Best Western Shaftesbury The Royal Chase Hotel

Enjoyable break in ideally situated hotel for visiting Stourhead and of course Shaftesbury itself. Staff very welcoming. Felt safe in present circumstances. Hotel itself very pleasant but in need of tlc in places. less

Having booked a Deluxe King Sized room during these Covid times we had expected things to be a little different. However, paper cups, wooden sticks to stir drinks, no house keeping for our three night stay and no bath robes/slippers (which were stated as being included) was a little much. This was not a cheap room and I had expected better. Yes we had a small fridge, coffee machine and plenty of tea/coffee/sugar but the bins not being emptied at all for the time we were there meant they were ready to overflow when we came to leave. We had to ask for toilet rolls as only one had been supplied. We also had no bulb in one of the lamps (not what you expect) but reception did come and put one in for us when we asked. From speaking to other guests we decided not to risk an evening meal. We were told about slow service from over-stretched staff who were doing their best in the circumstances. We found a lovely pub over the road who, although very popular, always managed to fit us in and provided excellent food and service. We did have breakfast there. The room being used is a function room set up with tables complying to the government guidelines . It was adequate but felt more like a school canteen than a hotel restaurant. The continental table had a very limited - and at times sparse - selection. However the hot food was good and arrived quickly. The staff serving were very friendly - especially the gentleman on Saturday and Sunday - and did their best to ensure you had enough tea/coffee/juice etc. The shower in our room was very fickle in its temperature - fluctuating between luke warm and warm. The floor of the shower being ceramic was very slippery and we have pointed this out to reception on our departure that something needs to be done about it before an accident happens. I'm sure a bath mat of some description would suffice and still be within Covid guidelines. It has a lovely little pool which you have to book to go in. Each slot is an hour and limited in number so they can then clean in between each session. It is open to non-residents as well which means it can be very popular. There are no changing rooms to comply with Covid restrictions so you have to arrive already changed. They do provide towels at reception for hotel guests to use so you don't have to bring your own or use the ones in the room. It's in a good central location for lots of attractions in the area. All in all it's 3 star rating is probably about right. The hotel needs some renovation and it definitely needs more staff. Covid should not be used as an excuse for reductions in the level of service guests have paid to receive. One or two more staff at busy times would have made all the difference. less

My family and I stayed for one night in August. Staff were helpful, friendly and attentive. Government Guidelines were adhered too very well. Rooms were clean and comfortable. The hotel is situated close to a main road but you wouldn't know it. It isn't far from the centre of Shaftesbury which was a bonus. My daughter particularly enjoyed using the pool! Rely enjoyed our stay here! less

This morning we booked a session swimming. We were told to arrive at 1:30pm. We did as we were asked and on arrival we were told “Sorry the pool is booked out for a social bubble”. We had driven 30 mins, with three excited children. Absolutely disgraceful, we weren’t the only ones this happened to either. I suggest training your reception staff a little more so they know what’s actually going in within the hotel. less

The hotel may not be glamorous (decor a little tired, and reception area and corridors especially unprepossessing ), but we were very comfortable in our clean room which had a lovely view over the garden and was very quiet, and above all the staff were outstanding. We met quite a few different staff during our staff and without exception they were hard working, very willing and helpful, and so pleasant and friendly. The pool was also very good and a real bonus. less