The Bull Inn Burford

When it comes to villages that epitomize the Cotswolds, Burford  is certainly one that fits the bill. It has lovely stone houses, great shopping and a historic coaching inn loaded with charm.  The Bull has been serving guests for hundreds of years and rumor has it that when Charles II escaped from the plague in London, some of his special female friends, stayed here at the Bull. One of the rooms is named for Nell Gwyn, who,however, was not part of his entourage yet at the time of the plague. The lack of historic accuracy in no way diminishes the charm that this hotel oozes.

As with most of the Cotswold villages, parking is at a premium. The Bull has a very small parking lot behind the building. The street on the side of the hotel is one way in the wrong direction so you need to get creative and try to find it by coming through the back. In doing so, you will pass the town parking lot just in case there is no room for your vehicle in the hotel's own lot. There are more rooms than parking spots so it will be hit or miss.

The hotel is not large. Some of the rooms, such as Nell Gwyn, face High Street. While the view of High Street is charming, if you are a light sleeper, traffic starts very early and even the heavy drapes do not completely keep out the sound. Other rooms have views of the alley or the rear and are quieter. This is an old and history building and the soundproofing is not what you may be used to in a newer hotel. If the people above you walk, you will hear the steps.

Nell Gwyn is a charming room with a canopy double bed. There is a desk in the room and the Internet connection was excellent. Close to the door, there is a dresser with a hospitality tray with coffee and tea making facilities, bottled water both still and sparkling and cookies. There is no closet but an armoire and a comfortable chair are provided. The room is not large so all the furniture can make it seem smaller than it actually is.

The bathroom is amazing. Large, bright and very modern, with great shower pressure and a large tub. You do need to allow a little time for the hot water to arrive but when it does arrive, it is plentiful.

Breakfast may be included in your rate and is served either in the restaurant or the bar depending on how many people are staying at the hotel. The oatmeal is excellent and the eggs were always cooked exactly as requested.

Lunch and dinner are also served in the restaurant and at certain times of the year, may be included in your rate. The menu changes at least a little quite regularly. Plan to eat here at least once during your stay.

The staff at this hotel goes above and beyond to make sure that your stay is everything that you could possibly expect. From the cleaning staff to the front desk and the restaurant, they are first class. There is nothing that you ask that is too much trouble for them.

While a stay here does not promise perfection, it comes pretty close to providing it. It is the sort of place where you feel like a cherished guest and can imagine yourself making this the place you escape to every year for your anniversary or for a getaway weekend. I certainly feel that way.