The hype
Travelers adore the 'boutique' design and the pub food, but often mention the road noise and variable check-out times.
Hare And Hounds Newbury
$115-200/ night
Book this if You want a quintessential British pub stay with boutique design touches and excellent food, just a stone's throw from Highclere Castle.
Why People Love It
- Equestrian-chic decor that feels cozy, not kitschy
- Farm-to-table dining that draws locals, not just guests
- Dog-friendly attitude that includes beds, bowls, and treats
Quick Take: A stylish coaching inn that nails the 'country cool' aesthetic but struggles with road noise and the occasional dusty corner.
Reviewed by @jcpeters_: I spent the coziest weekend here hiding from the cold. The cheese fondue by the roaring fire was honestly life-changing, and the rooms are so plush. If you need a winter reset with incredible food, this is the spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
While the design is Instagram-ready, maintenance details like loose shower heads and worn carpets in high-traffic areas are starting to show.
- You're visiting Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and want a thematic base
- You travel with a dog and want them treated like royalty
- You appreciate a lively pub atmosphere right downstairs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, but recent reviews cite missed dust on skirting boards and under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Surfaces are usually sparkling, but watch for loose shower heads and water pressure issues.
- Maintenance: Showing signs of wear—scuffed paint and tired carpets in high-traffic corridors.
- Linens & towels: Crisp white linens and decent fluff factor on towels; no major complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Public areas smell of woodsmoke and food (pleasant); rooms are generally fresh but older carpets can hold a faint musty note.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from Bath Road (A4)
- Pub noise in rooms directly above the bar
- Staff/service doors banging near ground floor rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is strictly 4:00 PM; early arrival is rarely accommodated without a fee.
- Breakfast is NOT always included in the base rate; expect to pay ~£17.50pp if booking room-only.
- The 'infinity pool' mentioned in some generic AI summaries does not exist; this is a pub, not a resort.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (hotel provides generic ones, bring your own for safety)
- Wellington boots for muddy walks at nearby Snelsmore Common
- A power bank (outlets can be scarce near the bed in older rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- The Coach House rooms (set back from the road, quieter)
- Highclere or Downton Suites (freestanding copper tubs)
- Ground floor rooms in The Stables (best for dog owners)
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing Bath Road (noise)
- Rooms with 'frosted glass' bathroom doors if privacy is a priority
- Room next to the store cupboard (staff noise complaints)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in The Coach House or The Stables, specifically away from Bath Road to minimize traffic noise. If available, a room with a solid bathroom door (not glass) would be appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking?
Yes, plenty of free self-parking on-site, though it can get tight during peak Sunday roast hours.
Is it dog-friendly?
Very. £20-25 per dog/night gets you a bed, bowl, and treats. Dogs are welcome in the bar and some dining areas.
Is there AC?
No. Rooms have fans, but it can get stuffy in the height of summer.
How far is Highclere Castle?
About a 10-15 minute drive. It's the primary reason many guests stay here.
Is there a gym?
No. Runners can head to Snelsmore Common; otherwise, you're out of luck.
What is the breakfast situation?
Served 7:30-9:30 AM (weekdays) / 8:00-10:00 AM (weekends). High quality 'farm-to-fork' style, but service can be slow.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a room in the 'Hunter's Lodge' building for a slightly more secluded feel.
- ✨
The pub has a 'wine wall' dispenser—great for trying expensive wines by the glass without buying the bottle.
- ✨
Book Sunday lunch well in advance; the roast is famous locally and sells out.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'frosted' glass bathroom doors in some rooms are essentially see-through when the light is on.
💡Dust settles heavily on the skirting boards and high beams—housekeeping misses the high spots.
💡The WiFi speed is notoriously spotty in the outlying buildings like The Stables.
💡You might hear staff banging the store cupboard door if you're in the room adjacent to it.
💡The 'garden' is lovely but sits right next to the main road, so your al fresco drink comes with exhaust fumes.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hare And Hounds Newbury is located and what's nearby.