The Rufus House
The Rufus House descritpion
Situated on the edge of Lyndhurst village in the heart of the New Forest National Park, this elegant Victorian house lies opposite acres of exceptional woodland and open heaths. It offers rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy birdwatching and horse riding in the nearby area, and there are plenty of opportunities for scenic walks. It is just a 5-minute walk from The Rufus House to the centre of the village, with its shops, cafes and restaurants.
Clean and bright, rooms at The Rufus all have beautiful views. Each also comes with facilities for making tea and coffee, and a bathroom with toiletries. A New Forest Breakfast can be provided at an additional cost. It is made with locally sourced produce and served each day in the dining room.
With free private parking on site, there is also room for cycle storage. There is also an on-site yoga therapist, so you can enjoy relaxing yoga and meditations sessions.
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Facilities of The Rufus House
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in the hotel rooms 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 | Hypoallergenic room available | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Designated Smoking Area
Languages Spoken ：Japanese | Italian | English
Reviews for The Rufus House
Review 1：Could have done with breakfast being served up until a little later ie 10 am. Had a late night and had to set the alarm to get us up. It was Sunday!
Review 2：Very friendly and hospitable owner. Room was spacious and well furnished. Close to Lyndhurst and not far from Southampton. Good breakfast
Review 3：the bathroom in our room would benefit from an upgrade.
Review 4：the friendliness and helpfulness of the proprietors, the convenience of the location and proximity to restaurant and facilities in the town with a large area of open space opposite with public access.
Review 5：Very friendly and helpful. I forgot a powder box. After one hour, travelling back to London, they called to tell me. Yesterday I received it by post in my homeaddress in Madrid, against payment, of course.
Review 6：There was nothing to dislike about Rufus house .
Review 7：The couple who owned RUFUS house &all their staff treated us like family. They were helpful lovely people. They made sure our stay was a very very pleasant one .the breakfast is cooked to your liking . We intend going there again & recommend others to stay at the Rufus hotel clean and homely.
Review 8：Very minor point, but it would have been good if breakfast could have been served until a little bit later - it was quite tough to get out of the comfy bed.
Review 9：Excellent location. Friendly and attentive staff and very comfortable rooms. Breakfast was lovely as well.
Review 10：Twin room had extremely small uncomfortable beds and a tiny TV. It also faced a busy road and there was a lot of traffic noise.
Review 11：Friendly welcome, good location
Review 12：We would have preferred a bath in the room rather than just a shower,but this is just personal preference
Review 13：very clean and comfortable Staff helpful and pleasant
Review 14：The Hotel is located just outside Lyndhurst. This is useful as you can get to Lymington and Beaulieu without going through the town which tends to get congested with traffic.
Review 15：The hotel owners were really friendly and helpful. The room was really clean and spacious with a four poster bed We will be booking again for next year.
Review 16：The hotel is very clean, the staff are fantastic, it has everything you need for a short stay. Other than being on a fairly busy road, it's in a great location.
Review 17：On a very busy road with traffic noise all night - this meant that you were unable to have windows open & it was very hot & stuffy!
Review 18：Convenient location for walking into Lyndhurst ( less than 5 mins )
Review 19：The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful. Could come and go as we liked...important when weather changeable. Close to Lyndhurst for pubs/restaurants (10 min walk).
Review 20：Noisy road which did quiten down during the evening but started up again around 7am. It can't be helped.
Review 21：The welcome was sincere and genuine. Ernesto was very kind and put us in the family room on the first floor as having arthritis, the second floor was too much. Breakfast cooked by Ernesto and served by Etsuko was lovely. Nothing was no trouble. Highly recommended.
Review 22：Our room was on the roadside, which was rather noisy in the night with heavy traffic.
Review 23：Being in the middle of the New Forest to make trips right form where we stayed.
Review 24：Breakfast was very expensive for the size. We unfortunately could make tea in our room as element was rusty and when I saw reception staffed the cleaned with vinegar which made the water taste nasty.
Review 25：The hotel is a beautifully well maintained in a beautiful location.
Review 26：The only downfall was the noise level in the mornings due to the breakfast room being next door - we were constantly being woken up early hours in the morning!
Review 27：The location was beautiful and the bedroom itself was very comfortable. The staff were also lovely and very welcoming!
Review 28：On noisy main road. Tiny TV, especially other side of room. Wooden toilet seat. Bathroom mirror light flashes on and off, pathetic shower. Attic room with sloping roof, do not book if you are tall.
Review 29：Owners charming, clean and comfortable bed.
Review 30：The bathroom mirror was mounted very low, at chest hight.The mirrorlight switched itself on/off. The front of the building is located a road that is rather busy during the day and evening.
Review 31：Our kind hosts, Etsuko & Ernesto gave us a very warm welcome. The accommodation was very clean and comfortable. The towncentre is located at walking distance. Much to do in the towns nearby and the magnificent forrest! The distance from the Netherlands / Belgium is also acceptable.
Review 32：Having to leave.
Review 33：Second time I have stayed here and was not disappointed. Very welcoming and comfortable accomodation, in a convenient location in a stunning part of the New Forest.
Review 34：Owners very welcoming and knowledgeable. breakfast was excellent. Bed comfortable. Room was clean. Hotel in excellent, quiet but central location. Could not have asked for more.
Review 35：A little pricey for what you get (then again, the area is expensive).
Review 36：A spacious room in a good location. Not a 'wow' moment when we came in but it was what we were looking for.
Review 37：A bath to soak in would have been nice, but that's just being picky.
Review 38：Rufus House is just outside the centre of the town, far enough not to be disturbed but close enough to be part of it. The owners and staff were great. Breakfast fantastic with local produce.
Review 39：in heavy rain front car park was a big puddle, would recommend some form of drainage would improve things
Review 40：very tastefully decorated, lovely sofa / seating area in room . mini bar. hosts pleasant without being over attentive.
Review 41：We stayed in room 5 which was by the fire exit and was very cold, on inspection we found that the window in the room had a inch gap all the way down and the wardrobe was like an ice box which also let the cold in. Also the shower cubicle door didn't shut properly and on one occasion we had left the room for the day only to return and find the cleaner had been in and left the door unlocked. We also only had a view of the back carpark which was very disappointing.
Review 42：The staff were very pleasant and welcoming, and the breakfasts were lovely. We enjoyed our stay.
Review 43：Charged £100 just for the room. Bed was a cheap pine bed, supposed to be for poster but was a fake. Only a double bed. Tiny TV which was too small for room. No toiletries as would be expected for the price and all water etc was charged at a £1 each. Having stayed in the Beach House in Milford On Sea the few nights before, which was lovely, the Rufus was a great disappointment. The breakfast was £10 per person, on top of the £100, which we decided not to have.
Review 44：Location to town
Review 45：Decor is a little dated and bed was comfortable but very squeaky!!
Review 46：Location and food!! Lovely host was very welcoming and she went the extra mile to ensure we had a good stay.I would stay again if coming to the New Forest. We had a great time!
Review 47：Nothing !
Review 48：Friendly reception upon arrival. Location to town. Room was very comfortable and quiet. Staff all very efficient. Great breakfast. Off street parking.
Review 49：Rufus House was very clean and pleasant and situation terrific - just opposite New Forest land. When I needed to unexpectedly extend my stay by a further night, the owner arranged that for me at short notice.
Review 50：Personally this didn't bother me, but if you're a light sleeper, room 1 may be a bit nosy as near the road at the front of the house.
Review 51：We stayed in room 1 and it was lovely and spacious, delicious bed and superbly clean. The hosts are so welcoming and friendly and even decorated the room for our arrival as a surprise for my boyfriends birthday.
Review 52：The breakfast time 8-9am we felt too early, when on a relaxing break the option of a later breakfast would be nice not everyone goes walking first thing. Our room was a superior double at the back it was small and the bathroom needed serious updating the shower cubicle was very shabby and the shower head needed descaling, The room could of been warmer the fridge was in front of the radiator blocking half the heat not the best place to place the fridge. The breakfast was nice was shocked to be served streaky bacon!!
Review 53：The location of the Rufus is perfect for walks in the Forest, it is directly across the road. It is also perfect for Lyndhurst town a five minute walk.
Review 54：My wife has a bad back and the bed had a very soft mattress which didn't help. But that's just personal preference.
Review 55：How close it was to the town and just across the road was a great place to walk.
Review 56：We were disappointed with the room, which suffered from a high degree of traffic noise. Other reviews have mentioned this, but we found it very intrusive. Although clean the ensuite was dated and rather grim. Having said this the owners make no claims for the hotel that cannot be justified and the basics are all taken care of. We just did not feel that our room offered us anything more than a place to sleep.
Review 57：In line with other reviews the host was welcoming and firnendly and the room was clean. If you are just looking for somewhere to stay en route or on business you could do a lot worse.
Review 58：Not so much a criticism but the hotel is on the A35 going into Lyndhurst which is quite busy so a room at the back like ours (No 5) is recommended if you are a light sleeper.
Review 59：We were here for an impromptu 2 night break and had a very enjoyable and relaxing stay. The room (no 5) was clean, comfortable and quiet, being at the back of the property. No complaints about the full English breakfast as well as generous helpings of coffee and toast all delivered efficiently by the friendly and accommodating staff. A very charming and pleasant place to stay.
Review 60：No thick cut marmalade.
Review 61：I won't say where we stayed in Lyndhurst last time but, suffice it to say, the Rufus House was far superior. Excellent breakfast - freshly cooked and fantastic scrambled eggs. We'll be back !
Review 62：Friendliness of owners, Ernesto & Etsuko Great English Breakfast Charm of the property itself Location - Perfect for Lyndhurst & New Forest
Review 63：Not much pressure from the shower but I was on the top floor and used to the one at home which would take your flesh off :) Checkout time could be extended a little from 10.30am on a Sunday? To say 11.30am at no additional cost
Review 64：Had an immediate relaxed Oriental Feng Shui feel to the Hotel when you walked through the door which was lovely and unexpected. Bed was gorgeous and very comfortable with everything very clean Perfect with minor critisms
Review 65：You'll have a great stay here. Breakfast with fresh coffee is great and the place exudes a peaceful ambiance. Parking is good ,wifi worked well and all the staff are all charming I didn't have a chance to try the healing Yoga on offer, but am sure to try it next visit. This place really is a gem!.
Review 66：Rufus a House is situated 5 mins. from Lyndhurst, a 5 min.walk and you are in the New Forest. Etsuko and Ernesto are warm and welcoming, the staff are friendly and courteous the breakfast was delicious we can highly recommend Rufus a House.
Review 67：Great staff, lovely room, clean and comfortable. A good breakfast is available and a great way to start the day because the location of Rufus house is an excellent place to base yourself when visiting the New Forest. It is also within walking distance to a range of shops and places to eat.
Review 68：lovely stay in a beautiful location.owners friendly and helpful is what my parents said of their stay at Rufus House.Thank you so much Etsuko and Ernesto for making their stay an enjoyable experience.
Review 69：Only the weather!!
Review 70：Good location for visits and easy walking to local pubs for meals in the eve. Very comfortable spotless rooms with good choice of breakfasts.Very friendly and helpful owner. Would recommend Rufus House as an excellent place to stay.
Review 71：This hotel was absolutely perfect. All the staff are helpful and friendly and the room was impeccably clean and very comfortable. Within 200 yards of a lovely Italian restaurant and half a mile from the town centre. opposite the new forest. Perfect location.
Review 72：Exceptionally friendly staff, nothing was too much trouble for them. The room was spacious and very clean. The location was near to Lyndhurst so easy to walk in and find a place to eat, central for many areas to visit.
Review 73：Expensive compared to other houses, particularly with brekfast extra (not cooked) Noisy plumbing
Review 74：Location Proximity to restaurants Very clean with every facility
Review 75：It was expensive - nearly £100 for room only. And we didn't have breakfast, but serving breakfast only between 8am and 9am seems a little inflexible. When I'm travelling on business I'd usually want breakfast earlier than that.
Review 76：Lovely old building, very well cared for. Comfortable bed
Review 77：Nothing to dislike about this place.
Review 78：Very well appointed and roomy, with a good bathroom, recently painted and decorated with nice furniture and fittings and in a good location on the edge of the New Forest. Excellent value for money. Landlord, his wife and staff were very friendly and efficient and there was off street car parking with the allotment, just like home.
Review 79：Lack of information on how to get around as we had left the car at home. Bus and train timetables would have been useful. Also we had to pay for breakfast as I hadn't realised that bookings done through Booking.com did not include this.
Review 80：The owners were very friendly and welcoming. Rooms clean and comfortable with adequate washing facilities. Breakfast very good value for money.
Review 81：The only thing bad I can think of is........
Review 82：The whole place had a nice calm appeal to it and you were made to feel very relaxed. We found it was very clean and there were some lovely little touches to give the place a bit of a homely feel.. Will deffinately be staying many more times, as it's easy to get to, great location, clean and the breakfasts are lovely.
Review 83：I was on the second floor and the shower could have been a bit more powerful.
Review 84：I had a very friendly welcome. The room was spotless and very well appointed. I have to work in the evenings and I was pleased that there was a table - which meant I did not have to balance my computer on my lap. The towels were wonderful.
Review 85：For a leisure break, specifically to go walking in the New Forest, it was an ideal location. Staff/owner very welcoming & helpful. Comfy, quiet room at back of hotel, afforded a good night's rest. Pretty perfect.
Review 86：Probably, as in so many instances, the use of duvets in summer - which are often far too hot. The owner has been trying to sort this ...... but its still a project in hand. We did find other solutions elsewhere that were more comfortable - much thinner quilt/duvet - or the alternative of old-fashioned blankets which we always like.
Review 87：The kindness and consideration of the owners. The superior thought that has gone into the accommodation. Its closeness to a nearby restaurant. You should put a category between good and excellent : its rare that somewhere is excellent. But good is not good enough for this venue.
Review 88：We really loved the location, very friendly and hospitable staff. Clean atmosphere and good energy all over the hotel. Highly recommended.
Review 89：Clean comfortable room with excellent service.
Review 90：Friendly staff , very clean room and facilities , perfect location and excellent breakfast
Review 91：Nothing
Review 92：The warmth and friendliness of the staff
Review 93：Coming home!
Review 94：Very friendly owner and very accommodating for what we needed. Large bay fronted room good breakfast
Review 95：Very Very Friendly. Sorted out all our taxi requirements.
Review 96：Only cold weather
Review 97：Location perfect and nice local shops, pubs and restaurants
Review 98：Main road busy at times.
Review 99：Great Location opposite open land. Friendly Staff. Great locally sourced breakfast.
Review 100：The staff
Review 101：Excellent location, excellent staff, exactly the type of accommodation we were after
Review 102：traffic noise
Review 103：friendly cheerful and welcoming staff nothing was too much trouble
Review 104：Shower cubicle needed a lick of paint
Review 105：Fabulous location and excellent breakfast.
Review 106：Breakfast finishes serving at 9am. Would've liked it finished at 10am instead.
Review 107：The service was excellent.
Review 108：Very friendly and accommodating owner.
Review 109：Excellent location, very friendly staff
Review 110：Location, very friendly staff
Review 111：None
Review 112：The hotel and its location to other places of interest, New Forest walks and lyndhurst village.Attentive and friendly staff.
Review 113：No bad experience occurred.
Review 114：Made to feel so welcome as if we were family, the staff were so friendly and seemed to be really interested in us.
Review 115：The hosts were very welcoming, the room was clean and warm. A very good location and easy to find. I would stay there again
Review 116：Clean, neat, modern facilities but in a classic building and interior. Super friendly and helpful staff with good local knowledge.
Review 117：nothing
Review 118：clean and tidy
Review 119：Hotel staff friendliness
Review 120：Bed could of been more comfortable Picture a bit deceiving as its on a main road
Review 121：Place was nice and clean Staff were very friendly and helpful
Review 122：The staff have an attention to detail that is lacking in a lot of places.
The Fine Print
Please note that arrivals after 21:00 are not permitted and will not be accommodated.Please note there is no lift in the property.Non-availability: The Rufus House will only cancel a booking if a guests accommodation was unavailable for reasons beyond their control. They will attempt to offer an alternative accommodation, however if this is not possible, or unacceptable to a guest, then they will refund all payments by the guest without administration fee. The Rufus House's liability would not extend beyond this refund.