Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
Blazing Donkey Country Hotel descritpion
Set on beautiful grounds, Blazing Donkey Hotel has countryside views and rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel has free secure parking and is a 20 minute drive from Dover.
Samphire at Ham restaurant is featured in the Good Food Guide, and has a menu featuring fresh, local produce. The Blazing Donkey has an outdoor terrace, overlooking the gardens.
Set around a courtyard, all of the rooms have private bathrooms, digital radio and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms at Blazing Donkey Country Hotel feature 4-poster beds.
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Facilities of Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
Pets ：Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Room Service | 24-Hour Front Desk | Ticket Service | Meeting/Banquet Facilities
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests
Reviews for Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
Review 1：not a lot to dislike because I am sure that the tired rooms would be taken cared of still would not put us off
Review 2：very nice location dinning room and bar area very welcoming and rooms were very nice although could do with revamp looking tired but still very comfortable breakfast was fine would definetly recommend place to stay was a great location for us as we were visiting a short way from hotel
Review 3：V. bad breakfast choice & layout. V. bad maintenance. Am sending an A4 list to the hotel.
Review 4：The cooked breakfast. The buildings are very pleasant but maintained appallingly.
Review 5：We booked a twin room but were given a double Light bulb in bathroom had gone No plug for bath Insects in bed window fastener was broken Below average breakfast
Review 6：easy parking
Review 7：There was no check-in procedure, no guest information in the room. Everything seemed to much for the waitress on duty.No other visible staff. Same waitress at dinner coughed all the way through service, the chef in hearing distance of all customers told her to 'cough it up and spit it out'. Warm Prosecco(poss Cava) served, waitress tried to convince us it was chilled. The fresh mixed breads-appetiser ,was a bread and it was stale.Ordered a 2009 bottle of wine, fortunately asked to see bottle before opening- it was a 2014..'its all we had came the reply'. No water offered, cutlery dirty. Waitress had no clue as to 'fine-dining'.As Residents(so-called 3 star country hotel) we were asked to settle dinner bill,no facility to charge to room. But we did not settle ,preferring to discuss concerns with Manager next morning. No manager on duty in the evening. Food no more than pub-grub, certainly not fine dining.
Review 8：fresh poached eggs on request
Review 9：In themselves, the following comments may seem trivial but they succeeded in their totality to make this a less than satisfying experience. Staffing levels were inadequate on arrival with one girl doing receptionist, waiting and bar work. There were no glasses in the bathroom nor was there a hair-drier. In the morning, I was surprised when breakfast arrived almost immediately and, when it arrived the plates were cold, as were the beans and tinned tomatoes. Another silly thing was that if you wanted ketchup or sauce on your breakfast there was none on the table but you had to take your plate to the two jugs at the end of the dining room. We were on an "exploring" holiday and there were no pamphlets about attractions in the area either. A little more attention to the details would have made this a very good establishment as it is in a prime location to explore the sights of that area of Kent
Review 10：The bed was very comfortable and the free wi-fi useful. It was nice and quiet, which we liked. The price was reasonable for the accommodation and location.
Review 11：Poor breakfast - Premier Inn provide a better selection. Rooms need a good revamp with lighter deco. Very dark and main door didn't close properly unless slammed.
Review 12：There for a wedding so prepared to be pleased. Good location. Bed was good and room size adequate for 2 people. However, given a choice I would stay at a Premier Inn any day
Review 13：Cold cooked breakfast. Damp mattress. Aggressive rude staff! Anextremely poorly run business with obviously a growing concern. Totallyunprofessional and the worst ever place we have stayed in 30 years oftravel.no wifi's in the rooms. Every other guest we spoke to wereequally unhappy!
Review 14：Quiet location! Everyone outside of this business in the surroundingcounties were truly lovely. The brits who ran this place and the easterneuropeans who worked there were the most unpleasant and unprofessionalwe have ever had the misfortune to come into contact with!!!
Review 15：Breakfast served at 8:00am for a business trip this was not suitable for my colleagues as they needed to leave at 7:30am. When asked for the room to not include Breakfast and for the difference refunded this was not possible. When asked if we could change it the morning breakfast into an evening breakfast this was not possible. Harsh cancellation policy.
Review 16：Reception were trying to be helpful, manager not so much.
Review 17：No wifi in bedroom, water pressure in shower isn't strong enough, other wise room would be perfect.
Review 18：Lovely bar and restaurant area, staff are very friendly and helpful, breakfast is great, beds are lovely.
Review 19：The only thing to mention was that although the food was good the portions were small and 'arty.' I'd rather see nice quality portions of fresh vegetables than a few glazed strips of carrot arranged in a pattern under the meat.
Review 20：We liked the ambiance of the place. A beautiful building kept in a traditional old style with lovely open fire. Good friendly staff and real ales at the bar.
Review 21：The Road/Track up to it was a bit of a task driving up it !! full of pot holes and no lights on the sign for the hotel !!
Review 22：The Hotel & Room + the Food & bottle of house wine were Fantastic along with the open fire.
Review 23：Cobwebs at the windows. Heating in the bathroom could not be turned down requiring an open window.
Review 24：The bedroom was excellent, very comfortable bed. Good food and good service. Chef on Sunday did an excellent job as both chef and impromptu hotel manager
Review 25：The website shows great images of the rooms and food, none of which were in evidence. The bridal suite was old fashioned and in need of redecorating. There were numerous issues from the noisy Saniflo system, the hard mattress, no curtains on bathroom doors, the illogical bath arrangement which meant stepping into the tub to turn the taps on, a broken handle on the bathroom door, and a huge cobweb in the corner of the bedroom! The dinner was uninspiring. My partner's chicken was flavourless and my pork belly had a tough uncrispy skin. No attention was given to the presentation of the meal and my lemon tart was shop bought. The staff all seemed inexperienced. Breakfast was no better with lukewarm sausages, cold beans and bacon. I had hoped for a good experience but was very disappointed. I give this place no more than 1 point and that is for the reception received upon arrival.
Review 26：Driving along a single lane road in the dark to be met by the welcoming sight of a classic English pub. The young lady at reception was friendly and helpful. The suite was clean but had a great many issues. See below...
Review 27：Welcome was very poor. Service and standard of meal in restaurant non existent. Waited over 1 hour for a steak which was of poor quality and burnt. Sent both meals back. No one seemed particularly bothered. Would not recommend this establishment.
Review 28：The location was very nice. Room ok
Review 29：Broken Wardrobe Door Not enough bar staff in actual building pre wedding and those they had were inexperienced Walls were thin, noisy
Review 30：Venue Layout of Wedding Marque Food Drink Selection Bar Staff in Marquee
Review 31：One or two things need a bit of modernization?
Review 32：The BD is a perfect place to spend a night or use as a base. It is a bit quirky but that's perfect. The rooms are part of a converted stable block - the beds are great and I watched rabbits and parrots out of the back window - the stable door makes a good photo location. All in all a good stay. I enjoyed every bite of The Supper Menu
Review 33：looking very tired. If we had paid the full price we would have been very dissapointed. Would not have wanted to have been there along with a wedding party at the weekend. Some rubbish, empty glasses lying around the grounds on arrival. Still there when we left the next day.
Review 34：Beautiful surroundings. friendly welcome. Excellent value for what we paid. Good breakfast but limited choice. WE were on a midweek break and at £49.50 for two per night, you couldn't get a better deal.
Review 35：Booked last minute room for friends at full price - room and hotel do not justify this price. Adequate room and bathroom with no frills; very limited choice at breakfast - cooked (good) or basic cereals and one choice of fruit. Lovely staff but the hotel needs a bit of a makeover and a bit more imagination to bring up to standard.
Review 36：Staff were lovely; happy to accommodate special diet. Food was well cooked and good. Nicely cooked breakfast. Very good value for dinner b&b package bought via internet offer. Good location for touring area.
Review 37：Service for the only evening meal I had there was quite slow. Food alright but not enough choices for non-meat eaters.
Review 38：Location was lovely, quiet, yet still handy for Sandwich. Quaint buildings, very rustic. Staff friendly. Good for parking.
Review 39：breakfast service was a disaster on both days, only available 8 while 9, it was still be set up at 8.20. it is good quality produce but poorly cooked,boiled/steamed brakfast,not to my likeing. Also took 50% extra payment off my credit card 2 days before I had got there without my knowledge, not being able to add bar/food to total bill{obviously because room charges have already been taken}--I was refunded but that isn't the point. Wont be back.
Review 40：clean and comfortable rooms,easy and convenient parking, good wifi connection
Review 41：Rooms not filthy but the window had just been sealed and it looked like it. Storm bugs in picture frame not very welcoming. Restaurant dim and not a very warm atmosphere. Food OK.
Review 42：Location good, with a nice view and plenty of parking. Nice garden to unwind in. Staff helpful and polite.
Review 43：Tray where cups and coffee was,it was not clean and was sticky.The phone signal was very poor so made it hard to work in the room
Review 44：I liked the food,bedroom,staff and parking
Review 45：Nothing
Review 46：Great location and great price. £49 for overnight with breakfast. Parking in courtyard outside your door! Great staff and lovely breakfast.
Review 47：None
Review 48：Location excellent
Review 49：Excellent room, spotless warm comfortably laid out, despite my late arrival they offered to cook me a meal and heat it up on my arrival
Review 50：Loved the whole atmosphere and the whole package.Hosts were superb. Night meal was fabulous
Review 51：Great value for money - bucolic location, decent rooms, fine breakfast.
Review 52：Needs decorating, toilet leaked, food cold
Review 53：bed was too soft for me
Review 54：how relaxing the area is
Review 55：Not really anything to write here as all was good with the stay
Review 56：Everything was fine and as expected
Review 57：Good friendly service and good food
Review 58：It was all good
Review 59：It was a decent place
Review 60：Wifi not working in the rooms. Restaurant extremely expensive for the food proposed
Review 61：Location
Review 62：I thought the breakfast offering was very poor
Review 63：Breakfast great. Staff very friendly .
Review 64：Food and drink expensive overall a good experience
Review 65：The name of the hotel
Review 66：Internet in rooms not so good
Review 67：Receptionist / bar lady / waitress was very helpful and a little witty !! I really liked the place
Review 68：The internet I found to be a little misleading on the restaurant and the food that was available
Review 69：Good location, rural and quiet
Review 70：difficult to find coming from Deal in the dark
Review 71：friendly and efficient staff,spotless comfortable and quiet room,excellent buffet breakfast
Review 72：I was very disappointed with this hotel, especially for the price I paid. The wifi signal is too weak to reach more than half the rooms, which the staff knew about. The rooms are tired and worn, and the staff couldn't be bothered with anything. The breakfast only starts at 8, although it was 8.30 by the time anything was put out for the buffet. I could not recommend this hotel to anyone, I would rather stay in a Travel Lodge.
Review 73：Location is a bit out of the way but that can't be helped!
Review 74：Booked last minute and was very suprised! Bed was massive and very comfortable. Breakfast was good and plentiful.
Review 75：Squeaky doors. Loose and noisy toilet. Missing light bulbs. Bathroom door was glazed with no curtain so lacked privacy.
Review 76：It was quirky but nice, very welcoming with lovely grounds and surroundings. Room was large and airy.
Review 77：Only 1 member of staff on duty handling check in, bar and serving food and wine. The steaks were almost inedible and the service was slow.
Review 78：Parking outside room. Quiet.
Review 79：I had seen reviews which said this hotel is hard to find. Forewarned, wehad no trouble, but a bit more signage would definitely help.
Review 80：The room was comfortable, and very good value for the price we paid. Wehad dinner in the Samphire Restaurant, which was delicious and not asexpensive as I had expected. Being able to park right outside was very convenient.
Review 81：The waiting time for a drink when first arriving at the resturant .
Review 82：Large room ,good size bed ,very clean ,tasty breakfast and good selection ,excellent evening meal.Very peaceful location.
Review 83：1.The bathroom looked very tired. 2. No heating or atmosphere in the breakfast area. 3. Breakfast set up very confusing and lack of cutlery, condiments and service. 4. Reception area very un-inviting. 5.Staff not very attentive.
Review 84：the bedroom was clean and spacious and the courtyard layout of the site was charming.
Review 85：Unfortunately the hotel let itself down by very cheap toilet paper in the bathroom. It had tea and coffee making facilities but unfortunately again it was very mean with the milk and tea bags. We had our own teabags but there was no where to store milk and when we came in at evening we could only have one cup of tea to last us if we wanted to have an early morning cup of tea. The first day with the breakfast was very spartan, the next day was better but it was a very basic full english breakfast. We did not use the restaurant at night as at first we were the only people going to be in it and the restaurant was fine dining where you had to pay for your steak by the ounce.
Review 86：The location was extremely difficult to find as the Sat nav took us through one track country lanes which was a little scary if you met any oncoming traffic. Luckily we found a better route. The hotel was clean, the room was lovely and warm. also we went there because it was dog friendly.
Review 87：I had booked three rooms for myself and 2 men for 4 nights whilst working at a local golf course.We found the welcome was anything but, in fact we got the impression from the manager who booked us in that we were not the sort of clients he was looking for. The food was very good but not very much of it. We could not book any drinks from the bar to the room and had to pay as we went. Sometimes we had to wait for change, which for 2 nights came in the form of 50p pieces as the largest denomination! Breakfast was not served until 0800 which was far to late for us as we could only work during daylight hours and breakfast at this time would have meant we could not be at work until 0900 at the earliest. There was no mention of any reduction for this inconvenience. I will not be staying here again which is a shame as the inn is basically good, its the running of the place that lets it down.
Review 88：The rooms were clean, warm and comfortable, although the toilet seat in room 4 was only attached with one fixing, a bit wobbly.
Review 89：the room was very basic needs more soft touchs , better curtains better linen just need to look softer , the outside was fine , but needs to do more with the inside saying that we had a lovely stay good value for money
Review 90：The staff were lovely , the dinner was great good food lovely produce
Review 91：The sausage at breakfast was well overcooked. The LOOONG journey on back roads, where head-on vehicles had difficulty passing, that my satnav too me on. But that isn't the hotels fault of course. Twin beds (pushed together), but with a double-bed blanket across both
Review 92：The quaint idea of Sleeping in a converted stable, complete with split door.
Review 93：the evening meal menu was very limited in choice if you were staying for more than one night. the portions were small, the tables were not laid properly you had to ask for the condiments ie salt and pepper. the vinegar came in a sachet. all in all i would not recommend it and will not be returning
Review 94：Nothing, the whole stay was enjoyable.
Review 95：The quirkyness of converted stables into the most comfortable modern bedrooms. I especially liked being able to park right outside the door, less distance to bring our luggage. The ambience was calming with peaceful surroundings, apart from the distant sound of the odd donkey!. Breakfast hearty with warm and welcoming staff. I would definitely stay again.
Review 96：Attitude of staff and Management, people reserving with Booking com were treated as second class citizens. If they don't like the price they get din't use the Booking.com system. Don't stay at this hotel if you want good customer service!
Review 97：Room clean
Review 98：Far from the city. Rooms were too hot and not comfortable. They chargedmore than it was agreed with booking.com without even telling us inadvance. The added costs were communicated during checkout!!! Extremelyannoying and felt cheated. I booked a room for gbp 39 but they chargedgbp 55 and sounded like they were doing a favour by telling me that therack rate is gbp 135!!
Review 99：Good place with nice parking space
Review 100：We were actually very disappointed with the service we received.We arrived around 5.30pm to be told that the boiler in the seperate block consisting of just rooms, had broken around 5pm and the engineers were unable to fix it at that moment in time but possibly may have fixed it by 7.30pm. We had activities booked in elsewhere so decided to wait until later to see if it had been fixed. Returning around 10pm to the reception, we asked again after the heating situation and were told it was still broken. I asked if there was any compensation (as obviously you book a room and expect the ehating/hot water to work) and was told there was a chance we could receive a free stay at a later date with 'gauranteed heating'. I'm not sure how they expected to gaurantee that the heating would work since it wasn't working now and they couldn't seem to fix it. We asked if there was a heater spare, or even some spare blankets, and the receptionist grudgingly started to unplug the heater that he had switched on underneath his desk (You have to bear in mind that the building with the reception in not only had a working boiler, but also had log fires going). Seeming to not want to part with his precious heater, he tried asking how we'd booked the room, because obviously that affects how much heat you're allowed... Finally, after 10 minutes of saying we've booked a room, we expect heating and hot water OR some sort of compensation he took us to another room which was in the main building. This room did not only have hot water and heating, but was actually so warm the window had been left open. I'm not quite sure why it took so long for the receptionist to suggest we move to a room where all was working, and instead tried to keep us in a cold room with no heater or extra blankets, but when we finally did get to move, the room was lovely. I am extremely disappointed in the service given and will not be returning to this hotel.
Review 101：The food was nice, and the bed had been made in the room
Review 102：Very poor sign posted and turned back a few times as it looked like theend of road a few signs saying 200 or 300 yards to go
Review 103：All staff good very clean in the rustic atmosphere cabins no negativecomments about the place see what not like
Review 104：There was a group of 10 others ahead of me when I arrived so had to wait25mins to check-in. Afterwards when I came down to the restaurant therewas nobody available for over 10mins to seat or take my order so I leftand go a meal in a restaurant in Sandwich
Review 105：Nice location and potential to be niche hotel with quirkiness that isrefreshing
Review 106：Just a little thing-had a baked haddock & risotto for dinner, the fish was a delight but I felt the risotto was slightly under cooked!
Review 107：Stunning & quite location. Lovely interior with a warm & welcoming feel!
Review 108：Parking right outside room. Large bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Comfortable bed, very clean and good size bathroom. Good breakfast with a choice of 7 items. Choice of continental breakfast items. Convenient for Deal & Sandwich. Planning a return visit
Review 109：Hard to find but makes it more special
Review 110：first the welcome, then parking outside the room, the room itself was clean and everything we required for a one night stay. Breakfast was excellent and catered for your needs. Fantastic value for money.
Review 111：Booked a room at this hotel only to be told when I arrived to check in that Booking.Com had made a mistake and this room did not exist in their hotel. Booking.Com customer services have since made them admit this was untrue but the hotel still wouldn't refund the difference between the cost of the room I booked and the lower grade room they gave me. The hotel itself is down a lot of winding country roads so a bit off the beaten track, the access to the rooms is outside so a cold and windy walk to go to bed, nor are they very clean and the bedside light plug by my bed had to be tapped to make it work! I just wish I'd read the reviews online before I booked here although Booking.com have been really fine, I would have chosen a different hotel.
Review 112：Nothing.
Review 113：The bedroom was large, warm and comfortable and I was able to park in front of the bedroom door. The food was great with plenty of choice and the staff excellent.
Review 114：We especially appreciated the fact that there was a key left for us, since we were running really late. Arrived just before midnight. to a lovely courtyard. Room with huge king size or even bigger bed (not a twin one), very nicely decorated, ensuite bathroom. Peaceful and quite location. Looking forward to stay there again in future :) Thank you !!!
Review 115：Incompetent check in - very poor command of English. Room and bathroom only basic. Poor breakfast -little choice, poor ingredients. Insufficient amount provided for all guests. Unable to eat in restaurant on the evening we arrived. We were never asked if we wanted a table that evening and were turned away when we wanted dinner.
Review 116：Toilet in room was very noisy and smelled badly when flushed. Cracked window in bedroom. Badly marked carpet. Glass doors into bathroom so could see your other half sitting on the loo when on the bed !! Restaurant seemed overpriced so didn't eat there. I would have been very upset if we had paid more for the room, certainly not worth the current rate.
Review 117：Nice location. Very comfy bed. Nice staff. Great breakfast. Discounted price of £45.
Review 118：Buffet style breakfast served in chaffing dishes which could have been a little warmer.
Review 119：Absolute gem of a place. We booked very late online for just £39 which was a superb bargain. The place is wonderfully peaceful, set out in the countryside, and the rooms are in the renovated stable blocks. Ours was a family room and very generously sized. Breakfast was included and was a help yourself buffet of all the usual..... Superb tasting, and great coffee! This place was great and having found it we would have stated fir longer but they were fully ooked. Definitely recommended!
Review 120：I booked the room, arranged to arrive after midnight, key should have been in the door. Key was not found and nobody around or contactable by phone to arrange access to the room. At 0100am not very funny. Did not get a room through poor management.
Review 121：Nothing, I never got the chance to stay the night.
Review 122：The single lane access road!
Review 123：The location (close to Dover for the ferry), the motel layout - so you could park your car by your room. The incredible value for money - we got a deal for dinner, bed & breakfast from booking.com. The food was very good, as was the draught beer (from Scotland for some strange reason). Best of all was the very friendly and efficient staff - in particular the young man from Romania. He spoke excellent English and worked extremely hard ensuring that all the guests were well treated.
Review 124：Wi-Fi did not work in room 13 Very annoying as we needed it and had asked. Staff member went to the trouble of leaving us the password - why bother they must know it doesn't work in that room No breakfast available until 8am - this is way too late
Review 125：Cheap place to stay on evening before our early ferry We were late arriving and someone called us to check we were on our way and let us know where they would leave the key as we would arrive after check in time
Review 126：Music played for wedding guests till late. We were offered that we could have lunch if required at a sister hotel "7 Minutes by car" away.
Review 127：Good beds. Decent Breakfast
Review 128：For the price we paid we have no complaints. There was a limited menu because of a wedding but one of the staff suggested a trip to the sister hotel "The Dog at Wingham" and we had a very nice meal there. The broadband was a bit weak and the beds a little hard for me (but perfect for my partner proving you can't please everyone).
Review 129：Location. Staff Helpfulness Price (booked on a offer) Overall a very pleasant experience.
Review 130：Food was overpriced, not very good, generally not worth the money. Roomneeded a good clean, very dusty. Plug sockets did not work in themorning, so I could not have coffee or even watch the news. Instead ofjust having a double bed as you would in a double room, they had twosingle beds pushed together, not very comfortable if you like to spreadout over the bed :) Room was very hot and heating on the fullestpossible setting. Thin walls could hear the tv in the next room, notnice when you are trying to sleep.
Review 131：Really stunning location
Review 132：We liked everything! Fantastic food dinner and breakfast , great value, comfortable rooms and very good staff Really excellent all round and great value for money
Review 133：I cannot find anything negative about this country hotel.
Review 134：Beautiful setting, lovely fresh food, rustic décor, friendly helpful staff, value for money. Perfect for country minded people
Review 135：poor accessability (v. narrow lane). Slipshod approach to breakfast (sugar in a cup, butter on a saucer, no preserves available until asked for, no extra coffee sachets available for the room)
Review 136：Value for money Room facilities