Maids Head Hotel

Expect a good dose of old-fashioned British charm here, where architectural styles encompass eras from Tudor to Jacobean, and a rumored 1587 visit by Queen Elizabeth I adds prestige. The hotel's half-timbered exteriors give way to a bit of a maze inside, where staggered levels and angled beams in interconnected hallways can feel bewildering, though the property still fares well for its age. Flagstone floors and antique oaks embrace prior inn settings, and the 2016-renovated lounge is polished. Interior designer Nicola Lovell leaves neutral imprints here from light-patterned wallpapers and multi-color armchair fabrics in stripes, but wood paneling and red patterned carpeting in other areas feel more old than charming. Family, leisure, and corporate travelers here join wedding parties, and while amenities are limited, free on-site parking is a bonus, particularly considering the downtown location. Travelers may be delighted or disheartened to learn that the hotel is reportedly haunted.

The hotel's Tombland location was formerly the town's Anglo-Saxon marketplace. Now buzzing with pubs and restaurants, it forms part of the town's historic center. The 11th-century Norwich Cathedral is a two-minute walk, as are antique stores on cobbled Elm Street. Trendy shopping on London Street is four minutes farther. It takes seven minutes on foot to reach Norwich Castle and Norwich Railway Station. Though small, the town is lively: Its open-air market -- a 10-minute walk -- is the largest in the U.K., but note that it's closed Sundays. Lakes and rivers at the Norfolk Broads are a 20-minute drive. Norwich International Airport is a 15-minute drive, or 35 minutes by public transport. Allow up to three hours by car from Heathrow Airport.

Rooms are outfitted in mostly earth-tone decor, with beige carpeting, warm-toned fabrics, and wooden furniture. Standard and Executive categories have lackluster chain aspects from sconce lighting to boxy wood furniture, while Historical Feature Rooms and Suites have charming features like original wood-beam ceilings, carved-wood or four-poster beds, or (non-working) brick fireplaces. But regardless of category, gold, red, or green bed and chair fabrics are faded and in need of a refresh. Amenities include phones, flat-screen TVs with Freeview channels, iPads with hotel information and touch-screen room service, bottled water, and kettles for tea- and coffee-making. No fridges, safes, or AC are provided, although fans combat summer heat. All renovated in 2016, smart bathrooms -- some with lovely wood beams -- have shower/tub combos, towels, hairdryers, and The White Company-branded toiletries. Upgraded city or Cathedral views are more pleasant than parking lot vistas in entry-level rooms, and note, street-facing rooms can be noisy. There are fees for cribs, while Wi-Fi is free. 

The Maids Head Bar is every inch the British pub, with wood-paneled walls, cozy leather seating, and frosted glass windows. An open fire in winters adds cheer, though guests mostly come here for the draught ales and beers, and food ranging from club sandwiches to traditional sausage and mash. Also served in lounge areas, afternoon tea alongside finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and home-baked cakes are popular, and outdoor terrace seating offers al fresco dining, weather-permitting. The Wine Press Restaurant serves gourmet British food with a twist, and its 40-strong wine collection accompanies a la carte and tasting menus. A protected courtyard is a quaint space. At a fee, full English and continental breakfast buffets are plentiful, with made-to-order eggs and traditional black pudding included. On the downside, there are no spa or gym facilities, though day passes for a nearby gym are available for a fee. Eight function rooms are mostly used for weddings. Free on-site parking is plentiful, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.