The King’s Arms, Dorchester, has once again featured in the prestigious The Times and The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay list.

This is the second time the historic coaching inn has been featured in this definitive list of the best 100 hotels in the country. It first appeared within weeks of its opening in 2020.
The accolade is the most recent in a series of awards and acknowledgements for The King’s Arms. It has also recently been awarded a clutch of AA Rosettes, scooping four rosettes for accommodation and one rosette for food.

It has also been shortlisted in the Best Hotel Category in the Dorset Tourism Awards and the Muddy Stilettos National Awards.

General manager Alexis Ross, who has previously worked with leading restaurateur Russell Norman at Polpo, said: “It’s been a whirlwind! The good news has been non-stop! We’re absolutely delighted. It’s testament to the huge effort the whole team puts in every single day. We couldn’t be happier.”
The King’s Arms, one of Dorchester’s most iconic and treasured landmarks, re-opened in September 2020 following a multi-million-pound refurbishment by new owners the Stay Original Company.
With a history entwined with Thomas Hardy and a roll call of glamorous guests from former years, the opening of the rejuvenated Grade-II listed building marked a major step in the revival of the town’s historic high street.
The King’s Arms now boasts all-day eating and drinking, stylish public rooms and a dedicated events space in the Casterbridge room. Upstairs are 30 splendid bedrooms.
The King’s Arms is part of the Stay Original company, the award-winning South-West based boutique hotel and pub group.
The King’s Arms sister property, At the Chapel in Bruton, was also listed in The Times and Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2023.