St Giles House Hotel

This hotel, housed in a grand historic building that was once a telephone exchange, offers a unique blend of character and modern convenience, making it a memorable stay in the heart of Norwich. Its signature feature is its central location, providing unparalleled access to the city's attractions, shops, and entertainment. The hotel is particularly well-suited for city breakers and sightseers eager to explore Norwich on foot, as well as couples seeking a charming getaway. Business travelers will also find its central position convenient, though some may need to plan for reliable in-room connectivity. The staff's exceptional friendliness and the consistently praised dining options are recurring highlights. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to pre-plan your route to the hotel's parking area, as it can be challenging to locate, and be aware that room conditions can vary.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a welcoming bar and lounge area that many guests find chic and relaxing, offering a great selection of cocktails and wines. While some guests noted the bar staff might leave early or that the area can be quiet, it generally provides a pleasant atmosphere for unwinding. The hotel also offers event spaces that are popular for weddings and other celebrations, though some guests staying nearby have reported noise from these events. A spa is available for treatments and massages, but it is important to note that it does not include a swimming pool, hot tub, or sauna. The elevator access from the car park is appreciated, though navigating the hotel's various wings and stairs can sometimes be confusing for guests. Opinions on Wi-Fi vary, with some finding it reliable and others experiencing slow speeds or poor signals.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed. Many guests praise the spacious rooms and comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and appreciate the large, well-appointed bathrooms, some featuring luxurious soaking tubs. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that rooms can appear tired or dated, with issues such as stained carpets, peeling paint, and a general need for refurbishment. Concerns about cleanliness, including mould in bathrooms and dusty surfaces, are also frequently mentioned. Noise can be an issue for some, with reports of street noise, sounds from air conditioning units, plumbing, and creaking floors impacting sleep quality. While some rooms offer good amenities, others lack sufficient charging points or have issues with TV signal and kettle functionality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Guests consistently describe it as excellent, delicious, and high-quality, with a great variety of options, including a plentiful full English breakfast cooked to order. The food quality for dinner in the restaurant is also highly praised, with many guests enjoying the well-cooked meals and good value, though the restaurant may not always be open for casual dining and sometimes caters primarily to events. The bar is noted for its well-made cocktails. Afternoon tea garners mixed feedback; some guests found it excellent with attentive service, while others were disappointed by the food quality, dryness, or slow service, suggesting an inconsistent experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, placing guests within easy walking distance of Norwich's city centre, including the theatre, shops, restaurants, and the market. Its proximity to the train station also makes it convenient for arrivals and departures. While the hotel offers on-site parking, guests frequently report that it is difficult to find, with confusing directions and instances of parking fines due to unclear signage or registration processes. Despite being available, parking often incurs a charge. Some guests also noted challenges with accessibility within the building, particularly concerning stairs and the lack of lifts to certain room areas, which can be difficult for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor, professionalism, and willingness to assist with requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. Many reviews commend individual staff members for going above and beyond to resolve issues or enhance the guest experience. However, some guests reported mixed experiences with problem resolution, particularly concerning parking fines or persistent room maintenance issues, where initial concerns were not always addressed to their satisfaction, indicating some inconsistencies in follow-up.

Additional Information
The hotel is a historic building with a distinctive character, and it is frequently mentioned that it is undergoing renovations under new management. This means some areas are beautifully refurbished, while others are still a "work in progress," leading to varied guest experiences regarding the hotel's overall condition. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals. It also serves as a popular event venue for weddings and other gatherings, though guests should be aware that these events can sometimes generate noise. While many guests find the hotel offers good value for money given its location and service, others feel it is overpriced considering the current state of some rooms and facilities.