The Bell at Skenfrith

I'm not one to write reviews but this is an exception. I booked "The Bell" as my previous choice for hotel in the area now does weddings only. The experience far exceeded my expectations and everything was abolutely spot on. I still have a strong afterglow! The food was excellent - not fussy but quality ingredients mixed very skilfully with splendid results. Pride of place must go the two ladies in "front-of-house", notably the Bulgarian-lady. With possibly one exception, I cannot think of a more professional, seamless and "customer-caring" service I have ever had. A lot of up-market hotels try to play at these things, but it does not often seem to work with difficulties behind the scenes. In my view, the reason it worked so well at The Bell is that the "unseen" mangement is top class and reward staff loyalty who are extremely involved in the running of the hotel. Bravo - I look forward to coming back. Richard Gadsby.

We have dined on a couple of previous occasions at the Bell Inn , (When we have been holidaying locally) but never stayed, so our recent three night break was a real treat. From check-in to departure we were wonderfully impressed. The “house“ team is relatively small but consistent and that it makes the whole experience that little bit more intimate and friendly. We stayed in an intermediate room (tups indispensable) overlooking the garden. it was lovely and spacious with a freestanding bath, a large separate bathroom and all the usual hotel room accoutrements (teabags, coffee, water – you know the drill). The bed was huge and comfy, lots of pillows and blankets. And the room was very clean, housekeeping very efficient. again, we were very impressed. And so to dinner Head chef certainly knows how to make the best of his suppliers and larder. We had some delicious meals although, I do think it’s a tad expensive – ditto the wine list, but certainly not enough to put us off eating there each evening. and it’s the kind of place where, dress wise, pretty much anything goes.It was lovely to put aside my feminist sensibilities and enjoy getting a little dressed up. If I was being ultra picky – in actual fact I don’t mean picky, I mean if I was going to give my preference- I would much prefer bigger bath towels. Somehow they just add to the luxury and relaxation of a Hotel experience. Breakfast time – between 9 and 10 is lovely and civilised but, in our experience, everybody turned up at 9 o’clock so it’s difficult to get a head start on a long walk if you want breakfast first, and as we were leaving early on our last morning to get ahead of the traffic we inevitably missed out. Be aware there is no mobile signal to speak of in Skenfrith but Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. It is not just accepting of dogs but openly welcomes them.And there’s a lovely area by the bar with views across the bridge if you bring your four-legged friends with you. The hotel is shut on a Monday and Tuesday so do you plan your visit accordingly and make a special trip to Saint Martins at Cwmyoy. A very beautiful church – with a difference! All in all a very special, relaxing break that we are very much looking forward to repeating.

Beautiful food, lovely staff and stunning surroundings. Never, ever had anything less than a great experience here all round - it’s well worth the 45 minute drive to get here. Attentive but not overbearing staff. We both had the Roast Beef today followed by apple and cinnamon crumble, worth every penny.

Went to the bell for a drink after a long walk. Was greated by the most miserable rude and unhelpful member of bar staff who quite clearly should not work in customer services!! Shame as the restaurant looked great!! Would think twice about going back!!

Came here with friends for a two day break, what a wonderful place! We were immediately made to feel at home by Maria and Kat who looked after us so well. The rooms are elegant and comfortable and our’s “Whickhams Fancy” had wonderful views over the River Monnow. The bar is well stocked with everything from draught Butty Bach to single malts and Kat was happy to go “off menu” and produce some excellent martinis. The food, all locally sourced, is very good , with generous portions and beautiful presentation…..not a common combination in my experience. Try the twice baked cheese soufflé or the Brixham Crab starters followed by the Pork tenderloin or Beef fillet, we never had a disappointing mouthful. And then it’s breakfast time and more perfectly cooked produce. Skenfrith village is only a short walk away and comes complete with ruined castle and a fascinating mediaeval church. And if you want some more exercise the staff are keen to point out local walks….and this really is a dog friendly hotel. I have stayed at lots of lovely places over the years, but I cannot recommend a better experience anywhere……we will be back.

Boyfriend booked for my birthday as he had also booked the walnut tree. The Inn has recently been refurbished and is very well appointed. We got there late afternoon and decided to go for a drink in the bar, there was no snack menu but the waitress offering to make a cheese board which was lovely. Rooms where great and bed was super comfy, the hotel is so quiet and peaceful, perfect for complete relaxation, tv was other half’s only bugbear, as a bit retro for a 5 star hotel. We dined in the restaurant that evening and it was excellent, starters of pate and soufflé, mains of Welsh lamb and pork and desert sticky toffee pudding, chocolate and raspberry plate. The mains where stunning, perfect portion size and the meat was cooked to perfection. We ate at the walnut tree the next night and I thought the bell was better. Breakfast the best full English I have ever had, faultless! Highly recommended would love to return

You really need to go and experience “The Bell”. We have stayed at some of the so-called best places in the world…this place knocks them into a cocked hat. Maria and her small team (Kat, Tom, 2 chefs, 2 chamber) are the perfect hosts, with excellent customer service relations. Nothing is too much trouble for any of them. We cannot find anything but praises for our stay, the room, wine, beer, location, walks, staff were all above and beyond. Will look back at our stay with the fondest memories. Thank you for the perfect 4 days. We will be back…..

We had a wonderful stay at The Bell. Maria is the absolute star of the show (I just worry when she gets time off!) but honestly everything was exceptional. The rooms are lovely and comfortable and the breakfast is incredible. The food is just wonderful and very reasonable! Extensive and good wine list, lots of wonderful walks around. A wonderful place to spend a weekend.

Usually fantastic! But unfortunately we were greeted by an exceptionally rude member of staff. There was a function on, which I completely understand has people run off their feet, but this member of staff didn’t need to be as rude as she was. Emailed a complaint, relied with a similar tone. Shame