From the exterior the Red Lion is understated, but once you walk through the cobblestoned archway into the courtyard you are transported into a different world. Its picturesque and welcoming. Sat in the courtyard having a few drinks, and you could literally be anywhere. the staff are friendly and helpful, we arrived early so left our bags in the foyer, and they were placed in our room when we returned, an unexpected, nice touch, but the things that make a good stay, even better. The room was huge, and very modern despite the hotel having a 12th century exterior, it was exceptionally clean, spacious and comfortable. The location is also superb, walkout turn left and then right and you are in the City square, and abundance of shops, cafe's and pubs. There is limited parking, however, there is a big multi-storey car park about 150yds down the street. Brilliant hotel and highly recommended. We have already booked our next stay!

This hotel is in the centre and does therefore suffer with noise at night. There was a disco until 3am somewhere close to our room. There is also road noise. Having said that the rooms are above average in size and well appointed. Bar and lounge area are good with a lovely courtyard. Food is ok.

A family birthday necessitated an overnight in Salibury, and the Red Lion looked the best option. Through no fault of the hotel, its situated on a one way system which means the sat nav has a bit of trouble finding it, so we ended up parking in the local Pay and Display and walking to check in.

Check in is a bit old fashioned - a small desk, lots of wood panelling and the most hideous old clock I've seen for a long while, but it was efficient and the staff were helpful. Having already paid for overnight parking reception drew us a map to get our car to the car park entrance. The car park is very small, and the spaces are extremly tight. If you are an anxious parker and/or dont have parking sensors I'd suggest you park eslewhere.

Despite the hotel boasting that its Europe's oldest purpose built hotel, and the approach to reception is through a rather nice old fashioned courtyard, our room was in a modern annex. Inside there were a few nods to historic architecture (wooden beams etc) but it lacked any real charachter, and the furninshings were distinctly modern. The rooms were perfectly clean and adequate.The bathroom was large there was a supporting column in an odd place which made it feel a bit cramped. Otherwise it was a but a bit basic and could do with a re-grout.

Although the room was located on the main road noise wasn't too bad, the bed was comfortable enough and although it was warm day it wasn't excessively hot. Tea and coffee making facilities were good, and there's bottled water which is always a bonus.

I didn't eat breakfast - although the restaurant looks like it is going down the fine dining route so I expect it would be good quallity, charging over a £10 for breakfast is taking the mick, and theres plenty of choice nearby.

All in all a nice enough hotel, but nothing outstanding.