The Thorpeness Hotel, Aldeburgh

Thorpeness, Aldeburgh, IP16 4NH 3  

The hours fly by where time stood still......a genuine seaside 'hidden gem' on the Suffolk Heritage coast. Golf, Tennis, Cycle Hire,Walking available ... more

 

£ Rooms from £90 (≈ $158) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
9/10 Check-in process
8/10 Your room
8/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
9/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
8/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
8/10 Overall value for money
  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  April 13, 2008

    "Excellent hotel. Would definitely recommend it." (97111210)

    It was a lovely hotel, very comfortable room and would stay there again. Good food & friendly staff.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 7, 2008

    "Only for one night but a pleasant stay and good value for money." (97685630)

    Quiet location adjacent to nature reserve, good food

    Lots of different levels and steps in doorways. Bed rather hard

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Marina ( Mature couple) 

    from Much hadham , GB  on  September 23, 2008

    "Weather was unusually fine!" (107228112)

    Very impressed by follow up phone call, after on-line booking, regretting that restaurant would be closed but offering to book an alternative. All staff very pleasant and helpful. Location glorious!

    Suggest the cast concrete coping stones on the terrace wall be rendered and whitewashed.

  • 10/10 Daniela ( Mature couple) 

    from London , GB  on  September 2, 2008

    "Very enjoyable stay. Made to feel welcome. Would recommend. " (107143672)

    Attractive location; spacious bedrooms; clean with tasteful decor; well-mannered and informative staff.

    Hotel not easy to find from main road. No tea bags on hospitality tray in bedroom. No changing facilities at Country Club [tennis courts situated]

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 31, 2008

    "It was a good solid conservative sort of place-did all it appeared to say it did and an excellent location for discovering a delightfully interesting and under explored part of the world." (107230049)

    Delightful garden to stroll around in the evening and an unusual, quaint little hamlet on hand in a setting very reminiscent of colonial Kenya in its heyday with a touch of Buchan's 39 Steps thrown in. Nostalgic if thats what suits.

    There was a very strong smell of tobacco smoke in the bathroom overnight-so bad it needed the air vent on all night to stop the smoke coming under the doors.

  • 8/10 Richard ( Mature couple) 

    from Swindon , GB  on  July 2, 2008

    "Comfortable in an relaxed setting. We weren't there for the golf, but recognise that golfers should get a lot out of it." (108031134)

    Lovely setting, plenty of local interest, Dolphin Inn down the road provided a fantastic meal. Room was a very good size.

    Only "picky" point would be that their sign is parallel to the road - it would be more helpful to have one that is at right angles so that someone driving a car can spot without endangering the local populace.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  April 26, 2008

    Clean, spacious, big bed, lovely bathroom

    balcony view, No bubble Bath

  • 8/10 James ( Mature couple) 

    from Leighton buzzard , GB  on  March 7, 2008

    "Overall experience very good. Excellent location with views out over wetlands. Room very spacious with all facilities. Restaurant food and choice excellent. Breakfast especially with loads of choice including smoked haddock, kippers, waffles, as well as the usual full english and continental choice. Really it is part of the golf club with lots of players in the restaurant and bar but not a problem." (97468558)

    The location and views. Also the restaurant

  • 8/10 Gerald ( Mature couple) 

    from Hilborough norfolk , GB  on  March 6, 2008

    it was very quiet and relaxing.a lovely spacious room

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 5, 2008

    "We knew that this was a golf club but we didn't feel particularly welcomed into the club as non golfers! Although no-one was rude, it would have been nice to have been made to feel that we were just as important as the people playing golf - somehow we didn't experience that. The food was excellent though and the service was very good in the dining room." (97825206)

    I liked the fluffy white towels and dressing gowns and the fact that the towels were changed each day, despite only staying 2 nights. I also liked the goodies left in the bathroom, especially the plastic duck!

    I disliked the rattling door to the balcony, as it was very windy and the door rattled all night, so I didn't get a good night's sleep!

  • 8/10 Robin ( Mature couple) 

    from Oxford , GB  on  November 8, 2007

    "It was a good experience overall; we both enjoyed it. The staff were friendly and efficient." (97926868)

    Quietness and spaciousness of room.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  November 6, 2007

    "A very nice hotel in a lovely location would like to visit again earlier in the year next time and take more advantage of some of the other facilities on offer." (97226317)

    Room was nice and spacious had a homely effect about it

  • 8/10 Jennifer ( Mature couple) 

    from Scunthorpe , GB  on  April 17, 2007

    "We chose this hotel from the on-line description and reviews and the fact that it was near to the coast,and we were not disappointed. We are not golfers but in fact this made no difference and we found the view from the restaurant over the golf course interesting. Also we found the history and development of Thorpeness fascinating and would certainly come again for a longer stay as it is an excellent base to explore the surrounding area, as this time we were en-route to visit relatives." (99986684)

    The beautiful view of the Meare from the bedroom balcony. The sunset. The peace and tranquility and and opportunity for birdwatching.

    Noisy water system at times. Fire doors bang when closing.

  • 9/10 Vic ( Mature couple) 

    from Chalfont st giles , United Kingdom;GB  on  April 16, 2007

    "From the welcome to the farewell, the staff were freindly and helpful. The only reason for not giving them top marks was bad service one morning at breakfast, otherwise it was all as good or better than expected." (99005530)

    Large, airy rooms. Peace & quiet. Pleasant surroundings.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 24, 2007

    "Food was limited and expensive" (99088233)

    Room / staff

    Food

  • 10/10 Simon ( Mature couple) 

    from Newcastle tyne , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 18, 2006

    the accommodation was of a high standard ,clean and well maintained --staff were very helpful and attentive -te location was splendid and atmosphere in the hotel very warm and welcoming

    nothing --it was first rate

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  December 8, 2006

    "My one complaint about the overall experience is the check-in and check-out times (2pm and 10am respectively). Happily, we were permitted some flexibility for checking in but 10am is, in my view, an unfortunate check-out time. I would suggest that - at least on the Sunday of a weekend break - the check out time should be midday. Outside of this, I strongly recommend the hotel." (99416190)

    Very spacious, clean rooms. The location is wonderful being right on the coastline within spitting distance of Aldeburgh.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  November 30, 2006

    "We had come for a weekend 'theatre' break at Snape Maltings. The staff at the hotel were very helpful and friendly creating a relaxed atmosphere. The facilities were excellent and we all had a really lovely time (and that was without the 'boys' having a game of golf! Given the position of the hotel it would be good to have more specific information on bird watching etc. and maybe a 'twitchers' book recording sightings of all local wildlife. Any relevant information is available on your web site although direct e-mail contact with the golf club would be useful if not already available. PLEASE could you ensure that there is natural yogurt available at breakfast. It is only a small thing but some people do not like sugar in everything. Thanks" (3305492188)

    Spacious and light rooms, good tea and coffee facilities, excellent information.

    Car Parking was a little bit limited on the Saturday night otherwise no complaints at all.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  November 1, 2006

    "The reception and bar staff were very pleasant. When we aired our grievances on check-out, our bill was immediately reduced." (3305352087)

    It is located in a most beautiful part of the country.

    Lumpy beds and cracked sink in bathroom

  • 9/10 Caroline ( Mature couple) 

    from Hitchin , United Kingdom;GB  on  October 26, 2006

    Very spacious bedroom with separate seating area with colour television. The restaurant had a nice ambience overlooking the 3rd tee of the adjacent golf course. The food was outstanding, compliments to the chef!

    The bar area was rather tired in terms of furnishings and the wooden floors made the area noisy and echoey.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  November 7, 2007

    The Room.

    Internet not working.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  September 11, 2006

    "Overall an excellent venue - food in the restaurant for Dinner was very good and good value. The Full English was one of the best I've had. The rooms were comfortable & clean, the double bed was wider than the norm but the bathrooms are perhaps showing their age" (3305310235)

    situation of hotel was very pleasant

    unfortunately because of the closeness of the mere there were a lot of flies in the public areas of the Hotel

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 31, 2006

    "An excellent hotel, and close to Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings." (3305081855)

    We were very pleased with the size of the room. It was very comfortable.

    Nothing

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 5, 2006

    "should be able to obtain food after 10.30 as room service, could not" (3305079722)

    relaxed atmosphere and general location

    bed too soft, light bulbs did not work

  • 9/10 Elaine ( Other) 

    from Ingatestone , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 1, 2006

    "Our overall stay was excellent and we felt this was down to the attitude of the staff who were so helpful and welcoming. Unfortunately my mother is very ill and once the staff were aware of her situation they couldn't do enough for us they made us feel that we were there to be looked after. Everyone and I mean everyone from reception to the chamber staff were so concerned they even rang us in the room to find out how she was feeling. A big thank you to all of your caring staff." (3305017147)

    Spaceousness in the room, tea and coffee faclities, cleanliness of room and hotel in general.

    Felt the rooms looked a bit 'tired'.

  • 9/10 William ( Mature couple) 

    from Cheshunt , United Kingdom;GB  on  July 24, 2006

    "Enjoyed our break, food good room comfortable also nice to have a balcony" (3304964696)

    Comfortable and not a long journey from home for us, as we only wanted a short break

    Nothing

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 6, 2006

    "Enjoyed the setting between the Mere and the open green space - don't usually see a deer out of the dining room window.... Glad we knew it was also a golf club - added to the atmosphere of the place, but worth having this pointed out. The quality and variety of food served at dinner and breakfast was a real surprise - hoped for 6/10, but a choice of proper porridge, kippers, haddock and toasted muffins was great. Staff were pleasant and helpful." (3304731735)

    Peace and quiet in a beautiful setting by the Mere. Room was much larger than expected.

    Nothing.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 24, 2006

    "Excellent hotel, if you play golf, I don't, you would really love this place. If you don't play golf you'll love it anyway!! The area is simply enough of a reason, go see the Scallop on the beach, that's why we went - it's as good a reason as any, I cannot understand the naysayers who are against it, it is not as if you have to look at it." (3304534941)

    Location was excellent, food very good and service excellent.

    Nothing!!

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 20, 2006

    "Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay; whilst there were a couple of niggles, we have already recommended the hotel to friends and we would stay again if the occasion arose." (3304513073)

    Large bedroom with seating area, tea and coffee making facilities.

    Room at the end of ground floor corridor - banging door and people walking on grass past window to carpark. Thought should be given to older people and couples with young children occupying adjoining rooms.

  • 8/10 Mark ( Mature couple) 

    from Hitchin , United Kingdom;GB  on  April 19, 2006

    "This is a lovely hotel in a lovely setting. Paying attention to the details outlined above, would be the icing on the cake." (3304523262)

    Very friendly approach from all staff

    Perhaps a hoover would do the carpets a bit of good. Mattress extremely soft in room.

  • 9/10 Anthony ( Mature couple) 

    from London , United Kingdom;GB  on  April 5, 2006

    "A relaxing and memorable long weekend with the guarantee that we will be back very soon. Thank you to you all." (3304401320)

    The view from our room was both breathtaking and relaxing. The quality of the room was excellent, coupled with a warm welcome and precise instructions with regard to finding local attractions.

    Personally I could not find fault with any of the services provided during our stay.

  • 7/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Linslade , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 22, 2006

    "Staff were friendly and helpful, rooms large and warm." (3304367191)

    large rooms,warm, friendly atmosphere.

    Duvet on beds, bathroom could do with up dating.Walking area, carpets could do with cleaning

  • 10/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Ipswich , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 8, 2006

    "This hotel gave us one of the best weekends away we have had. Everything from the waiting staff, the reception, in fact ALL the staff were everything we could ask for.The food was also very good, and always of the highest standard, there were choices of meals to suit everybody. We were so pleased with the hotel we are planning to take my partners daughter there in a few weeks." (3304314262)

    It was very clean and tidy,it had everything we needed for our stay.

    We think the hotel is doing a great job.

  • 5/10 Pamela ( Mature couple) 

    from Sawston , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 1, 2006

    we could not turn the radiator off in our bed room which meant leaving th e window opened all night

  • 8/10 Pauline ( Mature couple) 

    from Milton keynes , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 14, 2005

    "Staff were excellant, very friendly and helpful. On the down side there was a bit of a damp smell in the bedroom and the bathroom needed a good scrub, but was a good size. However this did not spoil a very nice stay. The bar area and restaurant were very good, as was the food, especially the breakfast The area is very pleasant, nice to look out on the golf course from the restaurant. Very peaceful and relaxing stay." (3009220)

    Nice location, good size rooms, nice atmosphere, good restaurant, good value for money.

    Difficult to find the hotel in the dark. Rooms feel a little tired.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  December 6, 2005

    "It wwas only one night -ideally we would like to have stayed longer and so would like to return when the summer comes All in all a nice place to stay" (3304009811)

    good size room (Room 15) but we could hear the header tank in roof space filling up with water(noisy cistern)only a minor annoyance

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  October 25, 2005

    "Breakfast was brilliant!! There was ample choice, everything cooked just right, and the setting was truly wonderful. Was horse-riding that morning locally, and asked if it was at all possible to check out slightly later - midday - but it wasn't an option. Thought 10am check out on a weekend was a little strict, 11am would have suited more, but that was really the only gripe. An odd rule regarding drinks in the rooms:- the hotel reserves the right to supply all soft/alcoholic drinks in the rooms. With this in mind perhaps a mini-bar might be an idea, otherwise, by bringing shop purchased water/wine to your room, you're not playing ball!! Didn't notice the wafer thin walls mentioned in other reviews.....perhaps we were lucky." (2841497)

    Hotel was set back from roads/any noise, was so quiet, and relaxing. Room was large and had everything we needed. View from room was lovely, and staff pleasent at all times. Will come back!

    Room/bed, sold as king size as was actually twin beds zipped together, the the join didn't allow the most comfortable nights sleep!

  • 9/10 Mick ( Young couple) 

    from Southend on sea , United Kingdom;GB  on  October 15, 2005

    "Excellent value for money." (2842197)

    Clean, tidy room. Lounge, bar restaurant all of excellent quality.

    Please ensure that diners do not use their mobile fones in the restaurant.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  October 5, 2005

    "This is a hotel primarily catering to golfers, so as non-golfers we were a little out of place. That having been said, the hotel does have a good location (our room had a sideways view of the Meare from the balcony) and the rooms are spacious and attractive. I would not recommend the restaurant, although breakfast was alright. We thought the hotel a bit overpriced, but Thorpeness is a lovely destination." (2751714)

    the location and the decor in the rooms

    duvets rather than blankets on the beds; cleaner kettles in the rooms; the cooking. The walls between rooms are quite thin - we could hear the people next door.

  • 5/10 Marcus ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Thames ditton , United Kingdom;GB  on  October 5, 2005

    "Adequate. I would recommend the hotel for golf, but not for a break." (2796440)

    The Views mostly.

    Bedrooms were rather shabby, breakfast was pretty poor both days to be honest.

  • 8/10 Vic ( Mature couple) 

    from Billericay , United Kingdom;GB  on  October 1, 2005

    "Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere" (2772204)

    good sized room, lots of hot water, excellent breakfasts

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  September 14, 2005

    "Would have liked to have known how pleasant the hotel surroundings were with lovely views of the garden and lake - also details about your golf course - such things as green fees and any discounts for residents." (2708559)

    The room, the outlook, adequate car parking and friendly staff. Excellent food with daily change of menu and very pleasant restaurant.

    Porter service would be an advantage particularly for the more elderly patrons.We had to obtain help to find our room!

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  September 2, 2005

    view of lake

    restuarant

  • 9/10 Mirza ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Pembroke , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 13, 2005

    "All was in good order. My compliments to the staff, I found them to very efficient and courteous. Delighted with the stay." (2565866)

    Openness, clean and airy. Comfortable, too.

    It's smoking policy - especially in the public rooms.

  • 8/10 Eileen ( Mature couple) 

    from St neots , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 9, 2005

    "We enjoyed our stay in the lovely area of Suffolk. The hotel is very pleasant and the dinner menu is exceptionally good, and very good value. All a bit golfie for us none golfers but that did not detract from our stay." (2538103)

    Very relaxed atmosphere and the staff were friendly

    The service at breakfast, on the first morning we waited 40 minutes for a pot of tea and, having asked for porridge followed by a cooked breakfast, my husbands' breakfast arrived while I was eating my porridge. I didn't feel that we had breakfasted together.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 12, 2005

    "We were pleased with the general ambience of the hotel and were comfortable. Although this is primarily a hotel for golfers, we did not feel out of place. Met another couple who felt the same as us." (2500974)

    Quiet, clean and comfortable with very pleasant, helpful staff.

    Very good food but a less rich selection could be considered.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  June 27, 2005

    Nice big room, clean. Rural location near to where I was working.

    Separate the golfing from the hotel a bit more (feels more like a golf club than a hotel).

  • 8/10 Beryl ( Mature couple) 

    from Northampton , United Kingdom;GB  on  June 24, 2005

    location

    bathroom toiletries

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 21, 2005

    "as indepentent travellers, we had all the information we required, if it was not readily available we sourced it on the net. all facilities were as expected and the location superb." (2367877)

    the staff and location were excellent

    room cleanliness

  • 8/10 Helen ( Mature couple) 

    from Ipswich , United Kingdom;GB  on  June 17, 2005

    "The hotel is in a lovely setting, its clean, bright and comfortable. The rooms spacious, wonderful bath towels replaced daily and generaly in good state of repair. The dining room nice and bright but as previously stated the food could have been better. A little quiet for us in some ways but ideal in others. I would return some point in the future." (2361435)

    Rooms were spacious and clean, plenty of hot water, friendly staff

    The restaurant - the Friday evening meal was quite good but on Saturday we were both very disappointed with the food we had the roast pork which was supposedly loin but I think that very doubtful and the roast potatoes were absolutely dreadful. Breakfast was ok but the fruit had run out both mornings and so had the orange juice. Not exactly the best start to the day.

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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