What’s The Angel Hotel like?
This historic hotel in the heart of Bury St Edmunds is a real find. With all the delights of the market town on its doorstep and the famous Abbey Gardens just steps away, it is perfectly located. The Angel was also Charles Dickens’ hotel of choice whenever he was in town so if you book a stay here, you’ll be in good company.
How dog-friendly is The Angel Hotel?
Very. When we visited, there was a porcelain bowl, food mat and Kong toy waiting for Ernie in the room. Dogs are not allowed in the Eaterie restaurant or bar area, but there is a large lounge where you can go for a drink or enjoy breakfast together. We saw a couple of other dogs chilling out here during our stay.
Staff were also happy for Ernie to be left snoozing in our room while we dined in the restaurant. They even gave us an extra key so we could leave the lights and TV on for him. Alternatively, treat yourself and order room service. If your dog is lucky, they might even get a breakfast sausage, too. Dog stays cost £15 for the first night, then £5 for each additional evening.
Tell me more about The Angel Hotel
There are three types of individually-designed rooms and suites at The Angel – Classic, Original and Impression. Ours, the spacious Room 21, was in the latter category and it certainly did make an impression. With vibrant green walls, Picasso prints, funky accessories and statement spotty chairs, it felt packed with personality. The bed was enormous, too – I have never stayed anywhere with three sets of pillows before!
There was plenty of storage space, as well as complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits and a Bose sound system. The fluffy robes and Temple Spa toiletries in the bathroom were lush. I also loved the fact that the room had its original wooden shutters – great for blocking out both noise and light. The concierge service at The Angel is fabulous, too. From the moment you arrive, they will take care of your car and luggage, as well as anything else you need.
Room 21’s location is perfect for anyone travelling with pets. It is right next to the gated entrance where coaches and horses would once have driven through. There is a blue plaque dedicated to Charles Dickens on the wall outside, too. You can see it in the exterior picture of the hotel above.
What’s the food like at The Angel Hotel?
Lovely. The hotel’s modern Eaterie was refurbished in 2019 and is a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The vibe is very Shoreditch, with exposed brick walls, parquet flooring and crushed velvet sofas. The restaurant was also packed during our midweek visit, which is always a good sign.
The dishes – including pigeon wellington and IPA-battered haddock – use local produce wherever possible. There are also separate vegetarian and vegan menus, showing that the head chef has his finger on the pulse. I enjoyed a deliciously creamy mushroom linguine and can definitely recommend leaving room for dessert.
Are there resident dogs at The Angel Hotel?
No, but you will probably bump into several other dogs in the lounge area and in Bury St Edmunds itself. Many of the shops, bars and restaurants encourage customers to visit with their pets. Look out for the Dog-Friendly Bury St Edmunds window stickers to see where you’re welcome.
Where are the best dog walks near The Angel Hotel?
The perfectly-manicured Abbey Gardens are literally opposite The Angel and dogs on leads are always welcome. The award-winning 14-acre site boasts several “gardens within gardens”, as well as an aviary and cute little cafe. It’s where the Abbey of St Edmund once stood. You can still see the ruins of the Benedictine monastery today.
A word of caution, though – if you have a terrier, beware of the squirrels in the park. Ernie dragged me through a well-maintained flowerbed in a bid to try and get one, which resulted in us getting told off by the groundskeepers. Ooops!
The 200-acre Nowton Park, on the outskirts of Bury, is well worth a visit, too. It has some unique attractions, including a giant maze (open May to October) and an arboretum with wooden totem poles. Entry is free but remember to take some change for the car park.
What Ernie loved about The Angel Hotel
His new Kong toy, the easy access to outside, the sausage for breakfast
What I loved about The Angel Hotel
Being in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, the friendly concierge service, the stylish – and spacious – room
How to book The Angel Hotel
Overnight stays start from £139, including breakfast. Prices are based on two people sharing a room. For further details or to book a stay, call 01284 714007 or visit the hotel website. For more information about Bury St Edmunds, click here to visit the official tourism website.