Mermaid Inn, Rye ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Mermaid Street, Rye, United Kingdom

Close to the historic old town

Great

8.9

/10

4.6

4.4

Loved by Mermaid Inn guests

Inviting atmosphere
Helpful staff
Excellent food
Historic building
Cosy lounges
Comfortable beds

"We were lucky enough to stay in the famous hawkhurst suite, which had stunning views, was spacious & super clean."

Georgia D from United Kingdom

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"All the floors creak so it is impossible to walk about the room quietly but that just adds to the charm."

arby27 from United Kingdom

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"The location is unbeatable."

Tony from United States

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Location

The Mermaid Inn is located centrally in Rye, making it convenient for exploring the town's cobbled streets, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants within the medieval citadel. The Rye Heritage Centre is nearby, offering a Sound and Light Show that introduces visitors to the area's history. Access is straightforward by car or train, with an on-site car park accommodating 25 vehicles and a train station just a five-minute walk away.

Rooms

The hotel offers 31 unique rooms, each named after historical figures associated with the inn and Rye. Rooms feature magnificent carved beds, fine oakwood paneling, and Caen stone fireplaces, along with intriguing architectural details such as curved timbers and dormer windows. Notable accommodations include Dr Syn's Bedchamber, which has a secret stairway concealed behind a bookcase.

Dining

The Mermaid Inn hosts the Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, recognized with 2 AA Rosettes, where guests can enjoy a varied menu highlighting local produce. Dinner is served from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, while breakfast features a Continental option as well as a Full English. The Giants' Fireplace Bar offers a selection of local ales, wines, and whiskies in a historically rich setting.

Entertainment

The hotel provides guided tours of its 600-year-old building on the last Sunday of each month, led by owner Judith Blincow. Guests can immerse themselves in the history of the inn while exploring features like the Giant's Fireplace Bar, where smugglers once gathered. The environment includes two lounges where guests can relax after dining.

Weddings and Events

The Mermaid Inn offers personalized planning services for weddings and private functions with a function room that accommodates up to 90 guests. The Board Room provides space for 14 guests, while tailored menus can create memorable dining experiences. Local ceremony venues include the Parish Church of St Mary and Rye Town Hall.

Highlights

Location: Medieval citadel, convenient for exploring

Rooms: 31 unique rooms with historical significance

Dining: 2 AA Rosette Fine Dining Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant

Entertainment: Guided Tours through the 600 year old Building

Weddings: Personalised planning for 90 guests

Parking: On-site car park for 25 cars

“This historic inn, a Rye landmark for 600 years, offers a unique blend of Tudor architecture and fine dining, including a restaurant recognized with 2 AA Rosettes; ghost stories and complimentary tours add intrigue, while the cozy bar boasts local ales and an impressive gin selection. Some past diners have reported inconsistencies in the kitchen, suggesting variable experiences. It's a memorable place to stay.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesHistoric Charm

Our room featured a four-poster bed and views of the countryside. It felt like stepping back in time, very atmospheric.

Oliver from England

Review on

DiningFirst Class

The breakfast was stunning, with first-class ingredients cooked to perfection. The dinner menu was very good, albeit limited in its choice.

Mei from China

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy parking

Parking is available at a local car park at a rate of £3 per day, only a 5 minute walk away.

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

BedroomDreamy Sleep

The beds were so comfortable - like sleeping on a cloud! The rooms are beautifully preserved to an exceptional standard.

Ingrid from Sweden

Review on

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Select your room type

Mermaid Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Single Room

2 persons

90 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior Twin Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

155 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Mermaid Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Hiking
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At the Mermaid Inn, dining is a celebration of tradition and flavor, where guests are invited to experience culinary delights in a historic setting. The Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn combines a romantic ambiance with a commitment to accommodating diverse dietary preferences, all while surrounded by the charm of an ancient inn.

Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Ambiance

Traditional, Romantic

Key Offerings

Savor dishes crafted with fresh local ingredients, including a unique selection of botanicals blended into signature cocktails featuring Mermaid Gin. Guests can enjoy the intimate atmosphere by the Giants Fireplace Bar or on the walled patio, making it perfect for any occasion.

Reservation

Yes

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; hours vary

Mermaid Inn Location

Mermaid Street, Rye, United Kingdom

Map view

Mermaid Street, Rye, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Church

The Church Of Saint Michael's

3800 ft

Nature reserve

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

1.9 mi

Church

St Thomas The Martyr Church

2.0 mi

Landmark

Winchelsea Court Hall Museum

2.0 mi

Church

All Saints Church

2.2 mi

Landmark

Spike Milligan's gravestone

2.1 mi

Landmark

Rye Harbour SSSI

2.2 mi

Beach

Camber Sands

3.0 mi

Castle

Camber Castle

10.0 mi

Nearby

Museum

Rye Castle Museum

1000 ft

Church

St Mary's Church

600 ft

Museum

Rye Heritage Information Centre

500 ft

Museum

Lamb House

300 ft

Corner Landgate & Tower Street

Landgate

1400 ft

Mermaid Street

200 ft

Church

St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church

400 ft

Gallery

Rye Art Gallery

800 ft

Gallery

Art and Soul Gallery

600 ft

Gallery

The Purdie Gallery

800 ft

105 High Street

Ethel Loves Me

700 ft

18-20 Rope Walk

Glass Etc

1100 ft

Rock Channel

Bridgepoint Rye

1200 ft

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Martello Tower

1900 ft

Restaurants

Marino's Fish Restaurant and Takeaway

400 ft

37 The Mint

Pasty Presto

800 ft

7 Le Pollet

The Mariners

700 ft

15 High Street

Coterie Tea Rooms

800 ft

15 High Street

Jempson's Cafe

800 ft

45 Cinque Ports Street

Cinque Ports Arms

900 ft

26 Cinque Ports Street

Rye Waterworks Micropub

1400 ft

Tower Street

Explore Rye

Explore Rye's Rich Offerings

Rye Castle Museum

4 minutes' walk

Rye Castle Museum presents the town's history through engaging displays and artifacts. Its alarmingly well-preserved structure is a highlight.

Lamb House

1 minute' walk

Lamb House showcases beautiful Georgian architecture and tranquil gardens. Once home to author Henry James, it exudes historic charm.

St Mary's Church

2 minutes' walk

St Mary's Church offers stunning stained glass windows and a panoramic tower view. A must-visit for history and architecture buffs.

Rye Heritage Information Centre

2 minutes' walk

This center provides local insights, maps, and guides. A fantastic resource for planning your adventures in and around Rye.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

35 minutes' walk

Great for bird watching and nature walks, this reserve features diverse habitats. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Camber Sands Beach

50 minutes' walk

This expansive beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Opportunities for water sports make it a favorite for thrill-seekers.

Local Markets

15 minutes' walk

Rye hosts charming markets showcasing local produce and crafts. A relaxing way to explore the community's vibrant culture.

Marino's Fish Restaurant and Takeaway

2 minutes' walk

Seafood-focused eatery with a cozy ambiance. Famous for its fish and chips, it satisfies cravings for local flavors.

The Mariners

3 minutes' walk

This historic pub offers hearty British cuisine in a relaxed setting. Great for casual dining with local ales on tap.

Coterie Tea Rooms

3 minutes' walk

A quaint tea room known for delicious scones and afternoon tea. Ideal for a relaxing break during your exploration.

Rye Arts Festival

10 minutes' walk

This annual event showcases local art, music, and performances. A cultural highlight perfect for art enthusiasts and families.

Local Pubs and Bars

5 minutes' walk

A vibrant nightlife scene with several pubs offering live music and quiz nights, perfect for guests of all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Rye5 min · 1400 ft

Airports

London Gatwick (LGW)161 min · 66.4 mi

London City (LCY)171 min · 70.7 mi

Train

Rye Railway Station4 min · 1000 ft

Rye Train Station5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Mermaid Inn guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Former name

The Mermaid

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Mermaid Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Mermaid Inn, a supremely charming and historic inn in the heart of Rye, is widely appreciated for its unique atmosphere, often described as a step back in time. Guests frequently praise the excellent breakfast served in the dining room, and many rooms, such as Number 14, offer spacious comfort with features like high beamed ceilings. Some guests have noted that parking availability can occasionally be limited, but overall, the Inn's central location near attractions like Henry James's house and the cozy bar area with its roaring fires contribute to memorable stays.

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Review score

Based on 971 verified reviews

8.9/10

Great

93%

Recommend

Location

9.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

9.5/10

Value for money

8.2/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Excellent food

Central location

Comfortable environment

Cons

Thin walls

Tight parking

based on 1564 reviews

4.5/5

Camila from Argentina

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 26, 2025

7/10

helpful staffhistoric architecturegood breakfastsmall bathroomlow pressurelong refill

the staff were friendly and helpful. the building had historic architecture and character. breakfast in the dining room was good and enjoyable.

the bathroom was small it made having a bath difficult. water pressure was low in the shower. the toilet took a long time to refill.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 11, 2025

6/10

a standard stay

helpful staffcentral locationhigh bedpoor quality

i liked the staff. they were really helpful to me. the location had a car park and it was central. i found this useful because I had a car.

the bed was TOO high. i found it difficult to climb. NO stool were in the room. the toilet seat was very poor quality and slid about.

0 Helpful

Luke from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 23, 2025

9.3/10

History and Charm! A Fantastic Stay

unique architecturecosy loungeamazing dinnernoisy room

The building had a unique architecture with lots of interesting nooks! I really enjoyed the cosy lounge rooms. They were great places for reading. Dinner in the restaurant was amazing, I only wished I had room for dessert. The staff was the highlight. Everyone was lovely and seemed to enjoy their work!

The hotel did allocate me a room above some event though. It was a bit noisy for sleeping at first.

Service

9/10

The staff was really friendly and helpful. They provided quick service and addressed all my questions immediately, much appreciated.

Dining

10/10

The dining room offered a fine dining experience with a good atmosphere. The wine list was extensive and complemented the meals perfectly. I ate pigeon wellington and beetroot and goats cheese, and also the belly pork. Bread and amuse bouche started the experience.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel features cosy guest lounges with roaring fires. There is a bar that provides a great gin list and also good local beer, so everyone can find a drink to enjoy. I loved it!

Rooms

9/10

My room was spacious and clean. It also had tea and coffee making facilities. The room was really olde worldly, which I love! It included comfortable bedding and good climate control.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Mermaid Inn

Is it possible to secure a parking spot at the hotel premises for our car?

10 April 2024

The hotel offers limited parking with 25 spaces, primarily allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, except for Blue Badge Holders. Nearby alternatives are available within a short walk.

Are ensuite bathrooms included with the rooms?

12 May 2024

Yes, all rooms feature ensuite bathrooms for guest convenience.

Is this hotel recognized for its haunting history?

15 June 2024

Yes, The Mermaid Inn is known for its haunted reputation. Guests can inquire for stories about the hotel's ghostly tales.

Is breakfast included in the room rates?

20 July 2024

Yes, all room rates come with breakfast included for guests.

What are the chances of encountering a ghost during my stay?

25 August 2024

While the hotel is reputed to be haunted, there's no guarantee of seeing a ghost.

Are dogs permitted to stay in the rooms?

30 September 2024

Dogs are permitted in the hotel rooms, but not in the bar, restaurant, or lounges, with a small nightly fee applicable.

Can you confirm if there's a place to store bicycles at the hotel?

05 October 2024

Yes, a secure area is available for storing bicycles during your stay.

Is there an option to charge electric vehicles at the hotel?

12 November 2024

The hotel offers EV charging points for overnight guests, which should be reserved in advance.

How far is the beach from the hotel, and what are the transportation options?

18 December 2024

Camber Sands beach is about a 5-kilometer walk away, or guests can take a bus that runs hourly from a nearby stop.

What dining options are available at The Mermaid Inn?

22 January 2025

Enjoy meals in the 2 AA Rosette Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, offering a variety of dining settings and menus crafted from local ingredients.

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