The Lamb Inn

We are from Australia and when we visit the UK we invariably try to fit in a short stay at the Lamb Inn. Although it is on the pricey side, we find we are never disappointed. The common areas are very welcoming and full of character. The general, old world ambiance and decor of the Lamb is lovely. The bedrooms are characterful and well presented and the breakfast and dinner are always delicious. The staff are pleasant and go out of their way to be helpful. All in all we love staying there.

£18 for a glass of red wine. Buyer beware. Not impressed with how my surprise was handled (too late to change by pouring it back into the bottle, didn't I know it was illegal to do that, head office set the prices....). I really can't be bothered with people and/or establishments who can't be sympathetic/polite. So not going back - and successfully talked a group of friends out of going there as a result, so now feel mildly satisfied

I was not asked how my stay was on checkout, so I am instead leaving a review here. This is a lovely, very old inn in the centre of Burford, but away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. It has gorgeous gardens and courtyards outside, plus plenty of rooms inside with fireplaces and comfortable furniture. The attention to detail in the hotel product is excellent, with luxury amenities, a choice of pillows and quality in-room coffee, tea and water. The service is haphazard, mostly friendly, sometimes surly. The food in the evening was excellent, but lunch and breakfast were below average - breakfast in particular was poor, with a surprisingly ungenerous cold buffet (if you arrive after 9.30 there’s barely anything left) and overcooked hot food. We stayed in room Rosie - unfortunately one of the noisiest hotel rooms I have ever experienced. I believe the primary task of any hotel is to provide a good night’s sleep and this is where the Lamb Inn failed for us. Whilst I appreciate it is a very old building, a room where you can hear the conversations (and toilet visits) of the room upstairs is just not suitable as a hotel room, and a hotel should not be charging money for a room where noise is a known issue (as it obviously was when we asked reception). Without this issue, I would have given 3 or 4 stars, but we left our two night stay deliriously tired and unrested, so unfortunately it’s a 1 star at best. All in all, if the cost of the hotel is not a problem for you, you are less likely to be disappointed, but this place is not perfect. And whatever you do, don’t book room Rosie when the room upstairs is occupied if you’re planning on getting any sleep.