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Summary of reviewsThe Lookout Rye has garnered enthusiastic reviews for its exceptional location and overall charm. Situated in the heart of the picturesque and historic village of Rye, the hotel offers convenient access to restaurants, shops, pubs and local attractions, all within easy walking distance. Guests are enamored with the beautiful views, stylish interiors and the hotel's quaint riverside setting. Ample parking further adds to its convenience, making it a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
Breakfast at The Lookout Rye is frequently cited as a highlight of the stay. Guests appreciate the superb quality and variety, from the hearty Full English breakfast to a wide array of continental selections. The extensive buffet ensures choices for all preferences and the option to dine on the terrace evokes a continental charm. Despite occasional service delays, the breakfast experience is consistently described as fantastic and memorable.
While evening meals receive praise for their quality and delicious flavor, especially the pizzas, the inconsistent availability of the restaurant poses a downside. When open, the dining experience is complemented by a stylish atmosphere and polite service, though occasional issues with service speed and order accuracy have been noted.
Rooms at The Lookout Rye generally receive positive feedback for their spaciousness, cleanliness and tasteful décor. Many rooms feature unique architectural elements and modern amenities. However, some guests have pointed out that certain rooms could benefit from refurbishing. The overall ambiance is cozy and welcoming with superior rooms standing out for their comfort and high standards.
Cleanliness at the hotel has mixed reviews with many praising the general upkeep and fresh decor. Nonetheless, isolated incidents of dusty areas and outdated elements suggest room for improvement. Enhanced consistency in cleanliness would solidify the positive guest experience.
The staff at The Lookout Rye consistently receive high marks for their friendliness, attentiveness and professionalism, contributing significantly to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The dedicated team enhances the overall guest experience, making visitors feel well-cared-for.
The hotel's wifi service presents a mixed bag with some guests enjoying seamless connectivity while others face occasional disruptions. Similarly, parking is largely appreciated for its convenience and safety, though a few guests have encountered minor difficulties with the payment process and signage.
Family-friendly accommodations are a standout feature with rooms well-suited for children and amenities catering to various dietary needs. Guests commend the hotel's inclusive atmosphere and the staff's helpfulness in ensuring a stress-free stay for families.
Beds at The Lookout Rye are frequently praised for their comfort and quality, contributing to a restful sleep experience. Cleanliness and maintenance of the beds further add to their appeal, although individual preferences regarding mattress firmness and pillow comfort do vary.
As a solid three-star hotel, The Lookout Rye meets guest expectations with its clean environment, daily room cleaning and good value. Its historic charm with period features and traditional furnishings, offers a nostalgic journey back to Victorian times, enriching the overall experience with a touch of old-fashioned English B&B ambiance. Overall, The Lookout Rye offers a charming and comfortable stay that blends historical allure with modern conveniences. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Winchelsea, this hotel provides access to Rye Golf Club, being only 2.8km away.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Situated in Winchelsea, this hotel offers unique views and a tranquil atmosphere. Its location provides a peaceful retreat, ideal for couples seeking a quiet and romantic honeymoon.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel has a private car park available for guests, although a daily charge applies.
Small Hotel
Located in the center of the historic town, high on the East Cliff, it offers views across the river. It provides a comfortable stay in a prime location.
3-Star Hotel
Centrally located in Rye, The Lookout Rye provides comfortable accommodations. While specific details are limited in the provided data, its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Rye.
Historic Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Room Types
Cosy Double RoomThese double rooms are a smaller version of a classic double room with a small shower room.
This room features a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, an iPod-docking station and tea and coffee making facilities, Taylor of London toiletries and hairdryer.
Classic Double RoomSpacious rooms with a bathroom with shower and bath. There is a seating area either to the terrace or view across the marshes.
This room features a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, an iPod-docking station and tea and coffee making facilities, Taylor of London toiletries and hairdryer.
Deluxe Double RoomThe largest of the double rooms comes with a comfortable seating area, king size bed and a bathroom with bath and shower. All rooms are different boasting either of a view, terrace or a luxurious bathroom.
This room features a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, an iPod-docking station and tea and coffee making facilities, Taylor of London toiletries and hairdryer.
King RoomOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
'The Lookout Rye' boasts an exceptional location that guests consistently praise for its convenience and beauty. Nestled in the charming village of Rye, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the town's historic heart. Visitors appreciate the close proximity to excellent restaurants, shops, pubs and local attractions, all within easy walking distance. Many reviews highlight the beautiful views and the picturesque setting by the river, adding to the overall appeal. The central location makes it easy to wander the quaint lanes lined with old houses and enjoy the vibrant town atmosphere.
Additionally, the hotel provides excellent parking options, making it a convenient choice for those traveling by car. The stylish interior and friendly staff contribute to a pleasant stay with many guests noting the spacious and comfortable rooms. Whether looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, 'The Lookout Rye' offers a prime position to fully enjoy the historic and scenic beauty of Rye.
Breakfast
The breakfast at The Lookout Rye receives high praise from guests, who widely commend it for its superb quality and variety. Descriptions highlight the excellent cooked options, including the Full English breakfast, which many find delicious and substantial. The continental selections also impress with fresh fruit, cereal and creamy porridge among the choices that diners appreciate.
Guests frequently note the extensive and plentiful buffet, offering a mix of hot and cold items that cater to different preferences. The possibility of enjoying breakfast on the terrace adds an extra layer of enjoyment with some guests likening the experience to dining in the south of France. The atmosphere is described as friendly and welcoming with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Despite occasional mentions of service delays and the lack of certain items at times, the overall sentiment is that the breakfast is a highlight of the stay. Many guests acknowledge the excellent value, abundant choices and the ability to have freshly prepared meals to order. The breakfast experience at The Lookout Rye is often described as fantastic, delicious and truly enjoyable with several guests stating it was one of the best they’ve had in years.
Dinner
The Lookout Rye offers a mix of dining experiences with many guests praising the evening meals for their great taste and quality. The in-house restaurant, described as both beautiful and stylish, serves a variety of delicious options with the pizzas receiving particular accolades for their amazing flavor. Guests appreciated the good dining options available, complimenting the wide range of meals and excellent food quality. Positive feedback emphasized the polite service in the dining room and the good service at the reception.
However, there are some areas for improvement. The restaurant's availability for dinner throughout the week is inconsistent, leading to disappointment for several guests who found it closed during their stay. On the occasions when the restaurant was open, some diners experienced slower service and issues with food arriving in drifts or not as ordered. Despite these challenges, the breakfast offerings were generally well-received and the terrace area providing breakfast in the morning and pizza in the evening was noted as a charming feature.
In summary, while The Lookout Rye boasts a stylish dining environment with many tasty options that guests enjoy, improved consistency in service and restaurant availability would enhance the overall experience.
Rooms
'The Lookout Rye' offers a variety of room experiences, most of which receive positive feedback from guests. Rooms are frequently described as spacious, clean and newly refurbished, boasting large, comfortable beds and tasteful, historical décor. Certain rooms feature unique characteristics like big balconies, private terraces or high ceilings with original trims adding to the overall charm. Guests appreciate the large bath towels, modern amenities and lovely views, particularly from rooms higher up or with direct patio access.
Although many rooms are commended for their coziness and artistic touches, some guests point out that certain rooms feel dated and in need of refurbishing. Issues such as small bathrooms, poorly lit areas and malfunctioning showers are noted, along with occasional cleanliness concerns. Despite these drawbacks, many guests find the rooms to have a welcoming and comfortable ambiance with well-proportioned spaces and quiet atmospheres.
Cosy rooms are often highlighted for shorter stays, while larger rooms are appreciated for their generous space and additional features like lounge areas. The superior rooms stand out for their comfort and modern updates, making stays pleasant and relaxing. The new rooms particularly impress with their high standard of maintenance and lovely interiors.
Overall, guests find 'The Lookout Rye' to be beautifully decorated with a mix of historical charm and modern comfort, making for a delightful stay.
Beds
The beds at The Lookout Rye have garnered largely positive remarks from guests, who frequently highlight their comfort and quality. Descriptions such as "super comfortable," "very comfortable," and "really comfortable" are common among reviewers. Many guests appreciated the beds' size, mentioning "large comfortable beds" and "king size beds" that added to their restful stay. Cleanliness was also noted with phrases like "freshly made bed," "clean sheets," and "comfortable and well-maintained beds" reappearing in the comments.
However, a few guests pointed out some minor drawbacks. Some found the mattresses to be either too firm or too soft, indicating a variance in individual preferences. A couple of guests mentioned issues such as pillows being a little hard or the bed fabric causing sneezing. Despite these minor qualms, the general sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The beds at The Lookout Rye are generally viewed as highly comfortable, clean and inviting, ensuring a pleasant sleep experience for most visitors.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of 'The Lookout Rye' has garnered mixed feedback from guests. Many reviews highlight that the rooms and bathrooms are very clean and the hotel itself is described as generally spotless and well-maintained. Guests have commended the clean, tidy and comfortable environment, praising the fresh and clean decor of the rooms and the overall cleanliness of the facilities.
However, there are several points of concern that need addressing for a consistently positive experience. Issues such as dusty wardrobes and shelves, dirty tables, bird droppings and stained carpets have been noted. Some rooms and communal areas were mentioned as needing thorough cleaning with specific complaints about dirty carpets, grimy corners and dated decor. Additionally, the bathrooms, while often clean, occasionally displayed issues like mould and some elements were in need of repair or updating.
Overall, while many guests found their rooms clean and comfortable, consistency in cleanliness and upkeep could be improved to enhance the overall guest experience. The hotel maintains a generally clean appearance, but attention to some neglected areas could ensure a more universally satisfactory stay.
Staff
At The Lookout Rye, guests consistently praise the hotel's dedicated staff, highlighting their friendliness, helpfulness and overall professionalism. Whether interacting with the front desk, the breakfast team or other service members, visitors find the staff to be exceptionally attentive, courteous and willing to go out of their way to assist. The personal touches and warm welcome create a family-run atmosphere that enhances the guest experience. Many guests compliment the efficiency and politeness of the receptionists, while breakfast service is noted for its friendliness and attentiveness despite the team's busy nature. The consistent feedback on the staff's attentive and accommodating nature ensures that visitors feel well-cared for and genuinely welcomed during their stay.
Wi-Fi
The wifi at The Lookout Rye receives mixed reviews from guests. While some have enjoyed the benefit of free wifi, others have encountered issues such as poor reception and difficulties connecting their TVs. There are occasional disruptions noted, particularly during breakfast and for some, the wifi kept logging out. Guests have pointed out that similar experiences occur at other hotels, implying that the issue may not be exclusive to The Lookout Rye. Despite these hiccups, there are guests who have had no issues with the wifi during their stay.
Parking
The parking situation at The Lookout Rye garners a mix of praise and minor grievances from guests. Many appreciate the hotel's own car park located conveniently at the back, describing it as spacious, accessible, safe, clean and easy to use. Free parking is occasionally available, which is a bonus for travelers. Some mention the nominal fee of £5 for parking, viewing it as reasonable rather than overly expensive.
However, there are mentions of difficulties related to the use of a mobile app for payment and the need for better signage. Notably, while some found the parking straightforward and ample, others felt it could be improved, citing stress and complications. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment remains positive with guests recognizing the convenience and utility of the available parking facilities.
Family
The Lookout Rye is an ideal destination for families seeking a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The hotel offers rooms that are well-suited for children, ensuring a comfortable experience for the entire family. The location is praised as being great and conveniently suitable for grandparents, parents and children alike.
With a focus on dietary inclusiveness, The Lookout Rye caters to Coeliacs and provides vegan choices, accommodating various dietary needs of guests. The family-friendly atmosphere is often highlighted with many guests noting that their children loved their stay at the hotel.
The staff is described as helpful, particularly in assisting families to have a seamless stay. The supportive reception staff further adds to the positive experience for families. Overall, The Lookout Rye is recognized as an excellent choice for families looking for a well-rounded, accommodating place to stay.
3 Star
The Lookout Rye delivers a solid three-star experience that aligns with expectations for its rating. Guests appreciate the good quality tea bags and the fact that rooms are cleaned daily, contributing to a clean and quiet environment. The hotel serves as a convenient base for holidays with easy access to the Quay and nearby beaches. Many visitors find it to be good value for a three-star stay, despite some feeling it is a bit expensive. The hotel's character adds to its appeal, making it a satisfactory choice for those looking for a dependable three-star accommodation.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of historic Rye, The Lookout Rye is a remarkable testament to the town's rich past. This charming hotel boasts a central and convenient location within the town walls, placing guests right along the western edge of this vibrant heritage town. Its beautiful old building, adorned with nostalgic and period features, transports visitors back to Victorian times. The hotel's traditional furnishings and historical decor contribute to its old-fashioned charm, echoing the style of a typical English B&B. Stately and captivating, The Lookout Rye offers an authentic experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the quaint and historic ambiance of this beautiful stately old lady of Rye. Guests appreciate its lovely historic presence in the picturesque, small town renowned for its cultural and historical significance.
No, The Lookout Rye doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Lookout Rye.
No, The Lookout Rye doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Lookout Rye.