Mermaid Inn

Rye 50.95001100, 0.73202800 , Mermaid Street (Show on Map)
8.8
Excellent


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Summary of reviewsLocated in the heart of the historic town of Rye, the Mermaid Inn offers an exceptional blend of heritage and modern comfort, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. Nestled on picturesque Mermaid Street with its old cobbled streets, the inn exudes historical ambiance, offering guests a peaceful and tranquil retreat. Visitors frequently praise the inn’s central position, which places them within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, the railway station and notable landmarks. The heritage and charm of the building itself, noted for its stunning architecture and cozy lounge and bar areas, add to the overall welcoming and atmospheric setting.

Guests consistently commend the breakfast offerings, highlighting the excellent range of options and high-quality ingredients. Meals are delicious and freshly prepared, featuring traditional full English breakfasts, freshly baked goods and a variety of hot and continental items, including vegan options. While a few noted minor issues with the buffet or specific items, the overall breakfast experience is deemed a delightful start to the day.

Dining at the Mermaid Inn is also a significant highlight with many guests praising the dinners for their culinary excellence and the superb atmosphere of the restaurant. The service in the restaurant is well-regarded with meals such as fish and chips earning positive comments. Although there were occasional mentions of limited menu choices, the general consensus underscores the dining experience at Mermaid Inn as fantastic and worth experiencing.

The rooms at the Mermaid Inn receive praise for their historical charm and character. Despite some rooms being noted as small or stuffy, particularly the single and attic rooms, many guests appreciate the comfortable beds and the clean, well-maintained environments. The inn features a cozy atmosphere in the bar and lounge areas, adding to the overall welcoming ambiance. The rooms are adequately equipped, although some guests noted minor issues with amenities like fridges and ventilation. The character-filled crooked walls and period features leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Cleanliness is another area where the Mermaid Inn excels with guests frequently describing the establishment as spotlessly clean and well-maintained. The high standards of housekeeping extend to both public areas and private rooms, further enhancing the guest experience despite a few mentions of occasional dusty spots or cobwebs.

The staff at the Mermaid Inn are often highlighted as one of the best aspects of the hotel experience. Described as warm, friendly, attentive and highly professional, the staff ensure a genuine interest in guests’ needs and provide exceptional, personalized service. Their knowledge about the hotel's history and surroundings adds depth to the guest experience, contributing significantly to the overall positive atmosphere.

While the WiFi receives mixed reviews with some guests reporting strong connectivity and others finding it weak in certain areas, the general feedback suggests that the WiFi is functional if not always perfect. The parking situation at the inn is also a mixed bag with the on-site parking being limited and tight. However, alternative public car parks are available nearby, though these may sometimes involve a bit of a walk.

The Mermaid Inn is also well-regarded as a family-friendly destination. Large family rooms and thoughtful touches like half portions for kids at meal times make it a suitable choice for those traveling with children. On the whole, the Mermaid Inn provides a charming, historical lodging experience with modern comforts, making it an excellent choice for those looking to delve into the charm and history of Rye.
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Hotel near Golf Courses
This historic inn is located in Rye, offering convenient access to the renowned Rye Golf Club, which is within 3 km.

Historic Hotel
Located in the heart of Rye, this hotel boasts a rich history and unique character. Originally the haunt of notorious smugglers, most of the Mermaid's historic clientele are distinctly more famous than infamous.

Dog Friendly Hotel
This dog-friendly hotel welcomes pets and invites them to explore the medieval town of Rye with their owners. The rooms blend antique furnishings and modern comforts, offering old-world charm and contemporary convenience.

Hotel with Parking
Located in the town center, this hotel offers a 15-space car park exclusively for residents. EV charging points are also available.

3-Star Hotel
This historic inn, rebuilt in 1420 with Norman cellars dating back to the 12th century, offers a unique experience with its period furnishings and secret passageways. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, excellent food at the 2 AA Rosette restaurant, and central location on Mermaid Street.

Haunted Hotel
Some very strange paranormal activities are rumored to be taking place at Mermaid Inn. Some of those are rocking chairs, clothes that get wet when placed close to the fireplace and ghosts of men dueling.

Family Friendly Hotel

Business Hotel

Room Types
Single Room The Inn has 3 single rooms, one with an early Victorian four-poster bed. All rooms have either en-suite bathroom or en-suite shower room. The rooms have free toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, and hair dryer

Double Room Our double rooms have either an en-suite bathroom or shower room with free toiletries. The room is equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and a tea and coffee tray.

Twin Room This elegant room features an en suite bathroom with free toiletries. The room is equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and a tea and coffee tray. The room can be made up as a double room at the guests request with 24 hours notice.

Superior Twin Room Spacious room with charming old features, on the top floor of the hotel with en-suite bathroom. The room is equipped with TV, Wifi, Hairdryer and a tea and coffee tray. This room contains a double and single bed.

Small Double Room Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.

Deluxe Room Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Guest Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Location
The Mermaid Inn boasts an exceptional location in the heart of the historic town of Rye, making it an ideal base for exploring local attractions. Nestled on the picturesque Mermaid Street, this charming hotel exudes historical ambiance and character with its old cobbled streets contributing to a truly atmospheric setting. Guests frequently highlight the inn's central position, which places them within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and the railway station. The proximity to the main church and other notable landmarks further underscores its convenience.

The building itself is steeped in history with many describing it as stunning and full of character. The Mermaid Inn offers a unique combination of historical charm and modern comfort, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich past of Rye while enjoying contemporary amenities. Many reviewers appreciate the superb, quaint architecture and the various cozy lounge and bar areas, noting that the ambiance is both welcoming and rich in historical significance.

In addition to its historical allure, the hotel's location is lauded for its peacefulness and quiet, providing a tranquil retreat once tourists have departed. The convenient access to the Channel Tunnel and nearby towns like Hastings makes it a strategic spot for travelers. With ample free parking available, guests find it easier to explore the scenic surroundings.

Overall, the Mermaid Inn is celebrated for its unique blend of heritage, character and prime location, making it a standout choice for those looking to delve into the charm and history of Rye.

Breakfast
Guests at the Mermaid Inn consistently praise the breakfast offerings at this charming hotel. The consensus is that the breakfasts are very good with an excellent range of options and high-quality ingredients. Many guests found the breakfast to be lovely, delicious and a superb start to the day. The service is often highlighted as excellent with breakfast being freshly prepared and featuring good choices, including vegan options. Notable mentions include the traditional full English breakfast, freshly baked goods and a nice variety of hot and continental items.

On the positive side, the breakfast experience is often described as amazing with a premium breakfast experience that includes exceptional and very tasty dishes. Special highlights include the availability of a rich and freshly prepared breakfast with some guests particularly enjoying the smoked salmon and consistently cooked items.

However, the reviews also indicate a few areas for improvement. Some guests noted that the breakfast buffet was plain with limited choices and portions were sometimes smaller than expected. There were occasional mentions of slow service and specific items like poached eggs and scrambled eggs not meeting expectations. Despite these minor issues, the overall impression is that breakfast at the Mermaid Inn is generally a delightful experience, living up to the historic charm and high standards of the rest of the hotel.

Dinner
Mermaid Inn offers a remarkable dining experience for its guests with a significant number praising the quality of meals provided. Dinners are often described as fantastic, superb and even exceptional, showcasing a consistent level of culinary excellence. Many highlight the impressive atmosphere and service in the restaurant, adding an extra dimension to the overall dining experience.

Breakfasts also receive high marks, frequently noted as delicious and served beautifully with offerings like full English breakfasts proving popular. The lunch and bar food, especially the fish and chips, are similarly well-regarded, earning positive comments about their taste and quality.

However, a few reviews indicate varying experiences. Some guests mention limited choices and lackluster options on the dinner menu, while others feel the food can sometimes be basic or overpriced. Despite this, the general consensus is that Mermaid Inn provides excellent dining that enhances the stay, making it worthwhile to dine in their restaurant for both evening meals and breakfast.

Rooms
The Mermaid Inn offers a unique stay with its blend of historic charm and comfort. Guests frequently praise the rooms for being stunning, authentically furnished and brimming with character. Many found the beds to be very comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep in a peaceful setting. Despite the quaint and period décor that adds to the hotel's allure, some travelers noted that certain rooms—particularly single and attic rooms—felt rather small and occasionally stuffy or hot.

The rooms are noted for their cleanliness with daily cleaning routines keeping them well-maintained. While some appreciated the modern bathrooms in a historical setting, others reported issues such as small bathroom spaces and the absence of showers in some rooms. Guests highlighted the cozy atmosphere in the bar and lounge areas, which complemented the overall welcoming ambiance of the hotel.

Several reviewers mentioned that their rooms were equipped adequately and appreciated the varied room types that cater to different preferences, although occasionally rooms lacked amenities like fridges. Noise and ventilation were minor issues noted by a few, particularly in rooms near the kitchen or above conference facilities. Nonetheless, the beautiful old building with its crooked walls and charming period features left a lasting impression.

Overall, the Mermaid Inn scores high on character and comfort but could benefit from addressing some of the practical concerns related to room size, temperature control and modern amenities. This inn is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in a historical and unique lodging experience in Rye.

Beds
The majority of guests at Mermaid Inn have found the beds to be quite comfortable with many highlighting the coziness and overall comfort experienced during their stay. Several guests have praised the beds for being very comfy with frequent commendations for the comfortable mattresses and sturdy four-poster beds. However, there have been occasional mentions of discomfort with some guests finding the beds too small, hard or squeaky. A few reviews noted issues with hard pillows and bedding not fitting properly. Despite these concerns, the general consensus leans towards the beds being a positive aspect of the stay, ensuring a decent night's rest for most visitors.

Cleanliness
Mermaid Inn has generally received positive feedback regarding its cleanliness with numerous guests praising the rooms for being lovely, clean and well-maintained. Many found the entire establishment to be spotlessly clean with high standards of housekeeping evident throughout the hotel. Public areas and private rooms alike were frequently described as clean, pristine and well-presented, contributing to an overall pleasant stay.

Several guests noted that the cleanliness extended to the bathrooms, which were frequently mentioned as very clean or even spotless. The characterful and quaint nature of the inn added to its charm, making the clean and comfortable environments all the more enjoyable.

Despite the predominantly positive reviews, there were occasional mentions of areas that could benefit from improvement. Some guests pointed out dusty spots in certain places, less than clean carpets or the presence of cobwebs. A few also remarked that the rooms could use some updating and occasional deeper cleaning. However, these concerns seemed to be the exception rather than the rule with overall cleanliness being a major highlight for the majority of visitors.

In conclusion, Mermaid Inn impresses many with its commitment to cleanliness, ensuring guests have a comfortable and hygienic environment during their stay, despite a few areas where improvements could be made.

Staff
At the Mermaid Inn, guests consistently praise the warm, friendly and highly professional staff. From the reception desk to the porters and restaurant team, every member shows a genuine interest in customers and takes pride in their work. The staff are described as extremely helpful, attentive and ready to accommodate guests' needs at any time, even during late check-ins.

Many visitors highlight the exceptional, personalized service with mentions of specific individuals like the delightful Georgina at the reception. The team is knowledgeable about the hotel's history and surroundings, adding depth to the guest experience. They create a welcoming atmosphere, ensure efficient service and attend promptly to all customer queries and requests.

The hospitality extends to the bar and restaurant, where staff are courteous and eager to enhance the dining experience. While a few guests noted some staff as inexperienced, the overall sentiment remains highly positive due to the enthusiasm and dedication shown by all employees.

In summary, the Mermaid Inn's staff are frequently commended for their friendliness, attentiveness and professional demeanor, making them an integral part of the highly praised guest experience.

Wi-Fi
The WiFi at Mermaid Inn seems to present a mixed experience for guests. While some have reported very reliable and reasonably strong connectivity, others have found WiFi to be weak in certain areas, particularly in the bedrooms. For those who had good WiFi, the connectivity was described as fine and decent. However, there were a few instances where the WiFi was out of use or had weak security and some guests were unable to connect their TVs to the WiFi. Overall, guests can expect generally good WiFi but with occasional limitations depending on their specific location within the hotel.

Parking
Guest feedback about parking at the Mermaid Inn reveals a mix of experiences, primarily skewed towards the challenging nature of securing a spot. The hotel does offer on-site parking, but it is notably small, tight and limited to around 15 vehicles for its 31 rooms. While some guests appreciated the availability of reserved parking and found assistance from staff helpful for moving cars, many found the spaces quite tight and the overall parking experience difficult.

Alternatives include nearby public car parks, typically only a few minutes' walk from the hotel with additional options costing between £2 to £5 per 24 hours. However, some guests mentioned these off-site options can be a bit rough or involve a longer walk. Despite the challenges, some guests managed to find parking spots without major issues, highlighting a bit of a hit-or-miss scenario.

Overall, while Mermaid Inn does offer parking solutions, it is advisable for guests to be prepared for a potentially tricky and sometimes frustrating parking experience.

Family
The Mermaid Inn offers a welcoming and friendly environment, making it a great choice for families. The hotel has received positive feedback for its child-friendly atmosphere and the way it caters to the needs of families. Large family rooms are available, which are perfect for family reunions or events. The hotel staff are especially helpful, assisting with luggage and ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.

Children enjoyed the unique atmosphere and quirkiness of the hotel, which adds a touch of fun to their stay. The availability of half portions for kids at meal times is a thoughtful touch that parents appreciate. The environment is safe for families and the hotel copes well with children, adding to the overall appeal for those visiting with young ones.

Although one review mentioned that it wasn't family-friendly, the majority of the feedback highlights the hotel as a suitable and enjoyable option for families, making it a popular choice for those traveling with children.

3 Star
Mermaid Inn provides guests with a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort that leaves a lasting impression. Upon arrival, the warm and friendly atmosphere at the bar immediately sets a welcoming tone. The inn offers cozy rooms with comfy beds and natural insulating properties, thanks to the building's historic structure. Guests have praised the inn's ability to maintain a sense of history without compromising on modern facilities and excellent services.

The ambiance is particularly noteworthy, described as thick and full of character, featuring huge fireplaces and low ceilings that add to its rustic charm. Despite a few quirks like creaky rooms and occasional warmth, these elements contribute to its unique personality. Some rooms might be particularly warm or suffer from external noise due to their proximity to restaurant extractor fans, but the overall comfort and cleanliness make up for it.

Dining at the Mermaid Inn also stands out with many guests enjoying a delightful Sunday lunch. The inn successfully combines historical allure with a high level of service, cleanliness and comfort, resulting in an experience that stays true to its three-star rating but often exceeds expectations with its genuine charm.

Business
Mermaid Inn offers a generally quiet atmosphere, which can be beneficial for business travelers needing a calm environment. Notably, the inn is recognized as a good business venue, making it suitable for corporate events or meetings. While there were limited mentions of specific business accommodations, the inn is described as a working hotel with great features, indicating that it may indeed cater to business needs. However, some reviews suggest that cleaning services might need attention to fully meet business travelers' expectations. With an accommodating approach, the Mermaid Inn may serve well for business-oriented stays.

Historic
Nestled in the heart of a historic town, Mermaid Inn offers a unique journey back to the 14th century. This fascinating old hotel, rebuilt in 1420, is brimming with charm and character. The building’s ancient roots are preserved in its timber-framed structure, low ceilings and quirky, wonky stairs, providing a genuine old-world experience.

The ambiance of the inn is exceptionally atmospheric with cosy real fires and historic furnishings that transport guests back in time. The property is not only full of historical interest but also impeccably maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay within its ancient walls. The tales of ghosts and secret passages add an element of intrigue to the already rich historical tapestry.

Guests frequently highlight the inn’s distinctive historical charm, describing it as dripping in and seeping with history. The Mermaid Inn's incredible past includes a reputation as a haunt for smugglers, enhancing its enchanting allure.

The beautiful old building, located on the most picturesque street of Mermaid, boasts a setting that complements its historical significance. The inn's historical appeal is matched by its authenticity, blending old-world charm with the practical comforts of today. Whether it's the quaintness of the surroundings or the hotel’s characterful ambiance, staying at Mermaid Inn is described as a privilege—a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in a slice of history that has been thoughtfully preserved.

Dog Friendly
Mermaid Inn is a charming and historically rich destination that allows guests to bring their dogs, though with some limitations. While dogs are warmly welcomed in the guest rooms, their access to other areas of the Inn, such as the bar and restaurant, is restricted. This setup has left some visitors feeling disappointed, as they expected a more inclusive dog-friendly experience. Despite this, the Inn’s significant historical charm and beautifully preserved grounds provide a delightful backdrop, steeped in history that dates back 500 years. The building's unique ambiance, ancient creaking floors and even tales of smuggling tunnels contribute to its allure as one of the oldest inns with a rich historical significance. The hotel’s dedication to preserving its historical essence is evident, making it an intriguing destination for lovers of history and heritage. To accommodate guests traveling with dogs, room service for meals could be improved to make the experience more convenient. Nonetheless, for those seeking a stay in a place that offers both history and the ability to have a dog in the room, Mermaid Inn is a noteworthy option.


No, Mermaid Inn doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Mermaid Inn.

Yes, Mermaid Inn welcomes dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Mermaid Inn.

No, Mermaid Inn doesn't have a gym.

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