Easy to find and with great views on the drive to the hotel, we checked in to this luxurious old-English inn at the start of the annual Easter Beer Festival. No lager louts here, though - this festival was a celebration of all things English, with great local food, beer, music (folk and jazz) and friendly patrons and staff.

We took a 3-night dinner/bed/breakfast package which turned out to be excellent value once we'd sampled a few of the top-notch three course dinners (with proper menus - none of that set-menu rubbish here, thank you very much). Breakfast was fantastic too, and if taken late enough meant that lunch was not missed. Kedgeree, kippers, local honey, fresh eggs - what a treat. And every morning too!

Can't recommend this place highly enough. We went with friends and would return for a romantic weekend for walking and exploring the Cotswolds - absolutely fantastic.

Booked the Bear for a birthday surprise, guided by TA reviews. This is the closest we have had to its own description, have learned to manage our expectations from experience! The Bear is beautiful - clean, charming, 'olde worlde' and a lovely atmosphere. We booked on the website for one night with dinner and a supplement for a Deluxe room. On arrival we were lucky to be upgraded to Room 1, four poster, suite etc, which was gorgeous. Our only gripe was the frosty/snooty receptionist (Jane/Kate?? - apparently the reception manager). She was doing us a real favour (not). Rest of the staff were very pleasant and helpful.

Dinner was beautifully presented, might have been hotter but could therefore start immediately! Good wine list. Restaurant had perfect (for me) atmosphere - not too lively but not 'hushed' and staff attentive.

The weather was awful on Saturday so thankfully had this beautiful hotel to curl up in. The market in Stroud was as described too, with local produce and good quality stalls but thought there would be more streets like this. Described as having street entertainers etc but we found this part of the town to be very small and 'done' in minutes. The rest is commercial growth badly done - could be in any tired town in England. It was raining though - puts a slant on it.

The surrounding area, Rodborough Common etc was our glorious breathtaking Cotswolds. The weather on the Sunday was much better, could see for miles from the Common and definite walkers' country.

We were so impressed with The Bear that we popped in to the others in the chain on our meandering drive home. We've had so many disappointments in the past, the descriptions have defied belief and we've found that friendly service is the only thing that can sway opinion (ours) either way. The Swan in Bibury seemed just as gorgeous and the receptionist was the best. The Bay Tree in Burford was closed and The Lamb in Burford was ok but not on the same level - seemed like they hadn't had chance to clear up and we were served by a surly barmaid. These are just snapshots though.

We would definitely go back to The Bear. One of the best in all our travels far and wide.

We stayed at this hotel just for one night. From the moment we arrive until the moment we left the service was first class. The girl at reception was really helpful at all times. We first checked in into a room on the 3rd floor, it was really nice but a little bit noisy so we asked for another room. She gave us a room on the 2nd floor which was beautiful, much bigger and quieter. Dinner was good and breakfast as well. I will definitely be back.

I booked this hotel for my husbands 40th direct through their website.

We really enjoyed our stay, only draw backs were how cold it was only had blow heaters in the bedroom, for some reason the radiators were not working and when we went to dinner in the Restaurant it was absolutely freezing. I suggest to drink a few glasses of wine to warm you up or take a Cardy.

Food in the restaurant was good. However, a little disappointed with my ceasar salad from the Grizzily Bar. The sauce did not taste very Ceasarish and the meat was from the chicken leg not the breast (not keen) and there was no bacon as the menu suggested.

Wine by the glass a little steep at £5.00 per glass ( wondered why the drink bill was so expensive.

Overall, really enjoyable.