The Bell Hotel Saxmundham

UK England East Anglia Suffolk Saxmundham

01728 602 331   31 High Street, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1AF

  • From £130 a night
  • Ten Guest Rooms
  • Contemporary Coaching Inn
A venerable yet contemporary Suffolk coaching inn with a busy bar, excellent restaurant and boutique rooms

The small Suffolk town of Saxmundham often gets rather overlooked in favour of the more obvious tourist honeypots of the nearby coast, which is a shame because it has a terrific place to stay (and to eat) in The Bell –  a classic coaching inn in every sense, and one that has recently received a much-deserved makeover by new owners Beales – a family firm that's been in the hospitality trade for over 250 years, starting off as bakers and caterers. The Bell is one of multiple hotels they've owned since their first purchase back in 1945, so they have plenty of experience.

First of all the location, which is great. Saxmundham is a pleasant small town with two superpowers: it's home to a mainline station and is a brilliant base for the delights of Aldeburgh, Minsmere and nearby Suffolk Coast. The station is only a two-minute walk from the hotel, so The Bell is also an excellent choice if you prefer to leave the car at home.

The hotel has 10 guest rooms of various shapes and sizes, ranged across the two upper floors: all have generously sized beds with Hypnos mattresses, Smart TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities and complimentary biscuits and water. Some also have mini-fridges and Nespresso machines. Named after local towns and villages, the rooms are decorated in a contemporary style that evokes the nearby sea, and they divide into four categories –  ‘Cosy’, ‘Classic’, ‘Spacious’ and ‘Deluxe’ – although the main differences between them are floor space and bathrooms. Cosy and Classic doubles have walk-in showers, Spacious bedrooms have showers over a bath or a wet room for accessibility, while Deluxe rooms have rolltop baths and walk-in showers. The hotel has a lift, going to the first floor (but not the upper levels), and 'Orford' is a dual-aspect accessible room, with an extra-wide doorway, wet room and grab rails.

Dogs are welcome in some of the rooms, and have the run of the downstairs public spaces except the restaurant, which serves a menu focused on local ingredients, including Blythburgh pork and fresh fish and seafood from the nearby coast. On the other side of the flagstoned lobby, you can also eat in the Coast Lounge or in the popular River Bar, which is a cool and comfy place for an early evening beer, cocktail or glass of wine. Overall, the hotel couldn't be more comfortable, an old-fashioned sort of place with excellent, understated service and a quirky, contemporary vibe that makes it an ideal base for seeing both the Suffolk countryside and coast.

Details

Open

Open all year.

Pricing

Double rooms with breakfast from £130 a night.

Location

Contact Website  01728 602 331  The Bell Hotel Saxmundham, 31 High Street, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1AF

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Getting There

The Bell Hotel Saxmundham is impossible to miss – just drive into Saxmundham from any direction and make for the High Street. The Bell is right in the middle of town on the corner of Station Road, just around the corner from the small Market Place. It's easy to reach from the station too, just a two-minute walk away.

Facilities

  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Wifi
  • Beaches
  • Car-free option
  • Walking

Related Guides

See Hotels in Saxmundham

Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 3 reviews

★★★★★

Deserves 10 stars!

This place deserves 10 stars! THE most attentive service. Ashley and Matthew made us more than welcome, and the chef on the night we dined there, should get a Michelin star for the quality of the food. It was fantastic! In fact, the head of housekeeping gave us a tour of the unoccupied rooms and told us about the next phase of restoration and upgrading, including the installation of a lift...not something you find in most former coaching inns dating from the 18th century!
Aug 23, 2023 by Dave K
★★★★★

Gem of a hotel and restaurant!

The staff were friendly and helpful and couldn't have been more welcoming. The menu offered a number of dishes that I would have loved to try - the ones I did have were superb, and generously portioned. Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. Would highly recommend a stay here if you're in the area.
Aug 12, 2023 by Colin S
★★★★★

Beautiful decor and very comfortable

Exceeded our expectations. Matt and his team were very warm and welcoming. The Bell is super dog friendly, and my little Poppy was given a lot of attention, possibly even more than us, but I'm not complaining. Thank you, guys, for a unique experience! And a wonderful weekend.
Jul 18, 2023 by Frances

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