A one-time haunt of George Clooney, like the Hollywood heartthrob The George in Rye is bang on the money when it comes to effortless style. Perched on Rye High Street, the old coaching inn dates back to 1575 yet inside is a mash-up of Liberty print and William Morris wall coverings, Mulberry fabrics and cool vintage movie posters. There are 34 individually styled rooms - think cool tones and a tsunami of rich, colourful fabrics, plus two Scandinavian-style Haystack suites in the garden. The Dragon Bar is a locals' gathering spot with cosy snugs and a roaring fire, while the restaurant doles out topnotch steaks and seafood served by hip kids dressed in Breton tops, jeans and Converse.
We loved going for a salt-whipped romp along the dunes of Camber Sands, which are a ten-minute drive away.
The hotel is in the centre of Rye, where you can explore cobbled streets leading to independent shops and art galleries.
By car: 2 hours from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Brighton and 2 hours 30 minutes from Oxford.
By train: London St. Pancras to Rye (via Ashford) takes around an hour. It's a 4-minute walk to the hotel. thetrainline.com
Aside from A-list Hollywood stars like Clooney and Costner, The George tends to attract the DFL (Down From London) crowd. Everything in the hotel is just right from the style and the ambience to the service - it's all spot on.
We appreciated the cool, casual style of the waiting staff - with lots of Rye Bay vibes going on.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
- Games room
- Free Wi-Fi
The Junior Suite in the garden has a hidden cubbyhole for kids and a massive bathroom, with a polished steel rolltop bath. We loved the attention to detail, the rubber floors in the bathroom and the abundance of REN products.
Cosy, Classic, Superior, Luxury, Junior Suite
Facilities includes: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, bottled water, Roberts Radio, TV, free Wi-Fi
The restaurant was buzzy and relaxed, with a smoky seafood and steak aroma from the Josper grill, reminding us of lazy summer beach barbecues. Opt for steak and chips for the win; all the meats come from local butcher Donald Russell, who has a royal warrant.
The George Grill: Mediterranean cuisine, small plates and freshly-caught seafood. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Mains from £16.
The Dragon Bar: relaxed cosy bar with terrace. Serving local ales, English wines and classic cocktails.
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