Is parking available at the property?

Yes, self-parking is available on-site for a fee of GBP 5 per day. It is uncovered and does not require a reservation.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

Full breakfasts are available daily from 8 AM to 10 AM for a fee of approximately GBP 26.00 per person.

Are pets allowed at the property?

Yes, pets are allowed with a fee of GBP 15.00 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request and could incur additional charges.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property offers step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms. Additional accessibility features may include elevators and accessible bathrooms.

What is the location like in relation to key landmarks?

The property is centrally located in Woodstock, just a 1-minute walk from Oxfordshire Museum and 12 minutes by foot from Blenheim Palace. It is approximately 7.2 miles from the University of Oxford and 9 miles from the Thames River.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Up to 2 children aged 12 years and younger can stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

Macdonald Bear Hotel in Woodstock

Average nightly price at Macdonald Bear Hotel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$136
February	$141
March	$139
April	$149
May	$177
June	$263
July	$190
August	$153
September	$236
October	$155
November	$162
December	$176

What guests think

Macdonald Bear Hotel draws travellers with its historic character and central Woodstock location near Blenheim Palace, while reviews point to uneven value due to areas that feel dated and a stay that depends on room allocation and service.

Staff are often friendly and helpful, but service can be inconsistent, with reports of frosty or slow check‑ins and long waits or mistakes at breakfast. Rooms are generally comfortable and full of character, yet some run hot without air‑conditioning, experience noise, or show wear alongside occasional issues like weak TV signal, patchy Wi‑Fi, or plumbing problems. Breakfast and dining range from excellent to disappointing, with noted surcharges for certain items, and on‑site parking is convenient but limited and usually charged. Expect a charming, well‑located base rather than polished luxury.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Historic building with on‑site parking, though spaces can be limited and a nightly fee applies; air‑conditioning is not available. The bar and courtyard add character, but drinks are pricey.

Related guest reviews

8

Dr. Christina

Jun 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very convenient for visiting Blenheim Palace Flower Show as I was an Exhibitor with a friend. The restaurant staff were wonderful and the food was good. We didn't like the treatment we got from the lady receptionist. We could not find the car park and I asked for her help by phone. She said she couldn't understand where we were in the car as she didn't drive though I told her clearly the shops we were passing. At one point she said she was too busy to keep talking to me. We parked in the road outside the hotel. We never found the car park, apparently down a narrow side street. We would have had to pay £10 to park there!

10

Taina

Sep 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great parking option!

10

Ian

Jun 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel right in the middle of Woodstock. The place is well appointed and a quintessential 13th Century English Hotel. Room 11 was just superb But no air conditioning (probably due to the listed status of the building) on one of the hottest days and nights of 2024. 500 yds away from Blenheim Palace gates.

8

Robert

Aug 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good food, minimal parking, top end prices but you’re paying for the location. Hot room but fan provided and not sure they’d get planning for air con units on their historic building. Should consider portable air con units in rooms on very hot days.

6

Tina

Mar 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed there a few times - great location in the centre of Woodstock which is a beautiful place. Lots of nice pubs and restaurants and dogs are welcome. McDonald charge £15 per night per dog which is pricey as they don’t provide anything for them. Hotel is quaint and traditional but it’s tired. Windows are rotten but I’m sure it’s a huge cost for upkeep. Electric charging point and parking is a plus.

10

Helen

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really enjoyable break - only recommendation would be maybe install air con in the rooms - we did stay over the hottest week of the year so far & it was extremely warm in the room

8

Sarah

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a good stay. The staff were friendly and helpful. However, I was not happy to be asked to pay £10 per day to park in the hotel car park and I was not happy to have a12% service charge for pouring a glass of wine!

8

Dawn

May 29, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely property in walking distance of Blenheim Palace which is why we chose it. Shocked we had to pay £10 per night to park at the hotel. Room too warm for a sunny May weekend. Maybe think about opening the windows for guest arrival and turn off the towel rail!!!

2

Tracy

Jun 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Receptionist was not helpful, the room was not ready for 3pm, she then goes onto to say 3 ish the email says 3pm. I don’t think you should be charged £10 for parking, not when we paid so much for the stay. The hotel is not worth what you charge.

8

sean

May 6, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The stay was ok, service, room and food was very good. We thought prices were a bit steep for both drinks and food and disappointed we had to pay £10 a-night for parking (we did know in advance). Appreciate price is subjective but felt the hotel seemed to add extra charges where ever possible.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Housekeeping feedback is mixed: many found rooms clean or spotless, but others reported missed bins, grubby bathrooms, worn furnishings, and occasional mould or maintenance issues.

Related guest reviews

6

Ruth

Oct 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rubbish from previous guests in the bin in the room.,otherwise clean. Reception Staff friendly,but short of information about Oxford.

10

ChanBua

Jul 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, comfortable and quiet. Very Poor signal for the TV.

6

ELIZABETH

Mar 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spotlessly clean. Heating not working so very cold - 3 heaters not enough. We generally felt the hotel was overpriced.

8

fran

Mar 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great parking at the rear of the hotel. Large immaculately clean room off the courtyard on the ground floor. Nice bathroom with bath/shower - perfect for us. Breakfast was really good with ample choice, service was also good - very friendly staff.The only down side was an annoying ticking/dripping noise behind the wall of the headboard ! We initially thought it was maybe the heating going on an the pipes expanding but it kept my husband awake for most of the night.

4

Jessica

Feb 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately luxury hotel in the Cotswolds it was not, several stays now in MacDonalds hotels and they are all starting to be very worn out and grumby. For the price paid would expect a lot more. The Windsor property they have is lovely but this one is in need of a lot of TLC. Carpets threadbear, mould ceilings, chipped dirty paint, grubby grouting, missing bathroom parts and overall cleanliness lacking

10

Joanne

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a very enjoyable stay. The staff were very friendly and the hotel was very clean. The room was very comfortable and had everything you needed. The breakfast was very nice. Would definately stay again.

6

Aaron

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel was okay. Not the cleanest - but still nice. Room was boiling and couldn't cool it down, so was hard to sleep. However. Staff were lovely and food was okay.

2

Ciro

May 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

room cleaning was very very poor

10

Troy

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Clean, tidy and comfortable

4

Stephen

Apr 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Disappointing experience, overpriced, tired decor, slightly dirty and noisy if your room is next to the church. In its heyday I’m sure this hotel was spectacular, now it’s tired, needs a refresh and revamp. Rooms musty smelling, paint peeling, grubby bathroom, even coffee machine had black mould around its edges. Food expensive and warmed up. Staff were lazy and disengaged, spent most of time chatting in hallways. Don’t buy breakfast, it’s a real waste of money, £18 pounds for an awful dried up continental or an overcooked reheated English breakfast. Go to the Woodstock coffee shop around the corner, better coffee and quality food. Wouldn’t recommend, wouldn’t go back.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable, spacious and characterful. Some are hot without air‑conditioning, can be noisy, and a few show wear or have patchy Wi‑Fi, weak TV signal, or plumbing/hot‑water issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Fiona

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Park suite we had was very comfortable with enough space for us as we had large luggages. It was also convenient to walk around the lovely Woodstock town and also so convenient to walk to Blenheim Palace which is a huge plus. Will definitely stay again if we go to Woodstock or Oxford.

8

Martin

Sep 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Pleasant stay but very hot room. No air con.

10

Diane

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice room. Comfortable bed. Both kettle and coffee maker available with biscuits! Bottled water in fridge. Quiet and great location on main high street. Plenty of parking. Staff polite, friendly and helpful.

10

Ian

Jun 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel right in the middle of Woodstock. The place is well appointed and a quintessential 13th Century English Hotel. Room 11 was just superb But no air conditioning (probably due to the listed status of the building) on one of the hottest days and nights of 2024. 500 yds away from Blenheim Palace gates.

10

ChanBua

Jul 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, comfortable and quiet. Very Poor signal for the TV.

4

Peter

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very poor as I had no hot (or warm water) during my 24hr stay. I was asked to wait for maintenance in my room, which wasted two hours of my time and resulted in nothing; as a result, I was unable to shave or shower. I was offered a derisory 20% discount.

10

Helen

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really enjoyable break - only recommendation would be maybe install air con in the rooms - we did stay over the hottest week of the year so far & it was extremely warm in the room

6

emma jade

Jul 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is super convenient for Blenheim and the staff are nice. The bar service is rather slow but it was busy. Our main disappointment was the noise, we were in a room overlooking the courtyard and there were people talking in the courtyard from maybe 6am and at 7am a staff member was emptying the bottles from the bar into the recycling bin. A bit of a pain after a long day.

6

Jesse

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed in a suite room 47 which has a separate living space to the bedroom. Bedroom was lovely, however there is zero WIFI access in the bedroom. The cold water tap makes a loud whistling noise when turned on. Both issues probably need a solution, especially the WIFI. This is our 3rd stay at the hotel. Previously our room was out in the courtyard and if we were to stay again this would be the preference

6

Sheila

Aug 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel rather tired since we last visited, very noisy coming from room above

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Many guests found the team friendly and welcoming. Others report inconsistent service, including frosty or slow check‑ins, long waits, and occasional operational mistakes.

Related guest reviews

4

Aidan

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Generally the hotel was okay, the bed was comfy and rooms were clean, breakfast was adequate. There is not enough parking with some spaces now being used for al-fresco tables. Unfortunately the entirety of our stay was tainted by our check-in experience. After a 4 hour drive we arrived at the hotel at about 23:15; At the entrance I told a member of staff that I would like to check in, around the same time that a group of 8 or so guests descended upon the bar and asked if drinks were being served. Despite the fact the bar was closed and the lights were off, the member of staff told us we would have to wait while he opened the bar served drinks. We stood and waited outside the bar with our bags for 15 minutes before he returned and took us to the reception. Once there we had to wait further because he couldn't find our reservation, and eventually had to print one off. We were given keys to a room which was up 2 flights of stairs, and after entering the room we discovered there was already a guest in the room. We then had to return to reception with our bags to get another room, where I was shown a form with my personal and booking details which had been given to another guest and signed. After 50 minutes we finally had a room which was uninhabited by someone else. After all of this we went to the bar to try and relax, and were charged £20 for 2 drinks. Despite our ordeal we were offered nothing as an apology, and the staff didn't seem to care when we made a complaint.

10

Robert

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location in the heart of the old town and within 100 mtrs of public footpath access into Blenheim Park. Room was on ground floor and was clean and comfortable. Service at breakfast was first class with well trained attentive staff Convenient on site parking.

4

mark

May 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Reception staff rude and slow. Everything too much trouble. Room ok. Breakfast the worst I’ve ever had at a hotel. Everything I asked for from the menu they did not have. The coffee was literally disgusting-if you want a nice coffee you have to pay £4 extra for it! A dreadful experience from start to finish. The place is tired and a bit shabby. The staff rude and unhelpful. I’d avoid this place if I were you.

10

STEVEN

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

All staff very friendly and helpful Been several times before and will continue to visit when in the area

6

Sarah

Jun 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

One lovely member of staff on reception, but most of the staff were curt and unfriendly. Room not ready way after check in time, no apology and told I could get changed in the loo! They charge you extra for everything, coffee included at breakfast but if you want a latte for example you have to pay an extra £4! Drinks at the bar very expensive.

6

Kathryn

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in staff honestly could not be bothered. Hastily given directions to room only when asked. We were not told the air con system didn’t work. Coming down to breakfast the wait staff were all sat on the stairs near the bottom. This was our second stay. We loved it two years ago but the staff are letting the place down now.

6

Dominic

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Reception was frosty. Room advertised as 4 poster on Expedia and was a small double attic room. Room hot and blinds didn’t keep out sun. Staff in restaurant were good. Expensive for room quality and service. Parking on street. Location good.

10

Joanne

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a very enjoyable stay. The staff were very friendly and the hotel was very clean. The room was very comfortable and had everything you needed. The breakfast was very nice. Would definately stay again.

8

Steven

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

very long wait for breakfast, food was excellent.

10

Neville

Nov 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The reception staff were very helpful and welcoming.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Excellent central base for Woodstock and an easy walk to Blenheim Palace, with access to Oxford. Some rooms near the courtyard or street report early‑morning noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Fiona

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Park suite we had was very comfortable with enough space for us as we had large luggages. It was also convenient to walk around the lovely Woodstock town and also so convenient to walk to Blenheim Palace which is a huge plus. Will definitely stay again if we go to Woodstock or Oxford.

10

Christine

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely quirky old hotel, in a great location for Blenheim Palace. (Side gate to the estate is 100m down the road!)

10

Robert

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location in the heart of the old town and within 100 mtrs of public footpath access into Blenheim Park. Room was on ground floor and was clean and comfortable. Service at breakfast was first class with well trained attentive staff Convenient on site parking.

10

Ian

Jun 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel right in the middle of Woodstock. The place is well appointed and a quintessential 13th Century English Hotel. Room 11 was just superb But no air conditioning (probably due to the listed status of the building) on one of the hottest days and nights of 2024. 500 yds away from Blenheim Palace gates.

8

Chris

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good hotel in a great location.

10

Robert

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice three night stay at The Bear with an upgrade to a lovely spacious room which was welcome. Breakfast was quite good also. Right in the heart of Woodstock and next door to Blenheim Palace so very good location.

10

Elspeth

Dec 16, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed here to visit Blenheim Palace's Christmas events. The hotel was much more than just a place to stay - it was beautifully decorated for Christmas, characterful and comfortable. We enjoyed spending time chatting in the bar - roaring fire, comfy chairs etc - and the food was lovely. Very easy flat walk to Blenheim - we will visit again to do more of the Cotswolds.

6

Alison

Jun 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is very expensive so didn't feel like overall value for money. The room was cramped because there was not enough room to easily get in and out of the bed on both sides. It was also noisy with people and cars outside. Breakfast was disappointing, overcooked and barely warm when it arrived.

10

Kevin

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast was spot on & the location is the best we could have wished for.

10

Tabitha

Jul 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location for Blenheim Palace walking distance. Woodstock is a lovely village so many nice places to eat and drink hotel is right in the heart of everything. Plenty of parking at rear. Nice hotel lots of original features. Staff were polite breakfast was good, beds comfortable and a good shower.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast and dining feedback is mixed: several enjoyed tasty cooked options, but others faced long waits, poor coffee, missing items, or extra charges for certain dishes and coffees.

Related guest reviews

10

Robert

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location in the heart of the old town and within 100 mtrs of public footpath access into Blenheim Park. Room was on ground floor and was clean and comfortable. Service at breakfast was first class with well trained attentive staff Convenient on site parking.

4

mark

May 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Reception staff rude and slow. Everything too much trouble. Room ok. Breakfast the worst I’ve ever had at a hotel. Everything I asked for from the menu they did not have. The coffee was literally disgusting-if you want a nice coffee you have to pay £4 extra for it! A dreadful experience from start to finish. The place is tired and a bit shabby. The staff rude and unhelpful. I’d avoid this place if I were you.

8

Sandra

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel helpful and nice staff bedroom had everything we needed (including shampoo and conditioner-but no shower gel?) but not a problem Hairdryer /iron /coffee maker/water/slippers/fluffy towels/full length mirror all supplied Restaurant a little disappointing although nice -lots of things not available on menu or what appeared to be left items from Christmas on offer and most annoyingly lots of supplements Breakfast good hot and tasty and plenty of choice but again supplements everywhere!even For avocado on toast -for goodness sake! Would definitely recommend as clean comforting and welcoming-lovely for a relaxing weekend away

8

Wendy

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I would have given the whole stay excellent however, the hotel and its reception staff were excellent. What has let it down was the poor service and breakfast this morning. The staff were inattentive and ignored my hand waving to attract their attention. Our full English breakfast was delivered to the wrong table, taken back to the kitchen and then landed on our table. The food was of poor quality with the majority of it cold. I asked for toast and was given one side cooked. I asked for it to be replaced and the second delivery was burnt. The hotel room was exceptional and I would definitely return however I probably would not pay for the breakfast again.

6

J

Jun 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Arguably the worst breakfast I’ve had at a hotel. Cheapest bread, sausages & bacon. All three tasted like cardboard. Only saving grace was the poached eggs were cooked to perfection. £4 extra for a proper coffee, £5 for avocado on toast. Not sure my filter coffee and breakfast roll justified £11 in the first place. Staff lovely, slept well. Work on your ingredients, chef can obviously cook.

8

Steven

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

very long wait for breakfast, food was excellent.

10

Kevin

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast was spot on & the location is the best we could have wished for.

6

Paul

Dec 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall the room was great. Atmosphere in the bar / restaurant was limited.Whilst we paid for breakfast, was disappointed to have to pay a £4 supplement for a very poor cappuccino. Room experience really good - out of room experience not so good.

6

Julie

Nov 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

On site parking is great. Paid for breakfast in advance but when we ate, we were advised there were supplements for cappuccinos! And not everything was included, so eggs Benedict was a supplement too. Didn’t get offered toast with breakfast. Staff not very helpful. Rooms needed a refresh, there was rust on the shower support. No extractor fans. Could only plud beside lamp in or charger, not enough sockets. Handy location for Woodstock and Blenheim palace. No warm welcome as a returning repeat guest.

10

Barry

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were very polite and friendly. We were lucky to receive a nice upgrade. The breakfast was excellent.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20 $248	21 $635	22 $132	23 $131	24 $194
25 $104	26 $114	27 $118	28 $183	29 $158	30 $185	31 $178

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $102	2 $107	3 $114	4 $117	5 $146	6 $178	7 $205
8 $106	9 $123	10 $131	11 $151	12 $140	13 $270	14 $358
15 $106	16 $135	17 $145	18 $287	19 $119	20 $190	21 $404
22 $115	23 $164	24 $160	25 $183	26 $218	27 $291	28 $406
29 $152	30 $121

Macdonald Bear Hotel

Prices for Macdonald Bear Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Deluxe Four Poster)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Standard King)

Suite, 1 Double Bed (Deluxe Suite)

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double)

Guest reviews of Macdonald Bear Hotel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Macdonald Bear Hotel

Considering this hotel for your Woodstock trip?

Prices for upcoming dates