I stayed at the 18th century hotel in one of England’s prettiest towns that feels like stepping into Pride & Prejudice
IF you love fantastic food and hotels that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Pride & Prejudice, we have just the place for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The George In Rye in East Sussex.
Where is The George in Rye?
Slap bang in the middle of town, you won’t miss The George in Rye – the Georgian House is painted in an easily-spottable salmon pink.
What’s it like?
The Grade II listed building dates back to 1575, welcoming three previous King Georges.
And the hotel has masterfully toed the line of restoring its heritage while modernising just enough.
Think old wooden staircases and low beamed bars next to trendy cocktail menus.
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What are the rooms like?
The exterior of the hotel doesn’t betray the maze of the building which saw me go down stairs, up stairs and through courtyards to find my tucked away room.
Bold pattern wallpapers and vintage furniture were offset by brushed brass lights and DAB radios.
My king-size bed was deliciously sink-into-able, while the lounge area was the best spot for a cup of tea and a biscuit, all complimentary.
The larger rooms – I was staying in their Junior Suite – have roll top baths, so you better believe I hopped straight in, making the most of the free Verbon toiletries.
It even has a tiny outdoor patio and table and chairs for you to have a coffee in the warmer months.
If you’re on a budget, opt for their Cosy Rooms which are more compact but just as gorgeous. Rooms start from £125 a night. See thegeorgeinrye.com.
What is there to eat and drink?
The restaurant is a must, even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel.
The Grill is the epitome of cosiness with deep red walls, low lighting and the perfect level of lo-do music.
And it has a delightfully concise menu – I hate having too many options.
My smoked salmon salsa to start was refreshingly zingy and fresh, and just light enough to line my stomach before devouring their rib eye steak.
My dessert was the star of the show, with super sweet macerated strawberries offset by kalamata ice cream and marshmallow.
If you want to swap the pudding for a cocktail, The Dragon Bar has a great menu which also includes wines and beers.
Try the drink of the season – a Sarti Spritz – or my favourite, the aptly named Dragon Mojito.
(Come back for breakfast too – my Mimosa and Hastings Kipper went down a treat).
What else is there?
As tempting as it is to stay at the hotel, the town of Rye needs to be explored.
Grab a decadent hot chocolate from Knoops, before walking the cobbles paths of Mermaid Lane, which look straight out of a fairytale.
Beach days aren’t far away either, with Camber Sands beach just down the road too.
Is it family friendly?
The hotel has some rooms that are perfect for kids, with the Luxury Rooms and Junior Suites able to fit kids beds
Is it accessible?
There is an accessible room which can be accessed by the ground floor lift, which can also take you to the ballroom.
However being such an old building, there may be some issues with getting around the rest of the hotel.