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Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester

3.0 star property
Georgian hotel in Dorchester with a bar

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Photo gallery for Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester

Lounge
Lounge
Superior Double Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated
32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
Front of property

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
32 High West Street, 32, Dorchester, England, DT1 1UP
  • Place, Tutankhamun: The Exhibition
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Maiden Castle
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated

Standard Double Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated

Superior Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Single Room

Standard Single Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated

Standard Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Dorchester

Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester places you next to Tutankhamun: The Exhibition and Borough Gardens. This 27-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and coffee/tea in a common area.

What's nearby

  • Tutankhamun: The Exhibition - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Dorset Teddy Bear Museum - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Maiden Castle - 11 min drive - 3.4 miles
  • Weymouth Beach - 15 min drive - 9.7 miles

Getting around

  • Dorchester West Station - 8 min walk
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 103 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Royal Oak (Wetherspoon) - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Kings Arms - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Greggs - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Old Ship Inn - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester

Georgian hotel in Dorchester with a bar
Guests of Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, conference space, and coffee in a common area. Self parking is available for GBP 10 per day. Front-desk staff can assist with securing valuables and luggage storage.
32-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Portable fans, phones, and ironing boards are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (GBP 10 per day)
  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • 818 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways (31 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1756
  • Georgian architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Self parking fee: GBP 10 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitEngland, the National Tourist Board for England.

Property is also known as

Wessex Royale
Wessex Royale Dorchester
Sleeping Bear Dorchester
Wessex Royale Hotel Dorchester
Dorchester Minotel
Minotel Dorchester
Minotel Hotel Wessex Royale
Minotel Wessex Royale Hotel Dorchester
Wessex Royale Hotel Dorchester, Dorset
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester Hotel
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester Dorchester
Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel Dorchester
Wessex Royale Hotel
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester Hotel Dorchester

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do around Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester?

This hotel is located in Dorchester, just steps from Tutankhamun: The Exhibition and Borough Gardens, and within a short walk of The Keep Military Museum. You'll also find Roman Town House and Dinosaur Museum less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester?

As of Oct 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester on Nov 22, 2025 start from $144.29, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester?

Yes, parking is offered for GBP 10 per day.

Does Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester feature a casino?

No, Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will value amenities like a pillowtop mattress, bathrobes in some guestrooms, as well as a bar.

Does Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester though service animals are welcome.

Does Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester?

The closest major airport to Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester is Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.), which is about 26.9 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester.

Reviews

Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 298 out of 551 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 192 out of 551 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 38 out of 551 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 551 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 551 reviews

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Gary

Business traveler
Its not the hotel its the service fron Trivago! Having paid for a room to be told the room had already gone. Not happy at all!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

An excellent place to stay.

The Sleeping Bear was an extremely comfortable place to stay. It had recently been decorated to a high standard and everything was well cared for. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Traci

Disliked: Amenities
I was disappointed that you were charged £15 for parking. You could not get breakfast in the hotel?
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rossouw

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff and a well looked after hotel, good location for walking into town with nearby restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Only spent one night at The Sleeping Bear but enjoyed it and would certainly recommend. Helpful staff, handy location and good room.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gemma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Hayley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Birthday getaway.

Stayed at the sleeping bear as we were visiting lulworth cove for my birthday. Pre paid and booked a parking space at the hotel. Very comfortable bed and unlimited tea and coffee at all hours. Nicely decorated and felt homely and comfortable. A random sock from the previous guest left in our room, although hard to see in the cleaners defence! Good shower and tv in room. Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Quiet, clean, safe & friendly staff. Would 100% stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pascale

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect little hotel!

A lovely hotel in Dorchester located on the high street. No restaurant but so many around us that this was absolutely no issue whatsoever! Very friendly staff, hot drinks available for free, cmfortable room, free overnight car park nearby...we had a lovely stay in this hotel and will definitely stay there next time we are in the area!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect

Great arrived late and keys were left buzzer to get in. All very well organised. Room lovely and fan was on when we arrived as extremely hot. This was a lovely gesture thankyou. 🙂
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcus

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location for exploring the area

We booked this stay through hotels.com and communications were good, especially the option to pre book parking as spaces were limited in the parking area behind the hotel. Check in was pleasant and we were shown to our 3 nice rooms, all a good size, nicely decorated and with modern bathrooms (although I do loathe shower curtains!) and a nice desk to work at. There were kettles in each room with plenty of tea and coffee options. Although the hotel does not do food there are plenty of options within a few minutes walk and we ate dinner at Kao San Thai, just opposite. There were a couple of guest lounge areas with free tea/coffee facilities and also a bar for the evening. Prices on the Saturday night were expensive but the Sunday night was far more reasonable. Wi-Fi was very good and the rooms were quiet, other than seagulls! The hotel was a good location, both for walking to Dorchester's attractions and exploring the wider area.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Saqib

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic stay.

We had a fantastic time the room was lovely and the staff we very helpfully.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, Northampton

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are very friendly and helpful. We were staying there for a live action role playing event and the staff were impressed with our costumes. Second time staying here in Dorchester, fully recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

ERICA

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Georgia

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel, nicely set up and well located for everything in town.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brenda

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked here because of the reviews, and I am starting to think these people writing the reviews are either friends of the hotel staff, or they stayed at a different hotel, and gave this one a good review in error. Out of all the hotels we stayed at in the UK, this was the absolute worst. We stayed at a top floor room, that was absolutely stifling, without AC, and had a small window that the fan couldn't even fit in. The bed felt like a cement slab and the foot of the bed was higher than the head of the bed. Most of the room had a slanted wall, which made it difficult to walk around. Parking was ok if you are lucky to get one of the few spots available. The ONLY saving grace of this place was the woman at the Reception Desk. She was WONDERFUL. I get the feeling she is under-appreciated because she was not only Checking people in, but she was also making drinks at the bar. Other than that, I would never stay here again, and the people leaving the good reviews, maybe have lower standards than I do, The price I paid for this place, I deserved better.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

No food available

I missed the point in the information where no meals were available in the hotel. ie no meals at all. `No breakfast or evening meal available.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Hanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025