Norwich hotels

The Assembly House is set within a stunning 18th-century Georgian mansion. Its rooms feature plush four-poster beds, period antiques, and clashing colours on the walls.

What I really love is the fact that six of the rooms feature their own private gardens, while another six have lounges. This is a place to relax and feel at home as much as it is a base for visiting the neighbouring Theatre Royal or nearby Norwich Castle.

Guests come back again and again for The Assembly House’s afternoon tea. This amazing spread comes with the usual array of finger sandwiches and cakes, plus an extensive tea menu. Each session is themed, with an afternoon cheese option with cheese scones and assorted local produce. There’s a remarkable “Beauty and the Beast” menu too that will leave you full until breakfast.

The Maids Head Hotel is as historic as it gets, with hospitality available on this site for over 900 years. That sense of the past is felt keenly at every turn. The main part of the building dates back to the 15th century, with the bar said to be a 16th-century addition. Put simply, you'll struggle to find anywhere else in the country that offers the same sense of stepping back in time.

The rooms are, unsurprisingly, full of character, with ancient beams and slanted floors revealing just how old this place is. That’s not to say it feels dated, with comfortable beds and ample space. I love the location, directly opposite Norwich Cathedral and right by the rambling lanes of Elm Hill, where Tudor buildings loom over the cobbles on the way to St. Andrew's Hall.

With just six bedrooms and two suites, 38 St Giles is one of the best boutique hotels in Norwich. The attention to detail here is incredible, whether it’s the grand staircase and lobby with period features or the parquet floors and perfectly restored cornicing in the bedrooms.

I adore the history on show here too. The building retains all of its charms—having been built in 1700 and becoming the residence of the Lord Mayor of Norwich, it has a storied history that you really feel on arrival.

Just around the corner from the UK’s largest covered market and the lanes area, which is home to 200 independent stores and some superb pubs and cafes, this is one of the best hotels in Norwich.

This large, labyrinthine hotel is part of the UK-wide Travelodge chain. Crucially, that means it is very affordable, and that it has large rooms and comfortable beds, all of which make it an ideal place for a weekend stay in Norwich.

Its location close to the Riverside area of the city, with its restaurants, bars and nightlife, makes it a popular choice for groups of friends. Handily, though, it’s also peaceful and quiet, meaning you won’t get disturbed by any late-night city noise.

The Cathedral is just a 10-minute walk along the river, passing medieval homes and a picturesque cricket pitch. The Travelodge is one of the best hotels in Norwich for those who want to venture out and explore the best the city has to offer on foot.

Tucked away behind Norwich’s impressive railway station sits Abbey Guest House. The city has lots of old-style bed and breakfast spots, but, in my opinion, none can match this place for hospitality, comfort and a proper meal to set you up for the day.

What makes this one of the best hotels in Norwich is simple. The owners are friendly, polite and make this a welcoming place to stay. The breakfast is superb and the price means you’ll have plenty of cash left over to spend in Norwich’s brilliant independent stores, found along St Benedict Street and throughout the pretty lanes.

The fact the Abbey Guest House is set a little further out, on a lovely residential street, means you’re guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep, while also getting a feel for how the locals live.