Business Details
20 Years
experience
Luxury Hotel in Dorset | The Priory Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Dorset, The Priory Hotel has been a beacon of hospitality since 2006. Our establishment combines centuries-old charm with modern comforts, offering guests a unique blend of historical elegance and contemporary luxury. The hotel's grade II-listed architecture and riverside location provide a serene backdrop for both leisure and business travelers. Our team of experienced professionals, led by award-winning Head Chef Stephan Guinebault, takes pride in delivering personalized service that anticipates every guest's need. With individually designed rooms featuring antique furnishings and modern amenities, we offer 13 bedrooms in our Main House and four suites in our Boathouse directly on the River Frome.Our culinary excellence at The Garden Room restaurant has earned us the Food Lifestyle Awards' Hotel of the Year 2025, showcasing locally sourced ingredients transformed into exquisite dishes. We maintain rigorous quality standards through our 5% discretionary service charge that directly benefits our staff, ensuring exceptional service delivery. Our commitment to preserving historical integrity while providing modern comforts makes us a trusted choice for discerning travelers seeking authentic Dorset experiences.
Services
Accommodation
Fine Dining
Bar Services
Gift Vouchers
Special Occasions
Concierge Services
Parking
Boat Moorings
Room Service
Event Booking
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 17 individually designed rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities
- Our award-winning Garden Room restaurant features locally sourced Dorset ingredients
- We provide direct river access with private moorings for guest boats
- Our team maintains a 5% discretionary service charge benefiting staff directly
- We've been recognized as Hotel of the Year 2025 by Food Lifestyle Awards
What people say
Exceptional service
Beautiful riverside views
Outstanding dining
Unique character
Comfortable accommodations
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Experience our 17th-century charm with modern comforts in 17 individually designed rooms and suites. Each space features antique furnishings, luxury amenities, and scenic views of the River Frome or Dorset countryside. Our Main House offers 13 bedrooms while the Boathouse provides four unique riverside suites. All accommodations include complimentary paddleboard use, luxury bathrobes, and high-speed internet access.
Fine Dining
Savor award-winning cuisine at The Garden Room restaurant, where Head Chef Stephan Guinebault creates seasonal menus using local Dorset ingredients. Our culinary team offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner services with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The restaurant features ceiling-height windows opening to riverside views and has earned recognition as Hotel of the Year 2025.
Bar Services
Relax at JJ's Speakeasy with handcrafted cocktails using locally inspired ingredients. Our bar offers a curated selection of wines, spirits, and beers in a sophisticated atmosphere with comfortable seating. Special events feature themed tastings and live entertainment in our historic setting.
Special Occasions
Host memorable celebrations in our historic venue with bespoke event planning services. We accommodate weddings, corporate events, and private parties with tailored menus, dedicated staff, and scenic Dorset backdrops. Our team ensures seamless execution of your special event with personalized attention to detail.
Gift Vouchers
Offer unforgettable experiences with our flexible gift vouchers for accommodation, dining, or special packages. Available for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, these vouchers provide recipients with the choice of luxury stays and culinary experiences at The Priory Hotel.
People
Stephan Guinebault
Head Chef
Award-winning Head Chef with over 15 years at Priory Wareham, bringing Michelin-trained expertise from French culinary institutions. Specializes in creating seasonal menus showcasing Dorset's finest local ingredients.
Questions
What room types are available at Priory Wareham Hotel?
We offer 13 bedrooms in our Main House including Courtyard Doubles, Classic Doubles, and Superior Doubles/Twins, plus four suites in our Boathouse directly on the River Frome.
Does the hotel have dining options on-site?
Yes, we have The Garden Room restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus JJ's Speakeasy bar offering cocktails and light refreshments throughout the day.
Are there parking facilities available?
We provide a private gravel car park with 2 Porsche electric charge points. Alternative parking options are available during busy periods with prior arrangement.
Can I bring my boat to the hotel?
Yes, we have two private 50ft moorings at the end of our lawn for guest boats, with a small charge applying for overnight stays.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is available from 3-4pm, with check-out before 11am. Late check-out may be arranged subject to availability and possible additional charge.
Does the hotel accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, our chefs can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets and other allergies when notified in advance through our booking system.
Reviews (5)
Ric Martin
Jan 03, 2022
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Popped in here today (for the first time), as we were out walking with the dog, and first impressions were great. It looked fantastic as we approached and the courtyard and entrance are lovely. We asked if we could have a coffee and were abruptly told no dogs allowed and please leave! I asked if there was any outside space we could use and were again asked to leave. Slightly surprised, I asked if my heavily pregnant (and very visibly pregnant) wife could use the toilet and were abruptly told that we would have to go back to the foyer and sanitise! I dont think Ive been anywhere that
Pete Allsopp
Dec 21, 2021
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A beautiful old building with flagstone floors and the ground floor and comfortable lounges. The bedrooms are extremely comfortable and we'll furnished. The evening meal in the glass walled dining room was good but not exceptional. I'm my opinion it did not warrant the very hefty price tag.
John Harvey
Nov 27, 2021
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I've stayed many times over the years and now call in for morning coffee regularly. First class in every respect.
Jack Meddings
Nov 24, 2021
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I have never been spoken to so rudely in my life until speaking to an old lady on reception at the Priory. Called to arrange for a lunch visit between Monday and Thursday was told "nothing for Monday, bye" went to hang up when I then enquired about Tuesday to Thursday the lady sighed and reluctantly went to check. When I told her it would be for 3 adults and a baby I was told in an incredibly rude manner "no Children are allowed" and then pretty much hung up on me. Shocking! Certainly will be telling all friends and family not to visit or at least until they get some better staff, the lady needs
Simon Smith
Nov 17, 2021
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Room (11) very small for a two night stay, other than a narrow hanging wardrobe no storage space so had to live out of suitcase which then made room even smaller. Room also adjacent to access road to car park so was quite noisy. Staff on arrival were very curt and unwelcoming appeared to look down their noses at us. Small point I know but on attempting to make hot drink there was no milk provided so had to go to reception to obtain some and run the gauntlet of surly staff.That being said the waiting staff in restaurant were very good and breakfast was of a very high quality. Would not recommend
