The Rutland Arms Hotel

The Rutland Arms Hotel descritpion

On the High Street (main shopping street) in the center of Newmarket, this 17th-century former traveler's inn provides easy access to the famous horse racing tracks and the National Horseracing Museum, a 2-minute walk from the property.
The hotel features character and charm with many original period features, as well as modern facilities, including a private parking lot for guests.
The Rutland Arms Hotel features the Nell Gwynn bar, where guests can enjoy coffee during the day or a game of pool in the evening, and the award-winning Carriages Wine Bar and Restaurant.
The classically decorated rooms have some original period features, private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
With excellent road access to the historic city of Cambridge, 14 miles away, and the stunning cathedral at Ely, 13 miles away, a stay at the Rutland Arms can provide a glimpse of England's heritage.

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Facilities of The Rutland Arms Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Designated Smoking Area

Reviews for The Rutland Arms Hotel

Review 1：All staff very welcoming and friendly in every department. Reception, the bar and breakfast room. Beautiful building and interiors, my only criticism would be our room was in need of a face lift. But did not compromise our comfort. Delicious food served in the bar of an evening. We all had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Review 2：We were very impressed with the hotel overall, from the staff on reception, to the staff in the bar and at breakfast. The rooms were warm and comfortable and had everything you could want. The breakfast was lovely and yes we would recommend the Rutland and yes we hope to visit again.

Review 3：The bed was too soft for our liking. The room was very warm, with no way to adjust the temperature, so the window was wide open all night.

Review 4：Great location in the middle of the town, with free car parking. Freshly cooked breakfast to order. Staff were always very helpful. Nice room in the main building.

Review 5：This is a lovely little find. Full of history. We had the 4 poster room which was spacious and comfortable. Bar food was good, breakfast also. The only downer was being opposite another pub which had loud Karaoke going on until 1am. Check the events list!

Review 6：Staff a bit brain washed, but delivered all our requested needs. Room was indeed 'cosy' but also very noisy.

Review 7：Lovely characterful property and fantastic location on the high street. Secured carpark and lovely pub/bar and dining areas inside and out. Room nice and clean with hair dryer iron and kettle supplied - plus working tv!

Review 8：We got just what we wanted - a hotel at a good price close to my sister-in-law's house. It was comfortable, quiet, with great staff and providing a wonderful breakfast.

Review 9：The bedrooms really do need updating. Our room was small but clean. Considering what we paid for our stay it was acceptable.

Review 10：The restaurant, lounge , reception areas etc were very pleasant and comfortable, everywhere was clean. Staff very professional and helpful. Breakfast good quality and freshly cooked.

Review 11：The car park wae difficult to find and when we had the direction it was very dark and difficult to negotiate. The ground was uneven and I feel could have caused a problem for the elderly. There was no lifts in the hotel and it meant we had to climb a lot o stairs which I found hard

Review 12：We were treated with a smile by all the staff who were friendly,helpful and courteous The food was good and the choice on the menu was also good

Review 13：Tight car park. Could do with at least one real ale on draft.

Review 14：Convenient for the center of Newmarket and only 15 minutes from Cambridge Science Park. Recently redecorated bar and restaurant.

Review 15：Room was awful. Old, tatty, shower corroded. Bed uncomfortable. Noisy Service at reception very poor. Breakfast atrocious. Food hardly edible. Coffee & toast arrived after I finished my breakfast. Worst of all if possible a smile wasn't seen during my stay by any of the staff.

Review 16：Condition of basin in bathroom room 355 needs urgent renewal as very cracked. Otherwise fine and quiet room.

Review 17：Very convenient for sales and easy to access. Hassle free arrival and departure. Quick service for breakfast

Review 18：Single room something out of 1980's. Basic single bed, barely-adequate duvet-type bedding. Room heater not adequate/warm enough - was cold in night. Dangerously hot water with shower over bath - very variable temp.Single glazed window, old tatty dark furniture. Ridiculous for price. Breakfast still awful: tinned fruit! Poor selection cereals. Expensive restaurant and bar prices, poor quality wines by glass. Whole place depends on the horse-racing population, wouldn't survive anywhere else.

Review 19：Location. Only reason I stay here from time to time. Staff do best with poor facilities.

Review 20：Breakfast, asked to swap out 2 items for extra egg, was told chef said no, asked for manager who served our food, she said chef said no, so assume chef is either owner or head manager as well as Cook. Disappointed? £125. Per night not value for money, staff in dining room not good, family recommend as they have stayed before, but will not again.

Review 21：Tatty outdated rooms. Dirty paintwork. Dirty bathroom floor with old shampoo bottle lying on it. Generally grubby appearance in both the rooms we booked. Dirty carpet

Review 22：Location and outside looked very good. Car park good. Nice bar

Review 23：No extractor fan in bathroom. Could hear the running of water in the pipes or water tank every time guests used the water facilities kept us awake in the night. Room 351. Two glasses of wine very expensive.Not very warm in the Hotel.

Review 24：Comfortable bed.

Review 25：Needs a refurb but should stick to its roots. Beds aren't great. Bathroom needs updating as does the general decor of the rooms. Outside of the rooms all is good. Breakfast is subpar and the manager seemed to be causing confusion amongst her staff. The staff were generally good.

Review 26：Location and uniqueness of the hotel

Review 27：small tv. bed uncomfortable. bathroom rad not on. many stairs to room. strange noise heard in room, boiler or similar noise. tea not hot at breakfast.

Review 28：Number of stairs and corridors and necessary fire doors. Carpets need renewing to freshen place. Sound on TV terrible. One light above bed not working. Attention to small details like milk / butter in breakfast room.

Review 29：Location, atmosphere, friendliness of staff from reception to chambermaid (fromThailand).

Review 30：Poor staff not interested or attentive had to ask for dirty cup to be changed at breakfast which was ignored until prompted a second time. Mixed up our order for dinner it came with vegetables when we asked for salad !

Review 31：Good for being close to racecourse

Review 32：other staff seemed uninterested no interaction, food in restaurant was awful, burnt or dried out most of it was inedible! not worth £145 per night!

Review 33：The young receptionist who welcomed us at check in was lovely

Review 34：Waitress staff need to have better people interaction skills, very poor service and lacked charisma. Service with a smile would have gone a long way. Food could have been better especially the poached eggs.

Review 35：Location

Review 36：Almost everything

Review 37：Absolutely nothing I don't know how you dare let room 246 You should be paying your guests to stay in there It was disgraceful

Review 38：A catalogue of problems, staying in the back old part of the hotel, the boiler had broken therefore no heating. With a baby it was too cold. Firm alarm was set off in the middle of the night and our wake up call came an annoying hour early. Also yoghurts were out of date at breakfast.

Review 39：Good location on the high street, and does have parking although limited and tight carpark

Review 40：The bed was very hard and was noisey when you moved. There were lots of stairs which were not mentioned on the website or confirmation.

Review 41：The staff, espically the reception staff, were excellent.

Review 42：Can't be helped but a very big old hotel so our rooms were a trek away from reception. Rooms rather dated, bathrooms need refurbing. Staff in restaurant and at breakfast were polite enough but had no idea what they were doing.

Review 43：Perfect location right on the high street. Reception staff were great, very helpful. Food in the restaurant was great. Rooms were clean.

Review 44：Noise from adjacent room (partying males). Seems that nationwide hotels neglect to check the batteries in their television remote controls.

Review 45：Location, quaintness (passages to the room).

Review 46：Nothing bad to say

Review 47：Really friendly staff, excellent service, helpful when our friends had a disabled dog with them and allowed it inside whilst we ate lunch.

Review 48：The bed had big wooden feet that stuck out. Cue lots very sore toes after every trip to the bathroom!

Review 49：Really cute corner room overlooking the 2 sides of the High Street. Very comfortable bed. Nice hot shower.

Review 50：bedding was stained one bed was bits of 4 x 4 planks that you could see tried to use the iron covered in muck ironing board was very dirty kettle had stall water left in it one of the lights didnt work we attempted to get a drink at the bar late evening there were no staff both nights

Review 51：location

Review 52：Bed bit firm. Bedside lamp inadequate Breakfast poor, toast hardly toasted. mushrooms dreadful scrambled egg tasted as if dried or powdered! complicated Wi-Fi system

Review 53：Convenient location . Good bathroom and towels

Review 54：Stayed here many times before and always 10/10. For the first time I was unfortunate enough to be located beneath a heavy-footed & inconsiderate couple. But hardly the hotel's fault, just unlucky this time. Never had any similar experience in many previous stays here.

Review 55：Not had a bad experience - well apart from realising the loo handle went round and round instead of flushing but it was sorted with the minimum of fuss. We love it here.

Review 56：We've stayed here a few times and it's always good. Parking is easy, love the rooms, the breakfast, friendly staff. What is there not to like! I know people are saying it's dated but come on, we are talking about a 17th century coaching house here - to modernise/refurbish would take away the charm and attraction. We love it and will keep going.

Review 57：Leak through ceiling in room when it rained also heavy leaking on stair well making steps slippery.

Review 58：Friendly, helpful staff, excellent location breakfast good evening meal not the best.

Review 59：Kitchen fan needs acoustic enclosure. Noise starts when chef arrives for breakfast preparation.

Review 60：Very convenient location. Nice atmosphere in old building.

Review 61：Some of the staff were abrupt at breakfast , served breakfast before I had had the porridge I ordered.When asked for the porridge she appeared to of an attitude problem .

Review 62：The Shower.Fixed at a 45 degree angle so you couldn't stand under it. We recommend replacing the shower for a modern hand held one,or one that's fixed normally,so you can stand under the shower to wash. Good water pressure tho. The bath&supply of hot water were both fine.

Review 63：I liked the Breakfast&High Street location.Hairdressers,shops,restaurants,cafe nero were all along the same street as the Hotel. Staff were friendly and helpful.Good standard of cleanliness. We liked the little shortbread biscuits supplied with the tea/coffee facilites. It was a nice touch.

Review 64：We had issues with the car park which is not adjoining the hotel. We returned to the car park at 9.30pm and took the ramp to the higher level. If the car park is remotely full there is no space in which to turn round and we found ourselves under a canopy with 4 upright girders. Trying to manoeuvre between cars and girders took immense precision driving - not to be recommended for the faint hearted.

Review 65：Registration experience was easy and efficient. Receptionist was informative and pleasant. This is an old building with quirky corridors and stairs and the rooms are decorated to reflect its heritage. The bar was being renovated but should be available in October. Breakfast service was efficient and staff pleasant.

Review 66：Bed frame was incredibly noisy. Moved mattress to the floor to sleep. Breakfast buffet was non-existent

Review 67：Nice old fashioned Hotel in the middle of the city

Review 68：Like a lot of older British hotels, it did feel a little 'tired' (e.g. slightly threadbare carpets on the stairs) but I suppose it adds character lacking in the large chain hotels and in no way detracted from an enjoyable stay.

Review 69：We rarely eat in hotels we stay in but can highly recommend the excellent menu.

Review 70：The bar was shut for refurbishment but not stated anywhere beforehand. The wine bar we had to use was too small and not suitable for a group to sit and relax.

Review 71：We enjoyed every part of our stay. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful at all times, the room was spacious and the huge bed was very comfortable. The breakfast was enjoyable and the selection was good. We would definitely stay here again if we ever return to Newmarket.

Review 72：There was an ominous brown stain on one of the "clean" towels provided in the bathroom!! Along one of the hallways, there was an open sash window (open from floor level) which I can only imagine breaches health and safety legislation as there were no window restrictors. A child could easily fall out. We closed it as we went to breakfast but someone had opened it again on the way back! Get this window sorted asap.

Review 73：The staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good.

Review 74：Rooms are way too hot in the summer and breakfast was all over cooked.

Review 75：Couldn't possibly be in a better location and with a nice beer garden & parking.

Review 76：We couldn't check in until gone 2pm. There was no wi-fi in our rooms. The guy who checked us in told us breakfast was served until 11am (and even wrote it on our check in cards for us to remember), but when we came down at 10.30 in the morning, we were told that breakfast finished at 10am and there was no food available at all. No-one offered any assistance or reimbursement (the breakfast was included in our room rate). The shower barely worked and wasn't warm. I've never had such a pathetic shower in my life!

Review 77：They had a 24 hour porter so we were able to check in late after the wedding we were at was over.

Review 78：Car park of hell! Very narrow, rather packed with cars all the time. Option of using bigger car park behind it wasn't communicated before complaining.

Review 79：The staff were very nice and always helpful. Fantastic nights sleep. Standard cLhoices for breakfast. Quaint location.

Review 80：The Shower. Fixed at a 45 degree angle,it was difficult to wash thoroughly,and to reach to turn the handles to change the temperature or switch the Shower off. We agreed a normal modern shower with a shower head you could hold would be preferable.

Review 81：The Location. Shops,hairdressers,Cafes and restaurants are all just across the road. Wetherspoons(just opposite the Hotel) served fresh, hot and affordable food until 11pm.That was great for us-we arrived a little late. V comfortable beds&clean room. The little packets of biscuits on the tray with the tea/coffee making facilities were a nice touch. Friendly staff and we loved the Breakfast.Nice big bath tub,plenty of hot water and good water pressure.

Review 82：It seems it's the usual thing in small British hotels, the breakfast is fairly disappointing. Do the owners of the hotel eat food that bad for breakfast? Why serve it to the guests (in such a stern fashion!!)? I just felt they'd sourced the cheapest ingredients possible and I didn't bother finishing it.

Review 83：Really liked the Rutland Arms. We needed to get in to Norwich early the next morning and couldn't find anywhere to stay within or closer to Norwich at short notice. But glad we chose Rutland arms.

Review 84：Friendly staff, great location. The room was spacious as was the bathroom. Couldnt fault anything. The balcony gives a good view over the town & the court yard below. Free parking. Wouldnt hesitate to use the hotel again. We stayed in room 203.

Review 85：Dirty bedroom and bathroom

Review 86：Room dirty toilet used before we checked in not flushed could write yournname in dust on furniture bed likes sleeping on a board waste of 139 pounds.

Review 87：General passages walls and floors principal rooms for all guests grubby and in need of re decoration but keep traditional style in keeping with property perhaps air con would be good too ?

Review 88：Staff great rooms spotless many thanks and parking nearby perfect!

Review 89：Was not informed that we would not get wi-if in room prior to booking or even on arrival , had to find out at night when the reception informed me that I would have to go out into the corridor , in this modern day I find that to be a big no no

Review 90：Size of room

Review 91：Staff attitude at reception and breakfast. The worst welcome we've had during our trip. Not helpful at all. Shower curtain was very dirty, bathroom would need to be refurbished. Noisy. Long walk from reception to room with lots of stairs so not convenient with heavy luggage. Once again no help or guidance from the staff with bad attitude. With such a great building, lots of improvement could be done and wouldn't be difficult to organize. I would not recommend this place as every other hotels we visited in Newmarket were remarkable and in my opinion a friendly staff can make the whole difference...even if some mistakes are done, the customer can forgive anything with a smile.

Review 92：Great location, architecture, historical.

Review 93：Our room was a feature room, top floor, no view and was very small & hot, window opened slightly, no air con although a small fan provided. You cant spray aerosols in the bedroom only the bathroom as it sets the alarms off. My partner went to breakfast but ended up only having toast as it wasnt good! All in all staff lovely, fit for the purpose of a day at the races but felt the rate was way overpriced for what you get.

Review 94：Staff on check in and departure very friendly and helpful, made you feel very welcome. Central location with parking.

Review 95：As a light sleeper this was a poor choice of hotel. There was a great deal of outside noise from some kind of extractor fan and people in the courtyard late into the night. Most of the staff seemed to lack the basic people skills.

Review 96：A wonderful old building in an ideal location

Review 97：Outside the hotel is very dirty with litter and cigarette butts all over the floor. First impressions of the car park very disappointing and shows lack of attention to detail. The single bed were small and soft with dated furniture all looked very tired. The room was clean, but felt shabby.

Review 98：The bar staff and waiting staff were lovely.... The building is a lovely period property...

Review 99：Not exactly a bad experience, but went to get another pint at the bar just gone ten and it was closed, can understand if there are not many people about, we were sitting outside tho. we just went across the street, LOL.

Review 100：fairly secure parking for our motorbikes, cheap clean room. good food.

Review 101：Really good value for money but a shame the food was a bit of a let down, particularly the Sunday roast. You do get what you pay for I suppose.

Review 102：The room was really luxurious and clean, really felt spoilt with the room. The staff were really friendly too.

Review 103：Hotel needs refurbishing Not enough staff at breakfast, those that were there did their best but were overwhelmed.

Review 104：Location. Breakfast Staff helpful and friendly

Review 105：Terrible coffee and cheap breakfast. Evening meal was fine. We had evening meal too which since our last stay has gone down in terms of standard but was ok.

Review 106：Sandy and her staff made us feel very welcome.

Review 107：The breakfast was not nice tinned mushrooms and not proper bacon not the sort of breakfast you woukd expect after paying 144 per night ! Room was good and staff very friendly the hotel just need a good lick of fresh paint

Review 108：We were quoted £90 for the room but as was a race day the price doubled! Great hotel for £90, complete rip off for £180!

Review 109：Comfy beds and friendly staff!

Review 110：Room very warm as at the top of the building and no air con Some guests booked out because it was so hot in some of the rooms

Review 111：Staff cheerful and helpful Good central town location Parking interesting

Review 112：The attitude of the breakfast staff, also we had 3 rooms booked and one of the rooms was not allocated for one of my party and they were given a very run down room.

Review 113：The location was great

Review 114：Bar area awful very shoddy looking for a large hotel!!! Friday night bar closed at 10.30pm!! Car park had a very small area to park and had to break off branches of an overgrown bush as it would have put scratches down the side of my car, hardly enough room to move about to park!! For the cost it was I would never recommend this place to anyone!!

Review 115：Bags left opposite the recepion desk pre-check in 1100hrs until we returned 1900

Review 116：Friendly staff, well-located hotel, rabbit warren route to room, somewhat shabby carpets.

Review 117：It was very hot in the room (summer), but we didn't find the fan until we left! Our fault for not looking!

Review 118：Comfortable and friendly hotel. Good breakfast and excellent value for money

Review 119：Only complaint was the temperature of the building, and bedroom in particular. Without the pedestal fan that you provided, it would have been unbearably hot.

Review 120：From the minute we arrived we were made welcome. Nothing was too much trouble, and the girl on reception Sunday evening was a perfect hostess.

Review 121：The service at breakfast was terrible. On one occasion I was ignored for 15 minutes, by which time I had to leave or I would have been late for work.

Review 122：The front of house staff were very helpful; the hotel is a nice old building

Review 123：Is not accessible for disabled or anyone with walking difficulties as there is no lift . No ground floor rooms.

Review 124：The room was beautiful.location was perfect plenty of choice for breakfast

Review 125：Rude breakfast waitress---when we asked for toast she said"Well I did ask you"---which she hadn't. Also no butter provided--and when we asked for butter she said" well I'll get you some more"--then she took her time about it. My daughter was appalled at the attitude, having just come from Sri Lanka where she said service was always excellent.

Review 126：helpful staff took my daughters heavy case to carpark--brillliant

Review 127：The bed was very uncomfortable, you could feel the springs. The room was very hot and no air conditioning. There was a fan but the plug was broken. Staff (all except one) at breakfast were very miserable and the service was slow. They looked like they just couldn't be bothered. The food when it did arrive was only moderate. Our room was up several flights of stairs and at the end of a corridor and whilst we arrived with lots of luggage we were offered no assistance. In general, the whole place although clean, looks old, tired and in need of a complete revamp, including the staff!

Review 128：Nothing I didn't like

Review 129：Staff really friendly and helpful. Hotel had a lovely feel to it. Rooms very spacious and comfortable. Great location. Would defiantly book again

Review 130：The bed mattress was uncomfortable, too soft for 2 people so you roll into the middle

Review 131：Walking distance to shops and our daughter's house and wedding party Nice large elegant room and ensuite

Review 132：I stayed in one of the hottest weeks of 2015, I was given a bedroom in the eaves, the window had not been opened & the heat stopped me in my tracks as I opened the door. I asked for an extra fan & for perhaps a change of room to be told " there is only one fan per room and the rooms on the third floor are worse" As I was working I left a day early & booked into a modern nearby hotel with AC which was a shame as I like to support independent hotels.

Review 133：I liked the old buidling, the bedrrom with the origianal features, the courtyard and the overall quirkiness.

Review 134：Black mould in bathroom (only a little but it did detract from a fabulous stay)

Review 135：Staff were REALLY helpful and the roo Was really comfortable. Character without being twee!

The Fine Print

The hotel operates a strict non-smoking policy throughout the building.