Front of property

Reviews of Limes Hotel

3 out of 5
Limes Hotel
99 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, England

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 71 reviews" "

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

3.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

richard

Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
If clean hotels are your thing AVOID!
We were expecting the hotel to be dated from photos supplied but thought it should be at least clean… this however was not the case. We arrived after an 8 hour drive and were told that the hotel was not open as normal. We were not told prior to arrival that breakfast would not be supplied. Upon entering our room we found no soap had been provided, which seemed shocking considering the current pandemic. When requesting some the host supplied with body wash - strange but at least it was something. After unpacking the car we realised just how filthy the room actually was. We’re not talking just a little bit of dust, it honestly looked like the room had not been cleaned since the previous guest (pre pandemic). There were questionable things all around the room from dirty used tea cups to bogies smeared on the wall. It was horrendous. We decided there was no way we could comfortably stay in this room so went to discus with host. His excuse was no one had been in there; we agreed that even the cleaner hadn’t entered the room. We were given keys to another room which was just as awful. We returned to the host and explained that the room must be cleaned thoroughly whilst we were attending a wedding the next day, this did not happen. After returning gone midnight we found the room in exactly the same state. Other wedding guests had similar grim conditions including used covid tests on floor. Hands down the worst hotel experience we have had. Avoid until they employ a cleaner.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was unclean. Found shavings around the sink, hair in the bath, on the tiles, soap rings. Used flow tests, someone’s medication. Condiments were put in a sandwich bag. And the milk was off. Only one staff member, due to a covid issue but no way on contacting this member of staff once he went home. It said WiFi was available but there was nothing to say what and staff member did not give this out. For the price of this stay, during covid this was unacceptable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Neil and Kate on 25 Jul 2021
I am so sorry to hear that you found your room unclean. We are currently experiencing staffing difficulties due to Covid so please accept our apologies. We are advised during these Covid times to place condiments in a clear plastic bag. I believe you were contacted by a member of staff prior to your arrival therefore you did have a contact number in case there were any issues. Sorry once again.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Where do we start the hotel was not really open as there were guest isolating there. The bathroom had a shower that did not work we had no hot water . The bedroom wardrobe doors did not open we only had one bedside light and the bedside cabinet was broken and there were items left in the draws and the cleanliness left a lot to be desired. The bedroom tv was hanging off the wall making it impossible to watch To be charged £105.00 for a room in a hotel that quite frankly should be demolished is beyond a joke.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Neil and Kate on 25 Jul 2021
I am so sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your room. Unfortunately we have been experiencing staffing issues this week due to Covid with isolation issues. We will endeavour to put things right and can only apologise that things were not as good as they should have been. Apologies.

6/10 Okay

Ceri

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Neil on 6 Jul 2021
Thank you so much for staying at The Limes! Many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent.Under the current circumstances Neil done a fantastic job...A1
View from hotel
Church needham high street
Needham lake
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Response from Neil on 23 Sept 2020
Thank you very much Martin. Look forward to seeing you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

MariaClarke, Norwich

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Limes on Tuesday night. Our bedroom was lovely, clean and spacious. We enjoyed a few drinks in the bar and Neil was very welcoming and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend and will definitely return when we are next back in Suffolk. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 22 Aug 2020
Many thanks for your kind review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Best wishes

4/10 Poor

Don, Hoddesdon

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No restaurant had finds your own breakfast no staff 5 lights in room not working then the one over the wash basin started flashing no one there to repair it took a very long time to get hot water no one changed the towels Very poorly Ron you get better service at Premier inn for a lot less money
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 13 Aug 2020
Many thanks for staying at the Limes. We appreciate your feedback and will do our very best to rectify any problems. We apologise but we are currently not serving breakfast and this was a room only deal. We regret the water can be a little slow to come hot but when it comes it is certainly lovely and hot.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Filthy room
The Limes Hotel sits in a beautiful old building which looks to be full of charm. Unfortunately, inside it's a different story. The room was filthy, the towels were dirty, there were hairs in the bathroom and the bed. The ceiling above the bed had brown stains on it! The carpet didn't look like it had been hoovered for weeks, with all sort of dirt and mess on the floor. What makes this worse is that hotels are supposed to be implementing more extreme cleaning regimes due to Covid - it didn't appear that the room had been cleaned at all, let alone extra deep cleaning precautions! I would never stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 13 Aug 2020
Many thanks for staying at the Limes. We really appreciate your feedback and will do our best to rectify these problems.

6/10 Okay

Keith

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Lime Hotel Needham Market
Staff very friendly / helpful. No Hot Water in shower luckily also a Bath. Although it was pointed out there is a small step down from the bath area to Bedroom my Wife still had a fall due to this, step edged in Black so would suggest a lighter colour is used to avoid this happening. Unable to have Tea in the morning as the Milk pots had gone off & no staff on duty for replacements. Overall good stay need attention to details.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 22 Jul 2020
Many thanks for staying at The Limes. Thank you so much for your feedback as this really helps us to make improvements. The milk cartons have all been replaced in all the bedrooms and we have checked out the water which is lovely and hot in the shower however as the hotel has been closed during Covid it just took a little longer to come through. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay
Really good stay - the room was lovely, they kept the kitchen open to feed us, very responsive to questions and put the heating on as soon as we asked. Breakfast was good too. Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 15 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for staying at The Limes Hotel. Glad you enjoyed your stay with us. We appreciate your kind review.

4/10 Poor

Rosina

Business traveller
Disliked: Staff & service
Part time hotel
Very dissapointing. Arrived in the pouring rain had to walk the length of the street to the hotel to find out where the car park was. Told by receptionist the sign had fell down. Very limited choice of food in the restaurant steaks or burgers. No information in bedrooms about times of meals Wifi or opening times. When asked what time breakfast (included in the price)was receptionist had to ring the chef to inform me not before 8.30am I start work at 8am. Returned from work one night at 10pm the hotel was in darkness locked up and I had to walk through the dark alleyway to get in the front of the building. There was a huge roll top bath in the corner of the room that wasn't plumbed in ? Whats that about ? You can't run a successful hotel part time. I will not stay at the Limes again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 7 Feb 2020
Many thanks for staying at the Limes. We are sorry that you were disappointed with your stay but thank you for the feedback which i will share with staff. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was in the centre of town and had a large car park.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Neil and Kate on 7 Feb 2020
Thank you for staying at the Limes. Best wishes,

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Over and above expected service.
Stayed here in Dec 2019 for 1 night as had a meeting early next morning nearby. Was able to train it as the hotel is 5 min walk from Needham Market Station. The room was spotlessly clean and warm, the bed was super comfortable. Had a meal in the bar (Steak and ale pie was great) and a couple of pints of IPA. I had to leave next morning early (before the chef started) so the owner came in early and made us both a bacon sandwich whilst we had a natter - He even dropped me off at my meeting because Taxi's were all pre-booked locally. Great place, lovely owners, clean & warm, great food, great beer- Thanks Neil!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 3 Jan 2020
Thank you so much for staying at the Limes. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. Look forward to seeing you again soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Helpful staff and nice bar atmosphere. Good breakfast and room nice and tidy.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 3 Jan 2020
Thank you for staying at The Limes Hotel. We are glad you had a good time.

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Filthy, quite the worst hotel I have ever been in.
WE booked a “superior” room at the limes this weekend 7th/8th. On arrival there was no one in reception or in the bar for us to register. After waiting for 10minutes and ringing the bell multiple times we ventured outside through a fog of cigarette smoke generated by the receptionist. We were then taken to what was described as “one of the best rooms” No5. We were concerned straight away as the communal areas of the hotel were filthy (photos attached). The room was not superior in anyway, no view out of the windows, no king sized bed that we booked. The bed didn’t even have a headboard. It was a double room and yet only contained one thread bare chair and one bed side cabinet and once again filthy. The constant humming / droaning noise in the background was a constant annoyance. We would have complained but on leaving the hotel for the evening once again no staff were present. (Or on our return). In the morning we could not shower as there was no hot water. Due to the filth we could not bring ourselves to eat in the hotel and left. Again not able to complain or speak to anyone as no staff present. I’ve included photos of the dust, mould, god knows what on the phone. This is filthy hole with staff who dont care, please dont waste your money staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 7 Feb 2020
Many thanks for staying at the Limes. I am so sorry that you were disappointed with your stay. We thank you for your feedback and will make sure that all your comments are shared with the staff at the Limes. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 6 Dec 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. We hope you enjoyed your stay. Many thanks,

6/10 Okay

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything good apart from no hot water to get a shower in room 5
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 16 Nov 2019
Many thanks for staying at the Limes. We apologise that you went without hot water in the shower. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Barrie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 4 Nov 2019
Thank you so much for staying at The Limes. We hope you enjoyed your stay.

8/10 Good

Julian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly welcome
Friendly welcome to this refurbished hotel which is brimming with character. Comfortable beds and facilities and simple, but perfectly adequate breakfast included in the price. Plenty of parking and perfect location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 1 Nov 2019
Thank you so much for staying at The Limes. So glad you enjoyed your stay!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 1 Nov 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes!

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved it
Nice and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 30 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. Glad you enjoyed your stay! Many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 30 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. Glad you enjoyed your stay. Many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

Mrs S Jex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great spot for a syayy
Fab stay. Incredibly welcoming host. Lovely place.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 26 Aug 2019
Thank you so much for staying at The Limes. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for your feedback. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and tidy...good location for what we needed...
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 26 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. Glad you had a good stay. Many thanks,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Warm welcome
One night stay, would have been improved by having a working shower! Ours was barely a dribble - we were warned after we’d checked in, so we had to improvise a bit as my son finds it incredibly difficult to get out of a bath due to his disability! However, the beds were comfy and the breakfast was good, plus we had a warm welcome. Chimes from the church across the road may wake you up early, but we liked what we saw of the town, including a stroll up to the lake and the local vintage shop.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 26 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. Glad you enjoyed your stay and thanks for the feedback. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Gill, Salisbury

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We were only booked in for one night but we liked this hotel and would happily revisit in the future. The owner was very helpful and accommodating. The hotel does need a some updating but I could see that this is underway. Our room was comfortable and clean and we had a very nice breakfast. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 24 Aug 2019
Thank you for visiting The Limes. Glad that you enjoyed your stay. Many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 20 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. We are glad you had an enjoyable stay. Many thanks,

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 20 Aug 2019
Many thanks for staying at The Limes. We hope you enjoyed your time with us. Best wishes,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 6 Aug 2019
Thank you so much for staying at The Limes. Many thanks,

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Old style hotel, good full English breakfast, unfortunately the room we had was on the main street and there was a church across the road with chiming bells every 15minutes
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 3 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. We appreciate your feedback.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The 13 amp plugs were not working and a 4 way extension lead was in the room. Being July the temperature was in the 20ties but no air conditioning or fan provided The Owners very helpful Decour in the rooms tired but I understand they have recently taken over, so work needs to be done Being and old Country Hotel many stairs up and down to get to the rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 6 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. We appreciate your feedback. Many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

Luther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming place
Charming old place, with upgrades. Recommended by the friends we were visiting. Stayed 2 nights. Liked the breakfast. Good for dinner and drinks in the pub in the evening. We'll stay there the next time we are in the UK. Wifi was fine. Plenty of parking in back, but narrow drive way. I wouldn't be surprised if all the buildings in the area were built 100 years before there were cars.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 6 Aug 2019
Thank you so much for staying with us at The Limes. We appreciate your lovely review. Many thanks,

8/10 Good

John

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The limes is recovering
It’s a newly opened hotel after a period of closure. It is not perfect but,the family are trying hard. The service is good and the staff helpful. There is still work to be done,but this should not put anyone off staying there. It will get better
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 1 Aug 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. Many thanks for your feedback.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Grateful I only stayed one night
Firstly dont be fooled by photos of a lake its about 6 miles.away. Lovely old building with lots of history but no wifi. In room; makeup stains on the ceiling of bathroom, pubic hairs on the towels, long hair stuck to the side of the tub, mystery lump in middle of mattress. Food-wise: Ate in hotel against better judgement and food was okay, the peppercream sauce was made in house! (or so i was told multiple times) however IPA beer was old and not alcoholic anymore. Next morning breakfast was supposed to be at 8 but noone was seen until 8.20 (think Marie Celeste), then the breakfast of beans on toast (afterall who can mess up beans on toast) was inedible, i gave up and went to mcdonalds.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 1 Aug 2019
Thank for staying at The Limes. Many thanks for your feedback. I am sorry your stay was disappointing. It's a shame you didn't mention any of these things on your list whilst you were staying. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 25 Jul 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. We appreciate your rating. Many thanks,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The hotel is a little bit scruffy (being refurbished) and the large room could have done with a dust.The bed was very comfortable and ensuite bathroom quite new. Breakfast was excellent and chef accommodated particular requests. HOWEVER we had a room at the front of the hotel and the bells from the church over the road ring every quarter of an hour and chime every hour all night!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 20 Jul 2019
Thank you for staying at The Limes. We appreciate your feedback. Many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxi g
A very relaxing stay helped by the staff and quality of food. Quite a good location for trips out with Needham Market adding its own contribution to history.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 20 Jul 2019
Thank you for your staying at The Limes. We appreciate your feedback. Many thanks,

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was no hot water in the room, I was unable to shower or bath.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 17 Jul 2019
I am so sorry you did not have any hot water. I hope you mentioned this to a member of staff. I hope you enjoyed your stay. Apologies and many thanks.

8/10 Good

Bektas

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 20 Aug 2019
Many thanks for staying at The Limes. We hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Best wishes,

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Quirky large room that catered for families which works out cheaper than paying for two rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 17 Jul 2019
Thank you for your comments. I hope you enjoyed your stay. Many thanks,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Historic hotel
This hotel is full of history having originally been built in the 15th century and has retained many features such as ships timbers Over recent times it has had its ups and downs but it now has possibilities to be a very good hotel under the new management.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 8 Jul 2019
Thank you for your positive feedback.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Nice character hotel lots of potential. Poor quality of sleep due to noise at front of hotel, also shower was not working. Decor very tired throughout.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 8 Jul 2019
Thank you very much for your feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 17 Jun 2019
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We really appreciate your feedback.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Lovely old building but the decor is a little tired at the moment. Once the new management have settled in I’m guessing they will spruce it up!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 10 Jun 2019
Oh yes we definitely plan to do more sprucing! Hope you had an enjoyable stay.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Only overnight stay but very clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 9 Jun 2019
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes,

8/10 Good

Tina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Excellent welcome
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 9 Jun 2019
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Many thanks,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We arrived late back from Rod Stewart concert hoping for a sandwich, no luck so had a bag of crisps. Over all a nice clean hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 8 Jun 2019
Glad you had a lovely time. Many thanks.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 1 Jun 2019
Hello there I am so sorry that you have not enjoyed your stay with us. I would really appreciate your feedback so that we know what you were unhappy with as nothing was mentioned during your stay. Look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes and many thanks,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel to stay, we were made incredibly welcome and enjoyed our meal a lot. (And the bridal suite upgrade, thank you so much)
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Neil and Kate on 30 May 2019
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us. Thank you for your kind words and we look forward to welcoming you back at The Limes. Best wishes, Neil and Kate