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Summary of reviewsThe Bird In Hand is a hotel lauded for its strategic location, exceptional dining, charming ambiance and high-quality service. Situated conveniently close to Heathrow Airport and major roads, it serves as an ideal base for exploring Windsor, Legoland and other attractions like Henley and Marlow. Despite its proximity to a busy road, guests have noted the tranquil and picturesque setting, enhanced by a beautiful exterior and 14th-century charm. Ample free parking and easy access to countryside footpaths further add to its appeal for both business travelers and holiday-goers.
The breakfast experience at The Bird In Hand is widely appreciated with many guests praising the delicious, high-quality offerings, especially the Full English breakfast. The menu's variety, including plant-based options and the superb ambiance contribute to a delightful morning meal. There are occasional critiques regarding service speed and menu restrictions, but the overall culinary quality stands out.
Dinner offerings consistently receive high praise for delicious, well-presented dishes in a cozy and charming setting. The varied menu, including commendable plant-based options and the attentive staff make the dining experience a highlight of many guests’ stays.
The hotel rooms are frequently described as lovely, cozy and beautifully decorated with many guests appreciating the spaciousness and cleanliness. Well-equipped with amenities like tea, coffee, mini fridges and luxury extras, the rooms provide a comfortable and modern stay. A few concerns about room size, lighting and housekeeping are noted, but the overall feedback remains positive.
Cleanliness is a strong point at The Bird In Hand with many guests highlighting the spotless rooms and well-kept spaces. Instances of mildew or dust are occasionally mentioned, but they seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. The high standard of cleanliness extends to both the accommodations and common areas.
The staff consistently receive high marks for their friendliness, efficiency and professionalism, creating a welcoming and accommodating environment. Guests feel genuinely cared for, which enhances the overall experience. Despite occasional lapses in friendliness and housekeeping, the positive feedback about the staff predominates.
While the WiFi connectivity is a mixed experience with some guests finding it excellent and others facing reliability issues, it remains one of the few aspects needing improvement.
Parking facilities receive overwhelmingly positive feedback due to the ample, free onsite car park that is easy to access and navigate. This adds to the convenience and appeal of the hotel.
The beds are another highlight, frequently described as large, clean and comfortable with many guests enjoying restful nights thanks to the quality bedding and spacious accommodations.
The Bird In Hand also performs well against a four-star standard, offering a comfortable and relaxing stay with high-quality accommodations, facilities and an exceptional atmosphere. The hotel is considered good value for money, despite its slightly higher pricing.
The hotel is also noted for its accessibility, providing wheelchair-friendly accommodations and easy access for elderly guests and those with disabilities.
Finally, the historic ambiance of The Bird In Hand, combined with modern comforts, enhances its charm. Guests appreciate the traditional decor, pet-friendly policy and the unique experience of staying in a beautifully maintained historic building.
In summary, The Bird In Hand combines a prime location, charming ambiance, outstanding dining and friendly staff to create a memorable experience for a wide range of travelers. Show more
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Categories
Dog Friendly Inn
Kids and dogs are welcome as guests, too, with family and dog-friendly rooms available to suit everyone.
4-Star Inn
This 14th-century inn offers stylishly designed and decorated rooms furnished to a high standard. It provides a unique and comfortable accommodation experience.
Historic Inn
Inn with Free Wi-Fi
Inn with Parking
Accessible Inn
Room Types
Executive Double RoomThis spacious room offers free Wi-Fi and a king-size bed. It is set around the garden's brick courtyard with a fountain. The room also offers a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and an en suite bathroom.
Executive Twin RoomThis spacious room offers free Wi-Fi and is set around the garden's brick courtyard with a fountain. The room also offers a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and an en suite bathroom.
Executive Family Room (2 Adults 2 Children)This spacious room has free Wi-Fi and is set around the garden's brick courtyard with a fountain. The room also has a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom. This room is suitable for 2 adults & 2 children up to 16 years old.
SuiteThis individually designed room features a king-sized bed and a private bathroom with a freestanding bath and separate shower.
The luxurious air-conditioned suite comes equipped with free WiFi and an iPod docking station.
Please note that children under 18 years old cannot be accommodated in this room. Extra beds (including cots) and dogs are also not permitted in this room type.
Deluxe Double RoomThe double room provides air conditioning. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
'The Bird In Hand' enjoys an enviable location that numerous travelers have found ideal for various purposes. Guests have praised its proximity to Heathrow Airport, making it a solid choice for those needing easy access to flights. The hotel also serves as a convenient base for exploring the attractions of nearby Windsor, Legoland and other landmarks such as Henley and Marlow. Visitors have highlighted its suitability for both work trips and leisure stays, thanks to its central positioning and easy access to major roads.
The hotel's picturesque setting, characterized by a beautiful exterior and a cozy, 14th-century charm, adds to its allure. Ample free parking is another benefit frequently mentioned, ensuring that guests have a hassle-free arrival and departure.
Despite being situated on a busy road, many reviewers found the location surprisingly quiet and appreciated the peaceful surroundings. The area offers charming features and an appealing atmosphere with nearby countryside footpaths providing a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
While some guests noted that the area can feel isolated without a vehicle, those with transportation found 'The Bird In Hand' perfectly situated for their needs, including trips into London, Oxford and the surrounding regions.
In summary, 'The Bird In Hand' boasts a combination of convenience, charming ambiance and strategic placement that appeals to a broad spectrum of travelers, from holiday-goers to business visitors.
Breakfast
The Bird In Hand offers a commendable breakfast experience that has garnered a mix of glowing praises and some areas for improvement from its guests. Many reviews laud the breakfast as delicious, superb and fantastic, reflecting well-prepared dishes made from quality, often local produce. Guests particularly enjoyed the freshly cooked meals and the diverse menu options. The Full English breakfast was frequently highlighted as excellent, showcasing well-cooked ingredients and beautiful presentation.
The breakfast menu offers a wide variety of choices, including delicious plant-based and vegan options and is often described as delightful and generous in portion size. The à la carte breakfast was appreciated for its meticulous preparation and high standards. Particularly notable were the porridge, plant-based dishes and the overall quality of homemade items.
However, some guests faced issues with the service, citing long waits and instances of undercooked or overcooked food. There were repeated mentions of the breakfast service starting too late for business travelers with an 8am opening being mentioned as inconvenient. The lack of cereals, fresh fruit and multiple drink options disappointed some guests and the policy restricting guests to one item from the menu appeared limiting for a few.
The breakfast ambiance itself received positive remarks for its inviting atmosphere and the inclusion of breakfast in the room rate was appreciated. Despite some logistical hiccups, the exceptional culinary quality and friendly, accommodating staff largely contributed to a pleasant breakfast experience at the hotel. Overall, The Bird In Hand’s breakfast leaves a strong impression, harmonizing delightful flavors with a few areas for potential improvement in service speed and menu flexibility.
Dinner
The Bird In Hand is garnering acclaim for its remarkable culinary offerings, consistently praised by guests for its exceptional food quality. Diners relish the delicious and well-presented dishes with many noting the varied and extensive menu. Evening meals and breakfasts alike are often highlighted for their superb taste and quality, extending to commendations for their plant-based options and freshly cooked items. The bar and restaurant settings offer a charming and cozy atmosphere, further enhancing the dining experience. Despite occasional comments about high prices and slow service, particularly during breakfast, the majority of reviews recommend the restaurant highly, praising both the food and the attentive staff. Overall, the dining experience at The Bird In Hand seems to be a highlight for guests, adding to the appeal of this charming establishment.
Rooms
The Bird In Hand receives high marks for the comfort and quality of its rooms. Many guests have described their accommodations as lovely, cozy and beautifully decorated with a significant number of reviews highlighting the spotless cleanliness and well-furnished nature of the rooms. Spaciousness also stands out with various guests emphasizing how large and comfortable the rooms are, often featuring well-equipped amenities such as tea, coffee and mini fridges stocked with fresh milk and cookies. The king-size beds and luxury extras like mini pillow sprays add to the pleasant stay experience.
The bathrooms received mixed reviews: while some were noted for their large size and cleanliness, others indicated a need for updates and improvements, such as more powerful showers and grab handles.
There were some consistent concerns among the reviews. A few guests mentioned that the rooms could be quite small, too hot or dark due to insufficient lighting. Additionally, some reports pointed out that housekeeping could improve, as some rooms were found to have issues like yellow stains on mattress protectors or stale biscuits.
Despite these issues, the overall impression remains positive with many appreciating the modern, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of The Bird In Hand. The warm decor, thoughtful touches and friendly staff contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Beds
Guests at The Bird In Hand have repeatedly highlighted the comfort and size of the beds, often describing them as comfortable, very comfy and even super comfy. Many appreciated the spacious king size and super king size beds with some mentioning they slept soundly through the night. Cleanliness and quality of bedding also received positive remarks with mentions of nice linens and high-quality bedding contributing to an overall cozy experience.
While the majority of reviews reflected satisfaction with the beds, there were occasional comments about beds being too soft, too small or not up to standard. A few guests noticed issues such as hard pillows and squeaky frames, but these were less common.
Overall, the trend in guest feedback suggests that most travelers find the beds at The Bird In Hand to be a highlight, enjoying restful nights in large, clean and comfortable accommodations.
Cleanliness
The Bird In Hand has garnered a wide array of guest reviews focusing on the cleanliness of its accommodations. Many have praised the establishment as very clean with spotless rooms and extraordinarily well-kept spaces. The venue, as well as the accommodations, are described as immaculately clean, showcasing a high standard of maintenance and care. Guests have repeatedly noted that their rooms were consistently clean, cozy and comfortable with some describing the bedding as crisp and the decor as clean and cozy. Impressions of spotless amenities and beautifully maintained rooms contribute to the overall positive feedback.
However, not all remarks are glowing. A few guests pointed out areas needing improvement, such as mildew in the bathrooms and the presence of dust in some rooms. Instances of poor housekeeping were mentioned with specific issues like stale biscuits, water under bathroom tiles and a lingering damp smell in certain rooms. Despite these criticisms, the general sentiment leans heavily towards satisfaction with the cleanliness, illustrating a disparity in guest experiences.
The cleanliness of the bathrooms was a recurring topic with a mix of positive and negative insights. While many found the bathrooms clean and well-equipped, others highlighted problems like hair in plugholes and areas that could have been cleaner.
Overall, The Bird In Hand's commitment to cleanliness is evident in the majority of the reviews, despite some occasional setbacks needing attention.
Staff
The reviews for 'The Bird In Hand' highlight an impressive level of staff friendliness and helpfulness. Guests consistently described the staff as friendly, welcoming, polite and accommodating with many noting that they felt genuinely cared for during their stay. The staff are also described as efficient, professional and thoughtful, providing excellent customer service and going out of their way to ensure guests had everything they needed. Several reviews noted that staff were particularly good with pets, making the hotel a welcoming place for dog owners. Clean rooms and high-quality food also contribute to the positive guest experiences. While a few reviews mentioned areas for improvement, such as occasional lapses in friendliness and housekeeping issues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback about the staff suggests that guests can expect a warm, helpful and accommodating environment at 'The Bird In Hand'.
Wi-Fi
The Bird In Hand offers a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. The service is secure and generally free with some guests appreciating its strength and reliability. However, many reviews point out significant issues such as weak signals, intermittent connections and slow speeds. It's worth noting that while some found the WiFi to be excellent or good, others reported it as hit or miss, unreliable and even non-functional at times. The public WiFi has been mentioned as chargeable, which may be a consideration for some travelers. Therefore, those planning to stay at The Bird In Hand, especially those who need consistent internet access, should be prepared for potential connectivity challenges.
Parking
The Bird In Hand boasts overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its parking facilities. Guests consistently mention the ample parking available with many appreciating the large, free onsite car park. The parking area is described as spacious, stress-free and easy to access, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers. Numerous reviews highlight the convenience of the parking location, noting it is readily available and simple to navigate. Individuals with blue badges have also found the parking to be accommodating. The hotel's strategic location, coupled with its excellent parking facilities, adds to its overall appeal. Some reviews do mention internal parking, but the majority highlight the extensive parking space available outside. Judging by guest feedback, parking at The Bird In Hand appears to be one of its strong suits, contributing to a convenient and relaxed stay.
4 Star
The Bird In Hand offers a comfortable and relaxing stay, outperforming traditional expectations for a pub with its high standards. The hotel is described as providing a four-star equivalent experience, characterized by well-appointed and freshly decorated rooms, though some note the absence of certain luxury amenities like in-room hot tubs.
Guests are particularly pleased with the quality of accommodation, facilities and fabulous atmosphere. The food receives high praise for its excellence, along with the service, which some even compare favorably to that found in five-star hotels. Fresh milk in the rooms is a noted perk, adding to the overall feeling of thoughtful service.
Despite being considered quite expensive by some, the hotel is also seen as offering great value for money, especially given its competitive pricing and location. Whether planning a short stay or a relaxing getaway, The Bird In Hand appears to provide a memorable experience that stands out in its class.
Accessible
The Bird In Hand proves to be a highly accessible hotel for guests with disabilities. Conveniently located, it offers easy access to the airport and is suitable for elderly couples and those needing facilities for work. Guests appreciate the wheelchair accessible rooms and ground floor accommodations, noting that the easy wheelchair access is well-maintained throughout the building. Although some mention a lack of grab rails in the shower over the bath, the overall facilities for wheelchair users are excellent. The hotel grounds are lovely, enhancing the experience in this historic and great location.
Historic
Nestled in a historic building, The Bird In Hand offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Guests praise the hotel's great location, beautifully maintained property and pet-friendly policy. The rooms are nicely decorated, clean and come with extra comfy pillows, ensuring a quiet and comfortable stay. Visitors particularly enjoy the characterful and historic ambiance with many commenting on the lovely traditional decor that touches on vintage styles. The venue, steeped in history, offers a sense of the past that is hard to find elsewhere.
The George 3 suite stands out as a special, luxurious touch, fit for a king. Guests relish the elegant and pronounced decor, which has been tastefully updated without losing its old-world charm. The pub within the hotel is described as both lovely and old school with a good pronounced atmosphere reminiscent of the good old days. Friendly staff and excellent locally brewed beer add to the experience, along with an enjoyable and hearty breakfast. Despite the overall expense, the blend of historical significance and modern updates makes for a memorable stay.
Luxury
The Bird In Hand offers a truly luxurious experience, blending modern comforts with a charming old school pub feel. Guests frequently highlight the stylish and beautiful decor of the rooms, which are well-appointed and feature high-quality furnishings and finishes. The ambiance is both cosy and inviting with a high standard of cleanliness and meticulous attention to detail evident throughout the property.
Luxury extras such as complimentary toiletries, mini fridges with drinks and tasteful decoration elevate the overall experience. The luxurious bathrooms and high-quality finishes contribute to a sense of opulence, making each stay feel indulgent. Guests also rave about the excellent breakfast and super food, further enhancing the high-quality experience.
Despite the great location and overall satisfaction, some minor issues were noted, such as weak showers and the absence of taps in some bathrooms. However, these are small oversights in what is otherwise described as a beautiful, well-cared-for property that offers nice rooms and a fantastic experience at a reasonable price. Overall, The Bird In Hand is praised for offering luxury accommodation that often surpasses expectations, making it one of the best stays many have experienced in the UK.
No, The Bird In Hand doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Bird In Hand.
Yes, The Bird In Hand welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Bird In Hand.