The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury by Compass Hospitality

The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury by Compass Hospitality descritpion

Serving exceptional gourmet cuisine, this 16th-century travelers inn has played host to both Dickens and Darwin. With beautiful, Elizabethan decor, The Lion is in the heart of historic Shrewsbury.
With Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs, The Hayward serves fantastic British cuisine with unique twists, all made with the finest seasonal and local ingredients.
The Lion is a Grade I-listed building, and guests can relax by the Tudor fireplace. The Pickwick Papers were written by Charles Dickens at the hotel itself, and it has also been visited by the 19th-century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, as well as the legendary violinist, Paganini.
Rooms offer unique furnishings with renovated decor and original features. Private bathrooms are included in each room, along with a TV and tea/coffee facilities.
Free parking is provided, and the many historic streets and shops of central Shrewsbury can be reached within 5 minutes by foot. Pride Hill and Darwin shopping centers are both less than a 10 minute walk away, and Shrewsbury Train Station is a 15-minute walk from The Lion.

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Facilities of The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury by Compass Hospitality

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Massage

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 5 per stay.

General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Languages Spoken ：Romanian | Portuguese | Polish | Spanish | English

Reviews for The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury by Compass Hospitality

Review 1：All the staff were lovely but is it not possible to employ more local young people?

Review 2：The hotel is full of character and has a pleasant, relaxed feel to it. The central location is perfect and all the staff were very nice and helpful. Excellent value for money.Lovely breakfast.

Review 3：The hotel in general was not very warm. In particular our room and the dining room were cold on a not particularly cold night.

Review 4：Great location. Good food and friendly staff

Review 5：The bed was very hard and we had a backache the first morning and could hardly get out of the bed on the second night.

Review 6：We loved the character of the hotel, the staff were very polite and helpful and friendly, and the hotel was very clean and pleasant. We only ate breakfast at the Hotel and the food was very hot and tasty and plentiful.

Review 7：The bedroom was okay but was a bit cold and I couldn't get wifi.

Review 8：The staff were wonderful and the food was fantastic. This made up for the slight discomfort of the bedroom.

Review 9：As might be expected , some carpets were are a little worn and certain fittings around the hotel had also suffered to some degree from wear and tear. However except for the most fussy of guests. Most occasional visitors would find this acceptable.

Review 10：Warm and comfortable. Full of character. Pleasant, friendly staff. Clean bedroom, comfortable bed . Generally, everything orderly as you might expect of an established hotel. Breakfast was plentiful, with a good selection of food,served by very pleasant staff.

Review 11：The car parking arrangements are seriously in need of a makeover both in layout and management.. Parking bays are far too small for the current wave of large SUVs, which were generally inconsiderately parked, extending well outside the marked bays and thus made access and turning all but impossible.. Management of parking seems non-existent, and no real priority is given to guests. This was particularly evident on New Years Eve, when with a full car park, the exit from the main car was closed, no indication that this was the case or that there was no through route was given on entry, manoeuvring to exit through the narrow front entrance passage was extremely difficult even in a smaller car.

Review 12：Good central location, breakfast good and meal in the restaurant excellent - small menu but very well cooked and presented.

Review 13：we were at the hotel when it had the chimney fire we didn't get to bed till after 4.30am we missed breakfast and it cost us £11 at a local café we feel we should have been told we could have a late breakfast

Review 14：the old charm of the hotel its location being able to park the car and good breakfast

Review 15：Breakfast not as good as I would expect. Very basic cooked breakfast & buffet selection poor - no fresh fruit. Also windows in the room need updating as noise from nearby bar late into the night & then we were woken in early morning by some mechanical noise from extractor/generator near our room.

Review 16：Clean rooms with comfy beds. Good lounge areas in the main part of the hotel.

Review 17：Bathroom needs updating as do the soft furnishings, not suitable for disabled as many steps and stairs. Hotel is in desperate need of a refurbishment. Breakfast sausage appear to be tesco basics, bacon under cooked, tomato seem to have been left under a hot light for too long as has the mushroom. Lift very noisy.

Review 18：Location very good does have limited parking. Staff very nice.

Review 19：A beautiful character hotel in the heart of Shrewsbury. The staff were extremely helpful and had a good knowledge of the area and facilities. The breakfast was excellent. Freshly cooked and very tasty. The room was clean, comfortable and quiet. I and my friends would definitely go back.

Review 20：The staff were friendly and couldn't do enough to help. The hotel itself had a great atmosphere and made you feel like you were in the 1930s. Best stay we have had anywhere for a long time.

Review 21：My single room was next to something which made a noise like water continually running down a plug hole...suspect it was the heating. Shower was more like a trickle.

Review 22：Character hotel located within easy reach of all attractions. Nice meal in adjoining restaurant. Extensive breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff.

Review 23：although we paid extre for a superior room it was very dark and needed decorating. Superficially it was clean but needed a deep clean, I.e. Skirting boards and lamps dusty. Nice size room but not really comfortable, rather depressing.

Review 24：The staff were friendly and helpful. The location was excellent for getting around the area and the car parking was good.

Review 25：Our bedroom was comfortable, BUT, there was a distant droning noise which could be heard constantly. I don't know what it was. We were in room 112 - I could never stay (in that room) again. What was it??

Review 26：Loved the building. Loved the location. Breakfast was very nice.

Review 27：Only problem this time 307 was very very cold not like the hotel its always warm comfortable I did mention it to the reception it was going to be reported the relevant person. To be rectified.

Review 28：pleasant staff good food great location stayed many times..Always enjoyed my stay. Brilliant relaxed atmosphere

Review 29：Lack of anywhere for residents to sit for a drink! All seats taken by passing trade, as far as we could see, and we were not allowed in to the 'private ' bar.

Review 30：Fab bed - great view

Review 31：The fire alarm went off four times on our first night's stay, there was some fault or someone was maybe smoking in their room, this did not spoil our stay but did wake us up three times.

Review 32：The hotel was in an excellent location, right in the centre of town close to all amenities. Executive rooms very spacious, largest bed ever with good quality bedding and towels. Very ornate hotel with Victorian features. Staff very friendly who made our Wedding Anniversary stay very pleasurable. A lovely town and would definitely stay at this hotel next time around.

Review 33：Poor central heating in the suite Not enough variety or change in the evening menu if staying more than one night

Review 34：Friendly and helpful staff being upgraded to a very interesting suite

Review 35：The car park is not very user friendly, but there is a lower car park which we would use next time.

Review 36：Very convenient for shops. Lovely clean room with excellent facilities.

Review 37：TV was a problem. The bright blue stand-by light came on and went off of its own accord a number of times through the night

Review 38：The central location and the historic nature of the building.

Review 39：Windows would not close, to stop noise of a resturant extractor fan. Tap on sink in bath room, was not secure, made it very difficult to turn tap on, plus on the last morning noticed a very badly stained pillow inside the slip. Told staff when we checked out.

Review 40：Good central location, ground floor historical style hotel. Staff were professional.

Review 41：The 'Expelair' fans over the kitchen coming on 5.30am (Room 210), I was awake from then on. I imagine if I hadn't opened the windows for fresh air I wouldn't have heard them? (I have asked for a room away from them next month when I am there again and I have been told that my room will be next to the lift!) The Night Porter, bless him, is in dire need of English lessons as communication with him in sign language after a couple of glasses of wine strikes of Faulty Towers. The late evening barman gave my guests coffee liqueurs in cups with milk and then admitted that he didn't quite know how to make them...,when they came back, very nicely presented may I say, in glasses with cream, someone wanted another one and he said that he didn't have any more glasses! We suggested he took one to the kitchen and washed it(?) which he kindly did. Two gin & tonics were sent back for ice and lemon. Young, eager, staff hungry to learn but obviously lacking in direction which is a great shame...wish I was not retired & still training youngsters in Customer Service....

Review 42：I liked the clean room/linen and mattress, comfy pillows & duvet - lots of hot water and a big bath in an obviously newly refurbished bathroom. Breakfast was very nice and arrived quickly!

Review 43：Very shabby eg stains on sofa in lounge areas, dirty pedal bon and disgusting rubber mat in room.

Review 44：Location very good but building is very old and needs a lot of investment in maintenance. Then it would be a treasure of history.

Review 45：The room was at the front of the hotel and the window was held closed with black tape. It didn't shut properly and as it was next to a main road into the town there was noise all night which made it very difficult to get any sleep.

Review 46：The menu did not cater for our likes

Review 47：Accomodation perfect for our needs, suite was spacious and most comfortable.Location ideal for a visit to shrewsbury.

Review 48：No marmite at breakfast!

Review 49：We really like the atmosphere of the hotel, slightly faded and worn, but nonetheless impressive with its wooden floors, ballroom and lots of staircases. Comfortable room and spotlessly clean bathroom. The staff are very friendly and a credit to the hotel. We liked it so much we went back again and stayed an extra night!

Review 50：Comfortable room, well located, and wifi worked in the room even though that wasn't offered. Bathroom floor covering somewhat stained and I had to ask for a discount when there was no hot water one morning.

Review 51：Room #119 was very nicely apppinted...however the noise during throughout the entire night was horrible. Sounded like someone was dragging furniture across the floor the entire night.

Review 52：Room slightly on the cool side, but I prefer this to more stuffy hotel rooms

Review 53：This coaching inn appears effortlessly charming and offers a level of comfort not normally available in more modern hotels.

Review 54：Deliveries made very early(6am) at weekends and being very noisy and no warning did mention to staff and was bit quieter the following morning. Also no internet access in rooms although this is being addressed I believe.

Review 55：Excellent staff

Review 56：The dinner was not good but the staff were very helpful in trying to put things right. I must say the breakfast spread was excellent.

Review 57：Position. Car park

Review 58：In side the furnishings and décor are dated and tired, bed and pillows on the hard side,

Review 59：Easy to find, short walk from the station, friendly and helpful staff

Review 60：There was nothing I disliked apart from being woken up early on Monday morning by the very noisy dustbin collection.

Review 61：The comfortable surroundings, a well maintained hotel.

Review 62：The creaking floorboards were awful. We could hear the couple above us having a lot of sex; we ended up having to bang on the ceiling at 6am to get them to stop as we barely got any sleep. There was also a loud band in a pub nearby so it was generally pretty noisey until about 1am. It was pretty pricey for 1 nights stay of not much sleep.

Review 63：The character and history of the building was lovely. The location was perfect. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Review 64：Booked superior double with twin beds got the narrowest double we have ever tried to sleep in, most uncomfortable. Street noise could have been diminished if room had secondary glazing (bathroom did) Otherwise really nice place to stay, if a bit expensive.

Review 65：Sunday Breakfast was lovely , served in a most attractive room and so civilised. Lovely attentive staff

Review 66：Nothing really. Ideally would have liked room to be easier to get to

Review 67：Most of it. Fantastic location. Choice of restaurant or bar meals. Steeped in history

Review 68：Bar closed in Ballroom so had to go down to main bar downstairs. Steps very slippery and when going up and down in dance shoes it becomes and real hazzard. There was a step with a nail exposed which could have been rather nasty.

Review 69：Lovely room, very clean and comfortable.

Review 70：Because it is old it (understandably) suffers from poor wifi, smelly (old smell not dirty) corridors and rooms, lack of temperature control in the room (so we had to open all the windows and the high street is really noisy).

Review 71：It's a nice old hotel really and any criticism really seems unfair as you are aware what you are getting when you book it. It's fine.

Review 72：Beautiful, comfortable hotel which couldn't have been more convenient for the wedding we attended at Henry Tudor House. Staff were quick to help when my hired suit shirt was found to be creased. Lifesavers!

Review 73：Didn't feel that Room 220 should be classed as an executive suite, bathroom is in need of a total upgrade, the tv reception was very poor and no bar fridge....I personally like to keep drinking water chilled!

Review 74：Location of hotel was great and the staff were very friendly.

Review 75：good location to get around the town, excellent that you can park for £5 per stay on-site. all staff were very friendly. very good breakfast, would defiantly stay again.

Review 76：If you don't like creaky floorboards and object to the noise from a lively town then find somewhere a few miles out of the centre.

Review 77：Location in centre of Shrewsbury is great. We loved the view from our window at the front of the hotel. The room was comfortable and clean. The staff were brilliant - one took me up to see the ballroom because I had had dancing lessons there 45 years ago - brought back happy memories. Breakfast was superb -freshly made to order - not a congealed mess in a buffet.

Review 78：Might have been useful if there had been a mind your head sign in the room (Darwin) when I first went in through the hallway into the main room. The entrance is rather low causing me to bang my head. Apart from that everything else was fine.

Review 79：I liked the location and the overall picturesque environment.

Review 80：The bedrooms need refurbishing. A lot of the furniture is old and damaged. The bathroom in the room we had has a hole in the Lino and there was generally a sense of the place not having been looked after.

Review 81：The staff were generally helpful.

Review 82：Bins appeared to be taken out at 5am (not sure whose bins) which was disturbing but might not be hotel's fault. No wifi in room.

Review 83：Excellent location, lots of parking, decent breakfast and comfy bed

Review 84：Not a major point but the shower was quite hard to use

Review 85：Able to wander around the town and return for coffee without having to move the car. Very friendly staff - we were joined by other members of the family for dinner which went well.

Review 86：A very welcoming and homely atmosphere by reception staff on our arrival. Indeed every member of staff were very pleasant, courteous and helpful. A full and a hearty breakfast gave an excellent start to the day.

Review 87：Rooms a bit small - that's all though. This is a building of a good few hundred years old -so be patient with her!

Review 88：Central location. Car parking. Really great staff!

Review 89：1.Lack of atmosphere ( and diners!) in the Hayward Restaurant on Friday evening. Suggest that something could be done e.g. special dbb terms to include dinner in the restaurant. 2. Totally unacceptable level of wi/fi, with connection only available in the vicinity of reception area. (not even in the lounge). Essential now to have wi/fi in bedrooms

Review 90：Excellent and comfortable public rooms. Friendliness and efficiency of staff. The building itself -full of interest.

Review 91：Maybe fresh fruit at breakfast would be nice, maybe we missed it

Review 92：Liked the age of the property the attention to details regarding the furniture in the rooms. The tranquility apart from the obvious road noise which can't be helped. The breakfast was really nice with plenty of choice

Review 93：Room was ok but feel the hotel could do a refresh.

Review 94：Location of hotel is good for shops. train and bus stations. Breakfast was of a good choice and times were at a good time.

Review 95：The staff were very friendly And the service in both bar and restaurant were very good The room was very comfortable I would definitely stay this hotel again Very useful Also that the hotel has car parking facilities

Review 96：We had a problem with the evening meal which the Manager swiftly put right. They could not have been more helpful showing genuine concern. Thank you.

Review 97：The location, very handy for the Shrewsbury Flower show. We like Shrewsbury very much and would use this Hotel for future visits. All the staff were helpful, they could not do enough for us.

Review 98：Although the hotel has free WIFI for all of it's guests, it is only accessible in certain areas. It could do with better coverage. It didn't interrupt our stay in any way though.

Review 99：Lovely vintage-styled hotel with friendly staff, a beautiful dining area and awesome decor! Loved the stay and will certainly book again if I am in the area!!

Review 100：It was very noisy, because it is a very old building the floors REALLY creaked so getting a good nights sleep was impossible

Review 101：The location was fab ad the hotel was really nice.

Review 102：Central location, car parking, good breakfast, a very comfortable bed and a proper bath. It had lots of history and comfortable lounges. The staff were lovely.

Review 103：lots of noise at front of hotel very early on, refuge/glass collection each morning??

Review 104：fantastic central location within walking distance of all that shrewsbury has to offer, character building and rooms.

Review 105：The Wifi in the hotel is very poor. There is no connection in individual rooms. It is only possible to get a connection in a lounge downstairs. The room I was in needed retiling. The bedroom was in good condition but the tiles in the bathroom were cracked and broken

Review 106：The hotel is in the centre of the historic town and near all amenities. Therefore the location is good. The staff are helpful and the hotel has a quirky old word atmosphere.

Review 107：The beds are in need of new mattress', the carpet in our room 307 needs to be cleaned (not just vacuumed) it was disgusting!

Review 108：The location was excellent. The furniture pieces located throughout the hotel were exciting to view.

Review 109：Private and secure parking is a bonus. Hotel is spacious, quiet and comfertouble. Staff were extremely polite and attentive in all areas especially the excellent restaurant. The history of the building gives off a great sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Very civilised atmosphere. Located in the centre of Shrewsbury the hotel could not be better positioned for walking tours of the town centre area steeped in history. with very fine individual established shops for food, drinks and antiques. We will not hesitate to return to The Lion Hotel on our next break.

Review 110：This is not a complaint - however the free wi fi is only available in the lounge.

Review 111：Beautifully located. Historical, character filled and charming property. The staff were lovely. Chris at the bar and Georgie in the dining room were particularly helpful and personable.

Review 112：Wifi in rooms as well as public areas would have been helpful, but otherwise no problems at all.

Review 113：Friendly and helpful staff, convenient central location, very good facilities. Would stop again and happily recommend Lion Hotel.

Review 114：Creaking floorboards which are under repair after all the building is 400 yrs old so what can you expect & the Bar prices very steep

Review 115：The friendliness of the staff nothing was to much trouble for them we shall definitely go back

Review 116：wifi did not work in room

Review 117：Hotel and room clean and tidy, staff were friendly and helpful during our 2 day stay. Fullnenglish brekfast was great. Would stay there again and recommend.

Review 118：bathroom needed renovating and no wifi in bedroom breakfast only ok - would have liked fresh fruit other than tinned mandarins

Review 119：Stayed in executive room bed very comfy, hotel very quaint with loads of character

Review 120：Everything creaks but to be expected in an old hotel. Beds were quite uncomfortable and could do with replacing. Didn't make up room every day.

Review 121：Great location and so quirky. Full of history.

Review 122：Having to leave. Cheesy I know but true.

Review 123：Splendid meal in the restaurant with lovely food and attentive waitress. Bwyty Bach a welcome addition. Whats not to like a big brass bed? The Lion roars and is full of character..

Review 124：Nothing.

Review 125：Clean comfortable hotel in the centre of Shrewsbury about 10 mins from railway and bus stations. Excellent breakfasts and efficient friendly staff.

Review 126：The bed could have been comfier and free continuous WiFi should be a minimum these days (there was none). The cooked breakfast ingredients were poor quality.

Review 127：Location great. Enjoyed the quirkiness and character of the hotel and the novelty of being cast into a bygone era of hospitality.

Review 128：although we had parking, we were there for four nights and explored shropshire for one day and when we returned we could not park in the hotel car park as they had a wedding on. But a member of staff moved her car to let us in. Very helpful

Review 129：Location & history of the building, friendliness of staff

Review 130：The room was on the third floor and even though there was a lift I do like using the stairs but cant if there are too many. I did explain this on booking so was not happy at level of room. Easy chairs in room were very old and uncomfortable

Review 131：Visiting the antique centres and shops.

Review 132：creaky floorboards - but added to sense of antiquity

Review 133：History - Darwin and Dickens had stayed here. Easy walk into Shrewsbury and convenient for wonderful Shropshire. Just a bit lacking in individual welcome.

Review 134：In the very centre of town. Very helpful and friendly staff. Room was spotless and the breakfast was most enjoyable. It would have cost more to stay in the budget hotels so stay at the Lion instead.

Review 135：The first room we were allocated did not meet our requirements, so we asked to be moved. They were very obliging and helpful because the alternative room was excellent.

Review 136：some of the facilities were outdated and require renewing and the menu for dinner was very limited but the food was very good it is also disappointing that when stopping their you have to pay to use the parking facilities

Review 137：The hotel offered handy parking and was therefore useful possession when the weather is adverse

The Fine Print

Any Client wishing to book 5 rooms or more throughout the year will be charge a 10% deposit at the time of Booking. This payment is non-refundable and nontransferable.Any Client wishing to book 10 rooms or more throughout the year will be charge a 20% deposit at the time of Booking. This payment is non-refundable and nontransferable.Hotel Note:Please note some of the rooms have further stairs after the lift, if guests prefer to be on the main corridor and near the lift please mention this in the Special Request Section when booking. The hotel has limited parking, and follows a first come, first served policy. Other parking areas are located nearby.