My spouse wanted local character and charm, and not a big-boxy chain. This certainly fits that description in a delightful way. The rooms are located above an historic 18th-century pub and restaurant. Our room had all the modern amenities, including Nespresso machine and updated bathroom with both tub and shower. The bed was quite comfortable. Also, we had a delicious dinner at the ground-floor restaurant/pub. The property is only a few steps from the grounds of the Winchester Cathedral.

While not a big deal for us, our room was on the top floor and I had to mind the sloping ceiling. The bathroom especially was like being in the attic or loft of an A-frame cabin. As a taller person, I bumped my head (just once!) when I wasn't careful. This shouldn't be a concern for most people, though.

The location was amazing, the breakfast was perfect, the staff were friendly, the room was very quaint and we had a view of the gate into the city. parking was very tight and limited, but the hotel assists with that.

The bar/restaurant was extremely popular and was overly crowded and loud. From our room, we could hear people outside until late, the noise could be drowned out by turning on the tv or playing music, or turning on a fan. Driving to the hotel on the street can be a bit crazy and tight but it is easy to adapt to -.

The Wykeham Arms itself is delightful - full of character and in a great location near to the Cathedral and Old Town but also close to the High Street shops etc. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and food/drink were excellent. The room (top floor of the annexe) was very comfortable with great facilities (including a bath in the bedroom!).

The bedside lighting could have been more efficient. The tea we made in the room was always undrinkable - whether a combo of tea/water/milk, we weren't sure. The parking arrangements were a bit quaint, but seemed to work as we left the keys at reception - however, a warning of this before our arrival would have been welcome.

Good breakfast- mix of hot food from menu and buffet. Bed was comfortable. Nice touch to have a Nespresso machine. Staff really helpful. Great location by the cathedral and college. Open fire in the pub. Overall good value for a B&B option. Would stay here again.

Only minor wrinkle is that my Nespresso machine was a bit temperamental. I had dinner in the pub and the a ala carte menu was quite pricey (more than you'd pay in London). Fixed price menu was fair value though (3 courses and a couple of glasses of wine for just over £50).

Bags of character, absolutely fantastic 3 course dinner, lovely Nelson suite., comfy bed. Staff were affable and sorted parking on site as soon as we arrived.

Breakfast was very tasty, but (small thing but it matters) nobody checked how we were doing or offered a drink top up. We arrived at our table halfway through the 2 hour time slot on Friday morning, so it wasn’t as if we were delaying things. Buffet was higher quality than a chain hotel, but the (single) juice was empty, as was the yoghurt. It’s the small things that you remember. Paint peeling off the en-suite ceiling.

I arrived late (10.45PM) but the staff took me straight to my room and then served me a great pint of Pride before last orders. The room - a single - is perfect for a business traveller. Fresh milk in the fridge in the room for morning tea is a nice touch too. The breakfast was a total lifesaver as I hadn't eaten the night before - top notch full English - and lots of good coffee. Flawless.

I wish I'd got there earlier so I could have enjoyed an evening meal - but that was down to National Highways!

I have stayed here before, and thoroughly enjoyed both occasions. The bar has a wide choice of drinks with some unusual "scholarly" settings. The walls are crammed with an enormous number of framed photos, pictures, sketches and artwork covering a very wide history. The staff are very friendly, the service is very good, as are breakfast and dinner. It is central enough to walk to the centre of this historic town and, of course, the Cathedral.

Be prepared for narrow stairs to access your room in the annexe, but don't let that put you off - this hotel is very good.

The breakfast was very nice. I had avocado eggs tomato 🍅 and cereals with fruit. Tea all very nice. And location is excellent for the town walking distance really. 😊

The bath. Was a roll top bath which is nice but I would preferred a bath with taps at one end instead of the roll top bath with taps in the middle. The taps seam to be in the way as you was in the bath. And water can flow over the top easier , so a fixed bath with no caps would been perfect. Room was nice. Love the thought of the hotel was there since 1755 I belive. 😊

All staff charming and very helpful. Interesting old pub. We were in the Post Box which was really lovely and almost like a suite! Lorries noisy in the morning but to be expected with such narrow streets but other than that a very very quiet night.

We had dinner which was OK but the mackerel starter was the tiniest amount of food I think I’ve ever seen - and I wondered if it was a joke to test customers! But excellent service and staff great.

This was our 4th visit to this charming, homely pub/restaurant with rooms in the centre of Winchester. Staying there always makes a short visit to Winchester a special occasion. The staff are friendly, the food/service is outstanding and the rooms are very well appointed and decorated with real style and olde world charm, yet with modern facilities. We will keep coming back.

There was some evidence during this visit that some retrograde policy decisions had been made aimed at better efficiency rather than customer service, particularly during the breakfast service. We commented on this to the staff and I hope this will be reversed for our next visit. It wouldn't stop us going there atm but it could be a slippery slope if continued.