Are you planning a trip to the UK and looking for somewhere to stay? Would you consider staying about one hour by train from London? If you would, then you should stay at the Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells.
This lovely hotel has excellent rooms, helpful staff and delicious food. But will you be happy to stay here on your holiday to the UK? We share our experience and our honest opinion of Hotel Du Vin Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
This was once a house on the historic Calverley grounds, before it was converted into this beautiful hotel in the 19th century. Sit in the restaurant and enjoy a tasty meal and admire the stunning views of the grounds.
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The rooms at Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells
While we didn’t stay at the hotel, the staff were kind enough to show us around two of the rooms.
Both rooms were to a high standard, with the standard amenities, such as a wardrobe with safe, TV, Sofa and table and chair.
The highlight of both rooms must be the bathtub in the bathroom. It’s stunning and feels so relaxing.
The bathrooms have a bath and a shower which are separate, giving the choice of one or the other or even both.
The second room was a suite and was more luxurious than the standard room. A period fireplace is within the living space and the bathtub is in the corner of the bedroom.
Many of the rooms overlook Calverley Park with amazing views.
All in all, we would recommend staying at Hotel Du Vin for a night or more.
Food and Drink
Afternoon tea at Hotel Du Vin left us with a good impression. But this is no ordinary afternoon tea.
The chef has created a twist to the traditional afternoon tea and in our opinion it really works.
Yes, you get sandwiches but not on plain bread. These are the sandwiches we got. Salmon and creamed cheese on dark rye bread and egg mayonnaise in a brioche bun. For the savoury, ham and gruyere croissant, heritage tomato and tapenade galette and finally goats’ cheese and spinach quiche.
If you have a sweet tooth, then wait for the cakes. Tutti-fruitti macaroon, black forest gateau, pistachio pin wheel, rhubarb and custard. No afternoon tea can ever miss off a scone with Bonne Maman jam and clotted cream and Lescure butter.
It was filling, but very moreish.
Our favourite would be the tutti-fruitti macaroon, who doesn’t love a macaroon and the rhubarb and custard. They were both so different, yet so flavourful.
We haven’t had the opportunity yet to have a meal at the hotel, but we did take the time to check Hotel Du Vin menu.
The Bistro Du Vin in Tunbridge wells, offer lunch and dinner options, with A La carte and a Sunday Lunch menu. Both have a great selection of dishes and very reasonably priced. We can’t wait to book ourselves a table and try the dishes.
If you are visiting the Tunbridge Wells area, then you really must enjoy their lunch, dinner or even afternoon tea at Hotel Du Vin.
Facilities
If you’re staying at the Hotel Du Vin, you’ll need to know what facilities are available before you stay. Unfortunately, there’s no pool or gym facilities, but here are a few options to be aware of:
Parking at Hotel Du Vin Tunbridge Wells
Parking is limited at the hotel. If you are driving and would like to park, you will need to contact Hotel Du Vin to reserve a space which is subject to availability.
There is a fee of £10.00 per stay.
If you are not able to park at the hotel, the closest car park is Crescent Road multi-story. Cost per day £5.70.
Wedding Venue
Planning that special day? Hotel Du Vin have a lovely wedding venue, from wedding rooms, wedding receptions, to hen and stag breaks and rehearsal dinners.
Celebrating Christmas at Hotel Du Vin
During the festive season, Hotel Du Vin comes to life with Christmas decorations and parties.
Many companies locally and around the country will book their staff Christmas party here. If you know you’ll be having a few drinks, why not stay the night in this comfortable and relaxing hotel.
Location
Only a short distance from Tunbridge Wells train station and a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. It takes just under an hour to London, making this an ideal location to stay on your trip to Tunbridge Wells and the UK.
When you’re visiting the southeast of England, no visit can ever miss the Chalybeate Springs, which brought fame to the town back in 1606. It is said that the spring waters hold health benefits.
There’re other things to see and do in the Tunbridge Wells area, why not take a train down to the famous battle grounds at Battle to learn more about the Norman invasion and William becoming king in 1066.
Continue down on the train from Battle to Hastings on a hot summers day and spend the day down by the seaside.
Need more inspiration on things to do in the Tunbridge Wells area, then check out our post.
Service
We really can’t fault the service provided on our visit to Hotel Du Vin Tunbridge Wells Kent.
We made a spontaneous decision to have afternoon tea. We called one hour prior to booking a table and was half expecting them to be fully booked. The receptionist was polite throughout and even took the time to go to the kitchen to check with the chef if there’s space for us.
The receptionist came back and confirmed we could book our table.
We would of course recommend pre booking in advance, as they do get booked up quickly.
On arrival the staff were very friendly, polite and welcoming. The manager even took the time to show us around the hotel, hotel rooms and facilities.
Price
The price to stay at the hotel are reasonable. Weekend rates are more expensive than weekday bookings.
During the peak season prices are more expensive. The most expensive night to stay during peak season is a Saturday at nearly £400.00, while a weekday booking is £100.00+.
Off peak rates are cheaper, weekend bookings are around £200.00, while weekday bookings are around £90.00+ per night.
Depending on your budget, afternoon tea is reasonable for the quantity of food served and the quality.
As mentioned above, afternoon tea consists of sandwiches, savoury and sweet, plus a pot of tea for £22.00 per person. We had one afternoon tea and a classic cream tea at £12.00.
The food was delicious and certainly different, well worth the money in our opinion.
Cleanliness
The hotel cleanliness is to a very high standard. It was spotless.
The beds are perfectly made in the rooms, while the bathrooms are clean and tidy, with all the amenities, especially the bath.
The public toilets are kept to a high standard, stocked up on the amenities and no horrible smells, which is so important.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Tunbridge Wells on business or holiday, we would highly recommend booking a table for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. You won’t be disappointed.
Why not treat yourself and book a room at the hotel, that way you can relax back in this spa town and enjoy the food at the same time.
We will certainly return, but this time, we will stop by for lunch or dinner.
Want to stay at Hotel Du Vin Royal Tunbridge wells UK, just click the link to arrange your booking.
Have you stayed at Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells? Have you maybe had a meal here? How was your stay or meal? Would you consider staying at Hotel Du Vin on your trip to the UK? Let us know with a comment below?
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