Aquila Heights Guest House
44 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester DT1 2ES England
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#1 of 34 B&Bs in Dorchester
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Friendly and comfortable guest house offering quality B & B accommodation. Our Edwardian house has 6 lovely light, bright and airy bedrooms offering modern facilities and original period character - Home from home comfort, with large extra-length beds, quality bedding and well stocked bathrooms - The indulgent Aquila breakfast - loads and loads of choice, lots of local Dorset ingredients, all freshly prepared and cooked to order - Free off-road parking. Free high-speed fibre WiFi. Freeview TV - Hospitality trays with choice of teas, coffees, hot chocolate, water and local Dorset biscuits - Secure dry overnight cycle storage. Rental bikes delivered direct to the door. Wet clothes drying for cyclists and walkers - Free collection and return from railway and coach stations - Quiet, easy to find location. Walking distance to the town centre and ideal for touring and exploring West Dorset, Hardy Country and the Jurassic Coast. - Panoramic views from the bedrooms include the ramparts of Maiden Castle, Hardy's Monument & the South Dorset Ridgeway.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Breakfast buffet
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Special diet menus
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Room features
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Family
Languages Spoken
English
Location
50Car recommended
Grade: 50 out of 100
53Restaurantswithin 0.75 miles
15Attractionswithin 0.75 miles
44 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester DT1 2ES England
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Car HireSee all Dorchester car hire
212Reviews2Q+A45Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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My experience at this place was strange and unpleasant. Importantly, it was different from the other guests' there. I came in with my 2 children on a short break. We left my husband at home. From when I came in, I sensed a coolness. I was told the relevant information by Derek, the host/presumably owner and he introduced his unsmiling wife. I was my usual cheerful self and tried to convey that friendliness to the hosts - but to no avail. I told myself to stop being silly but was also extra careful with the children, admonishing them not to make too much noise or make a mess. I read the guest house's brochure which was interesting and full of useful information. The brochure told us we are 'welcome' to have a hot takeaway meal in the rooms and also welcome to bring in alcoholic drinks. It told us to let the hosts know if anything went wrong in the room. We did have a takeaway due to the restaurant we went to was closing early (because od slow trade) but they were able to make us some pizza. I made the children eat in the only chairs in the room. I myself ate on the floor so as not to stain anything or make a mess on the beds. I brought a bottle of red wine back home and drank it carefully making sure not to stain the carpets. At breakfast, I began to realise that i was not in fact being silly or paranoid. There were 4 chairs at the table but one place was not set. My son sat in the unset place and neither me nor my son noticed this as they were small crowded tables. Derek pointed and said to my son 'sit there'. When my son, who is easily distracted to say the least, didn't react immediately, Derek looked at me with irritation and repeated 'that seat'. I still didn't notice the place was unset but assumed that my son sitting there was impeding Derek's moving around the room. I instructed my son to move. Derek came in to take our drinks order and said 'I see you've helped yourself to fruit and fruit juices already' (???) He then took our food order. I asked if the salmon and eggs came with toast and he spread his hands sarcastically and said, with impatience, 'everything comes with toast' (this would be the start of a pattern of not answering my questions directly). After taking time to speak to the other guests and asking about their day and night and not asking us, he finally came with our breakfast and gave me stone cold toast. He didn't bother with any pleasantries with us of course. I was by that time nervous of asking him about anything. I could feel his irritation and didn't want to make a scene in front of the children and ruin their holiday. I asked him whether I should talk to him about the room now or after he and his wife had finished making and dealing with breakfast. Before I finished talking, he interrupted me 'well ask me now!" I asked if he did any cleaning. He said it depended on what I meant and added 'We don't do tidying. I would TOUCH your possessions' (emphasis not exaggerated). He confirmed that he would empty the bin and refresh the tea and coffee and I said that covered it. I left the room (feeling slightly humiliated) before I remembered the 2nd questions I was going ask. We went out and came back to a note addressed to me and asking us not to let our children eat near their 'soft furnishing' as they had to take them away for cleaning. They said the hospitality table was extendable but that was not in the literature and there were no other chairs to eat on apart from their softly furnished chairs. Normally I would be mortified but (a) I was very much sensing the vibe from Derek (b) my children were on unusually good behaviour. I decided to delay my reaction and asked the children if they smeared the chairs. They said they did not but I fully accept they could have. We went about our day, tiptoeing around Mr and Mrs Angry. The next morning and on the day were due to check out, we had trouble with our hot water. I didn't ask them about it and sorted it out/managed because I just wanted to get out there unscathed (I didn't, spoiler). My son hopped from the window to the bed to get the remote control and 1 curtain, to my absolute horror, came down. I shouted at my son but explained to him that I was upset because Derek had been passive aggressive throughout our stay and this would give him one more thing to get angry about. I spent half an hour putting the curtain back up. I foolishly reassured my son, when he wondered how the hosts would react, that the most they would do is make us pay something. They wouldn't react loudly and angrily. They were professionals after all. How wrong I was. I have to explain that my son's knee barely trapped the curtain. There is no way that curtain was up properly. In our house, our children have in the past wrapped themselves around curtains and pulled and the curtains never came out. The curtain rails were definitely fragile to say the least. At breakfast it was the same show. No greeting, no pleasantries, same sarcasm, same marked difference between our treatment and the rest of the guests. I asked for toasted instead fresh bread for my son's bacon sandwich. I got a sarcastic reply back - 'we are capable of putting bacon between 2 slices of toast'. I asked about check out, another sarcastic response 'between 1030 and 11', which would have been fine, 'we're not going to come knocking on your door or anything' Checkout commenced. I explained to Derek that I needed to tell him 3 things about the room. I said that while I understood about the chairs, the brochure did say that we could bring hot food in and there were no other chairs to sit in. He immediately started raising his voice to tell me that 'yes people have brought hot food in but in SEVEN years, he had never seen such a staining' but that also the chairs could be cleaned and would be ready for the next guests tomorrow' I asked if he had a picture of the chairs. He said he did not. He also, bizarrely, said we could have eaten the pizzas in bed (????) I then started to tell him about the curtains. He didn't let me finish, rolled his eyes at his wife and started shouting again 'THE WHOLE RAIL!!! (note: of course it wasn't the whole rail, why would it be the whole rail?) LET ME SEE!!! IN SEVEN YEARS THIS HASN'T HAPPENED IN SEVEN YEARS! LET ME SEE'" attempting to hustle me upstairs. I refused to go until i had been allowed to finish. Foolishly I told him to go and see for himself as I thought he could behave in front of my children. He couldn't. He bounded up the stairs and started shouting at my children 'Where is it?!? Where is it/!?', like a deranged cop in an equally deranged drama series. While he was down, I told Wendy, his wife, that I felt we had been treated differently to other guests and had been made to feel unwelcome. She started in a dull, sarcastic voice 'oh well i'm very sorry you feel that way...'. I also told her that I had left a ring on the cabinet. Meanwhile, Derek came bounding down the stairs yelling about 'seven years'. He started shouting that the end bit of the curtain was missing and after some back and forth, I showed him where it was. He then started shouting at me 'WHAT WAS THE THIRD THING? WHAT WAS IT?' To cut a sorry story short, I told him that his behaviour was unacceptable, that we had been treated differently from other guests, that me and the children had been extra careful because of his passive aggressiveness etc. His only response was that his reviews on google were so good that it wouldn't make a difference what I wrote. I remained calm. He remained mad. Now to answer some anticipated questions. Did I damage three things and come online to complain about Derek's behaviour/reaction ? If I damage something in a hotel or guesthouse, I expect to be asked to pay for them, not screamed at or scolded. I would have been happy to pay for anything and told Derek so. But Derek wasn't interested in me paying, he was interested in me and my kind never coming back.... Why am I trying to ruin this poor guy's business? I think I'm doing him a favour actually. He doesn't want people like me at his business and therefore he's done quite a good job of driving me away. I'm also trying to prevent other 'people like me' from going through he same bizarre experience. Is this the race card again? Although I am an ardent anti-racist and a black woman, I am actually reluctant to accuse people of racism especially when i know virtually nothing about them. This is because it's a difficult accusation to refute and can divert a debate from anything sensible. But there was something about us that put Derek off and set off his inexplicable rage. It might have been because I came with children or I didn't have time to wash the car. I'd be lying if I said i didn't think about race. Why not take this up with him in private? I did. I sent him an email. He hasn't bothered to reply.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Derek-Wendy Caws, Owner at Aquila Heights Guest House
Responded 27 Aug 2023
We are sorry that you did not enjoy your stay in our home, and disappointed to receive our first negative review for many years. We believe we gave you the same service and attention that we give all our guests. If we did treat you differently, this could only be because of your lack of respect for our home. Even now in your review, you do not apologise or even accept responsibility for the damage caused. We are not a hotel - when you come here, you are staying in our own home. We just ask our guests to respect each other, ourselves and our property. People will draw their own conclusions from your review. We are proud of our hard-earned reputation with over 400 positive reviews across the internet from guests of all circumstances and backgrounds.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lovely friendly welcome from Wendy and Derek. Comfortable beds and the rooms are lovely. Great breakfast with lots of choices and offered extra breakfast items . Fully deserves 5 star rating. Will definitely recommend it to others. Close to the town centre with easy walking distance.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This place is great. Lovely big bed, nice room, views fantastic. It's a ten minute walk from the station, further to the town centre but only 20 minutes to Maiden Castle. Outstanding breakfast. Was there for Tankfest at Bovington but could easily stay with partner to enjoy Dorset. Nice couple running it. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We stayed at Aquila for two nights, 21st and 22nd May. We had a most enjoyable stay. Our room was spotless, comfortable and well appointed. There was a wide choice for breakfast which was well presented. Aquila is only 12 to 15 minutes walk from the centre of Dorchester or a 3 minute drive with a car park near by. There is a choice of restaurants such as Cote, Pizza express, Zizzi, Nando's and some independents. We would strongly recommend a stay at Aquila.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Beautiful spotlessly clean room, comfortable beds, above average choice of toiletries and a great selection on the tea tray. The breakfast was delicious with an excellent range of choices. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend as was the nicest guest house I’ve stayed in.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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We have stayed at Aquila Heights several times and have always enjoyed our stay. Wendy and Derek are lovely hosts and have always been very helpful. The rooms are tasteful and always spotlessly clean and the beds very comfortable. The breakfasts are amazing - a real treat
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This is such a lovely B&B, run by lovely people. Rooms very clean and equipped with everything you could want. Breakfast fabulous. Owners lovely, and very welcoming. Only a short drive or 15 min walk into town centre. Possibly the best B&B I have ever stayed in. Would definitely go back if ever I'm in the area.
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Date of stay: March 2023
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This is a lovely family guest house. We have been staying here for four years every may. Derek and Wendy are the perfect hosts, welcoming and friendly. Rooms are comfortable and clean. The breakfasts are excellent. We look forward every year to staying, an essential part of our annual family break.
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Date of stay: May 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Brilliant place to stay while visiting the Dorchester area. Most amazing choice for breakfast. Plenty of tea coffee chocolate etc in the room. Toiletries hair dryer supplied. Off road parking , TV , WiFi, in fact Perfect. Thank you to our hosts for anenjoyable stay.
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Date of stay: August 2022
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This is now our go to B&B when down visiting relatives in the area. We stayed in Room 3 which is comfortable and spacious and had all manner of hot drinks to quench our journey. Super views to Maiden Castle- and the field of sunflowers below. Always spotlessly clean and top notch breakfast menu which is a total treat, whatever you choose. Definitely recommended and will stay again. Thank you to our hosts Wendy and Derek.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDorsetDorchester
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Claim Your ListingAQUILA HEIGHTS GUEST HOUSE - Updated 2023 (Dorchester)
Frequently Asked Questions about Aquila Heights Guest House
Which popular attractions are close to Aquila Heights Guest House?
Nearby attractions include The Keep Military Museum (0.7 miles), Maiden Castle (0.7 miles), and Borough Gardens (0.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Aquila Heights Guest House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Aquila Heights Guest House?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Aquila Heights Guest House?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Aquila Heights Guest House?
Conveniently located restaurants include The King and Thai, Hendover Cafe, and Wagamama.
Is Aquila Heights Guest House located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the centre of Dorchester.
Are there any historical sites close to Aquila Heights Guest House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Max Gate (1.3 miles), Hardy's Cottage (3.3 miles), and Barcleys bank (0.7 miles).