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The Crazy Bear Hotel

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JayBroek
JayBroek
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
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Editor Pick

The Crazy Bear Hotel

  • September 11, 2003
  • Rated 5 of 5 by JayBroek from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Crazy Bear Hotel

Before I write this I shall gather my thoughts and remind myself to be objective. This was the venue for my honeymoon and yet I must strive to offer you a balanced view. A tricky job because this place is just too cool. Situated in Stadhampton, 8 miles from Oxford, the Crazy Bear used to be ‘the Bear and Flagstaff’, an average village pub. Then someone with an imagination too large to hold in his head took it and transformed it into the unique experience it is today. The fifteenth century building, outhouses and gardens have evolved into a small, comfortable bar, two restaurants, five ‘standard’ rooms, four suites and two cottages. We had booked into one of the larger standard rooms, situated in the eaves above the bar. Our bags were picked up at reception and we were led up a flight of stairs to a series of brass plated doors, each with a cigar advertisement that provided the room’s name (the pub’s range of cigars suggests they are trying to keep Cuba’s export revenue up single handed). Behind the Montecristo door lay another steep staircase and there was our room – zebra print carpets, red walls and a feast of art deco influenced detail from the lamps to the balustrades, chaise lounge and wardrobe door. Our large en-suite bathroom was stylishly equipped with a blue glass sink and bath built for two. But they hadn’t neglected our modern needs: you are handed your room remote control at reception – it handles the stereo TV, radio, DVD, lights and so on. We managed to poke our noses round most of the other rooms during our stay and each was uniquely decorated and adorned with individual touches. And then we caught a look at the suites. ‘Decadent’ just doesn’t describe these rooms – I’d never thought about it before but I NEED a marble surround two-seater bath at the end of my bed. I just do. We had managed to pick the hottest few days England has ever had for our stay and so breakfast was served in the garden (more of which you can read in the restaurant reviews). A continental breakfast is included in the room price but you can order pretty much what you like and they’ll rustle it up for you. The service is largely impeccable – most of the staff appears to be Antipodean backpackers on their walkabout – unobtrusive and seemingly intent on making sure you enjoy your stay. We did notice that they seemed pretty terrified of the management…the price of quality service in the UK? – but I’m splitting hairs. The Blonde and I fell in love with this place (we also fell asleep in a cold bath but that’s another story). I did not begrudge paying for this unique experience. Take a look at The Crazy Bear Hotel and make an excuse to go. Because you’re worth it.

From journal Oxford - spend and be damned!

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