The Falstaff

1016 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

3/5

Review type

Accommodation

Date of travel

June, 2018

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Partner

Reasons for trip

Culture / Sightseeing

Canterbury’s aptly named “The Falstaff”:http://www.thefalstaffincanterbury.com/ is ideally situated just outside the West Gate and within a short walk of all the city’s sights (although to be fair, it’s a very compact place). There was a large entrance with a sitting room on the right, reception opposite and elegant bar straight ahead.

Arriving at noon, check in wasn’t until 3pm but formalities were conducted, city map provided, and bags left. We adjourned to the Bishops Finger pub next door for lunch.

There are 46 bedrooms in both the main building and in two separate adjacent ones: The Tap and Old Woodmill. Room 28 in the main building was fine, but nothing special. However, the huge bed was exceptionally comfortable with crisp white sheets and ‘just right’ pillows. It was so comfortable that despite going to bed at 10pm, one morning we didn’t wake up until 8.45am which is very late for us. The bedside tables and desk were old fashioned, dark wood and there was a single arm chair. Roy wondered why there was a sheepskin rug in an unusual position until he found worn carpet underneath! A cupboard had hanging space and on a high shelf a tray with tea making equipment and kettle which I’m sure was a health and safety hazard – it should have been left on the desk where there was a plug point. A welcome letter explained that fresh milk was available on request but there was no fridge.

The bathroom was very compact. The plus side was gushing hot water and a powerful shower over the bath, but the downside was that it was a little difficult to get in and out over the bath edge and the shower curtain flapped. The wall mounted box they called a hair dryer had neither puff nor heat but toiletries (soap, shower gel and shampoo) were provided. The extractor fan was very noisy and automatically came on with the light.

Our room had a door leading onto a small courtyard with eleven grotesque sculptured heads protruding from the ancient wall: a sign suggested they dated back to Medieval times and had been recovered from an ecclesiastical building. We were disappointed about the lack of table and chairs until we realised it led onto the outdoor terrace of the hotel with wicker tables and chairs which caught the last sun of the day.

The hotel sitting room was full of character with beams, stone walls, huge squashy sofas and low tables and chairs and was ideal for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing.
The long bar had smart turquoise leather bar stools and was well stocked. We had a pre-dinner G&T one evening and were offered a range of at least 10 gins and various tonics.

Breakfast (7am to 10am) was included in our rate (£65 per room per night). There was a good selection of juice, fruit, cereals and thick Greek yoghurt whilst the hot buffet had sausages, well cooked bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, scrambled egg and baked beans and you could make your own toast. Coffee and tea were served in individual cafetieres and teapots. Altogether, a splendid affair.

Afternoon tea was available but not evening meals (although a selection of paninis could be ordered). However, there are lots of options within a short walk.

The hotel is a short walk from Canterbury West Railway Station or a £4 taxi ride from Canterbury East. There is also a car park at the rear.

Helen Jackson

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.