The Crown and Castle

César award: Suffolk inn of the year

'Such service: the cheerful staff answered questions with a smile.' 'A very good example of a Good Hotel Guide hotel.' There is much praise in 2012 for this old red brick inn beside the castle on the square of a peaceful Suffolk village. It is owned by Ruth Watson (TV presenter), her husband, David, and Tim Sunderland, who is the partner/manager. 'The place is a joy to return to; the guest is regally pampered,' says a trusted reporter. 'The staff really seem to enjoy their work,' is another comment.Bedrooms in the main house have sea views: 'Dazzling colours and reflections; a chance to enjoy a Peter Grimes dawn at sea experience.' Garden rooms are 'nicely decorated and well kitted out'; each has a terrace with a view of the castle. Two new rooms in a converted outbuilding were due to open as we went to press. Mrs Watson oversees the cooking ('she explained one of the items on the menu when I asked'). 'Guineafowl with apricot couscous was divine and generous in quantity.' 'It would be hard to find a better breakfast.' (Peter Canon, Gordon Murray, Robert Gower, John Jenkins, Pat and Jeremy Temple)

Have you been there? Send us your review of this hotel.

Visit the hotel's website for more information

The Crown and Castle, Orford Mad May Special Offer

Two night stay on either 6th & 7th May or 8th & 9th May. Rates from £330 for two nights to include a two-course a la carte dinner on both evenings, full English breakfast and free entrance to RSPB Minsmere.

To benefit from this offer, please mention The Good Hotel Guide when booking.

  • We enjoyed our stay. We took up a special offer, All staff are excellent and seem to enjoy their work. Our bedroom was comfortable - excellent bed, and plenty of sitting space in the huge bay windows. Storage ok. Dinners were excellent - interesting menus using local produce; and vegetarians well catered for. The wine list was most interesting: prices very reasonable; an excellent selection by the glass. Breakfasts also very good.

    Pat and Jeremy Temple, 10/05/2012

  • A wonderful ambience. Helpful staff, always cheerful. Food excellent.

    Peter Cannon, 02/02/2012

  • A joy. Room 1 with striking decor, efficient bathroom, view over village. Great food and wine. Hard to find a better breakfast. Service friendly and attentive. You really are pampered.

    Robert Gower, 15/01/2012

  • From arrival to departure the staff were excellent. Our room was well fitted as was the bathroom. Dinner each night was also good (the menus changed frequently), as was the breakfast .

    Gordon Murray, 11/11/2011

Have you been there? Send us your review of this hotel.

The Crown and Castle, Orford Mad May Special Offer

Two night stay on either 6th & 7th May or 8th & 9th May. Rates from £330 for two nights to include a two-course a la carte dinner on both evenings, full English breakfast and free entrance to RSPB Minsmere.

To benefit from this offer, please mention The Good Hotel Guide when booking.

Local attractions

Butley-Orford Oysterage
Eat oysters and smoked fish in an idiosyncratic café.
Orford Castle
A 12th-century castle, built by Henry II.
Sutton Hoo
An Anglo-Saxon burial site, with an Edwardian house.
Orford Ness
National Trust Nature Reserve

Show on map

The Crown and Castle, Orford Mad May Special Offer

Two night stay on either 6th & 7th May or 8th & 9th May. Rates from £330 for two nights to include a two-course a la carte dinner on both evenings, full English breakfast and free entrance to RSPB Minsmere.

To benefit from this offer, please mention The Good Hotel Guide when booking.

Contact Details

The Crown and Castle

Orford, nr Woodbridge ORFORD Suffolk England IP12 2LJ

Telephone

01394 450205

Website

www.crownandcastle.co.uk

Further Information

Bedrooms

19, 10 (all on ground floor) in garden, 1 in courtyard.

Open

all year.

Facilities

lounge/bar, restaurant, private dining room, gallery (with Wi-Fi), 1-acre garden.

Background music

none.

Children

not under 8 in hotel and Trinity restaurant (any age at lunch).

Dogs

allowed in bar, 5 garden rooms.

Credit cards

MasterCard, Visa.

Prices

B&B £65-£122.50 per person, D,B&B £99.50-£157.50, full alc £40, special breaks, Christmas/New Year packages, 1-night bookings refused Sat.