Cathedral House

This charming hotel is consistently described as a hidden gem, offering a unique and memorable stay within a beautifully renovated historic building. Its signature feature is its prime location, providing stunning views of the Cathedral and Necropolis, which deeply immerses guests in the city's rich historical atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the hotel's spotless cleanliness, the exceptional comfort of its beds, and the delicious, homemade breakfast. The distinctive, classy, and quirky ambiance makes it an ideal retreat for sightseers, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking a quiet yet centrally located base. To fully appreciate the views, consider requesting a room on a higher floor, and be mindful that the building's historic character means access to rooms is via stairs, as there are no lifts.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the thoughtful provision of in-room amenities, which significantly enhance the comfort and convenience of their stay. Each room is well-equipped with reliable Wi-Fi and a Smart TV, ensuring connectivity and entertainment. Practical items such as an iron and ironing board are readily available. For refreshments, a kettle and cafetiere coffee are provided, though a few guests mentioned the mini-fridge sometimes lacked sufficient milk. The bathrooms are stocked with quality toiletries, and a hairdryer is also included. While the hotel excels in providing a cozy and well-appointed personal space, it's worth noting that reviews do not highlight extensive recreational facilities like a fitness center or swimming pool, focusing instead on the quality of the in-room experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its spotless cleanliness, with many guests describing their rooms as immaculate and super clean. The beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, often featuring luxury bedding and extra pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While most rooms are described as spacious and well-designed, some attic rooms were noted as being smaller or having low ceilings. Noise levels received mixed feedback; most guests found their rooms quiet, especially those with views of the Necropolis, but some street-facing rooms experienced street noise, particularly in the early morning. Minor issues occasionally mentioned include a hot room temperature, a damp smell in some bathrooms, or small mold spots in the shower area, along with occasional issues like a tricky shower door or a toilet door that wouldn't close properly.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience is a significant highlight for many guests, consistently described as delicious, fresh, and of high quality. It typically features homemade granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, and excellent sourdough bread with homemade jams, often delivered directly to the room. Most guests appreciate the healthy and beautifully presented options, though some expressed a desire for more variety or hot food choices, finding the continental selection a bit limited for longer stays. The restaurant located on the ground floor receives widespread acclaim, with guests describing it as superb, outstanding, and offering delicious food, often noting its vibrant atmosphere. Many guests enjoyed wonderful meals there, with some specifically mentioning the quality of the Italian cuisine.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, particularly appealing for its proximity to the Cathedral and Necropolis, which are just across the street. This allows for easy exploration of historic landmarks and green spaces. Guests find it conveniently situated for walking to the city center, typically a 10-20 minute stroll, and close to public transport options like High Street train station. While the immediate area is described as quiet, it is still within easy reach of local amenities, including a supermarket and various bars and restaurants. Parking is a common topic; there is no on-site parking, but the Duke Street multi-storey car park is a popular and affordable option a short walk away. A key aspect of accessibility is the presence of stairs to access rooms, as there are no lifts, which some guests found challenging, especially with heavy luggage.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to assist with requests, from carrying luggage to providing local recommendations. While the hotel operates primarily on a self check-in system, with detailed instructions provided via email, guests generally find the process smooth and easy. However, some guests noted the lack of a traditional reception desk meant less face-to-face interaction, and occasionally, restaurant staff were unable to assist with hotel-specific queries. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that the owner and team are highly responsive and dedicated to ensuring a positive guest experience, often going above and beyond, such as assisting with taxi bookings or providing phone chargers.

Additional Information
The hotel's unique character stems from its setting within a historic building, with many rooms offering distinct designs and views, including some in a turret. The self check-in process, while efficient, means guests should be comfortable with digital communication for access codes. Some guests noted that the historic nature of the building can lead to minor maintenance issues, such as windows that are difficult to open or occasional smells from the downstairs restaurant entering rooms, particularly in attic spaces. A few guests also reported issues with the cancellation policy, finding it inflexible even in unforeseen circumstances. It is important to note that the hotel does not have air conditioning, which some guests found challenging during warmer periods.