Maids Head Hotel

This ancient hotel claims to be the oldest in the country, dating back to the 1100s, and without question, it enjoys one of Norwich city centre's best positions – right by the cathedral on the edge of the city's most atmospheric quarter, and very handy indeed for its shops, restaurants and pubs. Norwich is not blessed with loads of hotels, with the result that those that are here often don't have to try too hard. The Maids Head is a real exception, having recently refurbished all of its 84 rooms, which has resulted in a bit of glam in both the bedrooms and public spaces. It really is a unique place to stay, and quite rightly won the 'Large Hotel' award in the 2022 East of England Tourism Awards.

There's no getting around the fact that the Maids Head occupies an ancient building which has been extended several times over the years, but that's part of its charm. There's a warren of corridors on different levels, made up of the original 12th-century, slightly sprawling coaching inn and a 1960s extension at the back of the main building. The guest rooms have been re-fashioned with flair and style and are very comfortable: as well as a good selection of well-proportioned and beautifully furnished double rooms, the hotel has four suites, eight junior suites, four feature rooms, and three dog-friendly executive rooms – all unique in design. All the guest rooms come with tea and coffee facilities, good wifi, Freeview flatscreen TVs and an in-room iPad, and have good-sized en-suite bathrooms with either separate showers or shower/baths combined – and all feature a different but stunning image of Norwich on the tiles. Feature rooms and suites tend to have both walk-in showers and separate rolltop baths, sometimes in the room itself.

Service in the hotel is excellent and nothing is too much trouble, and they make a point of going the extra mile for their guests – for example with two vintage Bentleys which offer complimentary spins around the city to guests as well as a selection of complimentary 'Bobbin Bikes' which guests can use to plan their own adventures. There's private parking, and they have an excellent two-AA-Rosette restaurant in the WinePress, nestled in the heart of the hotel, not to mention the oak-panelled Jacobean Bar that was a popular haunt for US servicemen during World War II. A cosy and comfortable place to stay in the heart of a fascinating historic city.