A gay couple refused the use of a double room at an English hotel say they are satisfied with a judge's ruling against the owners.

Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy were turned away from Chymorvah Private Hotel in south-west England in 2008.

Husband and wife Peter and Hazelmary Bull, both devout Christians, had refused on religious grounds to let them share a room.

Bristol Country Court judge Andrew Rutherford ruled the Bulls' behaviour was illegal and awarded Mr Hall and Mr Preddy £1800 ($A2880) each in damages.

The Bulls had argued their intent was not to discriminate against homosexuals, and they did not allow single heterosexuals to share a double room either.