We booked a two night 'wine and dine and stay for free' break for a quiet few days together and had a lovely time.

The room (The Jolly Sailor) was super - very clean with nice toiletries and warm towels. The food was good with a decent range of fish and wine and good options for vegetarians.

The outstanding thing about this hotel though, is the service. The restaurant staff were professional, attentive and knew about the food that they were serving. At dinner, water glasses were filled as soon as we sat down, never left empty and it was assumed that you would prefer iced tap water unless you asked for bottled. More bread discreetly appeared as we were finishing the last that we had. Basically, we didn't have to ask for anything!

The breakfasts were great - and again, the buffet food was constantly refreshed as it was taken, so nothing had to be requested. Friendly, grown-up waiting staff.

The service is some of the best that I have experienced and particularly in this price bracket I think it would be hard to beat! We would love to go again.

My wife and I stayed here for one night. We stayed in the Hidden Treasure cottage just behind the main hotel building.

We absolutly adored the cottage and can't wait to return. We wanted a quiet, romantic weekend away and really can't imagine a better place to stay for our budget.

If I'm to be totally honest, the cottage needs a little bit of redecorating here and there, but I understand that is being done later in January, so it really isn't a problem. Its also a little draughty when the wind blows ( and boy did it blow!) but the place is 200 years old, so it all adds to the charecter.

The staff were very friendly, as were the locals in the excellent bar.

Breakfast was fine and set us up nicely for the day.

I would heartily recommend this hotel to anyone.

Stayed here in November in the cottage, staff were very friendly and helpful. Was a first time visit to Rye and really enjoyed exploring it. The view from the top of St Mary's church was amazing and is a must. Will definately visit Rye again and stay at The Hope Anchor.

I picked this hotel for a two night 'get-away-from-it-all' break on the strength of reviews on this site and I certainly was not disappointed. Terrific location tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets and perched on the hill overlooking the quay facing due west - ideal for watching the sunset over Winchelsea. Very welcoming and attentive staff, well equipped and clean room with a fabulously comfortable bed and with flat-screen multi channel TV, coffee/tea making facilities etc. Cosy bar (with Harvey's beer on pump for those who enjoy a good pint!), smart dining rooms, nice sitting room off the main reception, excellent cooked breakfast. Dinner was reasonably good quality and value. It's a measure of the place that, without asking, iced water was offered with the meal (no rip-off bottled stuff!). No car park but the hotel give you a resident permit for free parking on the cobbled street very nearby.

Only one tiny gripe - the constant piped music in the bar/dining room/sitting room. I may be in a minority of one but muzak is not my idea of peace and quiet. That said, the staff were more than willing to turn it off when I asked.

I wouldn't hesitate to stay again, and will do so as soon as possible!

Nick Salmon