Hotel Review
Location:
Aldeburgh is a seaside town in Suffolk, south east England situated between the county town of Ipswich and Norwich just across the border in Norfolk. The town has good road links being just off the A12 and for guests arriving by train, the nearest station is Saxmundham 7 miles away.
Arrival and check-in:
The Brudenell Hotel is located on the seafront and has a car park to one side of the building. We entered the hotel by its rear door which leads directly up to the reception. As we stepped inside we were immediately impressed with the seaside decor and ocean coloured paintwork.
The receptionist on duty was very efficient and after enquiring if we had travelled far she had us checked in speedily. We took one of the two lifts up to our room admiring the nautical themed wallpaper adorning the walls as we passed.
The Room:
We were booked into one of the hotel’s Superior Deluxe Seaview rooms on the first floor which had its own large entrance hall with doors to the bedroom and bathroom leading from it.
The room was gorgeous with a huge bay window looking out to sea, so close in fact that we could hear the relaxing sounds of the waves crashing onto the beach as we were so close to the shore.
The extremely comfortable twin beds were topped with cushions to match the large padded headboard. Bathrobes and slippers had been laid out and the hospitality tray came equipped with both a kettle and an espresso maker with a vast selection of luxury teas, coffee and biscuits.
A large settee and two armchairs faced the window enabling us to sit back and enjoy the view. The settee could be converted into a sofa-bed making it ideal for those travelling with children.
Other features included a large wall mounted Netflix enabled television, a circular coffee table complete with glossy magazines and a fridge containing complimentary water. The large wardrobe was illuminated when opened which is always a bonus as otherwise it’s sometimes hard to find things in dark corners.
The bathroom continued the seaside theme with its tiling in shades of blues and greens and came with both a bath and a separate shower. A full range of fragrant Temple Spa toiletries were waiting to pamper ourselves with and the wonderfully thick bath towels were almost as big as me.
On returning to our room late evening we were pleasantly surprised to discover that a turn down service had taken place with the cushions neatly tucked into the bedside cabinets and better still, our welcome tray had been re-stocked with more biscuits just in time for our bedtime cups of tea.
Dining:
Dinner is served in the hotel’s Seafood and Grill restaurant which continues the seaside feel with light blue upholstered seats and deeper blue painted walls. Large windows look out to sea with a large terrace outside for al-fresco dining during the summer months.
Holly introduced herself as our server and handed us our menus. These featured the best of local produce and naturally the freshest fish possible delivered straight from the boats that day. I adore fresh crab and savoured every forkful of my crab tian starter whist my son’s salmon gravadlax was equally well received.
Although the grilled meats looked tempting we were both tempted into also having fish for our mains with choices of whole baked lemon sole and sea bream.
We rounded off our meal with delicious sweet treats of apple and blackberry crumble and chocolate and salted caramel marquis and our verdict, superb.
The Facilities:
There’s an attractive bar overlooking the sea stocked with a range of local ales, wine and spirits including Fishers Gins whose distillery is located next door to the hotel. Additionally there are several lounges with deep filled sofas and comfy armchairs to rest after a day out exploring.
Complimentary newspapers and shelves filled with books and board games mean there’s no chance of ever becoming bored even if the weather isn’t at its best and with super fast Wi-Fi, everyone is happy.
Out and About:
Here are my suggestions of things to see and do in Aldeburgh and slightly further afield.
Aldeburgh
The beach is almost within touching distance of the hotel with just the narrow promenade separating it from the shore.
The promenade is lined with pastel coloured buildings with the town centre shops being set a few minutes walk behind.
We found a good collection of shops ranging from small independents to high street favourites such as Crew Clothing and Seasalt.
Martello Tower – walk eastwards a short distance to view the Martello Tower which has been recorded as being the largest in the country as it is made up of four towers joined together.
Nearly one million bricks were used in its construction to house its four heavy guns. The tower stands on the edge of the Orford Ness peninsula between the River Alde and the sea.
Scallop Sculpture – part way along the beach in the opposite direction is a large scallop sculpture which was created by sculptor Maggi Hambling as a tribute to the British composer Benjamin Britten who at one time was a resident in the town.
Aldeburgh Museum – located in the Moot Hall, a superb 16th century timber-framed building. Its galleries relate the town’s rich and varied history.
Thorpeness – this picturesque village is located two miles along the coast. We enjoyed walking there along the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air. Mock Tudor houses surround its boating lake and we popped into one of its two cosy cafes for warming mugs of hot chocolate.
The House in the Clouds – was once an old water tower that used to supply Thorpeness with water. The tank was disguised to resemble a cottage and in the 1970’s the tank was removed to create more living space.
From afar it really does look as if it is floating in the clouds. Across the lane from the House in the Clouds stands a windmill that used to grind corn in nearby Aldringham. In 1923 the mill was transferred to Thorpeness to pump water into the tower.
Snape Maltings – located six miles from Aldeburgh on the banks of the River Alde, the heritage site of the former Victoria Malthouse buildings have been converted into art studios, craft shops and cafes.
It’s a lovely place to look around and for a walk along the estuary as its marshes are home to an abundance of wildlife.
Leiston Abbey – situated just a ten minute drive from Aldeburgh is the 14th century remains of Leiston Abbey which is one of Suffolk’s most impressive monastic ruins. It is now owned by English Heritage with free entrance.
Southwold – is another charming seaside resort located a 30 minute drive up the coast. With streets filled with interesting shops, a historic pier and some colourful beach huts, it makes for a pleasant trip out.
Overall:
With its seaside vibe, newly refurbished rooms and public areas the hotel is a delightful place to spend a few days. Food served is top notch and with service to match the Brudenell is a definite winner in my book.
Details: The Brudenell Hotel, The Parade, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5BU.
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We were guests of The Brudenell Hotel and as always all views and opinions are my own.
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I want to live in the house in the clouds 😍
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It’s absolutely delightful isn’t it and really feels as if it is floating in the clouds. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment Nadine.
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This looks like a gorgeous spot to stay at!
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Thanks Allie, it is gorgeous.
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It really is, we were spoilt on our recent Suffolk road trip as all three hotels we stayed in were delightful Allie. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
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The Brudenell Hotel looks and sounds like a lovely accommodation, Marion. The nearby villages appear to be charming and wonderful places to visit during a weekend in Suffolk. Thank you for sharing your insights and photos.
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It’s my pleasure Kellye. The Brudenell Hotel is a gorgeous seaside hotel in a charming part of Suffolk.
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I love the seaside decor at The Brudenell Hotel – it instantly puts you in a holiday mood! And what a lovely view you had from your room – it’s near perfect. What better place to enjoy fresh seafood then right along the sea – it looks delicious. You also had some lovely views on your walk – I like the scallop sculpture (that’s also the symbol for the Camino). You are right Marion, this hotel (and the town of Aldeburgh) is a definite winner!
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Thank you so much for your interest in my review of the Brudenell Hotel. It’s gorgeous inside and couldn’t be better placed as it’s so close to the sea.
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Superb 5 star hotel Marion, fabulous service. Hotels like these are hard to find. Wonderful views from your window.
The whole area is very picturesque. I’ve never seen a house like that in the sky! It’s a wonder I’ve never come across it in all the magazines I read.
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Thanks for your interest In the gorgeous Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh Alison. It really is lovely and so close to the beach. Hope you have a good weekend.
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Lovely 🙂 You really were in my neck of the woods, so many happy memories walking between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness and fish and chips on the beach with my grandparents.
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It was our first visit to Suffolk and we really made the most of it staying in all three places. It’s a beautiful county both countryside and coastl and I’m sure we’ll be back before too long. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
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I love the nautical and seaside decor in the reception area. Seems very fitting given how close it is to the beach. Talk about a room with a view. And that dessert looks mouthwatering!
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The Brudenell Hotel is absolutely gorgeous Linda and I can’t think of anywhere else I’ve stayed where I’ve been in such close proximity of the sea. Thanks so much for your interest and kind words.
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Oh my goodness it looks so cute and cozy!
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Thank you for your interest and positive thoughts about my review of The Brudenell Hotel. It’s a gorgeous place to spend a few days.
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What a delightful tour!
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Thank you for your kind words and interest Ian. The Brudenell is a lovely hotel set in a pretty seaside town.
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These photos are so amazing. This hotel is so wonderful. The seaside town is fantastic. Anita
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Thank you for your interest in my review of The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh Anita. It’s such a delightful place to stay.
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This hotel looks very welcoming and relaxing.
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Thanks Nicola, it’s a gorgeous place to stay.
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Looks like a perfect spot to enjoy the beach with the soft blue colors and the small nautical touches here and there 🙂
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Staying at The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh was so relaxing with the beach and pretty little town on the doorstep. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated Meg.
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I visited Aldeburgh and Thorpeness during winter many years ago. I wonder how it looks in summer. The hotel seems very nice, especially its beach location.
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Thanks for your interest in this post on The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh Tanja. It’s a gorgeous place to stay at any time of year as it’s in a superb location. We loved being there in March but on warm summer days it must be even more inviting, Hopefully I’ll get back before too long.
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What a beautiful hotel Marion. I imagine it was quite the place in its day when city folk came to take in the sea air. The entire town looks lovely and so interesting to explore. The House in the Clouds is a nice bit of local whimsey. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Thank you so much for your interest in my review of The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh Allan. It’s such a relaxing place to stay and neighbouring Thorpeness is lovely too with its whimsical House in the Clouds.
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I’d love to sit in bed with a cup of coffee overlooking the sea. The nautical theme is fitting and it looks like a relaxing spot to spend a few days with plenty to do in town.
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The Brudenell Hotel is really beautiful with its jaunty nautical theme as is the small resort of Aldeburgh in Suffolk. Thanks so much for your interest and for taking the time to comment Lyssy.
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Externally, the hotel looks much like the Margate waterfront I am so familiar with. Internally, though, it has been given the glamour treatment. I, too, would enjoy sitting up at a window enjoying a glass of bubbly, perhaps even more so when the weather outside was grim.
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Thank you s much for your interest in my review of The Brudenell Hotel in the attractive small seaside resort of Aldeburgh. I’d go there anytime as it was so lovely and relaxing.
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Same! ❤️
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Thank you.
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What a lovely hotel, Marion – being close to the beach is usually at the top of my wish list when I choose a hotel at home or abroad! I love the nautically themed reception and the splendid ocean views. I am glad to hear you had a great stay. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks Aiva for your interest and welcome thoughts about my stay at The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh. It was our first visit to the Suffolk coast but I’m sure it won’t be our last as both the hotel with its close proximity to the beach and the town itself were beautiful.
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🥰🥰🥰
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Well done. A very lovely seaside town and another great hotel!
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Thank you so much for your kind words and interest in The Brudenell Hotel.
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Another lovely staycation
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Thank you Sheree. The Brudenell is a gorgeous Suffolk seaside hotel.
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Love the photos. Very cozy room with nice views. Wish room didn’t have carpet, but lovely room.
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Thank you for your welcome thoughts Candy.
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Love the photos. Nice hotel, only wish the room didn’t have carpet. Nice views.
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Thank you for taking an interest in my stay at The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh. It’s a lovely, seaside hotel in Suffolk.
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