Where to Stay
Our very own Terry Ware, takes on our biggest hotel challenge to date……
Ruth Watson, the no
Images from top to bottom: Restaurant, Garden Bedroom, Fireside Seating, Trinity Restaurant
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nonsense TV presenter of The Hotel Inspector, is co‐owner of The Crown and Castle Hotel in the pretty village of Orford, Suffolk. It was time to tackle the ultimate review and see if all the presenters experience would stand the challenge. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon, a little weary from my Birthday celebrations the previous evening, and was greeted by a lovely little dog in the outside office reception (very dog friendly here if you want to bring your little friends) which was a lovely touch. It had that holiday feeling from my early childhood and being separate from the main building to check in is a great idea. We were directed to our newly converted room, “Best Terrace Room”, across the courtyard. This is a superb room‐ very tastefully furnished with the most comfortable big bed adorned with Egyptian cotton bedding (best sleep I can remember!!). The bathroom was 5 star standard with a huge walk in constant and powerful shower. Good quality soaps and accessories finished the experience. After a well wrapped up winters walk around the village and harbour we spent a very peaceful few hours winding down in the bar, again, furnished in great style without losing that homely feeling. In the evening we left our room to head for the restaurant and immediately as you leave the building the pathway lights up with romantic lights that lead the way to the
main building. The restaurant is very laid back with a "wear what you want" attitude and it all fits together; some dressed for that special dinner and some in jeans‐ it works. The food was quite simply stunning and the wine complimented it well without breaking the bank. I loved the absence of the wine ceremony of tasting, checking and sniffing (but they would if you wanted to pretend to be an expert). Brilliant‐ may more restaurants take note.
From my experience, hotels worldwide, whatever standard seem to let you down when it comes to breakfast, but not here. It was the best breakfast, fresh and tasty, with a good selection. The orange juice tasted like oranges and the coffee was wonderful with farmhouse quality breads and marmalade to compliment it.
There was no challenge here‐ this was one of the best hotels I have stayed in for a long time. A lot of thought and experience has gone into every tiny aspect of your stay, all carried out by very efficient and friendly staff “NO POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE” but there when they needed to be. To Ruth and all at the Crown and Castle, you should be very proud. Thank you.
Written by Terry Ware Contact
The Crown and Castle T: +44 (0)1394 450205 W:
www.crownandcastle.co.uk
www.a1lightingmagazine.com
A1
Inspecting Inspector
the
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