Returned after a few years. Little change. Needs an injection of cash. Food average. Table in restaurant was broken and not stable. Staff excellent. Rooms very clean but becoming old fashioned. Our mattress was way past its best. Had three dogs in room one side of us and two the other side. With the best will in the world they were conspicuous by there noise (very little) and smell. Had a meal deal which worked out ok but would not have wanted to pay the prices for the full menu. Very relaxing and ambient. Would return on a meal deal.

My wife and I have literally just returned from the Hoste today having enjoyed the last two nights there. Before we booked I had spoken to several people who all raved about it so our expectations were already high! Did it deliver? In a word yes. From the moment we checked in and were shown to our room the staff couldn't have been more helpful and attentive. The service is excellent and not at all pretentious - the waiting staff were really good and happy to have a laugh and joke whilst keeping us fed and watered superbly. The food was fantastic, the presentation made it an event and everything was absolutely delicious.
If I were being really piccy I could point to some things that could have been improved though. When we arrived we were told that there was renovation work going on near our booked room so there could be some noise. Although we were offered another room we decided to stick with the original and the work didn't present a problem. My critiscm therefore is that this should have been pointed out when we booked less than 2 weeks before we went rather than on the day.
The other comment is that when I rang to book I mentioned that we were getting married the weekend before we arrived and that this was to be a special couple of days for us. During our stay no reference was made to this by any of the staff and although this wasn't a problem I was surprised as in every other respect they were very attentive so this little detail could have been acknowledged.
Overall we had a great time so please read this as a very positive review and we can't wait to go back for our first anniversary.

As on previous years, we visited The Hoste Arms between Christmas and New Year. We were not disappointed. It really is a remarkably easy place to relax and enjoy good food and company in a pubby hospitable atmosphere. We took two rooms; one in the eaves of the main building which was cosy, tastefully furnished and quirky, the other a mini suite in an annexe across the car park that looked like something out of Footballers' Wives. What the hell? We were only there for an evening and we could put up with a bit of bling for that length of time.

Food in the restaurant was great, but for me the quality of the breakfast far surpasses that of dinner. Perhaps this is because I am usually tired after a long drive when I sit down in the evening whereas I am relaxed after a good night's rest in the morning.

Looking forward to our next visit.

We stayed at Vine House, the `boutique hotel` just across the road from the main building. Our room was stunning -spacious and comfortable, very stylish and spotlessly clean. Large, modern bathroom with double shower and roll-top bath.
We ate in the restaurant on our first night but found it quite disappointing. We were tucked away at a spindly table in the upper restaurant (very little `ambience`) and our steaks were lukewarm on arrival -and greasy and congealed by the end of the meal - with over-cooked tomato and mushrooms. Chips and onion rings were good though -so maybe the rest of the meal had been ready before them and waiting around.
Breakfasts varied -mediocre on day one but very good on day 2. Different chef?
The staff were unfailingly pleasant and polite and nothing was too much trouble.
We particularly liked the conservatory bar which is comfortable and cosy and staff make sure that there are tables /seats available for residents. Complimentary tea and coffee for residents at all times which is a real bonus.
Aside from that, I`m not sure if it is my imagination or not, but get the feeling that they are cutting down a bit. Toiletries in bedrooms practically rationed -and not replaced; only 2 very small pats of butter per table; no choice of bread with dinner etc . I suppose it`s good housekeeping but their prices are high.....