Norwich hotels

The Assembly House is set within a stunning 18th-century Georgian mansion. Its rooms feature plush four-poster beds, period antiques, and clashing colours on the walls.

What I really love is the fact that six of the rooms feature their own private gardens, while another six have lounges. This is a place to relax and feel at home as much as it is a base for visiting the neighbouring Theatre Royal or nearby Norwich Castle.

Guests come back again and again for The Assembly House’s afternoon tea. This amazing spread comes with the usual array of finger sandwiches and cakes, plus an extensive tea menu. Each session is themed, with an afternoon cheese option with cheese scones and assorted local produce. There’s a remarkable ‘Beauty and the Beast’ menu too that will leave you full until breakfast.

The Maids Head Hotel is as historic as it gets, with hospitality available on this site for over 900 years. That sense of the past is felt keenly at every turn. The main part of the building dates back to the 15th century, with the bar said to be a 16th-century addition. Put simply, you'll struggle to find anywhere else in the country that offers the same sense of stepping back in time.

The rooms are, unsurprisingly, full of character, with ancient beams and slanted floors revealing just how old this place is. That’s not to say it feels dated, with comfortable beds and ample space. I love the location, directly opposite Norwich Cathedral and right by the rambling lanes of Elm Hill, where Tudor buildings loom over the cobbles on the way to St Andrew's Hall.

With just six bedrooms and two suites, 38 St Giles is one of the best boutique hotels in Norwich. The attention to detail here is incredible, whether it’s the grand staircase and lobby with period features or the parquet floors and perfectly restored cornicing in the bedrooms.

I adore the history on show here too. The building retains all of its charms – having been built in 1700 and becoming the residence of the Lord Mayor of Norwich, it has a storied history that you really feel on arrival.

Just around the corner from the UK’s largest covered market and the lanes area, which is home to 200 independent shops and some superb pubs and cafes, this is one of the best hotels in Norwich.

This large, labyrinthine hotel is part of the UK-wide Travelodge chain. Crucially, that means it is very affordable, and that it has large rooms and comfortable beds, all of which make it an ideal place for a weekend stay in Norwich.

Its location close to the Riverside area of the city, with its restaurants, bars and nightlife, makes it a popular choice for groups of friends. Handily, though, it’s also peaceful and quiet, meaning you won’t get disturbed by any late-night city noise.

The Cathedral is just a 10-minute walk along the river, passing medieval homes and a picturesque cricket pitch. The Travelodge is one of the best hotels in Norwich for those who want to venture out and explore the best the city has to offer on foot.

Tucked away behind Norwich’s impressive railway station sits Abbey Guest House. The city has lots of old-style bed and breakfast spots, but, in my opinion, none can match this place for hospitality, comfort and a proper meal to set you up for the day.

What makes this one of the best hotels in Norwich is simple. The owners are friendly, polite and make this a welcoming place to stay. The breakfast is superb and the price means you’ll have plenty of cash left over to spend in Norwich’s brilliant independent shops, found along St Benedict Street and throughout the pretty lanes.

The fact the Abbey Guest House is set a little further out, on a lovely residential street, means you’re guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep, while also getting a feeling for how the locals live.

Staying at Annesley House is the best way to immerse yourself in Norwich’s rich history. Made up of three Georgian buildings and two former coach houses and given listed status, this hotel is found in the tree-lined majesty of the Newmarket Road Conservation Area.

Despite being within the city centre, it’s hidden away from the main road and has a pleasingly detached feel, making it one of the best hotels in Norwich for combining a busy weekend with time to unwind.

I love the fact that Annesley House is so close to all of the city’s main sights, from the stunning architecture of Colegate to the excellent market, while also being close to the peaceful Golden Triangle area and its superb pubs.

There are few things more quintessentially English than a pub with rooms. And the best in Norwich is The William IV, which has been a hostelry for almost 200 years. It has just five en-suite rooms, with an excellent breakfast served in the pub.

What I love here is the convivial atmosphere. This isn’t just a great pub, it’s also a really lovely place to spend the night. It’s slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of town, but still close enough for you to be able to wander into the city and take in the sights.

Holiday Inn might be one of the world’s most recognisable brands, but that doesn’t stop this outpost being one of the best hotels in Norwich. As you’d expect, rooms are maintained to an exceptionally high standard, while the communal spaces and breakfast area are comfortable and never feel too hectic, even at breakfast time.

I love how close this hotel is to Carrow Road, the stadium of the local football team, Norwich City. One of the most storied teams in England, taking in a game here while staying at the Holiday Inn is a must.

And when the game is over, the Riverside complex is just five minutes away, with plenty of great places to eat. Alternatively, venture into town. I recommend heading to the Adam and Eve pub on Bishopgate, believed to have been serving drinks since 1249.

This LGBT+-friendly spot is one of the best hotels in Norwich. The kind and welcoming atmosphere leads the way here, but the self-contained rooms really make it special. Each double and king-sized space has a small kitchen area, where you can prepare a self-service breakfast, including cereals, pastries and bread, or grab tea or coffee.

I like the fact it’s in a part of the city that few travellers think to head to, even though it’s super close to all the best stuff Norwich has to offer, from the cathedral grounds and the Playhouse to the arthouse Cinema City and the Tudor and medieval buildings of Tombland.

Make sure to stop for a drink in the downstairs pub, which is one of the friendliest in all of Norwich.

The Georgian Townhouse is one of the most fancy hotels in Norwich. Set on the gorgeous Unthank Road, it’s home to 24 boutique guestrooms, each of which tap into the history of the houses that make up the hotel. Think crushed velvet sofas, brightly painted ceilings and elegant soft furnishings.

One of the best hotels in Norwich, the owner says the aim is to create a city centre oasis, and I’d say they’ve certainly achieved that. The Pembroke Room, which acts as the bar, restaurant and terrace, is a dreamy place to while away an afternoon.

However, you can easily head out and walk towards the stunning streets around St Giles, wander further afield to the Castle Gardens or explore the pretty residential streets and little shops which can be found close by.