I love the faded grandeur of the building. It was warm and comfortable.

Unfortunately breakfast on Sunday morning was a shambles. People were queuing for self service food but it was virtually empty. It took 15 mins for the eggs to arrive. There were no croissants or pastries. Guest were having to stack dirty pots on other tables in order to have a table to sit at. Far from the normal standard and we have stayed there 3 times this year. The bar was very poorly stocked no gin or brandy . My sister asked for an extra pillow as she only had one, it never arrived. Very disappointing

Room was lovely but does need a little bit of decorating here and there (Deben suite) to be honest. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Water lovely and hot in rooms and as it was so cold outside the room was lovely and warm to come back to. Nice and quiet in the evenings for sleeping. Breakfast all good this time except for the rubbery eggs .

Nice selection at breakfast but every single time we have stayed the eggs are awful, yolks are tinged black and the white of the eggs are like rubber . Tried one on our first visit it was dreadful and the same this visit so just had a look under the cover and always looked the same. Really prefer poached eggs but none on offer as per menu and no one around to ask.

Exceptionally friendly staff. Very welcoming. Took the time to fully answer our questions and showed us areas like the library and restaurant which was so interesting to me as it was 50 years ago since I visited as a teenager! All 3 reception staff from checking in to checking out were excellent. They seemed proud of the hotel. With a special mention for Rob who arranged our room service and always smiling and very helpful. Room was very clean, comfortable with good size shower. Lovely fluffy towels, plenty of tea/coffee We had breakfast room service both mornings. First morning was my birthday so a lovely start to my special day. Food excellent and generous.

We should have been informed about the refurbishment work and in particular the restaurant being closed. We were informed this was a booking.com omission to inform guests. As apparently you were told a few weeks previous. Was my birthday and fully expected to have a special meal in the hotel as opposed to bringing in a takeaway as only a couple of restaurants close by which were already fully booked on Saturday.

This Victorian Hotel is unique and still has the old character about it. The ambience feels like an extra star. The new owners have chosen their staff with care and employed great friendly staff that welcome you; which is important. There’s nothing worse than being greeted by people who are there to get paid and nothing else. Can’t wait to return to the upgraded version this year.

The fact that the restaurant was closed made it slightly difficult for my wife and myself to celebrate her 78th Birthday without some serious walking at our ages . Apparently we should have been warned earlier. We were emailed on the evening of arrival. The reception managers were second to none. We knew one of the gentleman from previous visits and the manager on our arrival who was new to us was “ an extra mile sort of guy “ The thing that really impressed us was… Due to the restaurant closure we could have ordered in and have used the hotel areas for our dining. Now that is customer care and some.

Good location, 10 minutes walk from the seafront. Lovely hotel, well appointed superior room. Friendly staff. Good value for money stay.

Although the bathroom was very modern and spotlessly clean, the bin lid just popped off every time we used it (very minor point but annoying) and the shower drencher needed descaling. Water sprayed everywhere! Used the hand shower head instead. Again, not major for just the one night. We did request an extension lead for medical equipment as there were no sockets next to the bed. Was told one would be put in the room but unfortunately, this never happened. Made for a very difficult night. However, none of the above spoilt our stay and we would return.

We love the hotel for a short or long break when our adult children can join us. Although new owners, it’s still like coming home.

It’s the same old story throughout the hotel and dinning venues wherever we seem to go these days. We feel oh so sorry for the staff on duty; taking it on the chin for poor management in regard of “UNDERSTAFFING” Almost everywhere, since COVID has changed to having the bare minimum of staff on duty. Economy cutting will work for a time. As a family, we don’t go out staying and dinning as much as we would do- due to that problem greeting us almost everywhere. When I’m out relaxing; I don’t want to wait for extra hours for service that is coming from a person who’s obviously killing themselves trying to cover up incompetence from their superiors in management or ownership. Well done all staff who work their socks if for poor leadership.

Staff were friendly, when you could find someone, room was spacious would definitely stay again, but notes in below

No toilet paper in the room, ask for some and was told it would be taken to room while we were out, got back to room some 6 hours later and still no toilet paper, went to reception, no one around took some from toilet in reception area, did note it the next morning to reception staff. breakfast time was at best chaotic, staff seemed light and finding seating was a little strained, apparently according to staff they had more guest than expected, which i took to be a strange response, cosidering it is a hotel Found decor to be dated and tired, sealing around bath black and mouldy Bed was a little uncomfortable but ok for one night Not enough general purpose sockets

Peaceful atmosphere, clean, comfortable and the staff are gorgeous. I've been visiting the Orwell for nearly 40 years now and all the staff, from management to housekeeping seem to be hand picked for the amazing qualities they all display. The food is top quality, the waiting staff are lovely, front of house always has polite, professional, knowledgeable staff and your housekeeping staff (Those rarely seen or heard) are extremely thorough and hardworking. Everyone works as part of the 'Orwell Team' that keeps the hotel running smoothly. Your hotel staff efficient and helpful which is why your reputation will remain impeccable.

Err... You got me there!

Lovely character hotel,with a Country house feel ,but if you are looking for modern all singing and dancing hotel,this is probably not for you. Despite some reviews,we didn’t see any spaces on walls where pictures have been removed ,nor shabby carpets etc. Just old fashioned comfort. Had a nice cream tea in the garden as weather good and location excellent for access to the town,which is walking distance. Plenty of free parking on site. Our room was big and spacious with a good sized bathroom. Clean throughout.

Although a nice room,it was very warm at all times. Staff generally pleasant and helpful, if not always too professional but several seem to be in training,so don’t know if there is a large turnover. Although reception supposed to be manned all the time,this was not the case and usually guests waiting to get attention. Room not cleaned daily and waste paper bins not emptied at all during four night stay,nor towels changed,although left in heap to change,as wet. Very little emphasise on the food,much more could be done with this side of the hospitality.

The property itself has a lot of character and the public areas were spacious, varied and welcoming. The room we stayed in was fairly large and clean with all the usual items wardrobe, tv, kettle etc and 2 chairs - always a plus when there are two of you. The bed was very comfortable if a little warm for our liking but a fan was provided and the room was quiet. The bathroom was adequate.

Due to the age of the property we felt that the rooms are probably in need of a much awaited makeover. The furniture is fairly dated and looks difficult to keep clean and there were several cracked areas on the walls and paintwork. In addition the electric sockets are never where you need them (next to the bed or mirror). The milk, tea etc provided were on a shelf in such a position that they were in direct sunlight for most of the day which is obviously not a good place. The bathroom was large and had a decent sink and toilet but the fan did not work and the lighting was very subdued. The shower did work well considering it ran off the bath taps but as it was over the bath the area around was only half tiled causing the paint to peel off.