Review: The Brudenell, Aldeburgh

Take in lovely views of Aldeburgh's seafront

The Brudenell

First impressions

We arrived at The Brudenell under cover of darkness, feeling surprisingly buoyed by the prospect of our trip despite an unexpected minibus ride from the station with fellow passengers (the local taxi firm had severely overbooked itself). The taxi’s drop-off point was a little more Holiday Inn than one might hope for in a 4-star hotel but despite the inauspicious-looking entrance, a warm welcome by reception and brisk and efficient check-in put us instantly at ease.

It wasn’t until the morning after that we got to appreciate the wow factor of the hotel’s location right on the waterfront. Floor to ceiling windows in the hotel lounge and restaurant mean ocean views from all angles - we felt our escape from the city wash over us like surf on the shingle.

Ideal for...

Relax in the lounge with newspapers, local magazines and panoramic views
The Brudenell

Families, couples and business types alike should feel comfortable staying here. The large lounge has plentiful magazines and newspapers for whiling away an afternoon, there are board games for the family, and a few intimate nooks and cosy corners for coupling up. With 44 rooms, the hotel does a good job of maintaining a comforting ambience whilst remaining large enough to accommodate all.

The room

Enjoy a soothing night's sleep in a deluxe room
The Brudenell

We were staying in an inland-facing deluxe room on the top floor at the end of the hotel, overlooking the chocolate box houses of the seaside town and the marshy wetlands. Decked out in a natural colour palette of creamy beiges, greens and pale yellows, the room was unfussy and whilst it lacked the oomph a sea view might have supplied, it felt spacious and well-appointed. A nice touch was the inclusion of local magazines to help plan prospective day trips around Suffolk and the presence of a kettle (a plus point that even the most swish hotels seem to overlook).

The sea-facing bathroom was light and breezy, with one wall covered in autumnal tiles, a shower-over-bath arrangement and Anne Semonin toiletries on hand.

Best room?

A sea-facing room, preferably on the top floor. The deluxe rooms are a decent size but it’s the view, rather than the size that will take your breath away. If budget doesn’t stretch, try to get an end room – with our room located at one of end of the hotel, our inland-facing room also had a partial sea view, as did the bathroom.

Eating and drinking

Sample local produce on the hotel restaurant menu
The Brudenell

Dinner in the hotel restaurant was excellent, with plenty of local produce on offer in the form of fish, seafood, jams and chutneys on the menu. Our starters of grilled sardines and mackerel both whetted the palate with salty, smoky flavours, whilst my main of venison was cooked perfectly and accompanied by a side of moreish boulangere potato. The short but well-chosen wine list did justice to the menu, which ranged from hearty-but-honest grub you’d find in any good gastropub, to more sophisticated fare. The only disappointment was a vanilla and blueberry delice dessert that lacked any intensity in flavour. My partner’s warm pineapple tart paired with deliciously creamy coconut ice cream was much the better choice.

Beware dining too early; at 1930 we were the only ones in the restaurant. The restaurant came to life considerably as more tables filled - I recommend a later sitting than if you prefer more of a buzz to your dining experience.

The extras

Those staying in deluxe rooms are offered a complimentary newspaper of their choice for their stay, meaning you can enjoy reading the morning papers over breakfast in your room, if so desired.

There isn’t too much extra on offer but if you’re in Aldeburgh for a fleeting visit, consider taking afternoon tea at the hotel; it’s a local legend in these parts.

Room for improvement

Shacks selling fish dot the seafront; Maggie Hambling's shell sculpture
Jane Duru

Service at breakfast proved on the patchy side, due to a full dining room - beat the crowds and come down early to get more personalised service.

The hotel doesn’t come with bells and whistles – there are no luxury spas, pools or butlers on-call here (although sister hotel in Thorpeness does allow use of the golf course, for a fee). If you’re looking for a tranquil getaway in which to relax and unwind for a few days however, The Brudenell will meet all needs.

Out and about

The hotel is located in the quieter part of Aldeburgh, but it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the charming high street. Independent boutiques line the streets, with plenty of book shops, antique shops and interiors stores on hand to keep the souvenir-hunters happy. A walk on the shingle beach, gulping down salty North Sea air, whilst rickety shacks sell fresh catches is a balm, whilst fish and chips from the renowned shop on the high street will restore any weary soul.

Aldeburgh makes its charms easy to discover and can be covered in just a day, but its advantageous position also makes it a good base from which to explore the rest of the Suffolk coast – Thorpeness and Snape Maltings are just two towns worthy of further investigation. Nature-lovers and bird-watchers, meanwhile, have a choice of local reserves to wander, such as North Warren or the RSPB Dingle Marshes nature reserve located in nearby Saxmundham.

Details

The Brudenell Hotel
The Parade
Aldeburgh
Suffolk
IP15 5BU.
Tel: 01728 452 071.
www.brudenellhotel.co.uk

Room prices start from £120 a night (subject to availability). Prices are correct at the time of writing.
Get there with Greater Anglia trains from London Liverpool St to Saxmundham. From there, a taxi to Aldeburgh is around £15. Be sure to book in advance as there’s no taxi rank at the station.