The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory, a charming boutique bed and breakfast nestled in Hastings, United Kingdom, has earned a prestigious Michelin One Key distinction, signifying a "special place to stay" that offers high comfort and great personality. Owned by a fashion designer, the property's tasteful decor and attention to detail are consistently highlighted by guests.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the property receiving excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff service. Visitors frequently describe their experience as "wonderful," "relaxed and friendly," and a "peaceful haven." Many guests express a desire to return, with some stating they "loved everything" about their stay.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Old Rectory:

• Service: The staff are frequently praised for being "very friendly and helpful," "most helpful," and "attentive," often going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Location: Its prime position, "a short walk from the Old Town and seafront," is a significant draw, offering easy access to attractions while maintaining a peaceful ambiance.
• Design: The 18th-century surroundings house "uniquely styled accommodation" and "individually designed rooms" showcasing an "elegant and tranquil haven" decorated in soothing shades. The owner's background as a fashion designer is evident in the "fine taste" and "luxurious but wonderfully eclectic fittings and fixtures."
• Amenities: The beautiful walled garden and terrace are cherished spaces for relaxation, and the guest lounge, complete with a log fire and an honesty bar, provides a welcoming atmosphere. Free WiFi is available throughout. The property also offers spa treatments and a sauna for guest indulgence.

Room Quality

The nine guest rooms are celebrated for their elegance, unique styling, and comfort, offering a blend of period atmosphere and contemporary design. Each room is individually designed, with features like luxury bedding, en-suite bathrooms (some with both bath and wet-room facilities), luxury toiletries, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are named after local streets and boast distinctive decor, such as hand-painted floral panels or vintage 1970s wallpaper. Examples include the spacious "All Saints" suite with a super king-size bed and separate wet-room, and the opulent "Crown" room featuring a king-size bed and a roll-top bath within the bedroom. While most rooms offer tranquility, some front-facing rooms might be prone to traffic noise.

Dining Experience

The breakfast at The Old Rectory is a consistent highlight and receives exceptional praise, often described as "a cut above the norm," "seriously impressive," and "Divine!" Served in an "exquisitely decorated dining room," it features freshly cooked-to-order dishes using locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Specialties include homemade bread, home-cured bacon and sausages, local free-range eggs, and locally caught fish like kippers and home-smoked salmon. Beyond breakfast, the property also offers afternoon tea, cream tea, traditional Sunday lunches, and seasonal supper clubs.

Service & Staff

The team at The Old Rectory is commended for its "attentive and personal service," delivering a "warm welcome, coupled with a thoughtful and friendly service." Guests consistently describe the staff as "caring," "friendly," "helpful," and "amazing," highlighting their willingness to go "above and beyond." As a family-run independent hotel, the staff are viewed as part of an "extended family group," fostering a genuine and respectful environment. The establishment is also a Living Wage employer.

Location & Accessibility

The Old Rectory enjoys an enviable location "on the edge of Hastings' old town," just a short walk from the historic Old Town and seafront. This allows guests easy exploration of the area's independent shops, antique stores, restaurants, cafes, the fishing harbour, pebbled beach, and attractions like Hastings Contemporary and the iconic net huts. For transport, bus stops are conveniently located just a minute's walk away, and the railway station is within two miles. Hastings is also well-connected by road, approximately an hour's drive east of Brighton.

Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury boutique stay, The Old Rectory generally scores well for "Value for money" with a rating of 8.6 on booking platforms. Room rates for doubles typically range from approximately £110 to £155 per night, with single occupancy slightly lower. Average weekend rates around £146-£153 are also indicated. Given its Michelin One Key status and the high level of service, comfort, and unique design, guests generally find the cost justified for the elevated experience it provides.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have occasionally been noted:

• Some older reviews mentioned potential traffic noise in bedrooms facing the front of the property.
• An isolated comment from an older review suggested minor improvements like additional hooks in the shower and fresh milk instead of UHT on the tea tray.
• It's important to note that The Old Rectory has an age policy, accommodating children aged 10 years and older, which may be a consideration for families with younger children.
• Local objections were raised concerning a proposed new café for the property, citing potential issues with noise and parking, although the plans were approved.

Sources

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