bed on ceiling, dirty men's workboot footprints all over laminate flooring, clumps of dust stuck to radiator, mouldy en suite Bright outside light from beer garden shining directly through window all night like daylight on room, blinds on said windows broken giving people opportunity to see in if light on in room
Review 2：Everything was filthy! Dirty water stains on the headboard, rancid looking stain on the curtain, the carpet looked like it had suffered the aftermath of a stag party spewing bodily fluids all over the place. The 'en suite' - across the hall - had no lock on the door and was so mouldy and stank so badly, I even refused to go to the loo for a fear of catching something from any potential splash back... that may explain the stains on the bedroom carpet. Dirty spoon on the sink and filth everywhere! I slept in my clothes and had to boil wash them when I got home. Don't think about eating there either, we saw the kitchen...
Review 3：Nothing!! We booked it as we needed somewhere to stay as an emergency. However, the sound of scratching under the bed did give us a warm fuzzy comfort that we were not alone...
Review 4：Definitely would not recommend a weekend stay if you want to sleep well. Late night bar until 3am meant it was very difficult to sleep. To be fair, I was told about this in advance.
Review 5：Very comfortable bed! Central location and friendly staff.
Review 6：Dirty shower, poor wifi, old dirty carpet, TV didn't work, Bathroom door wouldn't even close and hand soap dispenser didn't work. Needs a overhaul! Too expensive for what you get.
Review 7：Staff were friendly and helpful.
Review 8：Nothing....everthing as described. Like it says on the tin!
Review 9：Fabulous friendly staff....really warm and welcoming! !!! Didn't come with breakfast included but wetherspoons next door and local cafe very close by. Good value for money - massive room for the money.
Review 10：Might as well have been invisible - staff just didn't care about my stay. No breakfast option, didn't expect it to be included but offered would have been nice considering it is a pub that does serve food.
Review 11：Not overly expensive. Close to everything I needed to get to.
Review 12：They only told us that it's gonna be noisy upon arrival! So we cannot refund or cancel our booking. We did not sleep they closed the pub at 3 am.
Review 13：None
Review 14：Despite advertising food available 6-8pm no food available. So no breakfast or evening meals on the premises. Room had damp/mould.
Review 15：The staff were friendly and bed was comfy.
Review 16：The room could have a good scrub.
Review 17：It was close to town center and the price of the room in short notice was just right. For being a loud pub it's a place to lay your head at night.
Review 18：The owner and manager was really helpful and let me check in hours before the actual check in time to get ready for a wedding and provided clean towels. He took photos of me as I asked and provided various taxi numbers to me to get to the wedding venue. I was sent an email warning me about the music in the evening and I was happy as didn't expect to be asleep before it finished anyhow.
Review 19：The room was absolutely filthy, I didnt even want to walk on the carpet with socks on. There were huge cobwebs everywhere. the bedside light was so poor you couldn't read by it. The sink in the bathroom had green/grey stains under the taps. The furniture was shabby but certainly not chic The mattress springs were protruding through the mattress so we had to sleep ON TOP of a duvet. If it had not been too late to find alternative accommodation we would not have stayed.
Review 20：Not a lot
Review 21：The rooms are totally over prized and in a poor state....really disappointed and we showed our family Dorset so it was a bad start! We really like to get a refund . Regards Eva
Review 22：Nothing
Review 23：The noise from rowdy drunken revellers, shouting, swearing which included graphic details of people vomitting right outside doors of rooms was totally unacceptable. We were warned of noise from disco but this was soemthing else. I would sya that these room are not fit for purpose during the period when the pub is busy.
Review 24：Staff were very freindly. The atomosphere inside the pub was nosiy but expected and typical of a Friday night.
Review 25：We wished they had breakfast of some kind.
Review 26：Great staff, clean room. The place itself is somewhat old, so it was a bit "worn in" as they say. But I would stay there again if we're back that way. There was some review previous that said something about a loud metal band keeping them up all night, but when we were there, it was just a din of voices, not a problem.
Review 27：The room was quite large as was the bathroom. I was only making a fleeting visit but it was comfortable enough. They did warn me in advance about the late Saturday Karaoke but as I was going to a festival and coming back late this didn't really bother me.
Review 28：Not suitable for a traveller. The entrance to the shower cubicle was brown with accumulated dirt. The shower tray was clean. The basin was too small to wash a face, suitable only for washing hands. There were three chairs but no table. The door to the room is right next to where pub customers sit and smoke, and door does not shut the noise outside. Not suited for business nor leisure. Could hear headboard noise from the next room very loud and clear.
Review 29：convenient if you are visiting the museum. Bed was clean and tea facility and TV was ok.
Review 30：The room was dirty. When they tell you there is some noise that is an understatement people banging on your door and windows was not mentioned as part of some noise. The most waste on £65 I have ever spent.
Review 31：Didn't like anything about it at all!!
Review 32：Dirty room, walls and carpets, bathroom across the hall, no lock on bathroom, I booked the double room and a man had asked could he have it and they gave it him before I got there, then said we will put you in the family room for no extra charge like they had done me a good deed.
Review 33：The barman was fantastic
Review 34：The bathroom wasn't very clean. The wifi didn't work in our room & when we awoke the next morning to give our keys back we couldn't find anyone. The doors were all locked, there wasn't any where to put them.
Review 35：The staff we very friendly & welcoming! The room was warm & comfy.
Review 36：The room was booked fro three adults. Unfortunately it offered a double bed and bunk beds. The bunk beds were very rocky and uncomfortable only suitable for children.
Review 37：Polite friendly staff.
Review 38：Sticky room carpet, room to small for double bed, bed had springs and I felt them. loud swearing customers at the bar as I was eating, room was to noisy from customers in the bar below, woken up at 1pm with people having argument in the bar below.
Review 39：the wifi worked, food was cheap.
Review 40：The carpet in family room needs attention - does not smell that nice
Review 41：Great lively spot, loads of places to eat out (- quality and cheap). Cracking old town, independant shops to explore. Old Ship Inn is a good base, great old pub, very lively night life, considerate staff. Do expect loud music till 3 a.m - (it goes v quiet quickly afterwards). If you don't want to join in, take ear plugs ;) Large rooms, loads of space, large bathroom, friendly staff!
Review 42：Leaving in the morning with no staff on site and locking my car keys in the room (my fault entirely) but no staff on premises meant I was unable to retrieve them, lucky for me I was able to discover that the the pub is run by another up the road and thankfully after contacting them we were promptly let back in. Thankyou Sydney Arms.
Review 43：The room and furniture were a bit dated but comfortable and did sleep well despite the disco downstairs we were aware of it before we booked though.
Review 44：Room a bit dingy both room and bathroom needed redecoration some lights didn't work as didn't TV remote. Rather quirky exit arrangement through kitchen in the morning. No breakfast. Probably a bit pricey especially as I was alone
Review 45：Very helpful staff rang me to advise room was above a noisy pub - in fact noise wasn't an issue. Very good central location. Staff very welcoming. Bed comfy good supply of towels and linen
Review 46：Upstairs room inside was quite satisfactory. We could hear/feel the music later in the night but it didn't interrupt our sleep. Shower was fine. Location in the centre of town. If you were in one of the rooms out the back you would get a lot of noise and you would need to be a smoker as that's where all the smokers would be drinking outside.
Review 47：The bedroom smelt,carpets were filthy,plaster hanging of in bathroom£75 and no breakfast! I hate giving bad reviews but I stay away 3 nights a week and it is 6 years since I have encountered anything this bad
Review 48：The girl who worked there was the only positive thing about the place
Review 49：I Was expecting a bath in the bathroom instead of a shower
Review 50：Was pleased that I was contacted and told about the noise due too being a pub serving until 3am and the power shower was good
Review 51：My children outside You had to walk through the kitchen to get out side No entertainment at night
Review 52：The rooms had nice space Free wifi Good for one night stay only Nice outdoor area Good staff
Review 53：A room that was little more than a shed in the noisy back yard. For the price they charge you should at least get breakfast. Some pub bars are good, this was just grotty. Dirty shower.
Review 54：Nothing much
Review 55：Extremely noisy. Room on the courtyard which is a beer garden. Staff extremely reasonable however and refunded 2 out of 3 night stay as they appreciated the noise issues.
Review 56：Fair room, clean, tidy. Staff approachable and reasonable.
Review 57：The room was more like a junk room with odd furniture and stainedcarpet, it was very basic. We was warned that there was going to be alate night and noise, so they. Supplied us with ear plugs
Review 58：Location friendly staff
Review 59：They allowed me to leave my bags in my room 2hrs earlier than the check in time, to allow me to head off to the Festival I was attending, then also kept my bags safe well past my checkout time the next day, so I did not have to carry them around the festival on the Sunday. It is a Inn where there have very late night entertainment, which means it can be very noisy, this did not bother me. However should you be an early to bed, early to rise type of person, this is not the place for you. I would say its a place most suited to people on a budget who are happy to enjoy the entertainment after a day sightseeing. Great for Hen and Stag do's or people travelling who want to join in with the locals and have a bit of fun. I found the locals very friendly. I really enjoyed my stay, I was in the courtyard, and loved the fact that could take my coffee into the courtyard early morning and enjoy the early morning 7am sunshine on my own, without having to disturb anyone, or having staff hovering over me first thing in the morning. I will book it again, for next year, which will be a longer booking for three nights not just one as my last visit. It does make it clear on there web site that it can be noisy, so why then people book it, then complain about the noise, I don't understand. I really enjoyed my stay.
Review 60：There's nothing good at all to say about The Old Ship Inn!, and I wasn't alone in this opinion other guests told me the same. But anyway here's my review of this terrible experience.Our room was a chalet type room located in a very loud music blaring drinkers swearing pub beer garden that was a foot away from the smokers shelter.We felt that we were under siege as it was Friday night and the beer garden was full of drink landen revellers, there was women screaming and all the usual racousness associated with a Friday night on the town. All this a mere foot from our shed type room!, sleep even after a 250 mile drive was impossible!The landlord was abrasive and unwelcoming, my room wasn't ready till 4.30pm though it clearly stated in the blurb 2pm. The landlord told me and I quote " The room ready times are European central times, therefore they aren't ready!" I thought but you're located in Dorchester!All delivered by him in a most abrupt tone.I told him that I wasn't staying another night, whereupon he threatened me with having my visa card details! He also said that I'd abused a member of his staff which was a total lie and bear in mind that the alleged member of staff was a guy of my age and also covered in tattoos be sporting a very rough and ready demeanour (not some shrinking violet) who agreed with all my complaints, in fact this member of staff was the only positive in the whole nightmare that was my one nights stay at The Old Ship Inn!I could go on and on about the nightmare that was our one night's stay at The Old Ship Inn but quite frankly I'd sooner forget the whole thing. But as a footnote my recommendations to any unwary traveller is to avoid this inn and sleep rough on the streets of Dorchester as you will get a better nights sleep on a park bench.One last thing I spoke to another couple as they were fleeing this unwelcoming hostelry and they endorsed all that I have written.
Review 61：We booked for a Friday and Saturday night and discovered too late on that there is a disco at the pub until 3.00am both nights. In addition, the guest rooms are outside at the back in the pub gardens. People are immediately outside your bedroom door talking, laughing, drinking and smoking until 3.00am. It was unbearable and so we found alternative accommodation for the Saturday night. It needs to be made very clear about these arrangements for any future travellers. Would not recommend the place.
Review 62：Very down to earth, a bit crowded the room (to find a place for the laptop) but comfortable bed, fine shower, good wifi. I was given key to exit via kitche early morning to find breakfast up the road. Bom complaints
Review 63：Shower needs fixing - either burning hot or freezing cold. Would also be handy to have a hairdryer.
Review 64：Room was clean and plenty of space. Good value.
Review 65：All good
Review 66：Music on till 3am
Review 67：comfortable bed the landlord and staff were most accomadating
Review 68：room in front of the pub smoking area, with people talking loudly until 3am
Review 69：Very noisy on a sat night but we were told and e mailed so it wasn't a problem
Review 70：Cheap and central
Review 71：Having to go in and out through the kitchen when not open.
Review 72：Not a lot.
Review 73：Great bar, they also let me know that it gets loud on the weekend. Bonus! You're on the main strip, everything is close by.
Review 74：No problems
Review 75：Local and friendly
Review 76：No breakfast nosey
Review 77：Hotel discription said weekends lively it didn't say music so loud till 3am you won't sleep
Review 78：Hotel central
Review 79：The noise we were told could disturb us, didn't at all.
Review 80：Location.
Review 81：I liked everythink..pub ,in the night time party in the doomsters..everythink great
Review 82：Probably a bit noisy if you want an early night
Review 83：Convenient for town centre
Review 84：Parking is really poor. The toilet brush in the bathroom was on a shelf in no container.
Review 85：Location, cleanliness
Review 86：Friendly staff, with a great location in the town have recommended this to friends and would stay again.
Review 87：Room in middle of beer garden could have been isolated from the drunk people as they were right outside door. Says noise but could have been reduced
Review 88：Everything.
Review 89：Relaxed atmosphere, and a good central location. Friendly properietors.
Review 90：No breakfast, noisy bingo below, no view, overall a very depressing experience
Review 91：Noise
Review 92：Cheap
Review 93：owner rang me to make sure i knew it was a bit loud in the pub.
Review 94：Bed very uncomfortable
Review 95：Rooms were clean
Review 96：You sleep in a pub. At some nights they don't close before 3.00 am, like the night we were there.
Review 97：Staff is okay
Review 98：The carpet was dirty the bed had the spring i could fill i could not sleep on it .THIS WAS THE WORST PLACE I HEVER STAY AT.
Review 99：The staff where excellent, could not do more to help us out.
Review 100：No breakfast arrangements.
Review 101：Great atmosphere in the bar. Good selection of beers and spirits.
Review 102：It's a classic inn right on Dorchester's main street and the room I booked was quite comfortable.
Review 103：not clean, very noisy, not suitable for family with kids at all-should not be offered as family room. it is not safe also because entrance is via the pub only in pub working hours. after that we got a key to the kitchen to go out but the gate was closed.
Review 104：location
Review 105：The rooms are too close to the pub, so you can hear every conversation. It is impossible to sleep while the pub is open, because you are next to the smoking area.
Review 106：Staff were not aware we were booked in. Room scruffy - in annexe right next to outside sitting & smoking facilities. Very noisy. Informed there was to be a disco until 3 a.m. When we went to leave at 10.15 a.m the bar door was locked so we could not get into pub. There was a padlock on the back gate we had to wait 15 minutes until a workman came who advised that the gate was not locked. Would not go there again
Review 107：The room was very tired. Shower did work someone did come and look at it after is was reported they looked at it and said it was fixed, used it once and broke again. we was inforned of the noise due to the pub being open till 3am and it wad extremely noisy, glad we was only staying for one night. Please dont consider here if you have children or if you want a peaceful break we
Review 108：Location
Review 109：Warned about noise but people shouting loudly outside window till 3am!!! No coffee, only tea provided. Room not serviced which at the price being charged was not acceptable. Furniture in room old and decrepit. Blinds did not function. Stuck together with masking tape. Shower was either off or scalding hot. No-one around in the mornings. No-one on premises. Had to find way out of back gates as pub was locked up. Breakfast not included in price. Totally overpriced for what was provided.
Review 110：Girl who registered me and served in bar was friendly and helpful. Food served was cheap and good value.
Review 111：Everything else. The place is a disaster! Noisy tiny room, furniture that should have been thrown away years ago & uncomfortable bed, nowhere to work which I needed to do. I knew that breakfast was not included in the price, but since it boasts a restaurant I did not expect to have to go into town to get breakfast. The list goes on...
Review 112：Helpful attitude, central location
Review 113：very loud noise in location and outside our room up to 3.15 a.m. due to social activity, music prohibited us from sleeping
Review 114：location of room and close proximity to town
Review 115：The room was very dated, the carpert was very stained which put me off a bit, and the bathroom was across the hallway.
Review 116：Closeness to the town, and the staff were very friendly, shame the room was a bit dated and shoddy. We had stayed the night before in the Premier Inn and there was no comparison with the room but The Ship had a lovely warm bar which was pleasant to sit in, so that slightly made up for the room.
Review 117：The room was at the back of the pub by the smoking area which still had people chatting at 2am in the morning. The shower was poor and grubby.
Review 118：The pub area and food was good and friendly.
Review 119：Excessive noise until 4am however we were warned
Review 120：Disco 8ft away from our bed till 2am. Did not get to sleep till 4am.
Review 121：Walls and roof were present
The Fine Print
Please let the property know your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking or contact the property.As a vibrant and noisy town centre pub, The Old Ship Inn is open until 03:00 at weekends and noise from patrons is to be expected. The Old Ship Inn has live music, discos and karaoke until closing time.Please note that the property does not serve food on Sundays or on Saturday evenings.Parking is not available onsite, but there is free on-street parking in front of the building from 18:00 to 08:00. There is also a long-stay car park just 1,300 feet away, at the Top o'Town Car Park.