The River Haven Hotel

All the staff were very friendly,happy and very helpful. Our room was lovely we were given an upgrade as the receptionist said it would be a nicer view over the river with a terrace,it was lovely and warm in the room too. The Hotel was very central to walk to Town in 5 minutes and also just around the corner we found a lovely walk to The Nature Reserve and then along the coast to Winchelsea Beach. The hotel food was excellent we had breakfast 2 mornings and 1 evening meal. The quality of the meals were excellent and came out piping hot. Also a bonus is that the hotel has free parking which was very welcome and not usual from all the other hotels in Town.

My only concern is the reception area,it was a little shabby unlike the rest of the hotel areas and rooms. Also the cooked breakfast was excellent but I would have liked to see a bowl of fruit cocktail rather than whole fruit and maybe some croissants to have with the jam provided.

The breakfast selection was very good with cereal, toast, yoghurts etc in addition to a great choice of cooked breakfasts. The chef is excellent and cooked poached eggs in the correct way ie in a saucepan not using a poached egg pan. The evening meals had enough choice for everyone and the steaks I had were as good as any I have had in a first class restaurant, bearing in mind the price! For a 3-star hotel it was good value. One of the receptionists was extremely helpful and did everything she could to make guests feel welcome. The location is good, and is an easy walk into Rye itself. Some guests have mentioned shabbiness but I do wonder what some people expect for £90 per night......! They pay 3* price but expect 5* accommodation and facilities. All of the staff were friendly and the hygiene was fine with tables immediately cleared of crockery and properly wiped over before the next diners arrived. I would definitely stay there again......

my only comment would be about the striped carpet on the steps into Reception as it was difficult initially to see where the steps started and ended because of the horizonal stripes

Personnel we're so friendly and welcoming. We parked up late morning which was fine having checked with reception. They have a big car park so plenty of room for all guests. The hotel has a great location being only a short stroll away from the centre of Rye. The lounge bar and restaurant has a lovely outlook over a paved sun terrace and garden to the river. The Breakfast menu is limited, but excellent quality and served with a smile. Guests can also help themselves to toast, cereals, fruit, yogurts and juices. Our bedroom was a good size, comfortable, clean and quiet even though we were car park/ road side. The lounge bar is situated in the restaurant area and has a good range of beers +. We had a fabulous stay and hope to return. Excellent value too.

Check in is quite late being 4pm. However we parked up and walked into town, returning late afternoon, so no huge inconvenience. There is plenty to see in town plus lots of excellent pubs.

Firstly I really liked the staff, all of them. They were exceptional; welcoming, so obliging, helpful and courteous. We had our bikes which were not a problem at all. We were able to keep them in our room or in the large reception area, which was manned overnight. The food was outstanding, in particular the smoked mackerel pate, or was it the exquisite creme brulee, or the vegetable curry. All were home made. The chef uses locally sourced produce and takes great pride in his food. Quite rightly too! All praise is well deserved. I noticed that The River Haven Hotel also serve a 3 course Sunday lunch for £21. The hotel and our room was comfortable and spacious and in a super location right alongside the river and only minutes walk to the centre of Rye. I would look forward to a future visit if only to have more of the smoked mackerel pate Thank you to all at The River Haven Hotel.

There was nothing that we didn't like.

We only had the chance to use the restaurant for dinner and breakfast once, but our evening meals were excellent. Hang on to that chef! The restaurant itself is light and airy and overlooks the river so it is a very pleasant place to dine. The young waiter was very polite and efficient. Good parking available.

Like every hotel in 2023, it has a staff shortage, so the person responsible for check-in was also looking after the bar. We were fine but others who arrived after us had a longer wait to be dealt with. The bed wasn't comfortable enough for me but my partner was fine.

Hotel is in an excellent location, with good (free) car parking facilities. The centre of Rye is literally a 5 minute walk from the hotel. The staff were good, and keen to ensure that our experience of Rye was positive. The eating area was nice, and breakfast was fine. Rye has an amazing range of pubs (Rye waterworks micropub is a must - opens from 2pm) and restaurants, so we opted to eat out rather than at the hotel, so cant comment on the evening meal facilities. The room was a good size, and big thanks to the receptionist for putting us in a river facing room. The room and bathroom were absolutely fine, and had tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel is not a 14th century hotel, so this hotel is not like staying at, for example, the mermaid hotel in Rye. It does however provide excellent value for money in a good location (including car parking) with helpful staff! Worked for us.

No specific dislikes.

The hotel had a nice relaxed atmosphere. Restaurant was particularly good. Nice views of the river. Breakfast menu was very tasty. Each item was cooked very well. They gave generous portions. The chef was top quality. The staff were very relaxed and friendly. The hotel had a very welcoming vibe to it. It was a great location for walking. We visited a lot of the surrounding area.

TV was too small. Bathroom sink area was quite small. The continental breakfast could have offered a little bit more.

Close to town. Comfortable, good sized room. Room was clean with good facilities. Good quality breakfast with reasonable variety of choices. Friendly, helpful staff. Windows opened in corridors every morning to allow fresh air in. Lots of hot water. Good parking.

Outside was a bit unkempt and could be slightly more attractive but new planting could be seen in window boxes which was nice. Shower controls difficult to operate making hot water difficult to control. No fence/barrier at edge of river.

Maureen and I have both travelled extensively throughout the UK for nearly 50 years for business and pleasure. We have no hesitation in saying that the River Haven Hotel is right up there as one of the best SMALL hotels we have ever stayed in. The hotel has everything one would need for a restful break in a charming area. During our stay there was nothing at all to complain about. Lovely warm room, quiet, superb food, clean throughout the hotel and friendly chatty staff at all times. Rye is a charming, picturesque town with restaurants all over and pretty dwellings to see. However re the restaurants please do try the River Haven itself for food, lovely!! In conclusion, well done to all the staff at this lovely little hotel, you have a little "gem" here for sure. We will be back!!!

The Location was good or access to Rye Centre, and was nice to be beside the river. The room was quite spacious, beds comfortable. Cooked Breakfast was good. Staff were all really friendly. helpful, efficient and professional. The food in the restaurant was very good and good value for money.

Thought the bathroom was a little tired, generally prefer walk in showers for mobility. Thought there could have been more choice for continental style breakfast food.