The Swan Hotel

A short stay at The Swan and we were very impressed. Such a beautiful place steeped in history and well appointed. The rooms are well equipped and very comfortable. The food at breakfast and in the restaurant was outstanding. The attention to dietary requirements was excellent and it was the best breakfast I’d had in any hotel. Most of the staff are lovely and helpful. There are plenty of places to snuggle down by the fire with a book or a drink. We enjoyed exploring the beauty of Sussex and The Swan was a good base to do so. A word of caution, not criticism, to other guests who may have some mobility issues as I have -Suites are higher upstairs and it being an old building, the floors are of course uneven. The shower in the suites is also over the bath. We knew this before we came and managed ok but others may struggle. All in all a smashing place and we will return!

The Swan Hotel is a lovely place. It has lots of character and a lovely relaxing atmosphere. Dogs are welcome. We have eaten here a few times now and thoroughly enjoyed each visit. This time, we ate in the brasserie. We were welcomed on arrival and made to feel instantly welcome. We have various allergies in the group, from shellfish to coeliac, which can make eating out challenging, and we are very grateful for the care that was taken adapting dishes. And all with a smile too. We had a lovely evening and look forward to returning soon.

Initially ignored at the bar by multiple staff. Eventually someone acknowledged us and we asked if we could order some lunch. Quite a bit of seating available in the lobby area and we were told we could sit there, but that only sandwiches were available - we decided to order from this menu and get some drinks. Dishes from prior groups were still on the tables but we cleared some to the side ourselves and sat down. A staff member took a few away but did not return for the rest or to take our order. We sat for several minutes and decided to just leave. The menu was quite limited and just way too expensive for the level of service. The building itself is historic and beautiful. Maybe staffing was a problem that way. Had a lovely lunch in a cafe further down the road.

What a delightful place! The Swan Hotel has such a quick, unique charm that you feel it the moment you arrive. The setting is beautiful, and the whole place has an unmistakable warmth and character. The staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, making you feel at home right away. The restaurants and bars are exactly what you’d hope for in a classic Lakeland village hotel — relaxed, inviting, and full of atmosphere. The food and drinks were excellent throughout. If you’re planning a visit, ask for Suite 38 — it’s absolutely lovely. Overall, a wonderful stay in a stunning spot. Highly recommend.

The Swan is one of those hotels you want to love but at the moment it just isn't quite getting it right. On the plus side we got a great deal for a last minute stay on a Sunday night. The building itself is stunning but the little touches and some ( not all) of the staff let it down. The reception staff are the exception who are helpful and friendly. Breakfast was good quality and coffee arrived promptly. Our room was unpleasantly warm and we both struggled to sleep despite a window being open. There was a very high step into the bathroom ( with no warning sign) and oddly no shower over the bath despite there being the height available. Old buildings bring their challenges ( we live in one so know about the issues) but these could be overcome. Hand rails around the hotel are a great touch but silver really is the wrong colour and not in keeping with the other fittings. The main issue was service or lack of it in the bar. Arriving back at the hotel mid evening we had to search out a member of staff who seemed unsure if as guests we could order sandwiches ( we could). Food arrived with no cutlery and the lounge and bar area was littered with empty glasses and what looked like the remnants of afternoon tea. I was somewhat reassured on checking out to learn that there is a new manager who wants honest feedback. They simply need to read the criticisms on this site which are completely consistent with our stay. If I could give 3 1/2 stars I would as that would seem fair. Not sure I will be back.

This hotel is a real gem. Situated in the heart of the historic village of Lavenham, with it's impressive beamed houses, gorgeous shops and tea rooms, museums and antique shops. The ground floor is set up with cosy seating areas, two restaurants and a bar. The furniture is luxurious and the space relaxing, you feel right at home immediately. The quirky wonky floors and low beams all add to the charm. We slept really well in clean spacious bedroom with a separate seating area and well lit bathroom. I had a treatment in the hotels ' Weavers Spa', with sauna/steam/outdoor jacuzzi, all accessed directly through the hotel in a modern extension which flows effortlessly in contrast to the old section of the hotel. Extras like a small welcome smoothie before my treatment and relaxing tea in a quiet relaxation room afterwards were thoughtful and enhanced the experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would not hesitate to return again or recommend to others.

Afternoon tea for myself and my friend yesterday was an absolute treat.Staff lovely and attentive and tea was beautifully presented and delicious.Exceeded my expectatons.Would highly recommend.

Dropped in for a tea and coffee one afternoon. Waited 10 minutes (after being told to sit in garden), with no one coming to take order. Headed back inside and gave order. Another 15 minutes go by before we get our tea and latte. Oat milk I’d asked for was lumpy- so went back inside to ask for normal milk. Another 10 minutes go by before I had to go back inside to get the milk. 4 members of waiting staff all standing around in an empty lounge/bar area, with only 3 tables (us included). Terrible slow service. All the crockery was dirty- see photos. All in all, shocking for a place that charged £10 and waiting 30 odd mins for a cup of tea!

We stayed for a few days with our dog. Our room was lovely, clean and full of charachter - with a view over the High Street. If you are a taller person, then be prepared to do some "ducking" so you dont bang your head on the low beams. The Hotel is a great historical building and the Bar has a great selections of drinks, along with comfortable areas to sit and relax. We had an amazing Sunday Lunch when we arrived - all cooked perfectly and very flavoursome. Unfortunately, our evening meal on the following day was not very good (possible Chef hand-over from the weekend??). For me, Dry chips and tasteless battered fish and my wife didnt enjoy her meal either. We did advise the staff and they were very apologetic for our dining experience that evening. The breakfasts are very good and you have the usual choices which should satifsy most. Champagne is also available for the more adventurous ! We would definately recommend a stay or visit to The Angel - but we would now possibly avoid eating there - apart from their glorious Sunday Lunch!! Many thanks to all the staff and management for a great stay!

Disappointed Sunday Lunch. Not enough Waiting staff. We felt we had been forgotten. Food was nice and Piano playing was pleasant. But it was very difficult to get staffs attention. During our meal, no one asked us, if everything was satisfactory, which we expect. We waited over 35 minutes when we had finished our main meal, and had to call (quite loudly) to get a waiters attention. It was a difficult experience. After we had paid our bill and left the restaurant, there was not a single staff member visible to say goodbye to. We did go to Reception and complain about the service. Just not enough Staff working for a full restaurant.