The Maids Head Hotel, Norwich

Tombland, Norwich, NR3 1LB
3  

The Maid's Head is located in Norwich city centre, in front of the famous Norman cathedral. It is one of the most famous hotels in the city. It has fine example... more

 

£ Rooms from £79 (≈ $139) per night
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7/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
8/10 Check-in process
7/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
8/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
7/10 Overall experience
7/10 Overall value for money
  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 15, 2008

    "It would have been useful to have known about the numbers of steps on the ground floor as I have mobility problems." (97388937)

    comfortable beds and the bonus of a view of the cathedral.

    Different levels with lots of steps

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  May 26, 2008

    "Good, except no point in using active hotels!" (97205106)

    Hotel Staff were very efficient. Lovely breakfast in a nice setting.

    When we arrived at the hotel, there was no reservation from active hotels in the booking system at the hotel! Luckily they still had rooms available for us. A bit noisy along the corridors in the night and some people were drinking in the courtyard below until late and that was rather noisy.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  August 17, 2008

    "Nice clean hotel room but it was too noisy and because of the noise we couldn't open the windows so it was too hot. Staff were very unhelpful and did not appear to be enjoying working on reception." (108080403)

    Clean room and en-suite.

    Very noisy and too hot. The staff were extremely unhelpful and didn't seem switched on at all.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  February 26, 2008

    "It was a pity that the lift was not working as our room was on the 4th floor. Otherwisee we found everything seemed first class. All staff were most helpful." (97244309)

    room well proportioned, well appointad and comfortable

    Lavatory seat in the bathroom was unstable

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Sandra ( Mature couple) 

    from Hull , GB  on  July 5, 2008

    "Very good" (108047698)

    Room excellent. Hotel location very good.

    Did not come across any

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Philip ( Young couple) 

    from Grays , GB  on  April 7, 2008

    "Hotel position ideal for visiting Norwich. Bars , restaurants and pubs all within 5 minutes walking distance. Though situated in the best vicinity for the bars etc, no noise could be heard from our room. Located in the Tudor/medieval part, so plenty of history, especially having the Norman Cathedral across the road. Hotel staff friendly and helpful. Room perfectly adequate, clean and tidy. Value for money overall very good. Would definately recommend." (97514543)

    Central location.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Guy ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Edmonton , CA  on  August 31, 2008

    "Will stay again if the price is right as it is probably the best hotel in Norwich." (108097721)

    Comfortable looking rooms, excellent front desk staff - made to feel welcome.

    Am rate sensitive and would usually book ahead to get a good rate.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  March 27, 2008

    "The hotel itself outside of the room i was in was well kept, bright, sunny and cheerful. The staff were excellent to me all through my stay. However if i had printed out how the room was going to look from the photo's online and then compared them, you would be hard pressed to be able to compare them. And for the price wasnt quite up to what i expected. But overall i enjoyed my stay and would stay there again, especially if the rooms were all decorated and had everything looking as good as downstairs did, which the rooms didnt, well not my room anyway." (97043642)

    The Ensuite bathroom, tv, refreshments.

    The room left a lot to be desired. The ceilings where very bad, the carpets a little stained, the room looked as if it could have done with a whole new decoration..for the price it was not what i expected and certainly not how it looked in the photo's.

  • 10/10 Tracey ( Other) 

    from Kings lynn , GB  on  January 30, 2008

    location was ideal close to town an nightlife in the evening, very good value for money, room size was much bigger than expected so that was a bonus,

    only dislike was at times it could be noisy due to traffic outside.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  January 4, 2008

    "As this was or first stay the location and the availability of free parking were the deciding factors. But now having stayed and sampled the charm of the old building the friendly staff we will defiantly return. Excellent value for the money" (97876892)

    The charm of the old building, the location and the availability of on site parking, the friendly staff.

    Loved the room and the view (could see the Cathedral) which probably out weighted the slight traffic noise.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  December 21, 2007

    The room was large and beautifully furnished with TV and tea/coffee making equipment. Beds were very comfortable and the bed linen spotlessly clean and fresh. The room was one which had been refurbushed and could not be faulted, all of the furnishings seemed to be new as was the en suite bathroom which was sparklingly clean with white fluffy towels, the shower was excellent.

  • 7/10 Norman ( Other) 

    from Clonsilla , IE  on  December 12, 2007

    "Staff strictly enforced check-in at 2pm, which made it a bit difficult for us, as we we're going to a 3pm football match. They could have been more flexible and even could have suggested that we could leave our bags in a safe place. Surely a suitable room was available as we we're woken at 11 am on Sunday morning by a cleaner, despite checkout being at 12." (97043586)

    Good sized bathroom

    No reading table

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  December 12, 2007

    "good" (97154027)

    warm and frienly hotel in a good location

    a receptionest who could,nt speak enough english to give us any directions when we got lost!

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  December 4, 2007

    Clean. Nice quality sheets. Good bathroom. Excellent location.

    Stuffy - though in the morning I worked out how I could have rectified it. The reception staff were fine but not very smiley. The room was a little noisy.

  • 8/10 John ( Mature couple) 

    from Leigh on sea , GB  on  November 7, 2007

    "The hotel is in an excellent situation, being just far enough from the shops etc., to be nice and quiet most of the time. The bar could do with staying open later in the evening although getting a drink from reception later was not a problem." (97510392)

    Nice room spoilt by peeling wallpaper as a result of previous water ingress from shower Nice room, very good breakfast although fairly expensive.

    Room was spoilt by peeling wallpaper as a result of water ingress from previous leakage from shower

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  October 7, 2007

    "very convenient to town centre." (97126565)

    no noise from outside nightlife

    dissappointed with double bed arrangement when i ordered a twin room only to get the double on arrival.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Paul ( Mature couple) 

    from Royston , GB  on  November 9, 2007

    "A very nice hospitable hotel to stay at within easy reach of the shopping and other facilities. The food was not only excellent it was very good value for money." (97814122)

    Warm, cosy, home from home.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  November 7, 2007

    Location

    Reception staff very offhand.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  October 29, 2007

    "We stayed for one night only and the location was ideal for our purpose. I am a Norfolk born man and know something of the history and reputation of the Maids Head but this was the first time I had stayed there and I was a little disappointed to find scarce evidence of it's former glory. The hotel and our room was adequately functional but when we checked in at about 4.30 to 5pm our room was not ready so we went to the bar only to be told that it would not be open for another 20 minutes. I cannot comment on the catering as we were meeting relatives and did not dine there. The staff were always courteous and as helpful as they could be." (97661641)

    I liked it's location.

    Our room had an unsightly stain on the carpet and the curtains did not completely cover the window and needed considerable adjustment.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Meeta ( Young couple) 

    from London , GB  on  October 24, 2007

    "welcoming staff, good parking facilities. It would have been helpful to have been emailed the exact position of the car park and code for barrier prior to coming." (97817103)

    size of room and facilities provided

    a bit dated deco, no fridge

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  October 17, 2007

    Fantastic hotel, conveniently situated within Norwich with professional and polite staff.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anthony ( Group of adult friends) 

    from London , GB  on  September 26, 2007

    "Overall a reasonable experience. I am not a big fan of hotels. I use them because i have to. And this one is good, i didn't experience any problems except the TV didn't work, but then i wasn't staying at the hotel so i could watch TV. Overall nine out of ten." (97521205)

    The accomodation was very good. Brand new bathroom. Quite small rooms. but this is a 12th century building in a city centre location. So i expected small.

    The character of the hotel was a bit bland. Which i suppose is trying to cater for a lot of different tastes. I think it could have had a bit more character and individuality.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  September 26, 2007

    clean and tidy staff helpful overall good

    when it came to having a drink at the bar majority of beers were unavailable the drink we did select was of poor quality but was told thats how it was ei6ther like it or lump it

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Geoffrey ( Mature couple) 

    from Torquay , GB  on  July 7, 2007

    "This hotel is being refurbished with decorators in some lounges. Breakfast somewhat disorganised. Extra staff would be useful. Lack of TV analogue channels was a big disappointment However staff were pleasant and helpful. Location of hotel is excellent." (99282827)

    Comfortable

    Faulty TV signal for 3 nights. Noisy Airconditioning outside window

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  June 28, 2007

    "Excellent accommodation for a weekend break in Norwich." (99172518)

    Hotel couldn't be more central. Room was spacious, bedding clean and fresh, a proper hairdryer, plentiful tea and coffee.

    Room decor a little tired but perfectly adequate for a weekend shopping, and for what I paid.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  June 20, 2007

    room was upgraded to a suite - was lovely!

    air con worked initially then didnt....

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Jeremy ( Young couple) 

    from Hull , GB  on  June 20, 2007

    Clean room

    Noisy location in hotel on road

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Helen ( Young couple) 

    from London , GB  on  June 20, 2007

    "Asked beforehand if we would be able to get in to the room an hour early (as check in was 2pm) and we had a wedding at 3pm. I was told that we would have to book for the night before for this to happen - that would be an extra £85 for an hour! Then when we arrived our room was not ready until 2.30pm - not really good enough when had to be ready for a wedding at 3pm." (99880046)

    Hotel building was lovely and good situation.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Caroline ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Chadwell heath , GB  on  June 20, 2007

    "The ambience was pleasant; and the staff helpful and friendly. Parking was a slight challenge - entry to the car park is via a CCTV or other signal. This is slightly disconcerting. There were not quite enough parking spaces on the Saturday I was there." (99967810)

    The room was clean and tastefully decorated. The rooms were of generous size.

    Some evidence of a need for refurbishment - especially in the bathroom. This is a minor quibble.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  June 13, 2007

    Near city centre

    The shower hose in Room 402 was badly split at the base so showering wasn't great. This fault was reported on check out.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 1, 2007

    "The directions to the hotel were poorly when taking into consideration that Norwich has two cathedrals with hotels close by. It took a while and a few wrong turns to find the hotel. The location is good though and within walking distance of the town centre, the river and a number of restaurants. Check-in was fine and we got an upgrade from 'room only' to include breakfast at a discounted price. The hotel was busy with a number of hen nights but overall it did not cause too many problems. Breakfast was good, even though the quality differed between Sunday and Monday morning." (99308047)

    The central location and availability of parking.

    The dark, poorly decorated bedroom and the (small) bed with a sagging mattress.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Iain ( Mature couple) 

    from Rugby , GB  on  May 31, 2007

    "I shall be staying again." (99280765)

    Location, facilities

    The Rain! Otherwise, nothing

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  May 23, 2007

    "the hotel in general is very good from booking in to booking out our stay was made enjoyable by the helpful friendly staff ,pleasant atmosphere nice food ,most enjoyable,could do with a sign though so you no where the car park is situated" (99088665)

    quite homely good facilities spacious clean tidy rooms

    not a dislike,but the signs directing you to your room are misleading

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  May 14, 2007

    Big room, good location, friendly staff.

    Overall look of the hotel a bit shabby.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  May 10, 2007

    Centre of town and easy car parking

    The heating was not on and it was cold, we had to request a fan heater

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 William ( Same sex couple) 

    from Birmingham , GB  on  May 9, 2007

    Very conveniently placed

    The general decor was very tired.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  May 1, 2007

    rooms were very small. Corridors to rooms were very narrow

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 30, 2007

    Very friendly and effiecent staff. Close to Norwich City centre for great shopping.

    In the process of refurbishment but that did not affect the part of the hotel where we stayed.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 18, 2007

    City Centre Car Park

    Slightly noisy bedroom

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  April 17, 2007

    "Staff were very helpful, facilities were good, the room was comfortable and the bathroom good - I had to leave (at 7.30am)before breakfast but could have ordered room service." (99623120)

    Comfortable room, good bathroom

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Julian ( Mature couple) 

    from London , GB  on  April 16, 2007

    "The central position of the hotel is perfect for visitors to the city and the large car park was very much appreciated. The building is very interesting with a very comfortable atmosphere. We particularly liked the Courtyard with its historic frontages. The food was good as was the service. The decor and carpets were tatty in places but this did not detract from the enjoyment of our stay." (99318119)

    Very well provided with tea, coffee, towels etc. Comfortable room. Good ensuite bathroom

    Only a minor quibble but we were aware of a constant background noise - the boiler?

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Stephen ( Mature couple) 

    from Billericay , GB  on  April 13, 2007

    "The room we were given was above average in size with many hotels we have stayed in. Although the decor was quite old, it was clean and tidy. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. We would definitely stay again in this hotel." (99338320)

    The room was quite old but clean. The staff were very pleasant.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Mary ( Family with older children) 

    from Braintree essex , GB  on  April 13, 2007

    "I would have liked to have known that the room was a smoking room whick booking on line did not indicate. Overall I did enjoy my stay at the hotel but felt that the hotel could have been cleaner as there were obviously parts of it that has been neglected and not maintained. All staff were very nice and helpful." (99882580)

    Very central to everything.

    The smell of smoke in the bedroom, previous occupant was obviously a smoker and the pillows smelt of smoke.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  April 11, 2007

    "The hotel is in a good location, right in the city centre provinding access to good shopping, bars and restaurants. They also allowed us to keep our car in the hotel carpark on the day we checked out allowing us more time to enjoy the location without any hassle." (99587394)

    The bed was very comfortable and the staff are very helpful.

    The room could have done with some modernisation, the bathroom was very worn but clean.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Derrick ( Young couple) 

    from Copford , GB  on  April 11, 2007

    Convenience for town. Beautiful building in need of desperate modernisation which is happening at the moment

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 4/10 Donna ( Young couple) 

    from Nottingham , GB  on  April 11, 2007

    Closeness to city, restaurants and bars

    The hotel smelt bad, really damp. Was a lot of building work going on.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 11, 2007

    "Bar prices were very expensive so we tended not to wine and dine at the hotel." (99947219)

    Clean,well ordered

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 5, 2007

    "Comfortable hotel, ideal for our requirements and good location. Good value for money. Would stay here again." (99813190)

    Very clean, attractive room. Comfortable bed. Excellent shower. Despite being the start of April and coming out of a warm spell of weather, it had turned chilly and was pleased to find the heating was still on. We didn't use the restaurant or bar so can't comment on that, but overall impression of what we saw was very good with character. Ideally situated for bars, shops and restaurants. An excellent base to explore the city.

    Only downside was the view of building works from the bedroom window, but obviously this should be short-term.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  May 9, 2007

    "We expected a quiet night, even though the hotel was right in the centre of Norwich. But we were allocated a room at the front of the hotel which overlooked a very busy traffic roundabout, therefore we had very little sleep. The main problem was the old fashioned single glazed sash windows Any more than one night in that room would have been a disaster. We did not use the restaurant because right next door was a Weathspoons public house, offering much, much cheaper fare." (99270463)

    The location.

    It was very basic.

    0 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Jill ( Mature couple) 

    from Leigh on sea , GB  on  April 10, 2007

    "I thought it was great value and better than I had expected for the price." (99155043)

    Everything.... the staff were very helpful on reception. The ambiance and decor was lovely throughout and a great central location.

    Nothing although the room was a little bit cold.

    0 of 2 people found this review helpful:

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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