We’ve just returned from an excellent VIP two night stay at The Priory.
We had a great time, starting with Hannah who so kindly arranged our booking. Thanks Hannah.
We decided to add an afternoon tea to our experience so on arrival, we were warmly greeted as always by Sophie at reception, who even accompanied us to our smart lovely room in the new part of the hotel which was bright , spacious and shiny as a new pin interior, with good sized comfy bed and pillow selection, plenty of towels, complimentary toiletries in the bathroom, and decent amount of tea/coffee, milks on the complimentary refreshment tray. Everything spotlessly clean. Plus helpful info sheets and welcome sheet from Frank Queen the hotel manager giving hotel info which is always a bonus. Nothing worse than not knowing breakfast or dinner times and any other useful info. The room outlooked the gardens ( where there’s a lovely archway feature on the lawns so perfect in summertime for weddings, and outside terrace with seating and tables which we’ve had the pleasure to use on previous occasions whilst enjoying other afternoon teas). Delightful.
Car parking is very handily positioned near the rooms so no lugging cases long distance.
After unpacking, we made our way to the light airy restaurant in the conservatory, which also outlooks the terrace and gardens, and settled down for a scrumptious afternoon tea ( good generous selection of sandwiches) and fizz, warmly welcomed by Keturah who made sure we were happily looked after throughout our tea. A little later a blond haired young lady ( apologies we didn’t get your name) came to see everything was fine too.
The hotel was hosting a wedding fayre over the weekend, and whilst passing the restaurant during that evening, we had the pleasure of seeing the results that Keturah and the team, had made of transforming the whole restaurant into a wedding restaurant venue to showcase what could be offered to potential brides and grooms. It looked amazing.
Next morning we were greeted by Jo for breakfast ( who’ve we’ve had the pleasure to meet on many occasions when visiting for afternoon tea) who as always made sure we enjoyed our stay and a hearty breakfast. Hats off to chef too for making the best ( and had to be the biggest) mushroom cheese omelette I’ve ever had. Steve very much enjoyed his full English too. Also plenty of mixed toast, which is great as we’ve visited other hotels who seem to think a tiny half triangle of bread is sufficient alongside your breakfast.
After a little mooch around our beautiful town of Bury St Edmunds, we returned to a freshly smartened room. Housekeeping had done a sterling job whilst we were out, replenishing our hospitality tray, changing towels and freshly making our bed.
Late afternoon, we were treated to canapés and fizz bought to our room by Sophie, before settling down in a cosy candlelit lounge for a five course dinner with wine flight. My goodness what a real treat that was. Oliver took very good care of us, and the entire experience was excellent and well worth the visit. We retired very full, and very content. Awaking next morning to yet another tasty breakfast, and warm greetings from Jo ( hope you’re still enjoying your new settee and carpet!) and young Cameron. ( Please find yourself a decent pen lol)
It was so so sad when we had to depart for home. We live very very locally, but this great two night stay felt like it was a world away. Batteries were well and truly recharged.
We would like to say a huge huge thank you to all of the smashing team. They were all honestly like family. Warm, friendly, welcoming nothing at all was too much trouble for them. They all work so hard. We didn’t hear one moan or negative comment, and they most certainly made sure we had the promised VIP experience. We will certainly be back.
All best warm regards and Happy New Year 2022 from Karen and Steve x less
Frank Queen, General Manager at Best Western Priory Hotel, responded to this review
Good evening Karen and Steve,
On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us here at the Priory Hotel, and for the amazing feedback. We are all so delighted to see that you had a superior stay that we promised you, and received the VIP treatment that you deserve! We always strive for 100% satisfaction and I am so pleased and proud to see that we have not only achieved this, but exceeded.
Your special mentions to your afternoon tea, your room, breakfast, the 5-course taster menu and wine flight as well as our brilliant team will all be passed on to the team members, as everyone will be very happy to hear that you had such a special time.
I speak for all the team when saying it was a delight to welcome you into our hotel, and we do hope that you can return soon.
Kindest Regards and a Happy New Year, Frank Queen General Manager