The Malt Shovel Inn
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Worth booking if you want the best-rated of our Bridgwater options, a wide breakfast choice and free parking at a modest price. Skip it if luxury to you means a spa, pool or walkable sights, because none of those are listed and the nearby places in our data are far.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
Do not expect a grand hotel. The Malt Shovel Inn is our Luxury pick because it holds 4 official stars and the top guest score of the 3 hotels we compared, 8.7 out of 10. The listed facilities are simple: a restaurant, free parking, a garden and a 24-hour front desk. It is tagged as pet friendly, so dog owners may find it useful once the rules are confirmed.
It suits drivers, couples on a countryside break and anyone who cares about breakfast. It is a weaker fit if you want spa treatments, a pool or a town-centre base, none of which our data supports.
Location and getting around
The address is given as Blackmore Lane THE MALT SHOVEL INN, Bridgwater, and the location score is 8.8. Our data lists two nearby places, both far away. Stogursey Castle is about 6 km, roughly 75 minutes on foot. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is about 10.6 km, around 133 minutes on foot. These are straight-line estimates.
Neither is walkable in practice. You will need a car, public transport or a taxi. The free parking makes arriving by car the simple option.
What guests say
The score is 8.7 out of 10 from 477 reviews, which placed it joint first among the 3 eligible hotels. Our data does not include summaries of what guests specifically like or dislike here, so we cannot point to recurring praise or complaints.
Read a selection of recent reviews before you book, paying attention to comments on rooms, noise and the restaurant, since those topics are not covered in our data.
Price compared with our other Bridgwater picks
The reference price was €91.28 per night, about €182.56 for two nights. These are reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 (10 to 12 November) for 2 adults in one room, not live quotes. Check today's price for your dates. That was 24% below the sample median of €120.65.
Unusually, our Luxury pick was the cheapest of the three on those dates. The Walnut Tree Hotel, our Budget pick, is 3 stars, scores 8.3 and cost €120.65 a night. Mercure Bridgwater, the Best Value pick, is 4 stars, scores 8.5 and showed €332.23 a night. Prices in a small sample can swing a lot by date, so compare all three for your own stay.
Why it made our top 3
Only 3 eligible hotels were compared in Bridgwater. Our Luxury slot prioritises 5-star hotels, and a 4-star fallback must score at least 8.5. The Malt Shovel Inn cleared that bar with 8.7, the joint highest score in the sample.
Before you book
The breakfast options listed are continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, buffet and breakfast to go. Whether breakfast is included in your rate is not confirmed. Room size, noise, renovation condition and cancellation terms were not assessed. Confirm the pet policy and restaurant hours if they matter to you.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is The Malt Shovel Inn really a luxury hotel?
It has 4 official stars and the top guest score among the 3 hotels we compared, which is why it fills our Luxury slot. No spa or pool is listed, so expect a comfortable inn rather than a resort.
Does it have parking?
Free parking is listed. Confirm availability for your dates if you are relying on it.
What breakfast options are there?
Continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, buffet and breakfast to go are listed. Check whether breakfast is included in your rate.
Can I walk to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal?
No. It is about 10.6 km away, around 133 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. Drive, take public transport or book a taxi.