The Bell Inn Hotel

The Bell Inn Hotel descritpion

Dating from 1782, this inn combines period features with contemporary style in the heart of the New Forest National Park in tranquil Bramshaw, just one minute from the M27.
The inn specialize in looking after small numbers of guests, whether on a short break or for a business meeting. With a reputation for quality cuisine, you can choose to eat in the bar or at Briscoe's, the fine dining restaurant which has recently been awarded a second AA Rosette.

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Facilities of The Bell Inn Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Hiking | Cycling | Bicycle Rental

Food & Drink ：Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Snack Bar | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

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

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for The Bell Inn Hotel

Review 1：Had to wait nearly 10 mins on two occasions for the receptionist . Breakfast badly organised, long wait to order , buffet eggs/bacon etc not well filled and replacement only half warm

Review 2：Room and location excellent

Review 3：We had to have a basic room as we had our dog with us and it was a little bit small. But it was clean and comfortable so we were happy. Used the public areas in the hotel which were very comfortable so space was not really a problem.

Review 4：We loved our stay at the Bell, we were made very welcome and even our dog had his own treats left in our room. The breakfast was excellent, very good choice available and delicious cooked items to order. Location of hotel was easy to find and then close to Lyndhurst and other places of interest. Staff were friendly and loved our little dog! Thanks for a great break.

Review 5：Only complaints were that the shower was constantly cold and the low beams in the snug double were a bit of a hazard! Other than that it was great.

Review 6：Staff were very friendly and efficient. Food was delicious - and great value.

Review 7：We stayed in room 31 & shower did not work properly. Bathroom desperately needed updating ! Called reception for 10 mins but no answer so had to go down to reception to get someone to fiddle around with it, which was rather inconvenient ! Room was very small for what we paid !

Review 8：Offered fresh milk when pasteurised milk had run out in room. Staff friendly, apart from one male waiter who seemed up tight & needed to smile a bit more ! Bar, restaurant & lounge area very homely.

Review 9：Room was above or near generators so a bit noisy. Surprised that Xmas menu was only available Mon. to Fri. Both minor problems in my opinion.

Review 10：Rooms were lovely, staff were friendly and very helpful. Hotel was very welcoming, nice warm cosy atmosphere. Nice not to be in a typical chain of hotels.

Review 11：Unfortunately there was an evening event at the Golf Clubhouse, which was situated right by our room so we had loud music playing until midnight. The hotel had no control over this but it did affect our enjoyment of the room.

Review 12：The food was superb, using freshly cooked ingredients and the ambience was relaxed and friendly. The Manor Room was a lovely room.

Review 13：Bum on show from waitress at breakfast but got dealt with when it was bought to there attention.

Review 14：All was great . Breakfast lovely . Nice relaxing bar and seating with open fire .

Review 15：Unable to make a negative comment our stay was perfect.

Review 16：The staff couldn't be more helpful, even loaning us an iphone charger for the duration of our stay and providing information on local walks and attractions. The room was exceptional in terms of cleanliness and standard of the fixtures and fittings. Will definitely stay again!!

Review 17：It was advertised with a bath but only had a shower , I ordered breakfast in the room and both days they forgot toast. They put on my room bill a dinner that was paid for in cash (mistake)

Review 18：The open fire

Review 19：We didn't enjoy the food. Only had dinner and breakfast once but found both meals unsatisfactory.

Review 20：The staff were really really friendly and helpful. The pub and restaurant were nice and cosy. Room was big and spacious.

Review 21：Bedroom/bathroom far too hot but acknowledge that there was a fan available for use in the room

Review 22：Breakfast very good & everything in room required for overnight stay

Review 23：Nothing

Review 24：Layout suited us as we went with a group of friends. The staff were excellent in terms of looking after us, they were always courteous and helpful. A particular mention for Joe in the bar/restaurant who is a man who personifies customer service - he is an asset to the hotel.

Review 25：Overbooked restaurant resulting us dining in the bar. Full menu unavailable to us but others have full access although we were the first diners. Slept poorly in spite of great bed due to inconsiderate guests.

Review 26：the food were local and well prepared! Very comfy luxurious bed!

Review 27：Staff were incredibly friendly. The room was very tidy and nicely decorated. The bar and restaurant are excellent and really cosy, perfect atmosphere.

Review 28：It was a very relaxing experience as all the staff were helpful, smiling, nothing was too much trouble, rooms very comfortable and of course a lovely log fire! Really enjoyed the dining too.

Review 29：Top floor room very hot even with radiator off all night and window open (in November). Dinner service very slow. Sunday breakfast buffet not great. Cooked breakfast left too long resting under hot lamps and service a bit chaotic.

Review 30：Location great. Perfect for golfers, walkers, etc. Great bar staff. Hotel very clean. Excellent evening meal.

Review 31：The room needed paint work touching up as this made it look shabby in places. The log fire was not alight during the evening when we were in the bar area. Waiting staff neede some training in wine / mixing of cocktails and food

Review 32：Rooms were clean and tidy, staff were friendly and helpful, food was good

Review 33：Service was far too slow, under staffed and staff not trained at all. Given menus for expensive dinner over the bar. Toddler in baby high chair was served in ridiculously large plates that didn't fit on high chair table. Food was so late, we arrived at 8:30 ordered starters and mains. Starters arrived at 9:30 and mains 10:00pm. Had to ask for Wine List. No-one ever passed out table or asked if everything was ok so we had to shout across the room to obtain the attention of staff. Its obvious that they should employ more staff. For breakfast staff passed us and we weren't offered a table we had to ask if it is ok to sit down. In the morning for breakfast again toast ordered and took 25 minutes to arrive, so not just a one-off.

Review 34：The place was very clean. Food was great. Location exceptional for Peppa Pig World.

Review 35：Service,one pleasant girl,the rest sadly lacking in training.Room next to busy road,no bar service at all!

Review 36：Breakfast wasn't bad.New forest good.Weather really good.

Review 37：The bed is a very short double bed and the room was extremely hot.

Review 38：Very helpful staff, especially allowing our dog to sit with us for dinner and breakfast.

Review 39：No soap in the bathroom. Tried 2 pints of different beers, both were 'off'. No fresh fruit at breakfast. Wifi only in public areas.

Review 40：Clean room. Friendly staff. Cooked breakfast of decent standard.

Review 41：The bathrooms -tiles,bath and shower were a bit dated and could do with a re-fit. I didn't manage to find the bedside light switches so either had full on spot lights in the bedroom or one desk light , unsuitable to see a book reading in bed. Reception informed me on my checkout that the switches were there but were tricky to get to and find.

Review 42：Bar and restaurant areas were very welcoming. Food was excellent.

Review 43：Traffic noise from the road. Light next to the bed not bright enough for reading. No fruit juice available at breakfast.

Review 44：Staff friendly and efficient. Large bath with shower. Nice layout in the bar. Lovely food served in the bar area. Parking.

Review 45：The traffic noise. The hairdryer in my room didn't work. I couldn't get the shower to run hot.

Review 46：Friendly staff, pretty room with good bathroom, good service, nice food.

Review 47：The drain in the shower smelt like bad drains. The wifi signal did not reach the bedroom, so could not use it.

Review 48：Amazing staff, fantastic room and the dinner was brilliant.

Review 49：Our room was under the clubhouse of the adjacent golf club and was very dark and dingy. It certainly didn't look like the room presented online. There was no hot water in the morning and no staff offered us an alternate arrangement for washing/showering, or compensation of any kind. Although some staff were lovely, others were cold and curt.

Review 50：Friendliness and helpfulness of all staff. Evening meal was excellent with good service. Liked the décor throughout the Inn and especially where we ate our breakfast with lovely views also of the garden.

Review 51：Staff appeared to be struggling to cope ,overheard staff moaning about other members of staff , not much communication between staff was asked 3 times for a breakfast order by 3 different staff.

Review 52：Liked the hotel, nice room

Review 53：For a four star hotel the breakfast choice is poor! No fresh fruit - hams - cheeses to go with your croissants. One morning there were no croissants left so I had to have a cooked breakfast. It was nice but not what I wanted. We didn't have the confidence to have dinner there so can't comment on that. Room for improvement!

Review 54：The decor - room/bathroom size/ - comfortable bed. Easy parking.

Review 55：Wifi kept dropping out When booking through booking .com could not find where to book the pet There was a £10 surcharge which I was happy to pay just wish I had known when booking

Review 56：Nice clean hotel Really good evening meal Great if you have a dog they supplied blanket treats and bowl We will use this hotel again

Review 57：Breakfast was disappointing. Only partial buffet (cooked food had to be ordered and took some time) and the healthy option choice of fresh fruit etc was very limited.

Review 58：Staff were friendly and helpful and room was comfortable. Dinner was very good.

Review 59：WIFI poor. Bathroom a bit scruffy. Breakfast disappointing - no toast offered, no milk brought with coffee/tea, no fresh fruit available.

Review 60：Excellent location. Very friendly and welcoming staff.

Review 61：3.8"AVOID . awful shambles of a restaurant room and noisy green keepers starting up machinery at 6.30am"The bathroom was very similar to what i imagine a caravan to have with cheap plastic walls. Bedroom on ground floor had dirty underwear hanging on TV to greet us on arrival which we informed reception about who seemed horrified and arranged for it to be removed. However later that evening we bumped into the manager who we informed of this but didn't seem to bothered by it and said it could be a cleaning rag!! No compensation was offered or a change of room. Breakfast, well this was the worst service we have ever experienced. Coming from a family of restaurant owners, golf clubs and chefs we are very aware that good home cooked food takes time. However we waited at least 15 minutes for our orders to be taken when it wasn't even a full restaurant. One of our party being pregnant is only allowed eggs if they are thoroughly cooked, so when ordering the poached eggs we stated this. The breakfast arrived around 30 to 40 minutes later to have only one small mushroom which really made us laugh and runny eggs! Said to the unfortunately this is not correct. He said he would mention to chef and walked away! I had to then wait for another staff member to appear to take back the breakfast and for tje correct breakfast to arrive. The rest of the family had finished their breakfast and we waited a further 30 minutes again completely unacceptable. This time they decided to change my order from poached eggs to boiled eggs with one mushroom loaded with Garlic?? On a breakfast?? Almost raw bacon and a plate swimming in oil / garlic !! We gave up and left. Decided after that awful experience to rearrange our large family lunch and dinners we were going to have there for a professional establishment which we would recommend. It was a shame as we were looking forward to having lobster and steak here.

Review 62：Communal areas were nice as they appeared on the website. Reception andbar staff were lovely.

Review 63：We are deeply disappointed, I've got a room that needs to be renovated, the bathroom was old and looked completely different than on booking.com photos. As we spoke Polish we didn't feel very welcome. I would say, at breakfast the waitress rather ignored us as he was focused in English spoken clients.

Review 64：Nice, quiet location. Helpful staff and good wifi connection.

Review 65：Noisy cattle grid just outside our room. Also the power shower pump started operating intermittently and woke us at 06.30 on the Sunday morning. Many apologies but no offer of a partial refund.

Review 66：Staff were courteous and friendly, and the meals (2 breakfasts and 2 dinners) were excellent.

Review 67：This is not a complaint.We had a minor problem with our room, but it was dealt with promptly and extremely well. We were given a different room which was excellent.

Review 68：Friendliness of staff, nothing too much trouble. Food fantastic. We were also impressed with the cleanliness of the place and the rooms.

Review 69：Only thing we didn't like were the slamming doors from other rooms. Obviously the doors are fire doors so self close, maybe a soft spring of some sort can be added to prevent this.

Review 70：This was a weekend break for my boyfriends 30th. We absolutely loved it and will definitely be back.

Review 71：The bed wasn't comfy - my side was really hard, and my partner's side was kind of collapsed?! I didn't sleep very well...

Review 72：Location of the hotel and decor of the room was great, room was a good size, and very clean. The staff were lovely, and the communal areas were gorgeously furnished - lovely and cosy! Our breakfast was really good. We didn't eat dinner in the hotel - we tried the pub over the road, which was also very nice.

Review 73：it says Bell inn but it's actually an annex to the golf club and a snooty one at that! Asked on arrival if I could eat told no problem as they were quiet, stuck up barman who seemed stressed??? Tried to sound important saying wasn't a table free for 2 hours. Can't eat in bar! So not an inn then! No internet, no phone signal!

Review 74：Big TV

Review 75：I would have liked a bath, not just a shower. I did not appreciate that for £298 for 2 nights ( single person) booked well in advance, I needed to state a request for this. The Hotel was full but there was no attempt to switch a later arrival & find me a room with a bath. A busy weekend but a shortage of croissants or pastries at breakfast. Disappointing.

Review 76：Extremely clean bedroom and bathroom. Wonderful presentation of dishes on the menu for dinner. Chef should be congratulated.

Review 77：It was a warm weekend abs the bedroom was a little hot at night. We were provided with a fan which made it cooler and I guess having air on installed for our 3 days of summer is not cost effective! Breakfasts were a little hit and miss. The food was nice but it wasn't replenished quickly enough and we arrived to an empty hot plate.

Review 78：Staff were friendly. Dinner in the restaurant was lovely. Bedroom was stylish and nicely decorated and shower was hot and powerful even though we were on the top floor.

Review 79：We ate in the restaurant in the evening and were disappointed with the standard of the food and also limited vegetarian choice. We expected more seafood given that the coast is so near. Breakfast was a limited buffet with cold toast although we didn't expect much having read previous reviews.

Review 80：The room (Manor) was lovely big, light and airy with a good sized bathroom and a very comfortable bed. Location was excellent and we enjoyed the walk into the forest which was just across the road. Staff were friendly and helpful.

Review 81：Great location , such genuine , friendly staff . We had our cockapoo with us and all 3 of us were made to feel welcome . We were on B & B basis .The room excellent and the breakfast was so good . We dined in on two nights , the meals A1 . A welcome pack for pets was a nice touch . All in all , a great stay . For golfers a must too .

Review 82：Everything about this hotel was lovely, the bed, food, area, staff, room. Not a place if you want to stop frequently on walks as its quite a long walk until you get to next town. Otherwise it's perfect.

Review 83：Breakfast on the first day was great, buffet . Cooked to order the following two days resulted in a mix of under and over cooked items in the same plate , made me think it was all a bit recycled ?

Review 84：Location... Wild horses roaming around , generally well positioned for plenty of attractions Food ... On the two occasions we are here it was good but needs more variation eg daily specials ? Staff ... Lovely

Review 85：Can be pricey for what you get Some rooms quite small Breakfast can be a bit chaotic, with buffet running out quickly and refills not prompt enough

Review 86：Clean rooms and facilities Great for golf weekends In the vicinity of main new forest attractions

Review 87：The restaurant staff though friendly were a bit scatty. They could have been more attentive when taking orders. The breakfast area has open cereal box cartons scattered and didn't make it very appealing. The cooked breakfast was just ok..

Review 88：The target clientele is the retired golfer and it probably should be marketed mainly as that. For a young couple used to a proper boutique experience this really didn't meet our standards. But it's not bad- it just wasn't for us.

Review 89：Food on the expensive side Coffee at breakfast was awful - too strong! Leaving!

Review 90：Dog friendly staff Very well located Comfortable lounge and bar area

Review 91：Disappointing buffet breakfast, expensive meals and poor attention to detail combined led to my lower value for money score.

Review 92：Lovely decor, comfortable furnishings, lovely bar, great location, helpful staff, impressive food at dinner.

Review 93：Lack of wifi in the bedroom and nowhere to stand the kettle (other than on the floor) when making tea, as all the furniture was wood . Also a huge lovely bath but no bubble bath provided.

Review 94：Dinner was well priced and delicious and the serving staff extremely good

Review 95：Lovely hotel in a superb location. Great little single room, delicious, well presented food and a well stocked bar. The crowning glory? The wonderful staff, they were friendly, helpful and plain nice people, every one I met.

Review 96：On checking in ,there was a foul smell of blocked drains in the room - despite complaining several times, it was not resolved. Wrote to the hotel and complained after getting home and received no reply - very disappointing for £159 a night!

Review 97：The location was fantastic - 5 minutes off the M27 but right in the New Forest. The building was very attractive and the room very nicely decorated.

Review 98：We are quite experienced travellers and will tell it 'how it is' ... but... our stay at The Bell was not just without fault, it was delightful. Every member of staff was cheery, helpful and efficient and there seems to be a great 'team' atmosphere. Nothing was too much trouble. The property is well maintained with subtle, warm and welcoming decor. The dining area is not cramped and the MaitreD carefully takes dinner bookings for times in line with the capability of the Kitchen. The result is well presented , hot and tasty food. We will return..

Review 99：It wasn't a bad experience really but dinner was booked for 8.30 but things were quite chaotic as 2 other people walked out after waiting for too long for a table.(they were not guests) I was taken through to my table at about 8.50 and my starter was then unavailable so they offered an apology and alternative. Once it arrived the food was amazing but just a bit slow.

Review 100：The staff, the facilities, the room was comfy and very newly decorated

Review 101：I had the upgrade to estate room it wasn't worth it! No bath as promised in information only a shower upgraded for the bath! Only limited place to put any clothing. Ironing board and iron aren't in the rooms as advertised in room information they are at reception for you to ask for so all you pay for is some empty floor space not that large really. The meals in restaurant are very small (Al a carte) and expensive but nice. There's a nice pub over the road that does lovely food.

Review 102：The hotel is in a very rural location. It's very relaxing and the staff are very informative of the local area. The hotel bar and restaurant is very nice with a lovely seating area. The area is beautiful.

Review 103：The staff were very accomodating and friendly. The hotel is full of character with a contemporary feel. The food was excellent. Room service was also excellent.

Review 104：Nothing at all.

Review 105：Only the one night but wish we had more time. Staff so helpful, professional yet friendly. Enjoyed the evening meal, room was clean and spacious and breakfast set us up for our final day. Excellent location to do the New Forest. Many thanks - want to come back.

Review 106：Internet free wifi was very poor, and our room was looking quite tired - paint wearing off handrails in the bathroom, squeaky taps and lamp not working which was a shame

Review 107：Lovely building and communal areas, great location and friendly staff. Great place to stay on a reasonable budget and food was excellent

Review 108：They allow dogs to stay (in ground floor rooms)

Review 109：Really nice setting & polite, helpful staff. Our bathroom radiator was broken but fixed within minutes of reporting it.

Review 110：Unfortunately the radiator was broken in our bathroom so it was a bit chilly. Also, please note that the Inn is not where Google maps says it should be however, easy to find none the less.

Review 111：Friendly staff, great atmosphere in the bar, cosy, comfortable bedroom and a lovely breakfast.

Review 112：That it was just an overnight stop.

Review 113：Staff all very friendly & chatty, even my dog was made welcome in the bar with free dog treats. Location ideal for our needs. The food was excellent again.

Review 114：The menu has not changed since we stayed in May, we stayed again december. i think the menu should change very frequently in order to give guests staying more than one night a better choice. the fish and chips are superb

Review 115：very comfortable hotel, very warm and cosy.well situated to visit the area.warm welcome, we have stayed before but only for one night. We stayed three nights and ate in each night, food very good.

Review 116：The Bell Inn was immaculate in every way, the staff were all very friendly and most helpful - nothing was too much trouble. A return visit is very likely in the near future.

Review 117：It's 7 miles out of Lyndhurst which ok was disappointing at first especially when we had spent nearly an hour driving round looking for it,but the location was fantastic. We weren't told our room rate included a evening meal on Saturday so we missed out. Was disappointed, we had eaten out and didn't need to. The food looked yummy too. Somebody had charged drinks to our room so that had to be sorted before we checked out.

Review 118：Room was fantastic. Very clean and well kept. We had an amazing deal too. Hotel bar was really cosy and staff were very friendly too. Location is ideal for a relaxing stay. . Hearty full English breakfast to start the day. In the heart of the forest with ponies wandering outside.

Review 119：hard pillows !

Review 120：Staff very attentive and helpful, Dinner and breakfast very good. Nice decor and super spot in the new forest. Really nice hotel . Our second visit and will definately return.

Review 121：Wish we could have stayed longer but one night was plenty to appreciate the Bell inn. Lovely afternoon tea and a gorgeous bed to relax in at night. Will be back. Thank you

Review 122：The room was comfortable but rather inconvenient if you are tall - plenty of sloping ceilings.

Review 123：We were made very welcome with exceptional help and advice from Adam. The food was very good although could have more options for vegetarians. The staff seemed very proud of there environment and for me that was the highlight of the weekend, the beautiful New Forest and the pigs!

Review 124：Relaxing and comfortable surroundings.food was variable and well cooked.the rooms are nicely decorated and the bed very comfortable.the staff are very friendly and helpful.lots of nice walks nearby.would certainly come back again.

Review 125：Incredibly overpriced drinks (£7.95 for a glass of Pinot, words fail me!) - no wonder the bar was empty on a Saturday night! Restaurant similar problem - head for Lyndhurst instead!! A lot of noisy men on golfing breaks - completely took over the Lounge one evening watching sport

Review 126：Friendly staff Comfortable room Central to New Forest

Review 127：Our bedroom (No.11) was quite uncomfortably hot at night with only a desk-top fan to provide any relief instead of the air-conditioning that would have made the room facilities as excellent as the rest of the package. There was no easy alternative bedding either and the duvet provided, or the extra bedding on offer would be welcome if it were cold. The proximity to the A336 meant that the garden was not a place to really relax in, with constant road noise whenever we were there.

Review 128：The New Forest as an area of accessible, outstanding natural beauty with interesting historical places to visit. The hotel itself has an understated but stylish decor that epitomises the typical British reserve but with definite quality. The menu was varied and offered excellent, delicious food at a very reasonable price.

Review 129：Price! Bar and restaurant pricey and quite aloof. Excellent pub across the road though!

Review 130：Hotel room was very comfortable, huge bed! very clean and staff were all very friendly.

Review 131：We found the room was overly hot making sleeping difficult.

Review 132：The excellent location to the new forest and easy access to local places of interest and motor way connections to the major towns and cities. I hope I will be able to take advantage of a round of golf on your excellent course in the future

Review 133：Had to wait to check in over 5 minutes - not a good first impression when you are tired and just want to get to your room. Two nasty stains on my room carpet -nice :( No instructions on the shower controls. Hot water was TOO hot in hand basin. Toilet seat would not stay up - not good for us guys! Cold toast at breakfast. Limited choice of hot food.

Review 134：Good first impression of the building and decor. Easy parking. Close enough to Beaulieu for the event I was attending. Bar was clean and comfortable. Bed was comfy. Relatively inexpensive.

Review 135：The bathroom to the attic room was very scruffy and completely out of keeping with the rest of the hotel, I'm just 5 ft and I found that unless I remained in the middle of the room I was unable to stand upright. The shower leaked, the windows wouldn't fully close. Facilities for younger guests were non existent although most of the staff were very welcoming to her. Our room and the facilities within it were rather poor considering the price.

Review 136：Lovely helpful well informed staff. Food was superb. Hotel was beautiful and set in a lovely location. Everywhere was spotlessly clean. Great parking and easy to find.

Review 137：We enjoyed everything about our stay at The Bell Inn. Staff were very welcoming, polite and friendly. Our room was very clean and comfortable. Excellent room facilities, tastefully decorated and with a bright, modern and immaculately clean en suite.

The Fine Print

Guests who want to dine at the restaurant should reserve a table in advance. The restaurant is open from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.