The Wessex Hotel is a spacious and well-run establishment, part of a trustworthy chain that guarantees a consistent level of quality – so you know what to expect, and I was certainly happy with my stay. The breakfast team was especially friendly, as was the staff at the front desk. The breakfast selection included the usual options from Continental to Full English (though I did miss having porridge!), and the quality of the food was excellent across the board. The true highlight of the hotel, however, is its location: you are right next to Winchester Cathedral – visible from the breakfast room windows – which creates a lovely atmosphere and places you in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance of all the attractions and shops you might need. I highly recommend taking a leisurely and picturesque evening stroll to the water meadows, just a 10-minute walk behind Winchester College from the hotel. For a great pub experience, I felt very well looked after at The Bishop on the Bridge, which is also nearby. If I ever return to Winchester, the Wessex Hotel would certainly be my preferred place to stay.

We had an amazing stay in a fantastic location, with our room offering a lovely view of Winchester Cathedral. It was ideal for exploring the Christmas market and the local shops. Breakfast was enjoyable, although on the second morning, the 'better' toaster was missing, and I had to request a plate since they weren't consistently stocked. I also noticed there was no decaffeinated tea available. All the food was beautifully presented, but I would have appreciated seeing allergen information next to each item. The evening meals served in the bar area were excellent. Arthur, the staff member in the bar, was especially helpful and friendly, making our experience even more pleasant. He also assisted during breakfast. Our room wasn't serviced until the afternoon, which was a bit unexpected, but it seemed the cleaning staff had a lot on their plates, so we completely understood that they prioritized preparing rooms for new arrivals. We would absolutely love to come back!