Review: The Orwell Hotel, Felixtowe Suffolk
The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe Suffolk
At the end of 2019 Mr R and I bought a beach hut in the town of Felixstowe on the Suffolk coast. I have wanted a beach hut for as long as I can remember, since I first heard you could buy them I guess. There is nothing like opening up, setting out the table and chairs and getting the kettle on. However you are not allowed to sleep in the hut and since we live around an hour and a half away we need to stay in a hotel for the days we want to spend at the beach.
I was visiting my beach hut with my friend and fellow food blogger Nayna for a few days. We wanted to chill out plus do some cooking at the beach hut. We decided to stay at The Orwell Hotel. The Orwell is only a three – four minute drive to the beach which made it the perfect choice.
Outside appearance:
The outside fits the character of the Edwardian town of Felixstowe making you think you had stepped back in time to when the British sea side resorts were at their heyday. There is plenty of guest parking available.
Reception:
Dominated by a huge portrait of Queen Elizabeth II there is a friendly welcome waiting for you at reception.
Bedrooms:
They have 60 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. My room was lovely and well appointed however no spare space but enough for myself to get around.
Nayna’s room was a bit bigger but both were comfortable and clean.
Bar-Restaurant:
The Buttery has a list of daily specials and light bites using local produce where possible and with a less formal atmosphere;
The Lounge offers “all day” Afternoon Tea and The Westerfield restaurant
is for more formal dining offering dinner on Friday and Saturdays and Sunday lunch with live piano entertainment. Again all ingredients will be seasonal and wherever possible locally sourced.
Getting there:
You can get to Felixstowe from London by train from Liverpool Street to Ipswich in round about an hour then another train to Felixstowe. The hotel is a short walk from the station
The Hotel is located at: Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk Tel: 0194 285511
Misc:
This Edwardian resort is clean and comfortable and gives you a relaxing break right near the coast. There is free WiFi available throughout the premises along with a conference centre catering for up to 200 people.
COVID-19
After being closed since the start of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic the Orwell Hotel has just reopened to staying guests and are of course fully compliant in social distancing and all other requirements to keep staff and guests safe.
(Update
Mr R and I stayed at The Orwell Hotel recently . They are re-decorating their dining room and bar so something to look forward to. The restaurant, currently located in the event room, is serving all meals including Afternoon Tea and the staff are doing their best to help you enjoy your stay during this COVID-19 pandemic. You are always assured of a warm welcome whatever the current situation)
