Prince Hall Hotel at Two Bridges. Review by Jill Pendleton.

13th May 2011

If anyone asked me right now, where would you like to stay for a few days on Dartmoor? It would be Prince Hall.

I paid a visit in May this year to take some photos for Fi and Chris and this was my first visit for some time.
The last time I had visited the hotel was to have dinner there with good pals and the previous owner argued with us,
insisting that he knew best about which was or wasn't the best ice cream in the world. We did not return.

These days there's a more inviting feel to the place. Fi has changed the decoration, the dining room, the bedroom layouts, and there's a much more welcoming attitude in place from the doorstep meet and greet and onwards.

The tired old reception rooms have been given a classy makeover. Making the most of the hotel's stunning views over pastureland down to the riverbridge over the Dart and the forest beyond. This is the perfect spot for any angler
and if you don't already have a Duchy of Cornwall fishing licence, you can purchase one in reception.
Should you need to have instruction from a local gillie, they are very happy to put that into place for you.

Just look at the view from the topmost bedroom window. And all 8 bedrooms get the thumbs up from me.
The ones on the front of the hotel all have this stunning Moorland view.

Good quality white Eygptian cotton on the beds and fluffy towels in the bathrooms.

No two rooms are the same, but all have televisions and a slimline torch on the back of the bedroom doors in case

any guests should fancy an evening stroll. Talking of evening strolls, this is a VERY dog friendly hotel. Dogs are

welcome to stay with you in your bedroom, and doggie biscuits are waiting on owner's tea trays (see below).

The list of free doggy extras extends to :-

Access to refrigerated food storage available , Bucket, sponge and towels available on request for dog washing,
Dog allowed in room unattended, Dog  and water bowls available, Dog friendly outdoor seating area.
Dog friendly place to eat with owner either in the bar or on the patio
Dog treats always offered, Emergency dog food supplies available, Enclosed pet friendly garden and grounds.
Flexible approach to number and size of dogs, No extra charge for a dog, Outside tap to attend to muddy paws.
Waste bin for your use and scoop bags on request and torch available for dog walking !

You will also find a heart in your room, to hang outside your door, to indicate that you don't wish to be disturbed.

I especially like the guest's lounge here at the Prince Hall.

Huge plush settees in a charming room, fresh flowers on hand and again that view to admire.

Equipped with a well stocked bar, I'm sure there would be time for cocktails before dinner.

As we journeyed around the hotel taking photos, Fi made apologies for any shortcomings and assured me that this

or that would be improved in time, but I found the whole house most relaxing and each bedroom was worthy.

This is clearly a hotel who's owners want you to enjoy your stay.

You won't hear traffic buzz, but you will hear skylarks singing, you might see a heron flying over and you will see
the very heart of Dartmoor. There are exceptionally beautiful walks on hand with ancient cairns to discover.

Non resident guests are welcome to call in for coffee, lunch (try risotto of the day at £9.25 or seasonal soup
with home made bread roll at £5.95) afternoon cream tea at £6.50 per head, and dinner.

Dave the chef was preparing lunch whilst I was there. I spoke to guests who ate the lunch and they were full of praise.

One lady asked me what the white spoonfuls were with the lamb (below) and I was able to tell her, Jerusalem artichokes.

When I got home from the visit I wrote about Dave and my opinion on good cooks using British ingredients.
Here's the link if you wish to read it. I was most impressed by work going on in the kitchen.

Can I recommend it to you ? Yes I can ! Maybe I will send a link to this review to Rob and he might just take the hint....
I'll let you know.

Prince Hall Hotel, Two Bridges, PL20 6SA Telephone: 01822 890403 , Email.

To see more of my reviews click below

All photos by me Jill Pendleton of www.dartmooraccommodation.co.uk