The King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester Interior photoThe King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester Interior photoThe King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester Interior photo
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From163US$ /night
Check-in
21Apr2026Select date
Check-out
22Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

30 High East Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom, DT1 1HF
-
Near the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
Great
8.8
/10
4.9
4.6
/5

The 4-star The King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester sits just 0.8 km from the Dorset County Museum and offers a restaurant. While staying at this Dorchester hotel, 24-hour security are available for guests to use.

Location

The hotel is around a 10-minute ride from Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens, and within reach of Dorchester South train station. The Statue of Thomas Hardy is 750 m from the King'S Arms Dorchester, and Bournemouth airport is 50 km away.

The Dinosaur Museum also lies merely 1.1 km away.

Trinity Street C2 bus stop, offering a direct link to the city attractions and main places, is a short way from the accommodation.

Rooms

This Dorchester hotel features 28 rooms with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as a mini-fridge-bar, coffee and tea making equipment. Bathrooms have a separate toilet and a shower, along with a hairdryer and bath sheets.

Eat & Drink

The King'S Arms Hotel offers its own à la carte restaurant, where guests can try British dishes. Rajpoot Restaurant is ideal for tasting Asian cuisine and is situated nearly a 5-minute walk away.

“The King's Arms impresses as a Grade II* listed building in Dorchester, where historical charm meets modern hospitality. Its thoughtful touches-from the luxurious rooms to the free national calls-speak to a level of care I rarely encounter. The fact that it's both pet-friendly and provides exceptional food seals its appeal.”
Hotel logo
Emily RoseEditor-in-Chief at Luxuryhotels
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Select your room type

The King'S Arms Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Superior Double Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
1 Queen-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

The King'S Arms Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Dining Onsite

The King's Arms offers a charming dining experience steeped in British tradition, featuring an array of options that cater to various dietary preferences. With a cozy atmosphere perfect for both family meals and romantic dinners, guests can indulge in wholesome flavors throughout the day.
The King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester Restaurant photo
The King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester Restaurant photo
The King'S Arms Hotel Dorchester Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British
Ambiance
Family-friendly and romantic, ideal for gatherings or intimate meals.
Key Offerings
A selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options for diverse palates, served in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Sunday: 07:30 - 20:30 (with extended hours on Tuesday evenings from 18:00 - 20:30)

The King'S Arms Hotel Location

30 High East Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom, DT1 1HF
Map view
30 High East Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom, DT1 1HF
Nearby
Art object
Statue of Thomas Hardy
1400 ft
Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
800 ft
High East Street
St Peter's Dorchester
500 ft
County Hall Colliton Park
Romano-British House
1400 ft
10 South Street Place nam should read 'Barclays Bank'
Barcleys bank
1400 ft
Northern Hay
Roman Town House
1400 ft
Restaurants
The King's Arms
0 ft
30 High East Street
The Posh Partridge
200 ft
29 High East Street
the blue raddle
600 ft
9 Church Street
Potters Cafe Bistro
800 ft
19 Durngate Street
Lee Garden
300 ft
45 High East Street
Vinny at Six
500 ft
6 North Square Square
Walnut Grove
700 ft
25 Durngate Street
Masala
800 ft
14 High East Street
Costa Coffee
800 ft
Dorset County Hospital Williams Avenue Dorset County Hospital
The Loft
600 ft
16 Antelope Walk
Explore Dorchester
Explore Dorchester
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Dorset County Museum
Dorset County Museum
9 minutes' walk
Dorset's rich history unfolds here, featuring fossils, archaeology, and local art. Free admission days are available.
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
11 minutes' walk
A fascinating display of ancient Egyptian artifacts, bringing King Tut's story to life through interactive exhibits.
The Keep Military Museum
The Keep Military Museum
11 minutes' walk
A dive into military history showcasing uniforms, medals, and memorabilia. The museum offers guided tours to enhance the experience.
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
5 minutes' walk
This historic courthouse offers insights into the justice system with engaging displays and guided tours.
Discover the local attractions near The King'S Arms Hotel
Visit several notable sites near The King's Arms Dorchester that reflect the rich history and culture of the area
Ideal for exploring the former home of author Thomas Hardy: Max Gate
Great for enjoying an ancient Roman amphitheater in a tranquil setting: Maumbury Rings
Suited for history enthusiasts interested in archaeological sites: Romano-British House
Perfect for appreciating stunning architecture and landscaped gardens: Wolfeton House
Well suited for those seeking an immersive cultural experience: The Tutankhamun Exhibition
Best for a quick visit to celebrate the famous novelist: Statue of Thomas Hardy
Works well for leisurely shopping and dining in a modern plaza: Brewery Square
Thorncombe Woods Local Nature Reserve
Thorncombe Woods Local Nature Reserve
45 minutes' walk
Wooded trails perfect for hiking and exploring wildlife. Access the reserve via local transport or on foot.
Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park
Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park
15 minutes' drive
Thrilling water rides and marine exhibits, making it ideal for family fun. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Yoga at The Green House
30 minutes' walk
Yoga classes focusing on relaxation and wellness. Classes are available throughout the week, pre-booking required.
The King's Arms
The King's Arms
1 minute' walk
A blend of traditional British cuisine and modern dishes, known for its cozy atmosphere and local brews. Reservations are advised.
The Posh Partridge
The Posh Partridge
1 minute' walk
Gourmet cuisine served in an elegant setting. Offers a seasonal menu with vegetarian options; reservations recommended.
Potters Cafe Bistro
Potters Cafe Bistro
3 minutes' walk
Casual bistro vibe with a variety of local dishes and homemade desserts. Ideal for families, gluten-free options available.
Discover dining options near The King'S Arms Hotel
Savor diverse dining options available near The King's Arms Dorchester that cater to different tastes
Perfect for relaxing meals in a cozy atmosphere: Potters Cafe Bistro
Ideal for traditional pub fare and local brews: The King's Arms
Suited for enjoying delightful seasonal dishes: Vinny at Six
Great for experiencing authentic Mediterranean flavors: La Caverna
Best for casual dining with a focus on sustainability: Re-loved
Well suited for indulging in rich Indian cuisine: Masala
Works well for afternoon tea and homemade pastries: ReLoved Tea Rooms
Ideal for enjoying fresh vegetarian and vegan options: Walnut Grove
Brewery Square
Brewery Square
11 minutes' walk
A lively area for shopping and dining with regular entertainment events, including live music and film screenings.
Dorchester Arts
10 minutes' walk
Host to a variety of performances including theater, music, and dance. Check for family-friendly shows and events.
Getting around
City Centre
Dorchester6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH)74 min  ·  30.4 mi
Exeter International (EXT)121 min  ·  49.9 mi
Train
Dorchester West Train Station9 min  ·  2300 ft
Dorchester South Train Station10 min  ·  2700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP20 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
28
Property is also known as
the king's arms dorchester
the kings arms dorset
kings arms hotel dorchester dorset
kings arms hotel dorchester
kings arms dorset

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The King'S Arms Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The King's Arms, centrally located in Dorchester, provides convenient access to local attractions like museums and a Roman Villa, all within a short walk. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, some featuring full-sized baths, alongside provided amenities such as well-stocked fridges and quality toiletries. The hotel also offers free parking, a significant advantage, although navigating the narrow streets to reach it can be tricky for some. The restaurant is a highlight for many, known for its excellent food, especially the fish and chips, plus special touches like a pop-up bakery on Thursdays.
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Review score
Based on 266 verified reviews
8.8/10
Great
93%
Recommend
Staff
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Lovely hotel
Helpful staff
Comfy bed
Cons
Small room
Hot room
Guest reviews
based on 266 reviews
8.8/10
based on 708 reviews
8.8/10
Amelia from United States
Couple
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 13, 2026
9/10
quality linenample parkingcentral location
The room had good quality linen and towels. The bathroom provided nice toiletries. Ample parking was available at the back. Access requires navigating some narrow streets, but parking was included. The hotel location is EXCELLENT!!!
I noticed toilet roll and tissues were not replaced by the room attendant.
0 Helpful
hudson from canada
Couple
deluxe king room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 27, 2025
9.0/10

historic charm, modern comforts

warm welcomefree parkingspacious roomquality toiletries
the welcome at reception was warm and efficient. parking was plentiful and free, located centrally. our beautiful king room was quite spacious with a very comfortable king-size bed. the shower offered good water pressure. the toiletries were high quality.
the lack of air conditioning was noticeable, especially on warmer days. however, the two provided fans did help somewhat. there were fresh towels, but the hotel didn't replace the toilet roll and tissues.
Facilities
9/10
free parking added convenience and peace of mind during our visit. i saw a lift, it ensures easy access to all floors for guests with mobility concerns. the hotel included strong wi-fi signal throughout the premises.
Dining
9/10
breakfast featured croissants that were flaky and fresh each morning. the cooked breakfast included multiple choices, all prepared to order. customer service was very attentive in the restaurant.
Rooms
9/10
the room featured a king-size bed with quality linens and pillows. a powerful shower was equipped, and there were luxury toiletries. the room included vintage style radio which was turned on upon arrival.
0 Helpful
|
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Ethan from United States
Couple
Deluxe King Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 11, 2025
9.0/10

Excellent Stay in a Beautifully Refurbished Space

period interiorsexcellent foodshort walk
I appreciated the PERIOD interiors and the bar. It had a great atmosphere. The food was excellent. I found several wonderful museums within a short walk from the hotel. Bovington Tank Museum is only a short drive away. I plan to return.
The menu leaned heavily towards meat dishes. The options were limited for lighter or spicier fare. this was a slight disappointment.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast had a variety of options. The bottomless coffee was delicious. Dinner service was prompt, despite the restaurant being busy; the staff quickly found a table for me and the food was tasty.
Rooms
9/10
My room was spacious and quiet. The room was beautifully decorated. It had a gorgeous bath and a separate shower room; this was a real PLUS. The bed was comfortable; the linen was excellent.
0 Helpful
|
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Hudson from Canada
Couple
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 24, 2025
8.5/10

Excellent Experience

great mealhelpful staffcomfortable bedample parking
Every meal I had here was great. The staff was warm, helpful, and cute. The bed was comfortable, the room was well-appointed, and I found it good. Parking is available though it can be difficult later in the evening.
I found one very slight negative point, the coffee machine in the room wasn't working the first morning. I reported it and it was fixed quickly!
Facilities
9/10
The hotel offers convenient free parking at the back, reachable via some narrow streets; a lift is available for easy access to all floors. The building itself is historic, showcasing authentic interiors that add to the charm.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast included good quality food! though someone should teach the chef to prepare scrambled eggs in a cold pan. The hotel offers fabulous breakfast and amazing dinner choices, making for a perfect place to rest after a long day.
0 Helpful
|
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Kevin from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Queen Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 19, 2025
9.0/10

excellent stay!

tasteful decorfull-sized bathquiet roomcocktail offer
i really enjoyed the tasteful decor and furnishings throughout the hotel. our epic room featured a great full-sized bath in the window alcove, a nice touch. even with christmas parties, the room remained quiet and peaceful, which i was grateful for. the lively bar had a dj on friday nights, and i found an offer on cocktails.
finding my way into the car park was a bit difficult.
Service
9/10
the restaurant and bar staff were extremely friendly. the entire team, including the manager, provided great service, and i really appreciated their help. everyone was very attentive.
Facilities
9/10
breakfast was included when i booked directly and it was worth it. there was a substantial, quality breakfast. i noticed plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans, which is very good.
Rooms
9/10
our room included fresh water in a nice bottle and semi-skimmed milk in the fridge. the shower room was good, and the brand products were lovely and generous. the towels were of high quality.
Location
9/10
the location is convenient at the top of the town. it is within easy walking distance of the attractions and shops. this made exploring the area easy and convenient.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The King'S Arms
What are the check-in and check-out times at The King's Arms?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What types of dining options are available at The King's Arms?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving à la carte and Full English/Irish breakfast options.
Is parking available at The King's Arms?
Free private parking is available on-site for guests.
What room amenities can guests expect at The King's Arms?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, desk, wardrobe, and private bathroom.
What nearby attractions can guests explore around The King's Arms?
Nearby attractions include Dorset County Museum (0.5 km), Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park (17 km), and Fantasy Island Fun Park (2 km).
How far is The King's Arms from Bournemouth Airport?
The hotel is located 36 km from Bournemouth Airport.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The King's Arms?
The staff at the hotel primarily speaks English.
Are there any special features for families at The King's Arms?
The hotel provides children's menus and cots for guests traveling with children.
What bar and lounge options does The King's Arms offer?
Guests can enjoy a bar/lounge area serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Is there any additional charge for breakfast at The King's Arms?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 20 GBP.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room