The Riverside House Hotel

The hotel's beautiful gardens leading to the River Lark serve as a signature feature, providing a tranquil backdrop for guests. This charming establishment is consistently praised for its friendly staff and high-quality food, particularly the breakfast and dinner offerings. Its location makes it an excellent choice for sightseers exploring the local area, families seeking spacious accommodations, and business travelers due to its proximity to nearby military bases. While many rooms are comfortable, some guests note that certain areas could benefit from updating. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a garden-facing room for a quieter experience and take full advantage of the convenient and free parking available on-site.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's inviting gardens, which offer a pleasant space for relaxation and direct access to the River Lark. The hotel features a well-stocked bar, providing a comfortable spot for evening drinks. Connectivity is ensured with free Wi-Fi available throughout the property. Rooms are equipped with ample tea and coffee facilities, often including thoughtful additions like biscuits and sweets. A lift provides access to upper floors, though some guests found it to be small or slow. The availability of free parking is a significant convenience, widely appreciated by visitors. Some accommodations also benefit from air conditioning, which is a welcome feature during warmer weather.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are generally described as spacious and clean, with many guests commending the comfortable beds and the quality of the fluffy white towels. The showers are frequently noted for their good pressure. However, feedback on room condition is mixed; while some rooms are well-maintained, others are perceived as dated or tired, with reports of grubby carpets, worn furnishings, or minor maintenance issues such as loose toilet seats or non-working flushes. Noise can be a concern for some, stemming from bar music below, road traffic, extractor fans, or creaky floorboards from adjacent rooms. Issues with windows not opening or staying open were also mentioned, and some found mattresses lumpy or beds hard.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise for its vast selection and high quality. Guests enjoy the hot, plentiful cooked options, including the Suffolk grill, and appreciate that items are cooked to order. The continental selection, featuring homemade granola, fresh pastries, and fruit, is also well-regarded. Dinner is frequently described as delicious, good value, and well-presented, with specific dishes like sticky chicken and Sunday roast being popular choices. The bar offers a good selection of drinks. While most feedback is positive, some guests found certain dinner items bland or cold, and a few noted issues with afternoon tea, describing it as beige, supermarket-like, or having cold drinks and slow service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location in the town of Mildenhall, making it an excellent base to discover the area. It is within easy walking distance of the town center and offers good access for those visiting RAF Mildenhall or RAF Lakenheath. A significant advantage is the ample and free parking available on-site, which is highly appreciated by guests. While the location is generally positive, some guests in rooms facing the road reported noticeable road noise, particularly during the night, which could impact sleep quality. The hotel's position by the River Lark adds to its appeal, providing picturesque views and a pleasant environment.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, often accommodating special requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and easy, though some guests experienced initial difficulties with the self-check-in system. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of slow bar service or a perceived lack of empathy regarding room issues. Overall, the service is a standout feature, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction and making visitors feel genuinely welcome.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in a lovely old building with considerable character, though some guests note that the decor in certain areas appears tired and could benefit from updating. It is a popular venue for weddings, Christmas parties, and baby showers, with many guests praising the event coordination and atmosphere. Some rooms are located in outhouses or separate buildings, which some guests found less desirable than rooms within the main hotel. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can sometimes be a challenge.