Macdonald Bear Hotel, Woodstock ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Macdonald Bear Hotel Woodstock Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Park St, Woodstock, United Kingdom

Close to Blenheim Park

Great

8.0

/10

3.9

4.0

Loved by Macdonald Bear Hotel guests

Perfect location
Helpful reception
Lovely room
On site parking

"We loved the 'creaky' uneven floors of this 700 years old English guesthouse with its lovely oldie worldly atmosphere."

Smiffy from United Kingdom

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"There is a side entrance to the Palace a very short way from the Hotel so it made this location absolutely perfect."

BD from United Kingdom

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"Hotel also has 11kw EV chargers and easy parking."

Anonymous

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Location

The Macdonald Bear Hotel is situated in the picturesque town of Woodstock, just minutes away from the iconic Blenheim Palace. This strategic location provides easy access to the charming local shops and attractions of Oxfordshire. The hotel is conveniently positioned only 20 minutes from Oxford and less than an hour from Heathrow Airport.

Accommodations

The hotel comprises 54 individually decorated rooms, each showcasing a blend of traditional furnishings and modern conveniences. Unique offerings include Deluxe Suites that once hosted Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, featuring spacious layouts and luxurious amenities. An accessible room is also available in the Standard Double category upon request.

Dining

On-site dining at The Bear Hotel includes an innovative restaurant menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the Churchill Lounge or outdoor dining in the Courtyard during warmer seasons. The bar serves a selection of classic drinks and light meals in a cozy atmosphere with a crackling fire.

Business and Events

The hotel offers four function rooms, accommodating business meetings and intimate celebrations for up to 30 delegates. Each meeting space benefits from natural daylight and views of the market square, creating a relaxed working environment. Additional services include complimentary car parking and fine dining options available on-site.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Macdonald Bear Hotel welcomes well-behaved dogs, allowing guests to enjoy their stay in the Cotswolds with their furry companions. The hotel provides easy access to scenic walks, including the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Responsible dog ownership is encouraged throughout the property.

Highlights

Location: Minutes from Blenheim Palace

Accommodations: 54 individually styled bedrooms

Dining: Innovative restaurant menu

Business: Four function rooms available

Pet-Friendly: Dog friendly hotel

“This hotel's history as a 13th-century coaching inn comes through in its authentic details and cozy atmosphere. The central Woodstock location is ideal for exploring both the town and nearby Blenheim Palace. I particularly appreciate the diverse dining options and pet-friendly policy, making it a comfortable base for experiencing Oxfordshire.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingPremium parking!

Parking behind the hotel was very convenient. It's worth paying for on-site parking, especially when space is limited in the area.

OliverS from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningTasty breakfast!

Breakfast was well done. The restaurant manager was efficient. I recommend the full English; some say it's the best hotel breakfast they've had.

TrevorH from Australia

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BedroomComfort redefined

The bed was extremely comfortable, leading to an amazing sleep. I didn't want to leave the room!

MeganR from Canada

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Media & EntertainmentFeature rooms!

The deluxe king room was feature-rich with an amazing bathroom! It's worth the upgrade for the added comfort and style.

DavidL from United States

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Select your room type

Macdonald Bear Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Suite

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Bathtub

room details

Standard King Room

2 persons

230 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Bathtub

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Bathtub

room details

Feature Double Room

2 persons

280 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Macdonald Bear Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
On-site car park
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Dining Onsite

At Macdonald Bear Hotel, guests can immerse in a delightful range of dining experiences that highlight the rich traditions of British cuisine. From cozy meals beside the fire to elegant high tea, every option is designed to indulge the senses and enhance the visit with its warm, inviting atmosphere.

Macdonald Bear Hotel Woodstock Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British

Ambiance

Traditional and inviting, with options for indoor dining and a cozy bar area, as well as an outdoor courtyard filled with open-air sofas and heated domes for colder days.

Key Offerings

Experience a captivating menu showcasing seasonal ingredients, along with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free selections. Afternoon tea features elegant finger sandwiches, warm homemade scones, and a selection of exquisite cakes paired with Twining's classic loose leaf tea.

Reservation

Recommended

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, High Tea

Macdonald Bear Hotel Location

Park St, Woodstock, United Kingdom

Map view

Park St, Woodstock, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Palace

Blenheim Palace

1.7 mi

Landmark

Blenheim Park

1.1 mi

Church

Church Of St Mary Magdalene

2100 ft

Theatre

Shakespeare's Rose Theatre

1.5 mi

Church

St Martin's Church

1.7 mi

Landmark

Butterfly House

1.1 mi

Landmark

Oxford Bus Museum Trust

1.7 mi

Garden

Secret Garden

1.5 mi

Landmark

Combe Mill

2.0 mi

Landmark

Countryfile Live

1.6 mi

Church

The Parish Church of Saint Martin Bladon

1.7 mi

Fountain

Water Terraces

1.7 mi

Church

Church Of Holy Cross

2.2 mi

Farm

Willowbrook Organic Farm

3.1 mi

Nearby

Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum

1300 ft

Blenheim Palace Conference Center

900 ft

Museum

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

1200 ft

Gallery

Dantzig

1300 ft

43 Oxford Street

Junction Art Gallery

1500 ft

Restaurants

The Macdonald Bear Restaurant

0 ft

Park Street Macdonald Bear Hotel

The Star Inn

1400 ft

22 Market Place

Brothertons Brasserie

1100 ft

1 High Street

The Woodstock Arms

1400 ft

6-8 Market Street

The Feathers Restaurant & Bar

1400 ft

Market Street

The King's Head

600 ft

11 Park Lane

Hampers Food & Wine Company

1400 ft

31-33 Oxford Street

The Crown Inn Restaurant

1100 ft

31 High Street

Woodstock Coffee Shop

1300 ft

20 Oxford Street

Explore Woodstock

Experience Woodstock

Blenheim Palace

35 minutes' walk

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Offers guided tours and events throughout the year.

The Oxfordshire Museum

5 minutes' walk

Showcasing local history and culture, this museum hosts free exhibits and family-friendly activities.

Shakespeare's Rose Theatre

30 minutes' walk

An open-air theatre presenting Shakespearean plays in a unique setting, perfect for experiencing live performances.

Secret Garden

10 minutes' walk

A tranquil garden perfect for relaxation, featuring walking paths and secluded spots away from the bustle of town.

Blenheim Park Walking Tours

20 minutes' walk

Guided walking tours through the picturesque Blenheim Park, offering beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cycling at Blenheim Palace

30 minutes' drive

Rent bikes to explore the expansive grounds of Blenheim Palace, including trails for all skill levels.

Wellness Sessions at Nearby Spa

10 minutes' drive

Relaxation services including massages and beauty treatments available at a local spa, ideal for a rejuvenating experience.

Horse Riding at Nearby Stables

15 minutes' drive

Thrill-seekers can enjoy guided horseback riding through scenic trails surrounding the area, suitable for various skill levels.

The Macdonald Bear Restaurant

1 minute's walk

Elegant dining with a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients. Perfect for romantic dinners or business meals.

The Star Inn

5 minutes' walk

Traditional pub atmosphere with a focus on locally sourced dishes and a great selection of ales.

Brothertons Brasserie

4 minutes' walk

Modern brasserie offering a variety of international dishes. Known for its inviting ambiance and craft cocktails.

The Woodstock Arms

5 minutes' walk

Casual dining with hearty British fare and various seasonal specials. Great for families and casual get-togethers.

Junction Art Gallery

6 minutes' walk

A local gallery featuring rotating exhibitions and workshops, ideal for art lovers and families looking for creative activities.

The Feathers Restaurant & Bar

5 minutes' walk

Charming bar with a lively atmosphere, hosting quiz nights and live music events. Family-friendly and fun.

Live Music at The Woodstock Arms

5 minutes' walk

Regular live music events showcasing local artists, creating a vibrant community atmosphere for all ages.

Comedy Nights at Nearby Venue

10 minutes' drive

Monthly comedy shows featuring well-known acts, providing a fantastic night out for couples and groups.

Getting around

City Centre

Woodstock4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Gloucestershire (GLO)107 min · 44.3 mi

London Heathrow (LHR)126 min · 52.1 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at GBP 5 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP26 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Romanian, Chinese, Lithuanian

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Macdonald Bear Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Macdonald Bear Hotel in Woodstock is often praised for its prime location, ideal for exploring Blenheim Palace and the town center. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms, some featuring spacious layouts and amenities like coffee makers and bottled water, however, some found street-facing rooms can be a bit noisy. Many highlight the excellent breakfast, making it a worthwhile experience.

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Review score

Based on 989 verified reviews

7.6/10

Very good

73%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.5/10

Breakfast

6.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.1/10

Pros

Ideal location

Spacious rooms

Attentive staff

Generous breakfast

Cons

Room heat

Water damage

Poor service

Elliot from United Kingdom

Single

Standard King Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:July 26, 2025

7/10

comfy bedfriendly staffparking signunsecured gates

the room was clean. it has nice toiletries. the bed was very comfy. the staff are friendly and helpful to guests.

there aren't any sign to the parking. the gates to the parking are not secured so it makes noise.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Macdonald Bear Hotel

Is there parking available for guests, and is there a cost associated with it?

10 February 2024

Yes, car parking is available at the hotel. The charge is £10 per night per vehicle.

Are there any accommodations on the ground floor that offer double beds?

15 March 2024

Yes, feature double rooms are available on the ground floor.

Which types of rooms can be booked if traveling with a dog, and do any of these rooms have ground floor access?

22 April 2024

All bedrooms are dog-friendly. For direct access to outside, a courtyard room should be booked, and there is a fee of £15 per night for pets.

Do all rooms in the hotel come equipped with a fridge?

5 May 2024

Not all bedrooms contain a fridge; some do not.

What kind of breakfast is included when booking online?

30 June 2024

Guests can enjoy a cooked breakfast made to order as well as a continental breakfast, available either in the restaurant or via room service.

Is the hotel pet-friendly for smaller dogs?

12 July 2024

Yes, the hotel welcomes small dogs and is pet-friendly.

What is the distance from the hotel to Blenheim Palace?

1 August 2024

The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the gates of Blenheim Palace.

Are there electric vehicle charging stations available at the hotel?

14 September 2024

Unfortunately, there are no electric vehicle chargers at the hotel. The nearest options are at the Mini Cooper dealership in Long Hanborough or Kidlington Premiere Inn, both approximately 15-20 minutes away.

If I choose a courtyard room, how can I ensure there is WiFi access?

28 October 2024

Public WiFi is available in all bedrooms and public areas. If WiFi access is preferred over being in the courtyard, please notify the hotel prior to arrival.

What arrangements can be made for those with allergies to feather bedding?

3 November 2024

Reservations can be tailored for those with feather allergies. A note can be left when making a reservation to inform housekeeping not to place feather pillows or duvets in the room.

Can a gift voucher from Macdonald resorts be applied to a hotel booking?

20 November 2024

To utilize a gift voucher at this property, it's necessary to book through Central Reservations at 0344 879 9000.

Is the hotel accessible via public transportation?

29 December 2024

Yes, the hotel is located on the number S3 and number 7 bus routes from Oxford.