The Best Western Red Lion Hotel was built over seven hundred and fifty years ago, originally to house the draughtsmen working on the design of nearby Salisbury Cathedral and is believed to be the oldest purpose built hotel in Britain. By the 1700??s the hotel had become a flourishing coaching Inn and was the main terminus for regular mail coach services, linking London and the West Country.
Services
If you're looking for hotels in Salisbury with electric charging points, we have two of them! If you need to use one of our EV charging points, just let us know in advance and we will try to accommodate your request. These are also charged at 15 per night. There is a disabled parking space available outside the hotel with a maximum stay of three hours.
Bookings made on third party websites will have to be amended directly with the company that you booked with. What is your cancellation policy? Flexible bookings made directly with us can be cancelled FREE of charge up to 48 hours before your arrival date. Bookings made with special offers may vary.
Part of the fun of visiting a new destination is researching the quirky, fun, and interesting things to do. Our team of local experts at the hotel have put together this guide to Salisbury attractions for you. Choosing a central and comfortable base is a must after a long day's exploring, and The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury certainly ticks those boxes.
We have been going to NYE events for 20 years, Red Lion Salisbury is the best yet, a friendly helpful welcome, spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms. Dinner was outstanding each and every course was superbly cooked and the service was excellent. Entertainment was great and midnight Champagne finished the evening off well. Breakfast was excellent with a great selection for all tastes and an unhurried checkout allowed us enjoy Salisbury for an hour or so.
Reviews (22)
Craig H.
Jun 07, 2022
I don't even know where to start. Amazing historic location (check out the plaque in the pcs section). Positives - Location is amazing with plenty of parking in the lot just behind. - Close to great the Grand Cathedral, shopping, pubs and food. All walking distances. - Stonehenge and other historical site are a short drive away. - People were friendly and engaging. - Still has that old world charm inside and in the courtyard (see the pics) - Onsite restaurant (we didn't eat there, but it looked very nice) - Great lobby area to have a team, coffee or even some snacks. Concerns - Rooms are no frills old school. not horrible but need a few upgrades. - VERY confusing to get to rooms. Reminds me of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.
I think we had 16 or 17 actions to find our room (i.e. stairs, turns, go thru doors, etc.) - Bar was poorly staffed. Not only was there almost no one in there to make drinks, but the few time they were, they didn't know how. Struggled with even wine pours. We will definitely stay there again when we visit the area. All of the positives far outweighed the minor concerns to us.
I think we had 16 or 17 actions to find our room (i.e. stairs, turns, go thru doors, etc.) - Bar was poorly staffed. Not only was there almost no one in there to make drinks, but the few time they were, they didn't know how. Struggled with even wine pours. We will definitely stay there again when we visit the area. All of the positives far outweighed the minor concerns to us.
Mandy Mitchell
Jun 06, 2022
Went here for an afternoon tea with my Sister, sat in the courtyard to eat, which was very pleasant. Service was very good, staff polite and friendly. The sandwiches and cakes were all very nice, with 3 types of sandwiches, and 4 mini cakes, a meringue and, of course, a scone with jam and clotted cream. If I had a small complaint it would be that the cakes were a bit chocolate heavy (chocolate coated macaroon, chocolate sandwiched meringue and a chocolate encased fresh cream).I would have preferred less chocolate and something like a fairy cake.
Jen Mitchell
May 25, 2022
Sara Carper
May 22, 2022
We stopped a the Red Lion hotel to enjoy an afternoon tea after a visit to Stonehenge and had a wonderful experience! The staff was very kind to let us come earlier than the reservation as our travel plans were changed last minute due to a train cancellation. Despite this, we had the perfect tea at the hotel. The outdoor dining was like something out of a movie - it was so pretty with all the ivy on the wall. I definitely recommend stopping here for a bite, and next time we're in town we would definitely plan to stay at the hotel for the night!
Gina Beresford
May 09, 2022
We were given a voucher for afternoon tea for two as a gift at Xmas. So today Sunday 23rd May we used said voucher. Our drink of choice was tea which was okay but both milk Jugs had very visible chips in and cracks through both. In my opinion anything chipped goes straight in the bin so being a Hotel I thought this would have also been the case. The food looked good, but on opening finger sandwiches the filling was minimal to say the least.
Sweet delights.just as we were going in for the sweets I noticed a very long hair amongst the food. I returned the plate and explained. We were given an apology and a " fresh " plate of food. The scones I have to say were delightful and bread fresh. Asked for more tea and yes low and behold the fresh Jug of milk was the same as the two still in front of us.chipped with a crack straight through it.
We are not the type of people that ever complain in restaurants but we felt it our rights to do so on this occasion. I wish I could post photo's here to show the sandwich filling( or lack of ) and the milk jugs.!
Sweet delights.just as we were going in for the sweets I noticed a very long hair amongst the food. I returned the plate and explained. We were given an apology and a " fresh " plate of food. The scones I have to say were delightful and bread fresh. Asked for more tea and yes low and behold the fresh Jug of milk was the same as the two still in front of us.chipped with a crack straight through it.
We are not the type of people that ever complain in restaurants but we felt it our rights to do so on this occasion. I wish I could post photo's here to show the sandwich filling( or lack of ) and the milk jugs.!
Teresa Duncan
May 07, 2022
This is at first sight, a lovely, historic hotel located in downtown Salisbury. Parking is limited, but it does have a small parking area located very close to the hotel (for a reasonable daily fee).The rooms were okay, just hot, as there's no a/c and only one window would open about 3 inches. As for the dining experience/facilities, this is where the biggest problems are. The kitchen/wait staff would leave the area unattended most of the time, choosing to be in the kitchen talking/laughing. Save yourself time and frustration and eat out.
Mantras & More
Apr 19, 2022
Amazing hotel, fab location, gr8 afternoon tea but the attn and care from the staff was impeccable. Highly recommend. We travelled with our 4 yr old n 15 yr old and it was for a special birthday. Really made our time memorable. Thank you To all staff. Gr8 parking. Local restaurants yards away plenty of choice of food
Lester Wade
Apr 16, 2022
Good location in Salisbury, a good walking distance to the old part of the city. Nice enough building with a good lounge area for a tea or coffee. We had a meeting room but it was pretty worn, with water marks down the wall and tiny electric heaters underrated for the size of it. Worst of all, the front of the house was rather uppity and a bit rude.
John Pickering
Apr 12, 2022
Beverley Green
Mar 05, 2022
Lovely stay. Comfortable bedrooms and nice bathroom. We had dinner in front of the fire in the bar area. Good menu. Only problem was that it was cold in the dining room at breakfast but the breakfast was really good. Juices, full cooked breakfast, cold cheeses and meats, mixed fruits, croissants, toast, cakes etc
Chris
Feb 06, 2022
Nina S.
Jul 12, 2019
Good place to stay in Salisbury. Walking distance to the cathedral and shops. Staff are friendly. No air conditioner in rooms so best to ask for ground level if you're here in the summer time. Opening the windows and using the fans didn't cool our 2nd floor suite. We had dined at their restaurant one night and food was good. Service was good too.
I would normally rate this a 3 because the rooms had no air conditioning, but none of the hotels we stayed at had air conditioning and this was one of the better places we stayed at. Plus it's truly located centrally in town. It was very convenient.
I would normally rate this a 3 because the rooms had no air conditioning, but none of the hotels we stayed at had air conditioning and this was one of the better places we stayed at. Plus it's truly located centrally in town. It was very convenient.
Carlos C.
Aug 30, 2017
This is a very nice hotel within walking distance of the Salisbury Cathedral. Room was large and the bed very comfortable. I had room 72 with did not have AC. This was not too much of a problem because it was a cool night and the room stayed cool with the windows opened. However, room 72 is right by the road and it sounded like the car were passing right by my bed. Closing the windows solved that problem as they provided adequate insulation from the noise.
Room stayed cool even with the windows closed, however I don't thing this would be the case on a hot night. I recommend getting the breakfast. It was very good. Great variety and plenty of hot coffee.
Room stayed cool even with the windows closed, however I don't thing this would be the case on a hot night. I recommend getting the breakfast. It was very good. Great variety and plenty of hot coffee.
L. L.
Jul 04, 2017
M. B.
Dec 10, 2015
Unique little find in the middle of Salisbury. Small walk to the Salisbury Cathedral and to the marketplace. Nikki at the front desk was very helpful - smoothly checking us in after I'd made a mistake in the booking and the next day helping me find a credit card I had lost (it was found outside and brought in). Everyone from the front desk to cleaning staff was polite and also very helpful. Everything from a wonderful staff to wonderful location.
Diane H.
Oct 15, 2013
We came by this hotel because we just finished visiting Stonehenge and decided to stay over in Salisbury overnight. They gave us the bridal suite and it was very nice with the exception of the uneven floor and the mattress so soft, you roll to the middle. Otherwise, everything was very nice. Breakfast was very good. You could have continental breakfast or order your breakfast.
Sarah C.
Apr 07, 2013
This is probably one of the best hotels that I have stayed in. I came to Salisbury on a whim and had not booked anywhere to stay, however, I managed to get in to this hotel on a good B&B rate. After parking in their slightly small, but secure carpark I was impressed by their nice reception. The place has so much character and my eyes were everywhere taking in the decor and the cosy atmosphere.
It had a lovely vibe about it and the staff were pleasant too. My room was through the adorable courtyard and into a different part of the hotel. When I got to the room I was very pleased. The bed was huge and the room was very spacious with a few windows, a nice bathroom, with a bath and a shower. It was warm and clean and I liked the decor, especially the metal cobweb and spider.
I thought it was a cute touch. After looking around Salisbury I returned to the hotel and asked what their restaurant was like. They had a comedy and curry night on, but I wanted to relax in my room and so I ordered room service :- just some sandwiches, which were lovely! I hard a long hot bath which was lovely and then went to bed. I slept very well.
I had a cooked breakfast in the morning, which was wonderful too and then sadly I had to leave to return home. I would definitely come here again as it was full of character, the room was superb, the staff were friendly and I loved Salisbury!
It had a lovely vibe about it and the staff were pleasant too. My room was through the adorable courtyard and into a different part of the hotel. When I got to the room I was very pleased. The bed was huge and the room was very spacious with a few windows, a nice bathroom, with a bath and a shower. It was warm and clean and I liked the decor, especially the metal cobweb and spider.
I thought it was a cute touch. After looking around Salisbury I returned to the hotel and asked what their restaurant was like. They had a comedy and curry night on, but I wanted to relax in my room and so I ordered room service :- just some sandwiches, which were lovely! I hard a long hot bath which was lovely and then went to bed. I slept very well.
I had a cooked breakfast in the morning, which was wonderful too and then sadly I had to leave to return home. I would definitely come here again as it was full of character, the room was superb, the staff were friendly and I loved Salisbury!
Ben K.
Apr 27, 2012
Did an overnight mini-break to Stonehenge & Salisbury and found this spot a good value and very convenient in town. For any Americans taking a look - it is not a Best Western you are accustomed to in the States - much better really. Nicely appointed rooms (if a little on the cutesy B&B style side). They have a nice courtyard to relax in, a friendly little pub, and restaurant and tea room. Was a little confused by the complimentary ear plugs provided on the side tables (and the eclectic variety of paintings and animal sculptures) - but learned quickly that because it is an older building, there are lots of creaks and noises, and on weekend evenings a bit of noise from the pub.
Even without using the earplugs, had a good night's sleep and pleasant time. The service is excellent, everyone is friendly and helpful, and just a short walk from sights such as Salisbury cathedral (go there, one of only 4 first copies of the Magna Carta) and a number of nice pubs and restaurants. It is not a large town, and very nice to walk through and just try places out.
Note that there is no car park for the hotel, the best choice is the Culver St car park at 7.40 GBP/24 hours less than 5 minutes walk away - there is little need to drive once one chooses to settle down in town.
Even without using the earplugs, had a good night's sleep and pleasant time. The service is excellent, everyone is friendly and helpful, and just a short walk from sights such as Salisbury cathedral (go there, one of only 4 first copies of the Magna Carta) and a number of nice pubs and restaurants. It is not a large town, and very nice to walk through and just try places out.
Note that there is no car park for the hotel, the best choice is the Culver St car park at 7.40 GBP/24 hours less than 5 minutes walk away - there is little need to drive once one chooses to settle down in town.
Phil R.
Jul 26, 2011
Qype User Dpop
Mar 03, 2010
Stayed here on many occasions with work. Had some of the nicest rooms I have stayed in but on occasion some of the most disappointing (for the price). Very oldy worldy and authentic. Courtyard is lovely in the summer. There are not many decent hotels in Salisbury and on balance I think this is the best one I stayed in, just avoid the smaller rooms.
Qype User Jicale
Mar 31, 2009
Chrissie B.
Aug 13, 2008