Swallow Chaucer Hotel, Canterbury

We recently stayed at the Chaucer Hotel Canterbury, although most hotels are the same, some bare different character to others (Naturally) and the 'experience' is altogether more rewarding than staying in a multi-national hotel company. We found this at the Chaucer. Although it is owned by a group (Swallow Group Hotels), they have managed to keep its character by not standardizing the layout / decor etc and trying to make it 'stand out' from other ...
...a grumpy 20 something receptionist that seemed she didn't want to be there, we did begin to wonder why we chose the place, in fairness it was a Saturday and she properly really didn't want to be there !!, however we got our keys an continued.... the room was well decorated with a hint of antiqueness about it, the bathroom was well laid out, spacious and above all clean (apart from a little water staining around the sink, hard to notice). Basically ... more

We recently stayed at the Chaucer Hotel Canterbury, although most hotels are the same, some bare different character to others (Naturally) and the 'experience' is altogether more rewarding than staying in a multi-national hotel company. We found this at the Chaucer. Although it is owned by a group (Swallow Group Hotels), they have managed to keep its character by not standardizing the layout / decor etc and trying to make it 'stand out' from other hotels in the area. Upon arriving we were greeted with a grumpy 20 something receptionist that seemed she didn't want to be there, we did begin to wonder why we chose the place, in fairness it was a Saturday and she properly really didn't want to be there !!, however we got our keys an continued.... the room was well decorated with a hint of antiqueness about it, the bathroom was well laid out, spacious and above all clean (apart from a little water staining around the sink, hard to notice). Basically it was what you expected from a hotel, however......... the floor boards.... I don't know what it was, but creaky would be a substantial understatement, they creaked when you moved, when you didn't, when the neighboring people moved both upstairs and the side, it didn't spoil sleep, it just made for another interesting part for the hotel. The bar area was warm and spacious, although I personally found the barman a little 'above himself', probably because I am a 30 something and thought I was a 'scally wag' given that other guests were in their 50's+. The only real disappointment was the breakfast, again, all hotels are different but I prefer a buffet style breakfast where I can choose what I want and not be given what I don't. It was poorly cooked and a little tasteless, but again this is just a small issue when it came the overall stay. A very nice hotel which is close the city centre of Canterbury (although set back from the noisy bits) and within walking distance to many clubs, bars and restaurants along with historical attractions in the city such as the Cathedral / Theatre etc. Well recommended and we will stay there again. 

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