a litte known fact is that Thomas Hardy met Robert Louis Stevenson there in 1885 when travelling from dartmoor for his health.The Kings Arms features in The Mayor of Casterbridge and is the hotel where Michael Henchard faced his debtors. the rooms are all very posh and comfortable and is in the heart of town with frequent bus services.all the... More

The age of this hotel mean the rooms can vary from quite large and airy mini-suites at the back to smaller rooms at the front. Having stayed on a number of occasions the one enduring feature is the friendly welcome and service from all the staff - from the manager, receptionists and bar staff. Breakfast is good and there are... More

Stayed four nights in this hotel as this seemed a good base to explore the area from Swanage to Seaton, coast and country. Although the hotel is over two hundred years it has a certain character and we were extremely pleased in both the room size layout, spotlessly clean and comfort and separate on-suite.( room 102) Bed was comfortable and... More

Stayed here in very cold March.It was easy to find with free parking at rear of hotel. Room very big modern design and big en suite bathroom. It was spotless and looked really good. There was no view as window looked at back yard..but window 1/2 frosted and curtains. We arrived the dark and left next day, so no problem.... More

First time I've stayed at this hotel and both my wife and I loved it. We checked in and were directed to room 209. If you ever have the chance try it out! As the hotel is so old the floors are uneven and this room shows how uneven it can get and how the staff have overcome it. The... More

I stayed last month and have very few criticisms. Yes, the floor boards are a bit creaky but it's an old building; if you want new without character stay elsewhere. My room was clean, well fitted out and had a bathroom refurbished to a high standard - could do with a grab handle at arm height as the bath was... More

I have stayed here twice on business. The first time my breakfast didn't arrive in time, the second time service at breakfast was better but they forgot to put a colleagues order through. The hotel staff are pleasant but the hotel is in dire need of updating. The lift is ancient, very small and most off putting if you are... More

Good base for exploring Dorchester. Ask for a room away from the road if noise an issue - we were very happy in room 112. Good breakfast for the price - helpful and efficient staff. Hotel provides a useful map of the town with attractions marked; we particularly liked the Frink sculptures.

We stayed here using our Tesco voucher deal for three nights. We had the room with the bay view over the high street which was roomy clean. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, recommended places to visit and eat. We ate at the hotel on one occasion and it was very good. I ordered sea bass, however, the... More