Best Western Kings Arms Hotel Dorchester Beds photoBest Western Kings Arms Hotel Dorchester Exterior photoBest Western Kings Arms Hotel Dorchester Exterior photo
Book through our site
—up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From224US$ /night
Check-in
24Apr2026Select date
Check-out
25Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

30 High East Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom, DT1 1HF
-
Close to museums
Very good
7.8
/10

Location

The Best Western Kings Arms Hotel is situated in the historic town of Dorchester, a short walk from the Thomas Hardy Museum and Dorchester County Museum. This hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring the ancient Roman town and the surrounding Dorset countryside. Guests can easily visit the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located only a 30-minute drive away.

Dining

The hotel offers on-site dining at the Kings Arms Restaurant, which serves a range of British classics. The bar and lounge area provide an inviting space for casual drinks and light snacks throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients to start their day.

Rooms

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation types, including standard, family, and superior rooms, all equipped with essential amenities. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities for added convenience. The hotel also offers accessible rooms designed to meet the needs of all guests.

Business Facilities

The Best Western Kings Arms Hotel features meeting rooms equipped for business events, accommodating various group sizes. Free parking is available for guests attending conferences or meetings. Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas and meeting rooms.

Family-Friendly Environment

The hotel welcomes families with children, providing a variety of room configurations to suit larger groups. Kids can enjoy a selection from the children's menu available at the Kings Arms Restaurant. The nearby attractions like Dinosaur Museum and the Weymouth Sea Life Park offer engaging activities for families.

Highlights

Location: Historic town of Dorchester, short walk from attractions

Dining: Kings Arms Restaurant with British classics

Rooms: Standard, family, and superior room options

Business Facilities: Meeting rooms for events and free parking

“The hotel stands out for its classic Georgian architecture, offering a distinct sense of local history, and its location opposite the shopping center makes exploring the area wonderfully easy. I especially appreciate the dedication to personalized service and local sourcing, evident in its support for regional products. In my opinion, this creates a stay that feels both authentic and thoughtfully curated.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
View all

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Late check-in/ -out
  • Wheelchair access
  • Lift

Services

  • Room service

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting room
  • Fax/Photocopying

Room features

  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
Show more

Best Western Kings Arms Hotel Location

30 High East Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom, DT1 1HF
Map view
30 High East Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom, DT1 1HF
Nearby
Museum
The Dinosaur Museum
1100 ft
Museum
Terracotta Warriors Museum
1000 ft
Museum
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
1100 ft
Museum
Dorset County Museum
300 ft
Art object
Statue of Thomas Hardy
1400 ft
Museum
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
1000 ft
Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
800 ft
High East Street
St Peter's Dorchester
500 ft
County Hall Colliton Park
Romano-British House
1400 ft
10 South Street Place nam should read 'Barclays Bank'
Barcleys bank
1400 ft
Northern Hay
Roman Town House
1400 ft
Restaurants
The Horse with the Red Umbrella
600 ft
10 High West Street
Costa Coffee
800 ft
Dorset County Hospital Williams Avenue Dorset County Hospital
The Old Ship
300 ft
16 High West Street
Tom Browns Pub
500 ft
47 High East Street
Royal Oak
1200 ft
21_22 High West Street
Poppins Restaurant
1000 ft
The Forum Centre 2 Trinity Street
Cafe 11
1200 ft
11-12 South Street
The Dorset Kitchen
1300 ft
22-23 South Street Ground floor of Goulds Household Store
Snappy Tomato Pizza
1400 ft
5 The Forum Centre Trinity Street Unit 5
The Gorge Cafe
1400 ft
39 South Street Town Centre
Subway
1500 ft
33A South Street
Coffee Saloon
1700 ft
27C South Street
Explore Dorchester
Explore Dorchester
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Dorset County Museum
Dorset County Museum
2 minutes walking
Local history and art exhibits featuring Dorchester's role in Thomas Hardy's life and work.
The Dinosaur Museum
The Dinosaur Museum
4 minutes walking
Interactive displays with fossils and dinosaur skeletons, perfect for family visits.
Borough Gardens
Borough Gardens
8 minutes walking
Beautiful gardens ideal for a peaceful stroll, featuring a playground and tennis courts.
The Keep Military Museum
The Keep Military Museum
9 minutes walking
A historical museum showcasing military history and artifacts, offering unique insights into 20th-century conflicts.
Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
10 minutes driving
Experience thrilling falconry displays and hands-on experiences with various birds of prey.
Yoga Classes at Local Studios
5 minutes walking
Relaxation-focused yoga classes available in nearby studios, suitable for all levels.
The Old Ship
The Old Ship
2 minutes walking
Traditional pub fare with a cozy atmosphere; try their famous fish and chips.
Tom Browns Pub
Tom Browns Pub
2 minutes walking
Casual dining with a selection of local ales and hearty meals; popular for its welcoming vibe.
The Horse with the Red Umbrella
The Horse with the Red Umbrella
2 minutes walking
Quaint café offering homemade dishes and baked goods; great for breakfast or afternoon tea.
The Corn Exchange
9 minutes walking
Local theater showcasing live performances and events ranging from plays to comedy shows.
DAG Dorchester Art Gallery
DAG Dorchester Art Gallery
11 minutes walking
Contemporary art space featuring rotating exhibitions, perfect for a cultural evening out.
Getting around town
City Centre
Dorchester6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH)74 min  ·  30.4 mi
Exeter International (EXT)121 min  ·  49.9 mi
Looking for early-bird discounts?
Get special discounted rates today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Modem internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Best Western Kings Arms guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Children & extra beds
All children: 0 - 2 years
Cot: FREE
Existing beds: FREE
All children: 3 - 12 years
Existing beds: FREE
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2006
Number of rooms:
38
Former name
Best Western

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Pros
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Convenient parking
Cons
Dated decor
Limited amenities
Road noise
Guest reviews
based on 143 reviews
7.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Best Western Kings Arms Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
Check-in is available from 14:00, and check-out must be completed by 11:00.
Is parking available at Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
The hotel offers free on-site parking for guests.
How far is Best Western Kings Arms Hotel from Bournemouth Airport?
The hotel is located 50 km from Bournemouth Airport.
What nearby attractions are accessible from Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
Attractions include Thomas Hardy's House (2 km), Thomas Hardy's Cottage (1 km), and Dorset Teddy Bear Museum (0.5 km).
What dining options are available near Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include The King's Arms, Vinny at Six, and Masala, all within 0.5 km.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
Rooms feature Wi-Fi, en suite bathrooms, and up-to-date facilities.
What is the historical significance of Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
The hotel is a historic coaching inn that has hosted many monarchs.
What types of guest events are hosted at Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
The hotel hosts private parties and wedding receptions on select Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Is there a bar available at Best Western Kings Arms Hotel?
The hotel features a welcoming bar area serving a selection of real ales.
Check-in
24Apr2026Select date
Check-out
25Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room