Stretham Old Engine

Very welcoming and friendly staff. Offered us a welcome drink which was lovely and we could use our rooms to drop our items as they had already been cleaned which was very helpful as we were in the area for a wedding. The amenities and room were great and bed was very comfortable. We were told that there would be live music until 11.30 and drinks available downstairs in the bar until 1pm but weren’t made aware of the loud music that would be playing which did continue until 1:30pm - we were staying on a Saturday night so am sure this wouldn’t be the case if staying on other days. We arrived back late from the wedding anyway but I wish we had been aware of this prior to booking as I had to stay awake for a good hour until the music was turned off. I would recommend staying here but if you don’t want to be involved in the late night music, it would be best to stay here outside of Friday and Saturday night.

Heating in the initial room was not able to be turned on. No equivalent room was available. I was told I would have to pay for an upgrade or stay in a freezing cold room. Finally, 2 hours later, I was advised I would be moved to another room at no additional cost. This should have been athe immediate and unquestioning solution. Very disappointing. Breakfast was also very disappointing. The most limited (and prepackaged, so not fresh) range for breakfast I have ever encountered in extensive travels.

Parking behind main building is limited, we got the last space. Unfortunately our twin room was like an outbuilding in the car park and very cold (radiators didn’t work) with a lamp not working and a spot lamp flashing on and off. Reported to staff and they put an electric radiator in the room which took the chill off. They said they’d have to get an electrician out re the lighting problems. In the morning we could see that one of the windows didn’t close properly which would have contributed to the unacceptably cold room. No bathroom light switch from the bed furthest from the door, resulting in nasty shin bump. It felt incredibly basic overall and definitely wasn’t worth the price paid. Went to the bar to warm up but it wasn’t especially warm either and, disappointingly, no fire or wood burner. Bought a bottle of wine, intending to drink it with some bar meals but were then told the kitchen was closed (around 7pm). This was really annoying because we had not been told they were closing early when we checked in (it says 9pm online). Found ourselves walking the cold streets trying to buy food late at night, not the treat we’d anticipated. Awoken at an ungodly hour after a pretty sleepless night (hungry) by a car parking outside with its radio bass on full blast (staff coming on shift?). At 7:30 we were woken again by a bin lorry just outside. Breakfast was ok, a very pleasant waitress. Juice and coffee good. Pancakes clearly not fresh. Full English poor, esp. eggs.