The hotel is situated in the centre of Britain's widest high street. Marlborough lies in the valley of the River Kennet, between the Marlborough Downs and Savernake Forest. Described by Pepys as a 'pretty fair town for a street or two', it retains its unique beauty and is an ideal touring centre. Bournemouth is some 87 km away, Southampton is 88 km away, Bristol Airport is 99 km away and London Gatwick Airport is approximately 160 km from the hotel.||From 1745 to 1763 the property was called the Antelope and it was subsequently renamed The Castle and Ball, which may well have been a misspelling of Castle and Bull, both of which are to be seen on the borough arms. Some of the surviving original oak timbers pre-date the Spanish Armada. The age of the building accounts for its individual nature, including the split-level design of the restaurant, without any compromise in providing everything the guests of today might require. The hotel offers 33 well appointed bedrooms and is non-smoking throughout. Facilities on offer include a lobby, a bar, Internet access and parking for those arriving by car.||The guest rooms are all comfortably furnished and individual in design, reflecting the historic nature of the property. Facilities and services on offer include a telephone, Internet access, a double bed, daily housekeeping, a TV, a radio, an en suite bathroom with shower and bathtub and tea and coffee making facilities. An iron and ironing board also come as standard.||There is a brasserie-style restaurant at the hotel, offering an extensive seasonal menu with a wide selection of modern, traditional and international dishes, complemented by a selection of real ales, fine wines and speciality coffees. The walled beer garden at the rear provides a relaxing setting for those looking to enjoy a drink and a meal al fresco-style.