We stayed at Plumber Manor for 3 nights at the end of April. This was a very memorable holiday break. All the staff without exception were excellent- professional, courteous, helpful, and above all, friendly. We spoke to several other patrons that were staying there at the time. There were all on repeat visits, and it was not hard to see why. A beautiful setting in the centre of Dorset, with excellent amenities. Comfortable bedrooms, excellent food and wine. It was a totally relaxing experience. And to cap it all the weather was perfect. We will return before Christmas!

Nothing

The location is very beautiful, as is the hotel itself, with lovely grounds and the river. We really liked the statues in the grounds.The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. The food was particularly lovely, and the chef is to be highly recommended. The waiting staff were all absolutely great in the dining room. The hotel is extremely quiet yet easy to get to, and in such a lovely part of Dorset. The flower arrangements were particularly lovely.

The hotel is beginning to look a little dated and could do with being slowly renovated, although we appreciate this might not be easy because it is no doubt listed.

One of the loveliest stays I can remember. Six of us had Sunday lunch. The dining room was beautiful. The tables were well spaced out. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. The rain stopped long enough for us to get a walk in the lovely grounds. There were a couple of bar areas to have a pre-dinner drink and browse the menu. After such a large lunch, we had a starter and pudding in the evening. Again, delicious food. The trio of puddings is a great idea if you can’t decide. We had two rooms in the main house and one in the courtyard. All were spacious, well furnished and with very comfortable, large beds. Very soft water in our shower, which made a welcome change from home. Breakfast was very good. Helping yourself to fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, croissants. Orders were taken for your choice of cooked breakfast. It was a really relaxing and welcoming environment.

The towel rail in my sister’s room had a leak, which we reported to reception on leaving. The door latch in our room was slightly stiff. But that was explained when we checked in and someone waited to check it wasn’t a problem for us while I tested it. Fairly remote but that was exactly what we wanted for a one night stay.

Staff and meals excellent. Food intolerance had been noted and remembered. Separate dishes provided where necessary. Peaceful location.

Air conditioning!!! Stifling in our room on arrival. Curtains wide open and sun streaming in. I would have expected at least the curtains drawn when the room was prepared or checked. At a Premier Inn we stayed at recently, where the air-conditioning had died, all rooms were provided with an apology and a FAN!

I decided to treat myself after presenting at an event in Sturminster Newton. I was unaccompanied and the staff - from the owners to the lovely ladies in the restaurant - made me feel extremely welcome and went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable. The evening meal was sensational - who knew that sole and grapes were a marriage made in heaven? - the grounds are stunningly beautiful, and my room (with a window seat) was wonderful!

Amazing privately owned hotel, all the people who work here are amazing. True effortless hospitality that makes you feel at ease and very welcome. Great breakfast and dinner also, with an interesting and reasonably priced selection of wine.

Sound insulation is minimal, but it is an old building so that’s to be expected. It didn’t really affect our experience, but is noticeable. It would be nice is there was a slightly earlier start to the window for breakfast.

Really liked the warm welcome from the staff, as well as the owner who we met in the evening and who saw us off. It was in a lovely setting, surrounded by gardens which were also very pretty and well cared for. It was also nice to sit with drinks and canapes in the lounge before the meal. Also a lovely, old fashioned dining room which made the meal into an occasion.

We did not dislike anything. The meal we thought was a bit over-priced but we enjoyed the occasion nonetheless.

This beautiful old country home has been converted to a gem of a hotel. It has a very old world feel and the food is exceptional. We had 2 dinners that were wonderful- creative and well prepared but NOT fancy. Our room was large and decorated in a relaxing style. The remote location encouraged (required!) one to relax. We loved it!

The bed was in need of replacement. And no screens meant that we had to escort a few flying insects out.

Very nice property with friendly staff Everything you would want provided in the rooms eg bottles of still/sparkling water, robes, flannels, foldable rack to put bag, comfortable bed, good quality linen, beautiful estate Would recommend staying here if looking for a hotel in the area

A matter of personal preference but would have preferred a coffee / Nespresso type machine vs kettle in the room (but there is an included breakfast if you want coffee in the morning)

Perfect British setting for a perfect British breakfast. I wanted to experience England that I remembered as a child, who moved to the States at 16. The hotel is a paradise. Stroll the gardens. Calm, quiet. The bathroom was updated and spotless. The charming architecture and the art furnishings are traditional British, exactly what I wanted. Wonderful food, really. And the bar is fun. Which is exactly what I was seeking.

It was all good.