The Bushel by Greene King Inns

This historic coaching inn, with its 17th-century character, offers a memorable stay in a central location in Bury St Edmunds, making it an ideal base for exploring the town. Its signature feature is the combination of its traditional pub atmosphere with the convenience of free on-site parking, a significant draw for many guests. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and concert-goers attending events at the nearby Apex Theatre, as well as business travelers seeking comfortable and well-located accommodation. Couples looking for a charming getaway will also appreciate the hotel's ambiance. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness of the staff and the overall comfort of the rooms. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from the main pub area or car park if you are sensitive to noise, and be prepared for the charmingly aged decor that reflects the building's long history.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides convenient free parking on-site, a highly valued amenity for guests, though some note that spaces can be limited or challenging to navigate, especially during busy periods. The vibrant pub on the premises is a central feature, offering a good selection of beers and a lively atmosphere, often with music nights. Guests appreciate the convenience of having food and drink options readily available. While the hotel maintains its traditional charm, some areas, including communal spaces, are described as being in need of a refresh. Wi-Fi is generally available and useful for business travelers, though a few guests reported connectivity issues. The overall impression is of a functional and characterful establishment, focusing on essential comforts and a welcoming pub environment.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and tidy, with many describing them as comfortable and cozy. The beds consistently receive high praise for being comfortable and often described as large or even huge, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. The showers are frequently highlighted as excellent, offering good pressure and hot water. However, the decor and condition of the rooms are a recurring point of feedback, with many guests noting that they are dated, tired, or in need of TLC, mentioning worn carpets, stained toilets, and minor maintenance issues. Noise can be a concern for some, with reports of sounds carrying from the bar, early morning deliveries, and conversations from adjoining rooms, particularly for rooms located near the car park or pub. In-room amenities are basic, with some guests noting a lack of charging points near beds or limited bathroom counter space.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel receives widespread positive feedback, with many guests describing it as "great," "fabulous," and "excellent value." The full English breakfast is particularly popular, praised for being freshly made and offering a good choice of items. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies, such as smaller portions than expected, or specific items like bacon and sausage being undercooked or unappetizing. The continental breakfast selection is sometimes described as limited or featuring dry pastries. The pub restaurant generally offers good food, with many guests enjoying their evening meals and finding the "pubby" food satisfying. Despite positive comments, there have been instances where the kitchen was closed due to a lack of a chef, limiting food availability beyond breakfast, which disappointed some guests who had planned to dine there. The bar itself is well-regarded for its atmosphere and drink selection.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore Bury St Edmunds. It is within easy walking distance of numerous amenities, including the town centre, shops, cafes, and popular attractions like the Abbey Gardens and the Apex Theatre, often cited as being just a few minutes' walk away. This prime position is a significant draw for both leisure and business travelers. On-site parking is available and free for guests, which is a major advantage in the town centre. However, the parking area is noted by some to be limited in spaces, occasionally leading to challenges in finding a spot, and some guests have reported issues with the condition of the car park's exit ramp. While public transport links are not extensively detailed, the hotel's proximity to the bus and railway stations is mentioned as beneficial for accessibility.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive outstanding praise, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming by a vast majority of guests. Their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond are frequently highlighted, with many guests sharing positive interactions, such as staff looking after bags after check-out, providing local information, or accommodating early check-ins. The check-in process is generally reported as easy and efficient. Guests appreciate the overall positive attitude and professionalism of the team, which significantly contributes to a pleasant and comfortable stay. The service provided by the staff, whether at the reception, in the bar, or during breakfast, is a recurring theme of satisfaction in guest reviews, making a strong positive impression.

Additional Information
The hotel's status as an old building or 17th-century coaching inn contributes significantly to its unique character and charm, though this also means guests should expect some uneven flooring and a generally aged aesthetic in certain areas. A notable operational detail mentioned by several guests is the occasional closure of the kitchen for evening meals due to staffing issues, meaning food service might be limited to breakfast only. While the hotel aims to provide a comfortable experience, some guests in rooms near the car park or pub have noted noise from deliveries and patrons, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Guests should be aware that the historic nature of the building means soundproofing may not be as robust as in newer constructions.