The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant, Wells ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

20 Sadler Street, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE

The Ancient Gatehouse & Rugantino Restaurant is a family-run hotel located facing the iconic West Front of Wells Cathedral. Known for its authentic Italian dining experience and charming atmosphere, the hotel has been operated by the Rossi family for over 43 years. It sits in Wells, the smallest city in England, providing easy access to Somerset's historic and cultural attractions. The hotel's unique historical character is enhanced by its centuries-old spiral stone staircase.

Location

Situated on Wells Cathedral Green, the hotel is just yards away from the ancient market place, immersing guests in the historic setting. The location offers easy access to several attractions, including the Scissor Arches and Wookey Hole Caves. Bristol Airport is approximately 35 km away, providing convenient travel options for those visiting from further afield.

Rooms

Guestrooms feature premium bedding and essential amenities such as free WiFi and safes, ensuring comfort during your stay. First and second-floor rooms are equipped with half-tester beds, digital TVs, and en-suite shower rooms. Some rooms offer views of Wells Cathedral, enriching the stay experience. The hotel's design includes original period details, maintaining its classic charm.

Eat & Drink

The on-site Rugantino Restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, complemented by a welcoming ambiance. Guests may also enjoy traditional English table dhôte menus, catering to diverse culinary preferences. The hotel's restaurant and bar areas provide a relaxed environment for dining and conversation. The combined offerings aim to create a memorable culinary experience for visitors.

Leisure & Business

The hotel features a peaceful atmosphere extending to its recreational amenities, including a terrace and garden for guest enjoyment. Services such as dry cleaning and laundry are available, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel has facilities that cater to group events, including pre-wedding celebrations, enhancing its versatility for various occasions.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Classic Double or Twin Room

Max:

2 persons

13 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Classic Single Room Cathedral View

Max:

1 person

10 m²

Bed options:

1 Single bed

Landscape view

Shower

Heating

room details

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Superior Double Room Cathedral View

Max:

2 persons

14 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Landscape view

Heating

Bathtub

room details

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Wells200 m

Airports

Bristol (BRS) 30.8 km

Bournemouth (BOH) 91.6 km

Bus

Bus stop 8.8 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Comfortable Elegance

“The four-poster bed in our room added a touch of luxury and made for an incredibly comfortable night's sleep.” view full review

Charming Aesthetic

“The decor throughout the hotel was beautifully charming, creating a quaint and inviting atmosphere that added to our overall experience.” view full review

Breathtaking Views

“Waking up to the stunning views of the cathedral from our window was magical and greatly enhanced our stay.” view full review

Thoughtful Amenities

“The complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and water provided in the room was a delightful touch that made us feel right at home.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

20 Sadler Street, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE

Map view

20 Sadler Street, Wells, United Kingdom, BA5 2FE

City landmarks

Cave

Wookey Hole Caves

2.6 km

38 Market Street

Wells Artisan Quarter

690 m

Garden

Milton Lodge Gardens

1.5 km

Cemetery

Mendip Hospital Cemetery

1.7 km

Milton Lodge

1.5 km

Pen Hill

3.3 km

Ebbor Lane

Ebbor Gorge

3.7 km

Store

Wells Reclamation Co

3.7 km

Nearby

Church

Wells Cathedral

270 m

Wells BA5 2PD

The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

500 m

Museum

Wells and Mendip Museum

170 m

Vicar's Close Street

Vicar's Close

350 m

Gallery

A2 Gallery

320 m

Wells Market Place

170 m

Church

St Cuthbert's parish Church

480 m

Library

Wells

220 m

St Andrew St s/n Wells BA5 2UE

Scissor Arches

20 m

Wells BA5 1US

The Bishop's Barn

500 m

Cathedral Green s/n Wells BA5 2UE

West Front

130 m

1 Cathedral Green

Wells Cathedral Music School

200 m

1 Vicar's Cl

Vicar's Chapel & Library

350 m

Park

Wells Recreation Ground

460 m

Restaurants

Great Shakes

100 m

10 Heritage Courtyard Sadler Street

West Cornwall Pasty Company Wells

140 m

1A Sadler Street Market Place

Kitty Banks

210 m

15 Market Place

Costa Coffee

200 m

16 High Street

Daniels Sandwich Bar and Cafe

410 m

5 Queen Street

Bar Italia

370 m

14 Broad Street

Just Ales

480 m

38 Market Street

The Quarter Jack

590 m

18 Priory Road

Ram's Kebab

600 m

Princes Road

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

76%

liked the hotel and would stay again

7.6/10

Very good

Rooms

7.0

Location

8.7

Service

8.3

Dining

7.0

3.5/5 based on 285 reviews

#4 of 4 hotels in Wells based on Tripadvisor

Jacqueline

United Kingdom, October 2023

7.8/10

The hotel has a fabulous view of the cathedral, but the rooms need a little sprucing up with faded carpets and fabrics. However, despite this, I would still choose to stay here overlooking the main busy street.

Rooms

7.0

The room, which is at the top of an ancient stone spiral staircase, offers a fabulous view of the cathedral, but you can only see it by standing on the staircase and looking through a grimy window.

Service

8.0

The staff were amazing and extremely helpful. However, they could do with learning some charm skills.

Location

9.0

The location was amazing, right in the heart of Wells, with excellent views of the cathedral from the beer garden at the back of the hotel.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was good, although the restaurant was currently available, and the local jams were a nice touch.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel is ideally situated for sightseeing in Wells and a trip to Cheddar Gorge, and the central marketplace is just a few hundred yards away.

David

United Kingdom, October 2023

7.4/10

The hotel has a central location by Wells Cathedral, with very helpful and positive staff. The rooms are comfortable and clean, but some issues with requested and booked twin bedded room reservations. The dining experience is only OK, and the Wi-Fi is not complimentary.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were comfortable and clean, but there were issues with requested and booked twin bedded rooms.

Service

8.0

The staff was very helpful and positive, but there were some off-hand interactions.

Location

9.0

The hotel is excellently located by Wells Cathedral, with helpful staff. It's a great spot for visiting Wells, but do request a quiet room.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience is only OK, with room service available in the rooms.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities meet basic needs and come at a fair price.

Paul

United Kingdom, September 2023

7.8/10

Despite being assigned what seemed like the least desirable room in the old gatehouse, with a gloomy ambiance and a view of the cathedral at the back, my stay had its ups and downs. The staff went out of their way to make my son's 22nd birthday special and provided attentive service. The location was ideal for exploring Wells, while the dining experience was of a high standard. However, there were some awkward moments during check-in, and the steep stairs were a bit of a hassle.

Rooms

7.0

The room I stayed in was in the old gatehouse, which seemed like an unwanted choice, but it was clean and comfortable despite being gloomy.

Service

9.0

The staff were very accommodating, especially for my son's birthday, and their attentiveness made the stay more enjoyable.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location was perfect for a short stay in Wells, offering easy access to the Abbey, city center, and a view of the cathedral square.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was very good, with well-cooked meals and excellent service, although the breakfast timing caused a small confusion.