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Summary of reviewsThe Inn On The Lake is widely praised for its superb location, offering easy access to major motorways like the A2, ample parking and a serene setting by the lake which provides picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere. This appealing backdrop is ideal for both short stays and extended visits with many travelers appreciating the nearby forest walking trails and its dog-friendly environment.
The breakfast experience is generally well-received for its value, quality and variety, including options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets. Though there are occasional issues with wait times and inconsistencies, most guests find breakfast to be a satisfying start to their day. Dinner experiences, while mixed, often highlight the good quality and taste of the food with bar meals being a popular choice. However, guests sometimes encounter limited menu options and less-than-optimal service during busy times.
Rooms at the hotel offer a mix of spaciousness and comfort with lovely lake views and cozy beds frequently mentioned. However, the decor and furnishings are noted to be outdated and some guests have reported cleanliness issues, indicating a need for modernization and better maintenance. Despite these concerns, most guests find the rooms functional and comfortable for their stay.
Cleanliness throughout the property receives generally positive feedback with many noting the well-maintained rooms and strict cleaning protocols. Nonetheless, isolated incidents of dirt, stains and outdated furnishings suggest room for improvement in certain areas.
The staff at Inn On The Lake are consistently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, creating a welcoming atmosphere that significantly enhances the overall guest experience. This strong emphasis on hospitality is a clear highlight of the hotel.
Free Wi-Fi is another positive aspect with guests appreciating the reliable and fast internet access across the property, ensuring they can stay connected without hassle.
Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious family rooms, child-friendly activities and a pet-friendly policy adding to their positive experience. Despite some dated decor and limited food choices for kids, the overall atmosphere and helpful staff make it a suitable choice for family visits.
The quality of beds receives mixed reviews with many finding them comfortable and conducive to good sleep. Nonetheless, a notable number of guests report issues with comfort and quality, suggesting that updates and replacements may be needed.
For business travelers, the hotel's prime location and functional amenities make it a practical choice. The meeting rooms, efficient staff and ample parking are well-suited to professional needs, although some areas like soundproofing and decor could benefit from improvements. The reliable Wi-Fi, convenient location and reasonable rates make it a popular option among contractors and frequent business travelers. Show more
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Dog Friendly Hotel
This inn welcomes dogs and offers a relaxing environment. It provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area with your pet.
Dog Play Area
Do you accept dogs in all rooms? Yes
Is there an extra charge? Yes, £ 10 per night
Should the dog owner notify you before checking in? Not necessarily
What is the maximum number of dogs per room? Up to 2 dogs are allowed in each room.
Is there a maximum weight of dogs accepted? No
Are there any leash-free play areas? Yes
Should the dog be kenneled at all times in the room? No
Should the dog be kenneled/kept in a pet carrier at all times in public areas? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in the room? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in public areas? Yes
Are the dogs allowed on the furniture? No
Are the dogs allowed on beds? No
What are the basic requirements to accept a dog?
Must not be aggressive
Must be clean
Must not have fleas
Must use designated areas
Owners must clean pet waste immediately
Owners are responsible for any damage caused by the dog
Must not be left unattended in the room
Is there a refundable deposit to guard against damages? No
Do you provide any of these?
Food and water bowls
Except for dogs, do you also accept other pets? Yes
Do you have a written and comprehensive pet policy available on request? Yes
Capable of hosting events from large scale conferences, training events and team building days to smaller, more intimate business meetings and functions. It has a choice of 4 quality corporate hospitality spaces for large and small events, or functions that can accommodate from 4 to 350 people.
Cheap Hotel
Located in Gillingham, this hotel offers a pleasant setting by a lake. It provides a good balance of comfort and affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-minded guests.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Play Area For Dogs
Room Types
Standard Twin RoomA flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a private bathroom with a hairdryer are included in this room.
This room is suitable for a maximum of two guests only, in two single beds.
Standard Double RoomA flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a private bathroom with a hairdryer are included in this room.
This room is suitable for a maximum of two guests only, in one double bed.
Lakeside Double RoomA double room with views over the property's lakes and gardens. This room is suitable for a maximum of 2 adults.
All rooms include a complimentary full English breakfast, complimentary WiFi and parking. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, and Freeview TV.
Please note that rooms on the ground floor cannot be guaranteed.
Family Room with Lake ViewA family room with views over the property's lakes and gardens. This room is suitable for a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child.
All rooms include a complimentary full English breakfast, complimentary WiFi and parking. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, and Freeview TV.
Please note that family rooms are located on the second floor only.
Family Room with Lake ViewThis family room offers views over the property's lakes and gardens, and features tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, and Freeview TV. All rooms include a complimentary full English breakfast, complimentary WiFi and parking.
This room is suitable for a maximum of 2 adults and 3 children.
Please note that family rooms are located on the second floor only.
Family Room with Lake ViewA family room with views over the property's lakes and gardens. This room is suitable for a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.
All rooms include a complimentary full English breakfast, complimentary WiFi and parking. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, and Freeview TV.
Please note that family rooms are located on the second floor only.
Family RoomThis room features tea/coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and a TV with Freeview channels. All rooms include a complimentary full English breakfast, free WiFi and parking.
This room is suitable for a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.
Please note that family rooms are located on the second floor only.
Triple RoomThis triple room with 3 single beds is suitable for a maximum of 3 adults.
All rooms include a complimentary full English breakfast, complimentary WiFi and parking. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, and Freeview TV.
Double Room with Lake ViewProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as lake views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Quadruple RoomThe spacious quadruple room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. This quadruple room features a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 4 beds.
Bridal SuiteThis room has a electric kettle and patio
King Room with Lake ViewThe spacious double room features a seating area, a wardrobe, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 1 bed.
Family Room with BathroomProviding free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The family room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family Room - Disability AccessOffering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The family room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as lake views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.4
Good
Location
Inn On The Lake boasts a superb location that garners high praise from its guests, especially for those on road trips or travelling through the UK. Positioned conveniently near major motorways such as the A2, the hotel offers easy access and ample parking, making it a stress-free stopover for travelers. A significant highlight frequently mentioned is its picturesque setting by the lake, where guests can enjoy serene and scenic views right from their rooms.
The surrounding nature, including a nearby forest with walking trails, adds to the location’s appeal, offering a peaceful retreat despite its proximity to busy roads. Pet owners appreciate the dog-friendly atmosphere, complemented by delightful walks around the lakes and Shorne Woods National Park. The tranquility of the lake area is an unexpected juxtaposition to the hustle and bustle of the adjacent motorways, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
Additionally, the proximity to key sites such as Brands Hatch, Tilbury Docks and destinations in Rochester and Gravesend makes it a strategic base for various activities. The splendid views of the lake, the calming natural surroundings and the well-kept gardens further enhance the charm of staying at the Inn On The Lake. Guests have frequently noted the beauty of the landscape, which makes it a fitting venue for weddings and other special events.
Overall, the location of Inn On The Lake is described as not only convenient and accessible but also stunningly scenic, providing a comfortable and visually pleasing backdrop for both short stays and longer visits.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Inn On The Lake received a range of feedback from guests with many highlighting positive aspects. Guests appreciated the breakfast's value for money with several noting its general quality and variety, particularly for those who had included breakfast in their room rate. The cooked breakfast was often described as well-prepared and hot with good options including both traditional English and continental selections. Vegetarians and those requiring gluten-free options found satisfactory offerings as well.
However, some guests noted inconsistencies. While many found the breakfast lovely, tasty and well-presented, others experienced issues such as long wait times, small portions and in some cases, cold or overcooked items like eggs and beans. The availability of items could also be unpredictable with certain days offering a robust spread and others presenting limited choices.
Breakfast service was frequently praised for its efficiency and the friendliness of the staff, though there were occasional reports of slow service. Interestingly, the breakfast has a good reputation for being freshly cooked to order, though on busy days, this could lead to delays.
Overall, while the experience may vary, most guests found the breakfast at Inn On The Lake to be decent to excellent, making it generally a good start to their stay. Improvements in consistency and promptness could further enhance the overall guest experience.
Dinner
At the 'Inn On The Lake,' dining experiences receive mixed reviews, although many guests find the food to be quite delightful. A recurring theme among positive comments is the quality and taste of the food. Many guests note that the food is good, lovely, very nice and even excellent. The bar meals, in particular, are often highlighted for their reasonable prices and decent quality with some guests appreciating freshly cooked orders and prompt service.
However, others have found the evening meal options somewhat hit or miss. While some enjoyed delicious dinners and were pleased with the variety of food and drink offered, others felt the quality could be hit or miss, citing issues such as cold plates, limited menu options and food that didn’t meet expectations. Some guests felt the food was overpriced or not as hot as it should be with occasional complaints about specific dishes like chicken curry being particularly disappointing.
The restaurant itself has been a subject of frustration for some, being closed at times due to refurbishment, which leads guests to dine in the bar area instead. This shift has not been ideal for everyone with criticisms about the bland atmosphere and limited seating arrangements.
For those who do get to experience the restaurant, it seems the service and quality can be commendable, although some still reported slow service and limited menus. Many guests still laud the food as good quality and enjoyable when available.
Overall, if dining at the 'Inn On The Lake,' it might be wise to manage expectations and perhaps have a backup plan, especially if the restaurant is closed or menu options are limited.
Rooms
The rooms at Inn On The Lake offer a mixed experience with a blend of spaciousness and comfort juxtaposed against dated decor and occasional cleanliness issues. Guests frequently appreciated the large, cozy and well-lit rooms, some of which boast beautiful lake views that enhance the stay. The bedding in many rooms is comfortable, making for a restful night and the inclusion of facilities like showers and patios adds to the convenience.
However, the hotel's decor and furnishings often feel outdated with several guests noting a need for modernization and refurbishment. This includes updating the bathrooms and room fixtures and addressing issues such as small TVs, worn-out furniture and dated appliances. Cleanliness is another area that requires attention, as several reviewers found dirt, stains and unusual smells in their rooms.
Despite these drawbacks, many guests found the rooms functional and suitable for their needs, highlighting the good size and comfort. The picturesque views and spacious layouts were consistent positives, although the condition of the rooms occasionally detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the rooms at Inn On The Lake provide a comfortable base for guests, though enhancements in decor and maintenance could significantly elevate their appeal.
Beds
Guest reviews of the Inn On The Lake reveal a mixed experience regarding the hotel’s beds. Many guests praise the beds as comfortable, leading to great sleep with some even describing them as lovely or extremely comfortable. Several found the big superking and king-size beds to contribute positively to their stay. Cleanliness of the bedding and towels is generally noted as satisfactory.
However, there is a consistent theme of dissatisfaction among a significant number of reviewers. Complaints frequently center around beds being too small, hard, thin or saggy. Many guests found the mattresses uncomfortable or worn out, while some described the beds as noisy or creaky, contributing to a disturbed night’s sleep. Issues such as flat pillows, stained bed sheets and inadequate bed sizing for couples were also pointed out.
Overall, while some guests enjoyed a comfortable sleep, others found the beds lacking in quality and comfort, indicating a need for updates and replacements.
Cleanliness
The Inn On The Lake has garnered mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness with a notable trend leaning towards positive feedback about the overall tidiness of the property. Guests frequently noted that rooms were generally clean, tidy and spacious, contributing to a comfortable stay. Many highlighted the clean and fresh bedding, well-maintained rooms and adherence to a strict cleaning protocol as positive aspects.
However, some reviews did point out areas for improvement. Several guests encountered issues such as sticky surfaces, stained furniture and dated decor. Occasional reports mentioned unpleasant smells, discrepancies in the cleaning standards of bathrooms and isolated incidents of mold and grime. Concerns about outdated furnishings and general maintenance needs, including cracked tiles and old carpets, were mentioned as well.
Despite these occasional lapses in cleanliness, many reviews emphasized the polite and friendly cleaning staff, ensuring that rooms were functional and met basic cleanliness expectations. Overall, while cleanliness at the Inn On The Lake was generally appreciated, there is room for targeted improvements, especially in updating older amenities and thorough deep cleaning of specific areas.
Staff
The feedback on the staff at 'Inn On The Lake' strikes an overwhelmingly positive chord. Guests universally extoll the virtues of the staff, repeatedly noting their friendliness, helpfulness, politeness and professionalism. The reception and front desk teams are frequently mentioned as welcoming, accommodating and efficient. The breakfast staff are praised for their attentive service and the bar staff are described as both friendly and professional. Notably, guests often highlight the warm and friendly atmosphere created by the staff, from the moment of check-in to the minute details of customer service.
Moreover, descriptors like “lovely,” “superb,” “exceptional,” and “amazing” are generously applied, emphasizing the high level of care and service provided. Despite a few mentions of staff needing to improve on friendliness, the prevalent narrative paints a picture of a team that goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. This strong emphasis on hospitality clearly plays a significant role in enhancing the overall guest experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Visitors to Inn On The Lake generally praise the hotel's Wi-Fi service, highlighting its reliability and speed. Many remark on the ease of connecting and the consistently strong signal throughout the property. With free high-speed Wi-Fi available in both public areas and private rooms, guests appreciate the convenience and seamless online access during their stay. Although there are occasional mentions of minor connectivity issues, such as intermittent drops, these instances appear infrequent and do not overshadow the overall positive feedback. Wi-Fi performance is noted for being particularly effective with no significant barriers to usage, ensuring that guests can effortlessly stay connected.
Family
The Inn On The Lake offers a welcoming atmosphere for families with a number of features tailored to guests with children. The hotel has a solid reputation for being child-friendly with families often praising the spacious and comfortable family rooms, particularly those with bunk beds. This setup is especially convenient for families with more than one child. The scenic setting of the hotel adds to the overall pleasant experience.
Children seem to find plenty of engaging activities during their stay. Feeding the birds and ducks is a highlight and the fish tank in the reception area also captures the kids' imaginations. The small playground in the local park and the nearby nature trail provide additional outdoor fun.
While the hotel's decor and furniture may appear somewhat dated and there are limited food choices for kids, the overall family-friendly atmosphere and the helpful staff make it a good choice for family visits. The hotel is also pet-friendly, adding another layer of convenience for guests traveling with furry family members. Despite a few drawbacks, the Inn On The Lake manages to create a positive experience for families, especially those looking to explore the Rochester area.
Business
Inn On The Lake emerges as a solid choice for business travelers seeking convenience and functionality. Frequented by business people for work-related stays, it boasts a prime location, easily accessible and close to the city center, making it ideal for work and overnight stopovers. The hotel's meeting rooms and overall business facilities cater well to professional needs, underscored by efficient staff and ample parking.
The rooms, while described as clean and serviceable, may benefit from improved soundproofing for added privacy. The inclusion of a good-sized desk and a king-size double bed in the rooms meets the essential requirements for business travelers. However, there are some notes on the noisy bed, showers needing an upgrade and charging facilities that might require enhancements.
Though the hotel is described as having outdated decor, it provides good value for money with sufficient amenities for a short stay, enhanced by decent, reliable wifi. The convenient location, decent rates and efficient services render it a popular choice among contractors and frequent business travelers with many noting they would stay there again despite some minor drawbacks.
While the bar area was mentioned as cold and lacking in atmosphere, the clean common areas and dog-friendly environment add to the overall agreeable experience. Breakfast options might be limited, but the hotel's efficient environment makes it a suitable hub for business activities. Overall, Inn On The Lake stands out as a reliable, value-for-money option for those traveling on business.
Accessible
The Inn On The Lake has received mixed reviews regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. Many guests appreciated the hotel's overall accessibility, noting features such as wheelchair-accessible rooms, lifts to all floors and spacious rooms, including bathrooms equipped with handles and grab rails. The hotel also provided easy access to major roads and motorways, making it convenient for travel.
However, there were some drawbacks mentioned. Guests highlighted the occasional malfunctioning of lifts, which significantly impacted those with mobility issues. Certain rooms lacked handrails and walk-in showers, which could be a potential inconvenience for guests with mobility difficulties. While some reviewers found the hotel's setting very accessible, others faced challenges, such as steep slopes and difficult-to-find routes due to poor signage and inadequate satnav directions.
Additionally, the hotel staff received positive mentions for being helpful and accommodating, although there were isolated comments about the staff needing upgrades. On the whole, the hotel offers good accessibility, but there are areas that could benefit from improvements to better cater to guests with special needs.
Honeymoon
Inn On The Lake offers a delightful escape for honeymooners with its notable honeymoon and bridal suites, making it a beautiful romantic place for such a special occasion. Guests frequently booked rooms for romantic getaways and special events with the honeymoon suite receiving particular praise. The hotel also caters to weddings, providing good wedding reception facilities, though it's worth noting that some guests experienced noise during these events. Overall, many found the experience could not be faulted, highlighting its suitability for a picturesque and memorable romantic weekend.
Dog Friendly
Inn On The Lake is a haven for travelers seeking pet-friendly accommodations. The hotel is praised extensively for welcoming dogs, highlighting its commitment to being dog-friendly. Guests appreciate the pet-friendly rooms and the ability to bring their dogs, such as Daisy, on their travels. Dog owners find the location perfect for dog walking, as it's close to excellent dog walk areas.
The staff at Inn On The Lake are noted for their welcoming attitude towards dogs and the accommodations are described as suitable for pets. There's a separate dining area for those who prefer to eat breakfast away from dogs, ensuring comfort for all guests.
Although there are minor issues like occasional barking, dog hair on breakfast seats and a lack of external lighting when walking dogs, these don't overshadow the overall positive experience for dog owners. The hotel charges a nightly fee to cover the extra cleaning for pets, which is a standard practice in many pet-friendly hotels.
Guests find the property adequate and ideal for dog owners, appreciating the specific dog-friendly amenities and rules. While the accommodations may be described as basic, they are clean and satisfactory, providing a comfortable stay for both humans and their four-legged friends.
No, Inn On The Lake doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Inn On The Lake.
Yes, Inn On The Lake welcomes dogs. For more information, read the answers to the Dog Friendly questionnaire
No, parking facilities aren't available at Inn On The Lake.