Canterbury's Hidden Gem: The Coach House Awaits!
Canterbury's Charm Offensive: The Coach House Awaits! - A Rambling, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because after a whirlwind trip to Canterbury and a stay at The Coach House Awaits!, I'm ready to spill the tea… and maybe a little bit of my breakfast buffet onto the keyboard. This isn't your polished, corporate-approved review; this is the honest, messy, and utterly human experience.
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The Arrival: First Impressions & a Dodgy Staircase (Accessibility - Kinda…)
Right, first things first. Finding the place was a breeze. Smacked bang in the middle of Canterbury, which is a huge bonus because, let's be honest, navigating those cobbled streets with my sense of direction is a recipe for disaster. But… The Coach House Awaits! – the name alone promises charm, doesn’t it?
My first thought? “Wow, gorgeous.” The exterior is all honey-coloured stonework, oozing that quintessential English charm. The entrance, however, was a bit of a tease. There are facilities for disabled guests, which gets a thumbs up, but getting there involved a slightly wonky ramp and a confusing layout initially. Then… the elevator arrived and I thought 'Yay!'. They have an elevator for the higher rooms, which is a huge plus! I didn't check accessibility from a completely disabled perspective so I'm not fully versed in the nitty-gritty, but visually it seemed well-equipped.
(Accessibility: 7/10 - Needs a bit of fine-tuning, but definitely making an effort.)
The Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly) & My Battle with the Blackout Curtains
I was in room 305, and it was… lovely. Seriously, the room was gorgeous. The design was classic yet modern - think plush carpeting, comfy armchairs, and mood lighting that actually worked! (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
The bed? Heavenly. I swear, I almost didn’t wake up for breakfast. Almost. They even give you slippers, which is a tiny detail, but it makes you feel like you're living a life of luxury.
Now, about those blackout curtains. Don't look at me like that. They were a mission! I'm pretty sure I gave myself a biceps workout trying to get them closed properly. The effort was worth it, however, because I ended up sleeping for a solid 10 hours.
(Room Ambience: 9/10 - Curtain-related trauma aside, it was perfect! And yes, Internet access – wireless/wi-fi [free] in all rooms is a godsend!)
Food, Glorious Food (And My Near-Disaster at the Buffet) - The Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Scene
Okay, the food. This is where The Coach House Awaits! really shines. From the moment the Breakfast [buffet] was unveiled, I was officially smitten. (Restaurants, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water).
The Breakfast [buffet] was epic. The usual suspects were present and accounted for, including a full English, croissants you could die for, and a selection of fruits that were ridiculously fresh. (Individual food options) And the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead.
I do have a story about this particular buffet. I was merrily piling up pancakes and eyeing up the bacon when I nearly took out a fellow guest. Let's just say my plate was overflowing, and the whole thing nearly ended up on the floor. Thank god for the Cashless payment service because I might have had to do the dishes!
The Poolside bar was also wonderful.
I have to say, they really do take care of potential health concerns and the Safe dining setup was admirable. (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Safe dining setup)
(Food & Drink: 9/10 - Buffet mishap aside, the food was fantastic!)
Relaxation Station: Spa Dreams and the Quest for Serenity
Now, let's talk relaxation. This is another area where The Coach House really delivers. The spa is a haven of calm. (Spa/sauna, Spa, Sauna, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath)
I didn't try the Fitness center but it looked well-equipped.
I opted for a massage, and it was pure bliss. The masseuse was incredibly talented, and I swear, she kneaded all my stress away. I followed that up with time in the sauna, which was perfectly steamy and relaxing. The Pool with view was another highlight – it was absolutely divine to be surrounded by such beauty.
(Spa Experience: 10/10 - Pure, unadulterated bliss! I need to go back!)
Safety Net: Cleanliness, Security, and Peace of Mind
I did feel incredibly safe at the hotel. They've clearly put a lot of effort into their Cleanliness and safety protocols. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit)
(Cleanliness/Safety: 10/10 - Seriously impressive!)
The Little Extras: Services and Conveniences & Amenities
The concierge was super helpful, always ready with recommendations and directions. (Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
(Services: 9/10 - Very good overall!)
For the Kids (and the Parents Who Need a Break!)
They seem family-friendly, with a Babysitting service and Kids facilities. ( Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Babysitting service, Kids facilities). So, bonus points for the family and the parents who need a breather.
(Family-Friendliness: 8/10 - Seems well-equipped, but I didn't have kids with me, so I can't say for sure!)
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls - Exploring Canterbury
The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the city. (Things to do) Easy access to Canterbury Cathedral.
This is a huge plus because Canterbury is amazing!
(Location & Activities: 10/10 - Perfect location for exploring!)
The Nitty-Gritty: The Imperfections & The Quirks
- The Price Tag: Let's be honest, it's not cheap. But you get what you pay for… which is often luxurious.
- The Minor Issues: Little things, like the slightly slow Wi-Fi in the lobby.
(Minor Quibbles: 8/10 - Nothing that ruined the experience!)
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
Absolutely
Sayulita Paradise: Your Family's Colorful Mexican Escape (Private Pool & Parking!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your Instagram-filtered, perfectly curated travelogue. This is… The Coach House Canterbury: A Love Letter (with a few swear words and a whole lotta caffeine). Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Bewilderment (and a Really Good Scone)
10:00 AM (ish): Landed at Gatwick. The flight? Let's just say I’ve seen less turbulence in a washing machine. My carry-on, inexplicably, smelled faintly of desperation. Found the RailAir bus, which thankfully wasn't as terrifying as it looked. Note to self: learn the difference between "left" and "right" before getting on a bus in a foreign country. Embarrassment rating: High.
12:30 PM (ish): Canterbury train station! Finally! Oh, the sheer weight of my slightly-too-heavy suitcase. Dragged it triumphantly (and wheezing slightly) through the historic streets, convinced everyone was judging my poor luggage-handling skills.
1:00 PM: Found The Coach House. Whew! The website photos? Glorious. The reality? Even better. It's like stepping into a hug. A brick-and-mortar hug. Checked in without any major disasters (except maybe revealing my deep and abiding love for the receptionist, who was very kind). My room, a cozy little nest with exposed beams and a view of… well, a wall. But a charming wall.
2:00 PM: The Scone Situation: Okay, this is important. Tea Room nearby - so I went. Scone, clotted cream, jam… angels sang. It was a religious experience. I almost wept. For a scone. Don’t judge. I was also jet-lagged and fueled by excitement. In hindsight, perhaps I should have paced myself… but, nope, it was gone in a jiffy.
3:00 PM: Wandered. Got delightfully lost. Found a tiny bookstore overflowing with secondhand books. The smell of aged paper and regret… it was glorious. Picked up a battered copy of Pride and Prejudice (because, obviously). The cashier was charmingly grumpy. I love charmingly grumpy. This is England in a nutshell.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a pub. Ordered a pint, feeling like a local… until I accidentally spilled half of it down my front. Mortification level: Off the charts. The waitress, bless her heart, just laughed and brought me a napkin the size of a tablecloth. Good recovery! The food? Actually pretty decent. Not the best pub food I've ever had but, hey, it's England, and it's charming.
8:00 PM: Back to The Coach House. Crashed. Pure, blissful, exhausted crash. No more thinking, just sleep.
Day 2: Cathedral Chaos & River Revelations
9:00 AM: Breakfast at The Coach House. Standard stuff, but with surprisingly good bacon. This is the key, I think. Good bacon, good everything. Met a lovely elderly couple who were equally charmed by the place. They kept talking about the "sprightliness" of the place. Not sure if they were referring to me…
10:00 AM: Canterbury Cathedral. Oh. My. God. Prepare to be underwhelmed by this description. The sheer scale is just staggering. I got lost in the quiet corridors, just marveling at the carvings and stained-glass. I probably spent too long staring up at the ceiling. Honestly, though, it's a bit overwhelming, it gives you a headache. I felt quite a bit of a fool walking around with the audio guide, but I made sure to read all the important inscriptions. Apparently, there were some very important people buried there.
1:00 PM: Lunch, a mediocre sandwich, feeling a bit Cathedraled-out, and a pint of bitter at a pub. I found a cozy corner and basically just watched people. (Very interesting pastime).
2:00 PM: The River Stour. Went for a punt. And it was magical. Seriously. The sun was shining, and the river was calm. We paddled past weeping willows and ancient buildings. This felt like a movie! The punt guide (a very earnest young man) told bad jokes. I loved every single one. For a few minutes, everything felt… perfect. I felt so relaxed, it was ridiculous.
4:00 PM: Tea and cakes at a ridiculously quaint tea room - it was so good, it almost made me forget my near-disastrous scones experience from the day before. Almost. Maybe. I’ll be coming back.
6:00 PM: Dinner somewhere, don’t remember. Probably average.
8:00 PM: Back to the Coach House for an early night.
Day 3: The Ghost Tour & The "Oops" Moment
9:00 AM: Breakfast – same as yesterday but I'm getting into it, now!
10:00 AM: A walking tour of the ruins and architecture. I got lectured a bit by the guide, a history buff, about the "importance" of dates and names. He tried to be scary but I'm made of iron, or something, never really cared about history, but I appreciated the fresh air and the nice views.
2:00 PM: Shopping at some quaint shops. I bought way too many things.
4:00 PM: Ghost tour and more walking. The tour guide was actually pretty good – he had a fantastic storyteller voice and really set the scene. As we listened to the tales of the spooky and the spectral, the wind picked up… the old buildings seemed to whisper and groan… and I felt genuinely spooked. Then, in the middle of a particularly chilling story, I sneezed. A very loud, achoo-filled, dramatic sneeze. The tour stopped. Everyone stared. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Utter humiliation, again. I think I actually saw the ghost of a disapproving nun.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a place I can't really recall.
8:00 PM: Back to the room, and I felt a sense of peace.
9:00 PM: Pack. I'll certainly miss my room at The Coach House!
Day 4: Departure & The Afterglow
9:00 AM: Final breakfast. The bacon… sigh. Said my goodbyes to the lovely staff (I swear, I would have stayed longer if I could).
10:00 AM: Checked out. Dragged the suitcase one last time.
11:00 AM: Canterbury to London. Farewell to The Coach House.
End: On the train, looking back on Canterbury. I did things and saw things! I faced my fears of public displays of ineptitude. I ate a scone. I got spooked. And I fell completely and utterly in love with this little corner of England. Canterbury, you magnificent, slightly-crumbling, wonderfully weird place, I'll be back. And I'll bring a mountain of clotted cream. And maybe some earplugs for any future ghost tours.
Canterbury's Hidden Gem: The Coach House Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy FAQ
So, what *is* The Coach House, exactly? Sounds all fancy-pants...
Alright, alright, hold your horses. "Fancy-pants" isn't *entirely* accurate. The Coach House, ostensibly, is a historical… thing. A building. Supposedly. It’s tucked away, which is where the ‘hidden gem’ part comes in. Think cobbled streets, old walls, the promise of… something. Honestly, the description online is usually a load of flowery waffle about rustic charm and historical significance. But… I went. I saw. And I have *opinions*. Prepare yourself. I’ll be honest, the signage wasn't the clearest, and I spend a good 10 minutes wandering around the wrong streets, cursing my terrible sense of direction. Which, let’s be real, is a lot of the story here.
Okay, okay, so what's the *actual* experience like? Is it worth the trek?
Ah, the million-dollar question. This is where it gets… complicated. Picture this: You *finally* find the place, which is half the battle. You're greeted by… well, it depends. Sometimes it's a smiling face. Other times… crickets. It really is a gamble! I went on a Tuesday, and it was practically deserted. Which, on the one hand, was lovely. No screaming kids. Tranquility! On the other hand, it did feel a bit… abandoned. Like, ghosts of coaches past were the only ones keeping me company. The real draw, the *thing*, right? Was supposed to be THIS absolutely stellar cream tea. I had heard whispers, legends almost. The scones of the goddesses! They weren't, however, they were good. Really good. But I think all the hype kind of ruined it a little for me. I got so worked up that I actually spilled my tea. I then realized there was no one to clean it up. I felt a bit awkward, and I just didn't want to seem like I was being a nuisance. After about 30 minutes, I had to find someone. So, yeah, good, but not life-changing. The trek? … debatable.
Cream Tea aside… Is it family-friendly? Because I have three small terrors…
Oof. This is a tough one. "Family-friendly" is a sliding scale, isn't it? Depends on your definition of "friendly." There are stairs. Steep stairs. Which, with small terrors, is a recipe for disaster in my book. My own little monster managed to trip up on the first one of the stairs, and that immediately set the tone, let me tell you. The tables are close together. Small, even. And the place is pretty… quiet. Think hushed tones, maybe a lone violinist. So, unless your little angels are paragons of politeness and can manage a hushed tone for hours on end? Hmm. I'd say… maybe not. Maybe definitely not. Unless you're prepared for the glares. And the shushing. And the inevitable spilled drinks and general chaos. Just… prepare yourself. Or, you know, find a park.
What about the atmosphere? Is it romantic?
Depends on your definition of romantic, I guess. If your idea of romance is being crammed into a small space with a slightly creaky floor, and the distant hum of a very old fridge… then, *maybe*. It's certainly got character. The exposed beams are nice, I'll give them that. There’s charm. There's history. But "romantic"? I'd say it's got *potential*. The lighting is a bit… utilitarian rather than mood-setting. I can imagine it being lovely on a cold, rainy day, snuggled up with a loved one. But you'd have to do some heavy lifting to create the atmosphere, and probably buy your own lighting. In retrospect I should have brought a candle, now that I think about it.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Nope. Absolutely not. End of story. It's an old building. Cobbled streets, narrow doorways, those infamous stairs. Even navigating it with a buggy was a mission, let alone a wheelchair. Accessibility is… not a priority. They might have a ramp at the back which I *didn't* see, but the main entrance? Forget about it. Consider yourself warned.
What about the service? Good or bad? Give me the tea (pun intended)!
Okay, this is where I have a bit of a confession. This is the part that REALLY bothered me. On my visit I was helped by a very nice, seemingly very young lady. She was very friendly, really. But… she kept disappearing. I'd order something, and then… poof! Gone. Several other things happened. I tried to order some more tea. Nothing. I asked for a glass of water, it never turned up. It wasn't busy, either! I felt like I was in a phantom restaurant! I guess she had other things going on, but it made the whole experience feel a bit… disjointed. So, service? Hit or miss. Prepare to be patient. And maybe have a book with you. Or, you know, learn to levitate and get your own tea.
Alright, spill it! Would you go back?
That's the million-dollar question isn't it? Here's the thing… Despite my grumbling and the spilled tea and the disappearing staff, there was *something* about it. The scones were genuinely good, once I got them. The historical vibes, however diluted, are still kind of cool. I would go back. On a day where I wasn't in a rush, had no small children, and was prepared for a bit of a… adventure. Basically, I went in expecting the world, and that probably ruined it for myself. So yeah, probably. But I’m not promising anything. I might just end up in a pub instead. Or, realistically, stuck at home on the sofa. Depends on my mood. Depends on the weather. Depends… on *everything*. And that, my friends, is probably the most honestly I can give.
