Escape to Norwich: Your Dream Georgian Townhouse Awaits!
Escape to Norwich: My Almost-Perfect Georgian Getaway (and Why You Should Book NOW!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just escaped… Escape to Norwich: Your Dream Georgian Townhouse Awaits! And let me tell you, it's not just a tagline, it's a promise. Now, I'm usually a bit skeptical, you know? “Georgian Townhouse” conjures up images of snooty service and stuffy interiors. But hold on, because Norwich has seriously upped its hospitality game.
First off, let's talk about Accessibility. Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I always pay attention to this, just because it's important. And, well, let's be honest -- it's often an afterthought. But Escape to Norwich is mostly nailing it. They’ve got an elevator, which is HUGE in older buildings, and I saw some facilities for disabled guests. That's a big win. They also have a car park [on-site] which is fantastic, especially since finding parking in Norwich can be a nightmare. Car park [free of charge] is a lovely bonus, if you're lucky enough to find a spot. However, double check specifics when you book, especially accessibility details. And this is important, folks, read the fine print.
The Spa… or My Attempt at Zen
Okay, so ways to relax is where I spent most of my time. And, oh my, the Spa/sauna experience. I'd been promising myself a proper unwind for months, and the sauna was calling my name. I even mentally prepped for a Body scrub and Body wrap. I imagined myself drifting into a state of blissful nothingness.
Well, it wasn't quite that perfect. I got into the sauna and the smell of eucalyptus was divine. I thought I deserved it. Then, I made a mistake and sat near a very loud group of people, who were chatting intensely about their upcoming golf game. Seriously? Golf? In my zen space? I scurried off, but the memory of the warmth and the smell of eucalyptus lingered. Then, I went for a massage, and it was heavenly. The masseuse was brilliant – she kneaded out all my knots and stress. I floated out of there, utterly relaxed. The Pool with a view was also gorgeous, even if I didn't manage to get in it.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Bumps Along the Way)
Dining, drinking, and snacking is where Escape to Norwich really shines. The restaurants are exceptional. I had a Western breakfast that was seriously amazing. Think fluffy omelettes, golden-brown toast, and perfectly cooked bacon. The coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was a plus. I can't believe I didn't try the Asian cuisine in the restaurant! Desserts in the restaurant left me drooling as well.
Now, I am a sucker for a good Happy hour. Unfortunately, the timings didn’t quite align with my schedule. However, I did manage to sample a drink at the bar, which was lovely. Poolside bar also seemed very inviting. The Snack bar was a lifesaver, helping me battle my hunger between meals.
The other thing I appreciated was the Room service [24-hour]. Perfect for those midnight cravings! They did Breakfast in the room which was also a great way to start the day. The Buffet in restaurant was a mixed bag, some items were a bit cold, but the variety was impressive. The A la carte in restaurant option was also great.
The Rooms Themselves: A Touch of Grandeur
The Available in all rooms list is long and impressive. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains (essential!), a Coffee/tea maker (PRAISE!), and Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box… the list goes on. The Internet access – wireless was reliable – which is so important these days.
But, you know what? The Room decorations were a bit… much. I’m not a huge fan of chintz, and there was a lot of it. My Room decorations were kind of old-fashioned, you know? But, hey, it's a Georgian townhouse, so I guess it goes with the territory.
The Non-smoking rooms are a godsend (thank you, thank you!). The Satellite/cable channels were a nice touch. And the Slippers? Oh, the slippers. Such a small touch, but made a HUGE difference after a full day of exploring. The Soundproofing was also excellent. Wake-up service was spot on.
Cleanliness, Safety, and The New Normal
Now, let's talk about what's really important: Cleanliness and safety. Listen, 2024 is a different world. Escape to Norwich takes this seriously. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and the staff are Staff trained in safety protocol. I saw the Sterilizing equipment. You can even opt-out of Room sanitization opt-out available. Makes you feel safe and sound. They have a Cashless payment service, which is super convenient.
The Extras (and some minor gripes)
The Services and conveniences are pretty extensive. They have Concierge, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. The Facilities for disabled guests were a big plus. Of course, Car park [on-site] is essential. Gift/souvenir shop was a bit naff, but who cares?
Some things could be improved. I didn’t see Doctor/nurse on call mentioned, which might be a good thing to have. The Babysitting service and Family/child friendly could be great for families, but I didn't see much evidence of kids running around, which I liked.
Accessibility: Digging Deeper
Okay, so Accessibility is a big deal, and it requires a bit more digging. The Elevator is great, but how accessible are the rooms themselves? Are there adapted bathrooms? Sadly, I didn't get to inspect all the rooms, but I'd strongly advise contacting the hotel directly to discuss specific accessibility needs before you book. Things like Bathroom phone, Visual alarm and Interconnecting room(s) available are all good things to ask about. The Exterior corridor aspect may or may not be desirable.
Things to Do and Getting Around
Things to do is where Norwich truly shines. The hotel is perfectly located to explore the city. Norwich is an amazing city and is so easy to get around. The Car park [free of charge] is fantastic. Taxi service is also readily available. I'm not sure about Car power charging station, but the hotel is within easy access of the city centre.
The Verdict: Book It (with a few caveats!)
So, would I recommend Escape to Norwich: Your Dream Georgian Townhouse Awaits? Absolutely! Despite a few minor niggles, it’s a truly wonderful experience. The staff are friendly and efficient, the food is delicious, the spa is (mostly) relaxing, and the location is perfect for exploring the city.
Here’s the deal, folks:
- Book it if: You want a touch of luxury, a dose of history, and a perfect base for exploring Norwich. You appreciate good food, a relaxing spa experience, and a hotel that tries its best to provide accessibility.
- Maybe skip it if: You’re super-sensitive to chintz, or you want a truly minimalist experience. Double-check the accessibility details and contact the hotel directly if you have specific needs.
My Unsolicited Advice:
Run, don’t walk, to book. Bring comfortable shoes for exploring. And maybe pack some noise-canceling headphones for the sauna.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly pre-packaged itinerary. This is my itinerary for a few days of luxurious chaos in a Georgian townhouse in Norwich, and frankly, I'm already feeling a bit overwhelmed with excitement (and a healthy dose of "did I pack my toothbrush?!").
Day 1: Arrival, Grand Entrance, and the Perils of a Really Comfy Bed.
- 1:00 PM: Arrival and Swooning (Metaphorically, Of Course). Alright, first impressions? This Georgian townhouse is a goddamn DREAM. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. Think high ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, and the kind of windows that make you want to write a dramatic poem about the weather. The air smells faintly of old books and… is that lavender? I'm in heaven. I am officially a Georgian-townhouse-convert.
- 1:30 PM: The Great unpacking Disaster. Okay, so in my haste to arrive, I didn't exactly meticulously pack. Now I'm sitting amidst a pile of clothes that looks like a small explosion happened. Why did I think bringing three pairs of the same boots was a good idea? The bed, though? Oh. My. God. I tested it. Like, thoroughly tested it. My willpower is already fading.
- 2:30 PM: First Blood (The Search for Food). Right, gotta get out of this bedroom of comfort. I'm starving. The concierge (sweet, helpful woman, bless her heart) recommended a local pub called "The Adam and Eve." Apparently, it's Norwich's oldest pub. Challenge Accepted.
- 3:00 PM: Attempted Navigation (and a Near-Death Experience with a Cobblestone). Norwich isn't exactly laid out like a grid. I'm pretty sure I walked in circles for a bit before finally (gracefully) stumbling my way to the pub. The cobblestones? Evil. They're designed to trip you up and make you question your life choices. But, finally, I arrived. Alive.
- 3:30 PM: Pub Life and the Magic of Sticky Toffee Pudding. The Adam and Eve is exactly what I hoped for – cozy, warm, and smelling of history and beer. A pint of local whatchamacallit, a plate of Fish and Chips, and a HUGE plate of sticky Toffee pudding is a mandatory purchase! I've never had a better pudding in my life. I think I need another.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the Fortress. After all the food, I'm back to the townhouse. I already feel like I've known this house for a lifetime. I could spend my life by the fireplace.
Day 2: Delving into History and the Unexpected Intrigue of a Mustard Museum.
- 9:00 AM: Rise and Shine? More Like, Roll Out of Bed. Okay, that bed? I actually dreamed I was part of the bed. It was that comfortable. I woke up feeling like I'd been hugged by a cloud. I actually want to stay, but duty calls.
- 10:00 AM: Norwich Cathedral. I walked to the cathedral. The architecture is awe-inspiring. I found a quiet corner, sat down, and just… stared. It's the kind of place that makes you feel small and simultaneously connected to something bigger than yourself. Maybe it’s just that I'm a sucker for stained glass.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and a Near Disaster. I decided to find a local cafe, and I stumble upon a delicious little cafe. I order a cheese and tomato sandwich. The woman, bless her heart, had the cheese and tomato and, when she served me the sandwich, I realized I already had tomato on my shirt. It was like a tomato-themed disaster.
- 2:00 PM: The Mustard Museum: This is where it gets weird. Norwich has a Mustard Museum. A Mustard Museum. And you know what? I loved it. Who knew there were so many different types of mustard? And who knew mustard history could be so… captivating? I even bought a jar of tarragon mustard. My life has officially reached peak eccentricity.
- 4:00 PM: A Gentle Stroll (and a near-miss art gallery) Decided to walk through a local artwork. I'm not really into anything artistic but I decided to give it a go. In a way, I loved it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at "Benedicts" (and the Aftermath). Letting go of the idea of simplicity. I decided to go for fine dining. The food was exquisite -- each plate was a work of art, and the wine? Oh, the wine… I need to be careful.
- 9:00 PM: The Bed…again!. I'm not even going to lie, I barely made it back to the townhouse. I crashed into that bed, and I think I'm still dreaming about mustard.
Day 3: Wandering, Finding Beauty in the Ordinary, and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell.
- 9:00 AM: Slow Start and a Moment of Utter Bliss. Woke up feeling a bit fragile, thanks to last night's wine. Coffee and a slow stroll through the room -- that is beauty. I found a little side-alley, the sun shimmering. A moment of pure peace.
- 11:00 AM: The Last Wander and the perfect goodbye. I'm rambling, I realize. But I don't care. This place, this city… it's cast its spell. I went to the market, bought some local fudge. It's the perfect goodbye.
- 3:00 PM: The Check-Out and the Emotional Rollercoaster: Packing up is a mixed bag of emotions. I can't believe I have to leave this place. I'm already planning my return, and I'm going to miss the bed more than anything.
- 4:00 PM: Farewell Norwich, and a Promise to Return (with a Stronger Packing Game!). As I get into the car, I feel a pang of sadness. This trip has been a mess, wonderful, messy. Goodbye, Norwich. I will be back, and next time, I'm bringing all the mustard. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally master the art of packing. Until then, I'll remember my luxurious chaotic journey in the Georgian townhouse and hopefully my life will be as good as it was then.
Escape to Norwich: Your Dream Georgian Townhouse Awaits! (But, Honestly, Things Get Real)
...Don't expect perfect answers, just the truth, from someone who's *lived* it.
Okay, so...is this place REALLY as grand as the photos make it look?
Alright, let's be honest. Those photos? They're *good*. Seriously skilled photography. Yes, the bones are there. Think: high ceilings, original fireplaces... the *potential* is gigantic. BUT! Don't wander in expecting a perfectly polished, Instagram-ready experience. We're talking about a *lived-in* Georgian townhouse. Which, as anyone who owns an old house knows, means...character. And character sometimes means a wonky floorboard or a door that sticks. Or, you know, the faint scent of historical dust. Embrace it! (Honestly, I’m still sweeping up rogue bits of plaster.)
What's the actual location like? Is it...safe?
Norwich is amazing. That's my starting point. And the location of the townhouse? Solid. Think: a cobbled street, maybe a bit of a buzz from the local pub (which is, admittedly, ridiculously tempting). It's central, which is brilliant, meaning you can walk almost everywhere. I honestly felt completely comfortable wandering around at all times, which is a big deal for a stressed city gal like me. You'll stumble upon charming coffee shops, independent boutiques, and the occasional busker belting out a surprisingly decent tune. Safe? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.
Is there parking? Because that's always a nightmare...
Parking... *shudders*. Okay, the official answer is: there's usually street parking. The *real* answer? Yeah, you might have a bit of a hunt sometimes. I've circled the block in my rental car more than once, muttering under my breath. But, honestly, it's not the end of the world. There are also a couple of car parks nearby, and once you're *in* Norwich, you can ditch the car and just walk. Trust me, your sanity will thank you. Just…pack light for your arrival!
What's the kitchen like? I like to cook (and eat!).
The kitchen...ah, the heart of the home. It's lovely! Honestly, it's. But, and this is important, it's a *Georgian* kitchen. Which means it's not some huge, modern, stainless-steel palace. It's got character. It might be a bit on the smaller side, depending on your standards. Is it perfect for Michelin-star-level cooking? Maybe not. But I cooked a *ton* in there. I made a completely unnecessary amount of breakfast in there. Delicious breakfasts, I might add. It's definitely well-equipped, pots, pans, everything you need. I actually found myself getting really cozy in there. It felt 'real'.
I’m worried about the stairs! Are they steep?
Oh, the stairs. Listen, those Georgian townhouses, they didn't exactly prioritise accessibility. Yes, the stairs are the real deal. They're wooden, they're beautiful, and they go UP. The entire time. I ran in before I remembered, I was literally gasping for breath. A bit of a workout, let's just say. If you have mobility issues, definitely check in advance about the details. I also was a bit freaked out at night - very creaky. But the banister is sturdy - I learned to appreciate that!
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, life...
Wi-Fi. Modern necessity. Okay, the Wi-Fi was...fine. Let's put it that way. Don't expect lightning-fast, fibre-optic speeds. It's reliable enough for emails, some streaming. You can't expect miracles from the internet in an old house. Okay? I found I actually enjoyed the enforced digital detox at times. It was wonderful to turn off the emails and look out of the window. That was a welcome surprise.
Is it family-friendly? We have kids!
Kids... hmmm. I'd say, it depends. The space is well-suited, yes. The layout works. There are shops EVERYWHERE. The stairs - as we said! - could be an issue depending on their age. And the decor? Well, it's not exactly child-proofed. Think: lovely antiques. Think: "don't touch that!" conversations... so, proceed with caution and good supervision. But really, my best advice is talk to the host. They know the house better than anyone!
Any local recommendations? Tell me what to DO!
Okay, hold on to your hats. Norwich is a treasure trove! First, the Cathedral. Stunning. Just go. Then there's the Castle, it's brilliant. Then the Lanes... oh, the *lanes*. Independent shops, cafes that’ll make you weep with happiness, vintage finds… It truly is an amazing town. And the pubs! The pubs are proper. I stumbled into a pub with a fireplace once and ended up chatting with the friendliest bunch of people. It became my "local." Visit the Norwich market - it actually sells everything. And eat at all the restaurants (especially the ones on water lane).
What was the best bit?
Okay, this one's easy. The best bit? Waking up in the morning, throwing open the curtains (yes, you will always have to fight with them), and looking out at the street below. Seeing the light change on those gorgeous buildings. Just... breathing in the history. Feeling like you're part of something bigger than yourself. THAT...was magic. More than worth a slightly creaky floorboard!
And the worst?
Okay, confession time. The worst bit? The hot water. It was a bit...temperamental. One minute perfectly hot, the next, a glacial blast. I learned to become a ninja showerer, grabbing every moment of warmth ICity Stay Finder
