The Congresbury Arms

We booked this as a stopover on the way home from Plymouth to Yorkshire. Booked a superior room which turned out to be on the front corner of the hotel near the traffic lights and roadworks. Whilst the building is listed the main window would not close and the secondary glazing was ineffective. The net curtain fell down and the room wouldn’t get warm. On arrival I asked to swap but was told it was not possible so we went to the restaurant where the food was very good. On return we decided it was just too noisy (on plane flight path too) so asked to change again. Amazingly a room at the back was found for us and we swapped over. This smaller room was quieter but suffered from a two hourly humming noise and then the planes passing over from 6am. Overall the accommodation could do with all the carpets cleaning and the walls decorating and the showers need a deep clean (water didn’t drain away). Breakfast was good and the lovely breakfast young girl on duty was most helpful on checking out by changing our bill to a lesser room. Just be warned if you want a quiet night this isn’t the place for you.

I would highly recommend this hotel. From the minute we walked in the staff were welcoming and couldn’t do enough. The rooms were beautifully appointed with everything we needed. Didn’t stay for breakfast as we had an early flight but we were offered a breakfast tray. Would definitely stay here again. Only 20 mins from Bristol airport.

The staff are very friendly, service excellent and the breakfast was amazing. The room was clean, although the shower could do with some updating. I really enjoyed my 1 night stay and as a solo traveller wouldn't have any hesitation on staying again.

We stayed here before heading to Bristol airport, as it's not too far away. We were warmly greeted by the staff, who swiftly found us a table, although we hadn't booked. The food was delicious and our room was incredibly comfortable. Lovely soft pillows and a huge bathroom. It was extremely cold, but we were toasty in our warm room. Thank you to all.

We stayed here overnight in readiness for our flight from Bristol airport the following morning. At £88 for a double room with breakfast included, it's a gem of a find. The hotel was clean, friendly and welcoming. We loved the little inglenook area where we sat for a drink before dinner (see separate dining review). The room was clean, tidy and well equipped. The only downsides - which is why I've rated it 4 rather than 5 - is firstly, the shower room is very tiny. The layout of the inn is restricted by way of being an old, character-filled building so they've made the best use of the available space but you can't easily bend down in the shower and can't access the toilet without opening and closing the door around yourself when entering the room owing to limited space. It was adequate for us but could be difficult for larger people to access. The second reason is that it was a bit noisy. I appreciate it's near an airport but the rooms were only single-glazed so didn't restrict any noise. I know there is always an argument for wearing ear plugs but I find these really uncomfortable. We wouldn't let the above put us off staying there again but think those points are worth mentioning so others can consider when booking.

We stayed for 2 nights, lovely clean rooms, welcoming friendly staff we were extremely well looked after. The food was amazing and vegetarian well catered for. We had evening meals and breakfasts. Our stay was to visit Britol and see the SS Great Britain and other sights. There is a bus stop close to the Arms which goes to city centre about every 15 minutes, so convenient. Definitely stay again. Iain & Karen

Stayed in a premium room, Tatton - comfortable bed, good breakfast but the bathroom was very cold ( no radiator just a small heated towel rail) and the room was very noisy. I realise it’s an old building but the minimum I expect is to get some sleep - I was woken a lot overnight by traffic outside. Looking a bit shabby in places. I wouldn’t stay again, even if the room was half price.

Stayed two nights b+ b in 'wells' room, too small for two, sloping bed. View of yard with kitchen staff smoking below window, food was okay

We booked a one night stay at the Congresbury Arms to visit family living in the village. Unfortunately, we never even got there as the day before our visit both my wife and I were taken ill and tested positive for Covid. Trying to do the right thing, and not pass on Covid, I tried phoning the pub twice to cancel, but they do not answer the phone. I ended up having to email the pub the evening before our visit to cancel. The manager replied the next day saying they would be charging the full amount as this was their policy. This is fair enough, but it begs a few questions. Firstly, why do they not take a deposit at time of booking and keep that ? Secondly, would they rather we went ahead and recklessly turned up regardless, spreading Covid around their guests and staff ? Thirdly, why not answer your phone ? I replied to the managers cancellation email with those questions.... he has not replied. Great customer service and first impression. Trying to support the independent businesses doesn't always count for much obviously. Suffice to say, next time we visit family in the area we will stay elsewhere.