The Castle Hotel

On entering this historic old hotel we were pleasantly greeted and asked to take a seat in the lobby. After a few minutes we were shown to the drawing room (which was cold) for afternoon tea where the four of us were seated at a nicely laid table |The friendly waitress gave us menus detailing the various sandwiches, scones etc but the menu also listed the price (£27.50) which we really did not want shown to our two family guests. |Tea pots arrived very quickly but it was some 10 minutes later that the tea stand came by which time the tea was cold. The finger sandwiches were freshly made and the scones were magical coming with large bowls of clotted cream and jam. The other miniature delicious cakes were superb. More hot tea was provided on request and all in all the whole event was a great success.

This character Hotel is a really lovely place to stay. It boasts a warm enviroment with friendly staff throughout. It is decorated through on old english style. Comfitable rooms & good food in the Brazz Cafe. The best flat white coffee

The hotel is a stunning building, my room was very well decorated and immaculately clean, the bed was very comfortable the housekeeping team are very pleasant and professional. All staff were nice, however Louise on reception was excellent, very welcoming, friendly and super helpful. Evening meal was lovely however breakfast was sadly a bit of a letdown the hot food could have been hotter and fresher, & I did notice some bickering between staff during breakfast service which was quite off putting!

Unfortunately, our stay at this hotel was very disappointing. We were given a top-floor room where the walls were paper thin — every sound from neighbouring rooms carried straight through (including nocturnal activities & bathroom movements). ||||There was no air conditioning, and when we opened the windows for some air, the constant noise from the surrounding area made it impossible to rest. There is a loud nightclub nearby & the sound carries till very late. The square at the front also seems to be somewhat of a gathering place for late night festivities.||||While the bedroom had clearly been updated, the bathroom looked like something straight out of the 1970s and was badly in need of refurbishment. Service throughout the stay was poor, with no sign of management taking charge. Staff seemed disengaged and uninterested, which added to the sense that guests weren’t a priority. They looked like they had heard the same issues raised on numerous times previously & at this stage the response was fairly robotic and unsympathetic.||||Dinner in the attached Brasserie was again less than anticipated given the starry past of The Castle & the confident selling of themselves on the website. Food was slow to arrive and substandard when it did. The Hake was sadly overcooked & dry, the accompanying Sauce Vierge so acidic it could remove paint. The staff again seemed experienced in hearing negative feedback, but dealt with it by shrugging of shoulders & promising to pass on feedback.||||Breakfast was another let-down: the buffet was sparse, items weren’t topped up, and what was available was of very low quality. Combined with inattentive service, it left a bad final impression. Again in the dining room there appeared to be nobody in charge||||Overall, this hotel fell very far short of expectations — tired facilities, poor service, and a lack of care or management presence. Definitely not somewhere I would recommend or return to.

stayed for two nights in twin delux double - lovely spacious room with wisteria clad windows. Staff were v friendly and helpful and we ate out both nights in front of the hotel.|The supper was very good on both nights and allowed total relaxation. Second evening supper enliven by performing Dementia Choir in open space just beyond the hotel - lovely and all participants clearly enjoying|Late check out on last day accommodated which was great.

Enjoyed an amazing lunch on the launch of Sunday lunches, the food was exceptional, the service attentive, the experience was a 10 out of 10 looking forward to the next time we visit, they deserve to be a success. The room was busy which was great to see, full of happy diners. Thank you Chef

Went to The Castle Hotel for a birthday party which was my first visit here. The hotel is full of charm and also immaculately clean and tidy. Had a drink in the bar first which was modern and had a good selection of drinks, staff were extremely polite and friendly. Went to private dining room which was beautiful and perfect for the event. There were 36 guests but the food was quickly brought out and given to guests who had selected previously. Always a good sign to see food from the kitchen brought out to guests efficiently done. The food was piping hot and absolutely delicious, excellent quality. Staff were once again, extremely polite and attentive, topping up wine without any fuss. Overall, very impressed with the Castle Hotel and would highly recommend.

Stayed in a Garden Room while attending a black tie event at the hotel. The room was clean comfortable and a really good size. the staff were friendly and efficient and I have no complaints at all

Welcome to the Castle Hotel at Taunton. This historic Norman fortress has witnessed over 9 centuries of turbulent history. In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth's officers gathered here on the eve of the Battle of Sedgemoor, where they were defeated by the forces of King James II. The infamous Judge Jeffries held his Bloody Assize in the Great Hall of the castle shortly afterwards. Over 200 rebels from the Monmouth Rebellion were tried, convicted and then hanged, drawn and quartered. A further 800 were transported to the West Indies to work on the sugar plantations. The building we see today is a Grade II listed, 18th century reconstruction of the original Norman castle, but does incorporate the original east gate, Castle Bow, which boasts 13th century features.

Where to begin! Staying here was a highlight of my recent, and first trip to England. I was coming to do some family history work at the archives in Taunton, as well as visit Glastonbury Tor. When I read this was an actual castle with medieval beginnings, I was immediately drawn in. Then I visited their website and read a few reviews and I booked it! It's a unique experience to say the least. Coming through the front, revolving door had an old world charm that was very welcoming (even though I snagged my luggage). The front desk staff were all super friendly, accommodating, and professional. The room was huge! I don't know how I ended up with a suite but I certainly did not book it nor pay extra so, the only conclusion is they upgraded me because it was available? No matter, I was in awe! I cannot recommend this place enough, it's a castle! Unforgettable.

Our family loved the castle hotel it was different then all the hotels we had stayed in and we have been traveling for 10 days at a different hotel almost every night the staff were very friendly the hotel was around 600 to 700 years old what a great place for an event!! They had a bath tub so my my wife loved it instantly! The location was great just off Main Street, lots to do

It's good; and Brazz is the 'in 'place to eat. BUT you can get as good - if not better - at one of the many superb pubs around Taunton, and at a fraction of the price! The place is historic yet glitzy, the staff are attentive - but it just ain't worth the extra!!

This was mine and my girlfriends first proper meal out, from the start all the staff were friendly and helpful as well as very well mannered! The food was amazing! Perfectly fresh and succulent, all tasting very very good!! Would definitely recommend going out here for any occasion, very impressed with it all!