Recommended by a cruise company, we booked for a 1-night stay at this comfortable hotel. Rebuilt in 2009 after a fire, it has the comfort and facilities of a modern hotel and still manages to keep its historic feel.
Our ensuite bedroom had lots of room to move about, comfortable seating, lots of storage and table top surfaces. The ensuite had a bath/shower.
The hotel was accessible for those with mobility issues with a lift to upper floors.
Guests were invited to sit in the bar or lounge with a coffee until check-in time (we knew we were early) and labelled luggage was held in the locked office.
We arrived in time for an early lunch. Choosing from a varied menu, we elected to eat a light snack, leaving room for dinner in the evening. The food was excellent, well cooked and worth waiting while it was cooked fresh. As we ate, people appeared for the Orsett Hall ‘Afternoon tea’ obviously popular among locals. Dinner was, again, very well cooked and more guests appeared who had the look of being cruise passengers.
Breakfast the next morning, yes, we could pick out those who were sailing on the cruise. Discussions of embarkation procedures, parking, luggage etc. A mix of new and return passengers.
The grounds are spectacular. We were so lucky to find ourselves there on a cold, dry, winter’s day and I don’t think the temperature rose above 5C? Perfect preparation for arctic travel. I can only think how lovely the gardens will be in spring and summer when in full colour.
There was building work in progress- a new spa/leisure centre, I think? Although evident if you walked in that direction, there was no noticeable noise or disruption to those staying in the hotel. There is also a golf course onsite.
One of the really impressive features of the hotel’s pre-cruise arrangements were their taxi booking. They took note of everyone’s check-in times and arranged fixed price transport to the cruise terminal, taxi sharing if wished (where possible due to times).
