Alpha Hotel, Norwich

Advantages: Location - close to the airport
Disadvantages: Excellent if you like 80's retro and bad service

...My husband and I were there for a friend's wedding in August 2002 and found the hotel very poor for what is supposed to be a top-notch chain. Notably, the bedrooms were fitted out in the 80's and are very dated in decor/bathrooms. There was no sign of air-conditioning. As for the service, they ran out of champagne before they got to us for the toasts! And this is at a wedding! We couldn't believe it... Breakfast the next morning was hilarious. Fifteen minutes to organise an omlette, it took ages to clear the tables which were not exactly clean. We were told that this problem was caused by "some staff not turning up"! If you are staying in Norwich, find another hotel in the city.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Relaxed city. Lots to do
Disadvantages: no major motorways to and from the city.

...popular amongst my family in norwich and they go there all the time. i have also been there once or twice and enjoyed myself. just a stones throw away from these new developments you have the nelson hotel, one of the best in norwich. i stay there with my mum and dad all the time when we go to see norwich play football and see family, because they are only a short walk away. another new restaurant is frankie and benny’s, but i wouldn’t recommend it as the service is very poor and the food is limited. now, let’s talk about the city centre. not as new as the other parts of norwich i was talking about. it looks very sort oldie worldly. some of the buildings need a coat of paint. you would instantly think this. the castle mall is a very nice shopping centre and has many great sports shops and computer stores. just outside the mall you will find... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: History. Culture. Lovely Architecture
Disadvantages: A Tad Isolated

...character. The oldest pub in the city is the Adam and Eve and this was reputedly originally built in order to provide refreshment for the builders of Norwich Cathedral. There are also night clubs and wine bars and a wide range of restaurants, tea rooms and cafes in this provincial capital. As regards culinary matters it is far from provincial and the visitor will find Chinese, Indian, Greek, Italian, French, Spanish, American and British restaurants are all to be found. Soccer fans can make their way to Carrow Road to watch Norwich City – the Canaries – perform. Visitors will find that in and around Norwich there is a wide choice of accommodation including the historic Moids Head Hotel in Tombland which boasts that Queen Elizabeth I stayed there in 1578, the Ramada Jarvis, the Best Western George Hotel and the Annesley House Hotel... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful