Lavenham Great House Hotel & Restaurant

Lavenham Great House Hotel & Restaurant descritpion
Sleek design is coupled with period charm at the Lavenham Great House in rural Suffolk. This 5-star hotel and restaurant provides stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi and a complimentary decanter of sherry.
Each room boasts chic furnishings alongside traditional features such as exposed beams. Some rooms feature four-poster beds, and all come with a minibar, espresso machine and plasma TV.
Since 2011, the restaurant has been included in the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Restaurants. It serves a variety of dishes from Scottish salmon sushi to grilled Suffolk venison.
This area of Suffolk offers many picturesque cycling routes through the rolling countryside, dotted with typical “Suffolk pink” cottages. Lavenham is famous for its church and its Tudor heritage.
Less than 30 minutes’ drive from Bury St Edmunds and an hour’s drive from Cambridge, Lavenham provides a peaceful stay in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.
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Facilities of Lavenham Great House Hotel & Restaurant
Outdoors :Grounds
Pets :Pets are not allowed.
Activities :Cycling | Bikes Available (free)
Food & Drink :Restaurant
Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking :Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).
General :Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages Spoken :French | English
Reviews for Lavenham Great House Hotel & Restaurant
Review 1:I couldn't sample the evening meal as there was not one on Monday. I thought the continental breakfast would have been good value if you wanted to eat everything available but was expensive for one bowl of muesli. The coffee was average I thought and was served with cold milk and I thought freshly squeezed orange juice might have been possible in such an establishment, since so much else had been thought of.
Review 2:The position of the hotel and the attention to detail in the room, which was impressive. I particularly liked the bathroom, which was beautifully appointed. It would not be any good for more than one night as there was little room to put anything on shelves. . Room 5 must be a tight squeeze for a couple, with a sloping attic ceiling. But it is quite beautiful in the Market Square with Christmas lights and a great base for the night.
Review 3:This is a restaurant first and hotel second. The entrance is pretty much part of the restaurant, there is no communal lounge space or reception area like you would expect so no ability to have a pre dinner drink/post shopping coffee unless taken in your room or go the the bar next door. Staff were friendly, smiled at us as we came and went, but not very engaging, they were more focused on prepping the restaurant. We had the attic room which was claustrophobic as not a lot of circulation space, also not helped by cooking smells filling the room morning and evening, quite dark too. In summary it was ok.
Review 4:Location is good as it is situated in the main square. Room clean with high end features. Restaurant food nice.
Review 5:Room No.3 was over the kitchen and also next to the staff bedrooms (with a very thin connecting door to their corridor which banged every time they opened and closed a door). This meant that it was very noisy during the afternoon (it was a Sunday) with staff crashing about in the kitchen and then the staff were noisy going to bed (talking loudly, banging doors) about 11pm. We were then woken up about 7.30am with the staff getting up. I am unsure why we were given this room as there was only one other couple staying in the hotel. If this had been an evening that the restaurant was open, it would have been unbearably noisy. We did raise this with 2 staff members on Sun afternoon but were assured (in a somewhat surly manner) there would not be further noise but of course there was. I would also add that the TV in the seating area was smaller than the size of a laptop screen and had a terrible picture. I would expect a large flat screen, HD TV with freeview for this style of hotel. The shower was also very poor - it was over the bath but was at the end which meant that you could not stand underneath it properly so very difficult to wash hair and no shower curtain. Also, I think breakfast should be included for the price we paid not £16 per person and only served between 8.30-9.30am!! This is a really nice hotel but I would not stay again after having these problems. If you do stay there, avoid Room Number 3!!
Review 6:The décor of the room we stayed in was lovely and it was nice to have a separate seating area. The bed was also very comfortable although the pillows could have been better. Lovely fluffy robes and towels.
Review 7:Paying the bill.......... I have to admit it was worth every penny!
Review 8:Location, Staff, atmosphere, food, accommodation, level of service all were perfect. This was the most enjoyable stay I have had in the UK in the past 20 years of business travel, what a gem, don't change anything!
Review 9:Nothing to not like about the hotel. It is very compact and you can hear the noise from downstairs in the room we were in but that's all!
Review 10:Very welcoming and attentive staff and great food. Rooms was amazing and location is perfect. Perfect for a romantic break away.
Review 11:Some of the best food we've ever eaten. Absolutely excellent. This is the boutique place to stay if you want to explore lovely Lavenham and around, and if you love food.
Review 12:The only thing that I can point out is that on Sunday and Monday night you need to be back to the hotel by 23:00. Although, the room is so lovely that you don't even mind to have to come back to it :)
Review 13:Complimentary upgraded to the Deluxe Double Room which is stunning. Although there was no one present to do the check-in, that was not a problem at all since everything was very organised and all the information that we needed was provided. Very close to good restaurants, so the fact that their restaurant is closed on Sunday night and all day on Monday it's no biggie. Can't wait to be back!
Review 14:Sadly I hadn't read the small print and hadn't realised that the restaurant was closed on both the nights we were staying.. beware no restaurant on Sunday Evenings or Mondays!
Review 15:The bedroom with its sitting area was totally beautiful and comfortable too. We were able to relax perfectly. The hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of the village.
Review 16:Attic room very limited space with only a sky light. Couldn't stand up to have a shower. Food undercooked and tiny portions. Not much choice on menu. Not value for money.
Review 17:Staff were friendly and helpful
Review 18:The restaurant not being open on a Monday!
Review 19:I booked the Tudor room as a surprise 40th birthday treat for my wife and was not disappointed at all. What a fantastic room(more like a suite actually)! Probably the comfiest bed I have ever slept in. 10 out of 10!
Review 20:They have a cheese trolley right in the entrance by the stairs and it smells really strong. Luckily we were on the top floor so we couldn't smell it up there, but you could definitely smell it on the first floor.
Review 21:the room, although very small, was beautifully decorated, spotlessly clean and the amenities were fantastic. My son particularly liked the nespresso machine!
Review 22:The bathroom was amazing with sunken lights on one side if the bath. Room was small but very comfortable. We saw some of the suites and they looked incredible. Dinner was exceptional and breakfast superb. You need to go just to sample the cheese board. 5 star throughout
Review 23:The restaurant was shut. Would have liked to try it.
Review 24:Friendly and courteous staff. Luxurious surroundings. No expense spared to make this hotel as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
Review 25:Found the bed very hard and quite uncomfortable and position of bed in the eaves awkward to get into on one side.
Review 26:Great situation in village..quiet and peaceful..room tastefully furnished building was full of character
Review 27:Room was somewhat small and had minimum facilities i e no shower, no clock and TV ewas not operational
Review 28:Location was good, food wonderful and Staff were very attentive and friendly.
Review 29:Everything connected with your service and facilities was immaculate. The food was of the highest quality. Everybody was unfailingly polite, charming and helpful.
Review 30:Actic window fixed would have preferred opening window. Felt trapped 'spoke' to myself to get over clausdefobic feeling, used fan which helped. Very cute tho. Would not stay in the loft room over summer. Clean. & comfy.
Review 31:Good position off the high street
Review 32:attic bedroom very limiting. Unable to stand to have shower. Had to bend double to get round bed. power cut sunday morning. could not see in bathroom.
Review 33:lovely hotel and restaurant. good staff.
Review 34:The bed in the attic room was a little small for us.
Review 35:Loved the decor, lovely bathroom, fantastic meal. Lavenham was beautiful and local people were welcoming.
Review 36:Breakfast was a little early for us. The low doorway into the bedroom (not the beam, the actual doorway) caused my wife a few headaches.
Review 37:We stayed in the Tudor room which was full of history and character a wonderful room worth every penny the breakfast food was of the highest standard and so was the service. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Review 38:Nothing to dislike.
Review 39:Loved the location, easy to park the car, lovely room. Nice touches in the room bowl of fruit, dressing gowns & slippers plenty of tea and coffee.
Review 40:My only tiny dislike is that there is no bar as such,in the summer we would have sat outside though.
Review 41:The great house is in a cracking spot in a lovely town.The staff are friendly,the food is superb,the room/suite that we stayed in is the nicest I have ever stayed in.
Review 42:Extra charge for breakfast as mentioned and the congested entrance area. Carrying suitcases up and down the precarious stairs for the more mature guest is worrysome - even negotiating these without luggage!
Review 43:Excellent food and huge selection of cheeses. Breakfast is wonderful but at an extra charge!
Review 44:Wish we had come when the restaurant was open - we'll make sure to do so next time!
Review 45:Beautiful room, the staff were so helpful and the service excellent
Review 46:No area to sit and have a drink in the evening. I would say it was more of a restaurant with rooms than a hotel.
Review 47:The character of the building and the staff were very friendly.
Review 48:Having to check out ..
Review 49:Everything , from the moment we walked into the building we were treated to exceptional surroundings, service and the food was truly outstanding ..Already planning a return visit
Review 50:We loved The Great House Hotel & Restaurant. The food was amazing, the location stunning and the staff were all very helpful and caring. We would recommend The Great House to anyone.
Review 51:In the day I travelled there was no one working at the hotel, guests checked themselves in following instructions left at the front desk. I was not aware this would be the case and had tried to contact the hotel for information, only to speak to an answer phone. This happens weekly and in future this should be explained to guests.
Review 52:location in gorgeous village of lavenham. Hotel it's self is splendid, with stunning rooms and exceptional quality. High quality breakfast, if little expensive.
Review 53:Room 5 was very small as was the double bed. Great for young lovers!
Review 54:Ideal location in the great town of Lavenham. Close to shops and restaurants. Great breakfasts and very polite service.
Review 55:Having to go home!
Review 56:Everything! Excellent staff, made to feel welcome and valued. Great food excellent selection of wines. Comfortable room.Complimentary sherry in room.
Review 57:Menue needs to have some normal items for people who are diabetic and have health issues, and need normal soup, salad, meat and fish not reduced into spam like quality
Review 58:comfortable room, friendly staff
Review 59:The size of the room. It is a good job we are both short as you spend most of your time bent over avoiding the rafters. We had room 5, probably the smallest room in the hotel, on the hottest night of the year with one velux window! Other rooms appeared to be much more spacious and better ventilated.
Review 60:The standard of the fitting out of the rooms is excellent. Modern and very clean.
Review 61:Room and bed too small Midnight curfew with no flexibility No lounge / communal environment
Review 62:Very nice welcome Excellent service from staff Excellent restaurant Excellent facilities in the room
Review 63:The breakfast was not very good charged £12 per person fruit had gone off coffee warm not good value. TV in room was not working room a little on the small side
Review 64:Staff were very attentive food was very good lovely bathroom
Review 65:Cramped and stuffy room Staff were not too bothered when I informed them that the room was unbearably hot, despite having a fan provided this did not improve the temperature in the room so neither of us were able to sleep. I think the room is overpriced.
Review 66:Décor Bathroom Bath Robe and slippers
Review 67:A little awkward getting to the stairway through the restaurant. I think it was a shame that breakfast is charged separately. I can't understand why the price doesn't reflect the room and the breakfast, as just about everyone has breakfast at the hotel now.
Review 68:Loved the size of the room, the location of the hotel, the food. Staff were attentive without being obsequious.
Review 69:The attic room was a bit small and stuffy but I know other rooms were lovely. Would have liked a king size bed. Sadly didn't get opportunity to try the restaurant but it looked intimate and pleasant.
Review 70:Great location in this beautiful village. Thierry was very helpful and considerate. Lovely touches in the room such as fresh fruit and complimentary sherry.
Review 71:There is no ante area, you are either at the restaurant table or in your bedroom. They lock the doors at 11.00pm and don't give out keys so its a bit like being sent to bed as there are no sitting areas or bar. This should be made clear before you book. The good outweighs the bad though and I would go back.
Review 72:Excellent food and comprehensive wine list, - worthy of a Michelin star- all fairly priced, professional yet friendly service, quality and cleanliness of everything, location. Espresso machine in bedrooms.
Review 73:Location, upgraded room, first class service, breakfast best we've ever had
Review 74:Old building meant slightly thin walls, but still fun as very peaceful.
Review 75:Beautiful room and super friendly staff! The restaurant was delicious!
Review 76:The room was amazing! The staff couldn't have been more helpful, I would highly recommend.
Review 77:Perhaps the continental breakfast was a bit over priced
Review 78:The room was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. Evening meal was all we expected.
Review 79:No comment
Review 80:Fantastic accommodation and a unique french ambience made even more magical by our hosts.
Review 81:None
Review 82:Outstanding thoughtful and delicious food presented with care and attention to detail.
Review 83:Lack of a lounge with roaring fire.
Review 84:Everything was excellent.
Review 85:Fantastic location in a stunning village! Great place to stay
Review 86:Great attention to detail. Very well staffed. Excellent restaurant. Ideally situated for visiting Lavenham. Easy to find free parking.
Review 87:The staff, the food, the room were all 1rst class
Review 88:Nothing.
Review 89:The hotel was beautiful,the staff wonderful,and the restaurant was wonderful.
Review 90:Beautiful room, Nespresso coffee and lovely buffet breakfast. Highly recommend.
Review 91:Everything
Review 92:Outstanding professional service. The attic room was charming.
Review 93:Amazing room and hotel. Great welcome, very friendly. Fabulous meal in the restaurant and all very good value. Highly recommended.
Review 94:Lovely room and gorgeous food.
Review 95:Staff made no effort to speak to us , no bar area it's just a room with a resturant
Review 96:Really loved the hotel. Lovely room and brilliant location too. Only regret is that we didn't stay longer. Will definitely stay again.
Review 97:The food was really delicious. The room was comfortable & full of beams.
Review 98:Good location great evening meal
Review 99:Nothing not to like!
Review 100:The room was lovely and the staff were so friendly and helpful.
Review 101:The ambiance of the hotel and village is superb
Review 102:Smell from cheese trolley in restaurant so strong it travelled up to our room!
Review 103:Room and nice touches such as sherry and fruit.
Review 104:Everyone was extreamly helpful setting up the evening of the proposal and everything was perfect - even the outcome!
Review 105:Super location, great bedrooms, and a nice continental breakfast.
Review 106:Very pleasant staff and excellent food. The smaller attic double is perfect for a one night stay.
Review 107:Nothing
Review 108:One of the best meals we have ever had. Staff very attentive and friendly. Wouldn't hesitate in going back.
Review 109:Excellent food, attentive but not intrusive staff
Review 110:Quality of facilities and fittings. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Review 111:We loved the warmth and friendliness of the staff and attention to detail in making our stay absolutely wonderful. Beautiful and special, thank you.
Review 112:Wifi very poor
Review 113:Great service, good food and romantic room
Review 114:Beautiful room, stunning restaurant, superb food, great service. Have to go back.
Review 115:We liked the whole experience and the room surpassed our expectations . The quality of furnishings and fittings was of a high standard
Review 116:breakfast
Review 117:dinner
Review 118:Stayed half a dozen times ,gets better each time
Review 119:The food, the service and our room
The Fine Print
Please note that the reception closes at 00:00 midnight and access to the hotel after this time cannot be arranged.Guests should please be aware that the restaurant is not open on Sunday evenings and all day on Monday. Breakfasts are available every morning from 08:30 to 09:30.If guests wish to dine at the hotel then reservations should be made before arrival.