With Norman cellars dating back to the 12th century and secret passageways in some of its rooms, this inn offers historic accommodation in Rye. It has a huge open log fireplace in the bar, and an award-winning restaurant. Rebuilt in 1420, The Mermaid Inn has been visited by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Prince Edward, as well as celebrities and artists. It retains many beautiful, traditional features, including a secret stairway hidden behind a bookcase. The restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes for its fine French and British cuisine. The lounge bar was once frequented by local smugglers, and has a large wooden beam supported by stone pillars. Each room at The Mermaid has charming features, like wooden panelling or carved beds. Rooms all feature a TV and en suite bathroom, and some have picturesque views over Rye.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Free private parking available at the hotel


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 single bed
1 double bed
2 single beds
2 single beds
1 double bed
1 double bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.4
Facilities
8.6
Cleanliness
9.0
Comfort
8.9
Value for money
8.2
Location
9.7
Free WiFi
9.0
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Sally
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The hotel is very old which lends to its charm. A wonderful stay. Staff were very cheerful and helpful. 10 out of 10 to the barman who always chatted to the customers and made them feel at home. He also had an amazing sense of humour. Excellent...
  • Margaret
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    It was interesting and welcoming. The open fire in the bar was especially attractive.
  • Robert
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    A friendly welcome; all staff polite and extremely helpful. Great, well stocked bar and fabulous breakfast. Exceptional location and beautiful hotel. I could not recommend any more heartily.
  • Benjamin
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    A fairytale, enchanting experience as always, even the ghosts are a delight
  • Graham
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Breakfast and dinner were both very good. Parking great and convenient. Great history and fascinating stories. Lots of unique character. Staff all very good and most helpful.
  • Karen
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The property lived up to its reputation of being unique , really friendly staff , Lovely hotel , really comfortable beds x and some unexpected activity
  • Helen
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Very friendly sociable atmosphere. Excellent food and brilliant service.
  • Margaret
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    A beautiful old building in a stunning location. Loved the quirkiness of the room.
  • Kate
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    ancient and characterful. this is my 2nd visit and I will come back.
  • Lynn
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Amazing character full of history. Friendly, helpful, welcoming staff added to the comfortable atmosphere. Food was of high quality.

Hotel surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambiance
      Traditional • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Mermaid Inn
Great facilities! Review score, 8.6

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Activities
  • Live music/performance
  • Themed dinner nights
    Additional charge
  • Hiking
  • Windsurfing
  • Golf course (within 3 km)
Media & Technology
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Radio
  • Telephone
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Luggage storage
  • 24-hour front desk
Entertainment and family services
  • Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
Business facilities
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security
General
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake up service/Alarm clock
  • Room service
Accessibility
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules
Mermaid Inn takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 14:00
Check-out
Until 11:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

0 - 1 year
Extra bed upon request
Free
Cot upon request
Free
2 - 5 years
Extra bed upon request
Free
6 - 12 years
Extra bed upon request
£30 per child, per night
13 - 17 years
Extra bed upon request
£60 per child, per night

Prices for cots and extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

All cots and extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Groups
When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Cards accepted at this hotel
American ExpressVisaMastercardMaestroSoloCash is not accepted

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about Mermaid Inn

  • Mermaid Inn is 100 yards from the centre of Rye. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Mermaid Inn has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn
  • The prices at Mermaid Inn may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Check-in at Mermaid Inn is from 14:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

  • Room options at Mermaid Inn include:

    • Single
    • Double
    • Twin
  • Guests staying at Mermaid Inn can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.2).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
  • Mermaid Inn offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Hiking
    • Windsurfing
    • Golf course (within 3 km)
    • Themed dinner nights
    • Live music/performance