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3-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00

The Great Western Hotel

Stay at The Great Western Hotel in Swindon, opposite the train station. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, and a bar. Rated 4.0 from 483 reviews.

73 Station Rd, Swindon SN1 1DH, United Kingdom View on map
8/10
Very Good Based on 485 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Air-conditioned Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with convenient location and friendly service

Guests appreciate the hotel's prime location opposite Swindon train station, along with its welcoming bar and helpful staff. Attention to basics such as cleanliness and atmosphere stands out, though dining options and bathroom layouts receive mixed feedback.

Guests often praise

  • Convenient location directly across from Swindon train station
  • Friendly, attentive, and helpful staff providing excellent service
  • Clean and comfortable bar area with a good selection of local ales
  • Reasonably priced drinks and relaxed atmosphere for casual visits
  • Supportive assistance with parking and guest inquiries

Worth knowing

  • Some rooms have shared bathrooms and limited bathroom storage or practical fittings
  • Food offerings at the restaurant are basic and geared towards casual meals rather than diverse dining
  • No pool, fitness center, airport shuttle, or pet-friendly accommodations available
  • Bar and public areas are modern and well-maintained, but may reflect a streamlined style over historic charm
  • No reviews directly comment on overnight stays, focusing mainly on the bar and location

Best for

  • Visitors arriving or departing by train seeking close proximity to the station
  • Guests looking for a casual, welcoming pub atmosphere with quality local drinks
  • Travelers wanting free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking in a smoke-free environment
  • Families with children, as the hotel is kid-friendly
  • Those prioritizing convenience and friendly service over luxury amenities
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About this property

Welcome to The Great Western Hotel

Located directly opposite Swindon train station, The Great Western Hotel offers convenient access for travelers arriving by rail. The contemporary property features streamlined rooms, some with shared bathrooms, catering to guests seeking straightforward accommodation. Check-in is from 14:00, with check-out by 10:00, allowing for flexible travel plans. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast are included, making it a practical choice for many visitors.

The on-site facilities include a breakfast restaurant and a pub known for its relaxed atmosphere and Arkells ale. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful bar staff, contributing to an inviting social space even for those not staying overnight. While the dining options are modest, the reasonable prices and clean, smoke-free environment are positives highlighted in guest feedback.

The hotel’s proximity to local attractions such as the Swindon Museum in Old Town (about one mile away) and the extensive grounds of Lydiard Park, around five miles distant, suits visitors interested in exploring the area. Nearby points of interest include the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, offering additional cultural activities. Heathrow Airport is roughly an hour’s drive, making it accessible for international travelers.

Reviews suggest a solid balance between comfort and convenience, though some guests note room design quirks and a limited food menu. The property welcomes families and provides air conditioning, although it does not offer airport shuttles, pets are not allowed, and there is no fitness center or pool. Overall, The Great Western Hotel serves primarily those seeking a functional overnight stay close to transport links and local attractions.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

PT
Poppy Trainor Apr 11, 2026
10

I haven’t stayed here but I had an issue with the parking as my train was cancelled and Gavin helped me out, he was great and I really appreciate him helping me. What a lovely kind man! Thank you again!

VH
Vivian Hughes Apr 09, 2026
8.0

This hotel is very conveniently situated for those using the railway station, being just across the road. I met a friend there just for lunch and drinks, so can't comment on overnight accommodation. Lunch menu was very basic; burgers, scampi, panninis etc - fast food in other words - but it met our needs. Prices were reasonable. Those seeking a more varied menu selection should look elsewhere. What is really great is the Arkells ale. We had 3B and it was superb. The hotel has obviously been recently refurbished. The bar area is modern and clean, as were the toilets. There is a screen showing live train departures, which is very useful. UPDATE May 2025. The hotel no longer serves food at lunchtime.

MO
Martina Onions Mar 30, 2026
8.0

Nice hotel, full of architecture and history, some of the lush fittings have been lost to modern styles, but all clean and tidy. Bedroom's are of a decent size with modern en-suit's. All though a few design issues, no socket for electric toothbrush or shaver, mirror and hairdryer put in a stupid position as well the toilet paper holder. Plus lack of shelves in the bathroom. Bar area and reception are very clean and modern. Staff are very helpful and polite. Car parking is charged and isn't controlled by the hotel. Very handy for the train station and an easy walk into the shopping area.

H
Hana Feb 27, 2026
10

Popped in for a few drinks before our train and Mark was an exceptional host/server, pouring our drinks with a smile and contagious positive attitude, very friendly atmosphere, perfect pints and lovely bar, we'll definitely visit this establishment again in the future! Thank you.

JJ
Jennifer Jones Feb 21, 2026
10

Didn't stay at the hotel but as a pub it's lovely and staff are amazing

CH
Charlie Holloway Jan 08, 2026
10

Came in here for a while after the Swindon v Bromley game a few weeks ago and was really glad that I did! Really nice place and the service is A1. Thank you! :)

LP
Les Preece Jan 03, 2026
8.0

Can't say anything about the rooms only went in for a quick pint while waiting for the train. Right opposite Train station . Beer was very good. Nice clean toilets.

BMF
Brenda Mary Finney Dec 27, 2025
10

We all thought what a very lovely place it was. Relaxing and comfortable to have a drink. The gentleman we had serving us at our party on Saturday 13th was exceptional. He served at bar cleared tables and took away rubbish that was about from our buffet. He is a great asset to the Hotel... Thank you so much for a very enjoyable evening... Unfortunately I can't comment on any other questions. As we had a private party in there and nobody stayed the night...

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Great Western Hotel

Swindon, United Kingdom

Opposite Swindon train station, this contemporary hotel is a mile from the Swindon Museum in the Old Town and 5 miles from the 18th-century stately home Lydiard Park.

  • Swindon 1 min Walk
  • Swindon Rail Station (Stop RS) 1 min Walk
  • Fleming Way (Stop P) 4 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 1 hr 20 Car · 1 hr 38 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 1 hr 55 Car · 2 hr 37 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 2 hr 12 Car · 2 hr 27 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Swindon. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Avebury 10,478 reviews

Avebury

Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF, United Kingdom

4.7 · Monument
Lydiard Park 4,246 reviews

Lydiard Park

Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA, United Kingdom

4.6 · Country Park
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway 1 reviews

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY, United Kingdom

4.7 · Museum
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