With Norman cellars dating back to the 12th century and secret passageways in some of its rooms, this inn offers historic accommodations 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 paneling or carved beds. Rooms all feature a TV and private bathroom, and some have picturesque views over Rye.

Couples in particular 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 twin bed
1 full bed
2 twin beds
1 full 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

  • Tony
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The location is unbeatable. The character of such an old building is magical.
  • L
    Linda
    United States of America United States of America
    Breakfast was outstanding, lots of choices. We had dinner in the restaurant also, which was an elegant experience, surrounded by beautifully decorated walls.
  • Judith
    United States of America United States of America
    I loved everything about this historical, well cared for inn. My single room was charming w everything I needed, the breakfast room (also the dining room for dinner) was beautiful with view of fountain, flowers; it included both a well appointed...
  • Helen
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Lovely building and great location. Staff were all very welcoming and friendly. Service was excellent. Great pub, lounge rooms and restaurant with open fires and good food and drink. Will definitely visit again.
  • Michael
    United States of America United States of America
    We loved the cleanliness of the facility. We were also very pleased with the antiquitiy of the place. The proprietors worked hard to preserve and enhance the ancient beauty of the place. We would definitely recommend to a friend
  • Mary
    United States of America United States of America
    It was so cute and the staff was amazingly friendly and helpful.
  • Usman
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    breakfast was amazing they did vegan breakfast for as it was not on the menu
  • Frederick
    United States of America United States of America
    The Mermaid Inn is a very special place filled with historic furnishings, that evokes the Tudor era of England. One feels as if they stepped into a different place and time, while still having modern amenities.
  • Fiona
    Australia Australia
    Lovely room and the perfect location in Rye. All of the staff were very friendly and very professional. Great bar, great breakfast, and a beautiful historic inn
  • Letitia
    United States of America United States of America
    Bar is fabulous. Dinner in the restaurant was amazing. Totally didn't expect that but the food was top notch and flavors were melded by an artist!

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The property usually replies within a few days

  • Will there be a guaranteed parking place for our car on the hotel site. Many thanks

    We have a private car park which has 25 spaces, and we have 31 Bedrooms. We do not reserve spaces except for Blue Badge Holders. We usually manage t..
    Answered on 12 January 2020
  • Is there an ensuite bathroom with this room?

    yes
    Answered on 14 August 2019
  • Is this the haunted hotel ?

    As featured on Most Haunted we can confirm that this hotel is haunted. Please ask a member of staff for a copy of our ghost stories.
    Answered on 2 March 2020
  • Was it suggested that Enid Blyton based the hotel in Famous Five stories on the Mernaid?

    Dear Guest, We are not aware that Enid Blyton based any of the Famous Five books on The Mermaid. The only author who used the Mermaid is Malcom Sav..
    Answered on 12 January 2020
  • How much for breakfast?

    Thank you for your question. All of our tariffs include breakfast.
    Answered on 12 September 2020
  • Will I see a ghost if I stay?

    Thank you for your question. Sadly we cannot guarantee if you will see a ghost.
    Answered on 3 September 2021
  • Still looking?

Hotel area info

Restaurants
1 Restaurant On Site

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

Amenities of Mermaid Inn
Great facilities! Review score, 8.6

Most popular amenities
  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
Bedroom
  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Activities
  • Live music/Performance
  • Themed dinners
    Additional charge
  • Hiking
  • Windsurfing
  • Golf course (within 2 miles)
Media & Technology
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Radio
  • Telephone
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Fruit
  • Wine/Champagne
    Additional charge
  • Special diet meals (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 available on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Front Desk Services
  • Baggage storage
  • 24-hour front desk
Entertainment & 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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 2:00 PM
Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancelation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

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

Crib and extra bed policies

0 - 1 years
Extra bed upon request
Free
Crib 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 cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs 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 apply.
Groups
When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Cards accepted at this hotel
American ExpressVisaMastercardMaestroSolo Cash is not accepted

The fine print
Must-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 the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about Mermaid Inn

  • Mermaid Inn is 350 feet from the center of Rye. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Room options at Mermaid Inn include:

    • Single
    • Double
    • Twin

  • Mermaid Inn has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn

  • Check-in at Mermaid Inn is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

  • The prices at Mermaid Inn may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Mermaid Inn offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Hiking
    • Windsurfing
    • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    • Themed dinners
    • Live music/Performance

  • 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