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 (9.8)

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
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

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Guests who stayed here loved

David
United Kingdom United Kingdom
This place is an experience you must do. Building is incredible. Fixtures, fittings, fireplace, decorations, panelling, beams all a pleasure to see. Staff and service very good. Food, drinks all top quality. We did experience the ghostly presence.
Peter
United Kingdom United Kingdom
The history of the hotel and its location in Mermaid Street
Ken
Australia Australia
This property was exactly as we had wished for. Love all the history
Katharine
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Full of atmosphere, beautiful. Feels like you are entering a portal to another time. Staff very friendly. Excellent service.
Tina
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Love the history, original features, staff were very accommodating. Breakfast was lovely and our bedroom with the 4 poster bed was soo comfy. We will definitely be returning.
Keeley
United Kingdom United Kingdom
It’s a listed old building with large open fire in the bar. We have been coming to Rye here every year just before Christmas as our annual ritual for the past 5 years and have been very fortunate to stay at the Mermaid inn twice. Staff and...
Debra85
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Excellent location and wonderful staff. Fantastic breakfast. Quirky, period building.
Alison
United Kingdom United Kingdom
A beautiful cosy, warm and quirky hotel, steeped in history. The staff were superb, they were all very friendly and welcoming. We felt completely at home.
David
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Slightly limited menu, both at breakfast and dinner. However, the quality of food was excellent. Arrived hot and well presented. The room was comfortable and interesting. All the staff were friendly and helpful.
Antigoni
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Mermaid offers a unique experience, you transfer back in time in many ways. They keep it really warm and cosy and everything was really clean.

Hotel surroundings

Food & Drink

Breakfast

  • Fabulous breakfast included with all options.
  • Served daily
    08:00 to 10:00
  • Food
    Bread • Pastries • Butter • Cheese • Cold meat • Eggs • Yogurt • Fruit • Cooked/warm meals • Jam • Cereal
Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn
  • Service
    Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
  • Dietary options
    Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
  • Ambiance
    Traditional • Romantic
More food and drink
More food and drink
Meals • Restaurants • Facilities

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 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Cards accepted at this hotel
American ExpressVisaMastercardMaestroSolo Cash is not accepted

The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that pets are not permitted in the lounge, bar and restaurant areas of the 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.