Canterbury's Sun Hotel: Your Dream UK Getaway Awaits!
Canterbury's Sun Hotel: My Dream UK Getaway (or Was It?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Sun Hotel in Canterbury. Forget those polished, PR-approved reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all, because let's be honest, every hotel has 'em. And, oh boy, does the Sun have a few… but also, some seriously shining moments.
(Accessibility & Safety - The Foundation of a Good Stay)
First things first: accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always appreciate a place that's thinking of everyone. The Sun does a decent job, definitely better than some ancient, creaky UK hotels I've endured. They’ve got facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a godsend, especially with luggage. I spotted CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which always makes me feel a bit safer. They've got fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and, crucially, non-smoking rooms. (Thank god, because let's be real, nobody wants to smell cigarette smoke in 2024.)
Now, safety during the whole "what-the-hell's-going-on-with-the-world" time? They claim they care. There’s hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available if you have some weird phobia of clean, I suppose. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is supposed to be in place but…let’s just say that’s sometimes dependent on how aggressively people are reaching for the buffet. They also use anti-viral cleaning products and do daily disinfection in common areas. Cashless payment service is available for a touch-less transaction, handy after a few pints. They even have a doctor/nurse on call – because you never know when you might need one after sampling all those local ales.
(Rooms & Amenities - The Good, The… Erm… Okay)
My room? Okay, let's be real, it was fine. Think "solid" rather than "luxury." The air conditioning was a lifesaver (it was boiling when I went), and the blackout curtains were excellent for a good night's sleep, which I definitely needed after a day of wandering the Canterbury Cathedral. There was free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!), a coffee/tea maker (essentials, people, essentials!), and a mini-bar full of overpriced goodies. Daily housekeeping kept things reasonably tidy. The bathroom was… functional. The shower was… adequate. I’ve had better, I’ve had worse. It had slippers (always a win!), bathrobes (for the boujee moments) and complimentary tea (because, Britain). My bed? Extra long bed was helpful since i'm tall so that was a plus.
I opted in for a superior room, and it was actually quite spacious with a seating area. Desk was nice but I never really used it, I was on vacation dammit!
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Food Coma Awaits!)
This is where things get interesting. Let's start with the breakfast. The buffet itself was a bit of a free-for-all. I'm talking elbows out, bread-grabbing madness. Breakfast [buffet] with both Western breakfast and Asian breakfast, a slightly bizarre but surprisingly welcome combo. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but it was fairly filling, and the coffee/tea in restaurant kept me going. A la carte in restaurant choices were available, but honestly, after the breakfast buffet, I was pretty much done with food for the next eight hours. I saw signs about a vegetarian restaurant, which is great, though I didn't actually try it.
The bar… now that's where the fun began. Decent selection of beers (naturally), and the happy hour was a must. I spent a good portion of my evening here, which led to some questionable choices and some fuzzy memories. Poolside bar was pleasant too, which was a plus.
They had a coffee shop, which was alright, pretty standard stuff, but nothing exceptional to shout about, you know? They offer room service [24-hour] so you can get food delivered to your room at all hours.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day! Maybe…?)
Alright, so here's the kicker. The Sun Hotel claims to be a spa hotel. And it might be if you ignore the cracks in the facade. They have a fitness center (I’m not sure I saw anyone actually use it, but hey, it's there), a sauna, a steamroom, and a spa.
The spa… well, let's say I booked a massage and… things got weird. See, I wanted a body scrub and a body wrap because I’m a sucker for pampering. But the treatment room was…underwhelming. Let's just say, the ambiance wasn’t quite what I expected. It needs an update. The massage itself… fine. Not life-changing. Not heavenly. Fine.
The swimming pool was outdoor and with a view. It was quite nice for a morning dip, it was clean and didn’t seem to be full of screaming children at 7am! The pool wasn’t bad.
(Services & Conveniences - The Nice-to-Haves)
The Sun Hotel has a lot of conveniences if you need them. They do laundry service, have concierge services (who honestly didn't seem to know much about local events), and daily housekeeping. There is a convenience store on-site in case you need any forgotten essentials too. They have luggage storage, which is always handy. There is Car park [free of charge] which is awesome, and Car park [on-site] which is probably helpful. Air conditioning in public area and Elevator is great for the heat or if you have mobility concerns.
(For the Kids. Or Not…)
They say they're family/child friendly, but honestly, I didn’t see much evidence. There's a babysitting service if needed. I saw no evidence of any kids facilities or kids meal options.
(Getting Around - Easy Peasy)
Airport transfer is available, which is great. Car park [on-site] is good. Taxi service is easy to arrange. I got around by foot most of the time, though, Canterbury is a very walkable city.
(The Verdict - Would I Go Back?)
The Sun Hotel is… a mixed bag. It's not perfect. Not even close. But it's got a certain charm. It's centrally located, the staff were generally friendly (though sometimes a little overwhelmed), and the general vibe is… pleasant. It's certainly not the most stylish or luxurious hotel I've ever stayed in. But it's clean, safe, and offers a good base for exploring Canterbury and the surrounding area.
So, would I go back? Maybe. If I were looking for a no-frills, convenient base camp for exploring, and if I could snag a good deal. If I needed to feel pampered? Probably not. But hey, maybe I’d just stick to the bar and the free Wi-Fi, and call it a win.
Canterbury's Sun Hotel: Your Dream UK Getaway Awaits! - Book Now and Get a Surprise!
Tired of the same old travel routine? Craving a taste of historic charm with a dash of modern comfort? Then look no further!
Here's why you NEED to book your stay at Canterbury's Sun Hotel:
- Unbeatable Location: Right in the heart of Canterbury, steps away from the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, charming shops, and delicious restaurants. Forget the hassle of long commutes – you'll be immersed in the action!
- Comfortable Rooms & Modern Amenities: Relax and unwind in our well-appointed rooms, featuring air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and all the essentials for a great stay.
- Delicious Dining & Refreshing Drinks: Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet, enjoy a tasty snack at our snack bar, or indulge in a fine dining experience at our restaurant. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails at our lively bar.
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Take a dip in our outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a massage at our spa and sauna.
- Safety First: We're committed to your wellbeing. Enjoy peace of mind with enhanced cleaning protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products, daily sanitization, and staff trained in safety protocols.
But wait, there's MORE!
Book your stay at Canterbury's Sun Hotel today and receive a special surprise upon arrival – a complimentary bottle of local Kentish wine and a voucher for a delicious afternoon tea for two!
**Here's what makes Canterbury's Sun Hotel the perfect choice for your UK
Escape to Paradise: Unwind at Phu Quoc's Serene Resort!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a Sun Hotel Canterbury (UK) Survival Guide & Emotional Rollercoaster. Prepare for some serious whiplash.
Day 1: Arrival & The Cathedral – Holy Moly, I’m Tired
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Gatwick. Ugh. The flight was a nightmare. I swear, the guy next to me snored like a chainsaw. Note to self: invest in industrial-strength earplugs and a hazmat suit for future flights. Also, did I leave the iron on? Ah, panic.
- 11:30 AM: Train to Canterbury East. Pretty straightforward, thankfully. Except for the moment my suitcase decided to take a solo adventure down the carriage. Managed to wrestle it back, slightly out of breath and mortified. Added bonus: spotted a particularly stylish pug. This is already a good start, I think.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at The Sun Hotel. OMG. It's… charming. Like, seriously, charming. I love the wonky floors and the creaky stairs. And the lobby! Okay, maybe I need a new camera after this.
- 2:00 PM : Check-in, unpack, and immediately nap. Jet lag is a beast. I dream of a giant fluffy pillow.
- 4:00 PM: Canterbury Cathedral. Right, gotta be cultured. Oh, the architecture is kinda stunning. Seriously, I just stood there staring with my mouth open. It’s immense. It's imposing. It's… making my neck ache. I got lost in the cloisters. Seriously couldn't find the way out. Ended up bumping into a group of nuns, who politely pointed me in the right direction. They seemed amused.
- 6:00 PM: Explore the town. Canterbury’s beautiful… until the rain starts. Oh the rain. And the wind. I'm pretty sure my hair is currently trying to escape my head. Find a pub. Any pub.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at The Parrot. (I read reviews!) The food was… fine. Pub grub is, well, pub grub. Though, the ale was divine. Definitely making up for the airline food. Started chatting to a local. Ended up listening to his life story for a solid hour. He was very opinionated; I adored him.
- 9:00 PM: Crash in my hotel room. The bed is a cloud. Goodnight world.
Day 2: Market Mishaps & River Rambles – My Feet Hurt
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, still tired. But, coffee! The hotel coffee's awful, I think.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (included). Ah, yes, the full English. Don’t look at the cholesterol levels. My stomach is happy. My arteries are… not.
- 10:00 AM: Canterbury market. Okay, this is where things get interesting. I got swept up in the chaos. Bought a scarf, a book, and some fudge. The fudge was a mistake. It’s now stuck to my teeth. Don't ask.
- 11:00 AM: River Tour. Okay, this was actually amazing. Floating down the river, seeing Canterbury from a different angle. It was magical… until the boat nearly capsized. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating slightly). The guide was a hoot, though.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. Found a cute little cafe. Had the best cheese and onion sandwich of my life. Seriously. Best. Sandwich. Ever.
- 2:00 PM: Repeat the River Tour. Okay, I was so taken with the first tour, I just had to do it again. This time with a different guide. This tour was even better. Even more fun. It was a lovely afternoon.
- 4:00 PM: Explore the shops. I need to buy souvenirs, right? I bought some more fudge. Why? I don't know.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Went back to The Parrot. Again. Because the ale. And the local. He wasn't there. I was a bit gutted.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel to relax. I think I'm falling in love with this place.
Day 3: Departure & Emotional Goodbye – I'm Not Ready
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, heart is heavy. Leaving today.
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. More coffee. Try not to cry into the scrambled eggs.
- 10:00 AM: Last minute walk around town. One last sniff of the air. Sigh.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Ugh, it's even more charming in the sunlight. I want to live here
- 12:00 PM: Train back to Gatwick. Stare out of the window. Feel a mix of exhaustion and extreme sadness.
- 1:00 PM: Gatwick. Waiting at my gate. Still dreaming of the sandwich.
- 4:00 PM: Fly home. I'm already planning my return trip.
Reflections & Ramblings:
- The Sun Hotel: Seriously, it's worth every penny. The staff is incredibly friendly, the location is superb, and it oozes character. I'd go back tomorrow.
- The Cathedral: Go. Just go. It's a must-see.
- The Locals: They’re friendly and ready to chat. Be prepared to listen.
- My Feelings: I feel a bit broken, slightly sunburnt (apparently), and wonderfully, deeply, ridiculously happy. England has me. And I'm okay with that.
- Fudge: I need to go on a diet. Soon. Maybe.
This, my friends, is my genuine, unfiltered take on Canterbury. Go, explore, and let me know what you think. And, please, someone, send me cheese and onion sandwiches.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Shalimar Executive, Uran Islampur, Sangli
Canterbury's Sun Hotel: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly (Maybe) - FAQs!
So, is the Sun Hotel REALLY as charming as it looks in the pictures?
Alright, let's be real. Those photos? They're *good*. REALLY good. Like, they probably used a filter that makes even *my* face look vaguely presentable (and that's saying something!). The Sun Hotel is charming, yeah, but let me tell you... charm has a price. Sometimes, that price is a wonky floorboard that creaks like a banshee at 3 AM. I swear, I nearly jumped out of my skin the first night! Woke up, heart hammering. Thought a ghost was trying to steal my biscuits (more on those later...). Charm is also, potentially, a slightly, *ahem*, "musty" smell in the hallway on certain days. Ventilation, people, ventilation!
But! The good news is, the charm is definitely palpable. The building itself is gorgeous, dripping with history. You can practically *feel* the ghosts of pilgrims whispering in the corridors (assuming you’re okay with that sort of thing, I'm not sure I am!). It IS lovely, and you can tell someone really, REALLY cares about it. Just be prepared for "lived-in" charm. Okay? Okay.
The rooms… what are they *really* like? I've seen some mixed reviews...
Okay, the rooms. Ah, the rooms! This is where things get...interesting. I've stayed in two rooms on different trips. One was AMAZING. Seriously, a four-poster bed, huge windows overlooking the courtyard, a ridiculously plush robe… felt like royalty (for a few hours, at least). The other... not so much. Let's just say the view was of the bins, and the shower had a personality of its own (mostly decided to sporadically shoot scalding hot water, which was FUN).
The point is, room quality seems to be a bit of a roll of the dice. But here’s a tip: if you get a bad room, ask to move. They're generally pretty accommodating, and honestly, a pleasant staff member can solve SO many problems! Don’t be afraid to be that person (even if you, like me, hate confrontation – the bin room was a dealbreaker!). You will probably love the room, it might not be a mansion. It might just be a hotel room, but a hotel room that will do. Don't expect perfection. Expect imperfection, and expect to roll with it.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it worth getting up for?
Breakfast… bless its little, greasy heart. Honestly? It’s a mixed bag. The full English is… well, it's English. Which means it's a hearty, carb-laden adventure. The bacon is crispy, the sausages are…sausages. The eggs? Hit or miss, depending on the day (sometimes perfectly poached, sometimes a bit… rubbery). The actual *food*, if you’re hungry, it's a solid option.
The real winner? The biscuits. Seriously. They were divine. One morning, I practically inhaled a whole plate. I mean, they were soft, buttery, and somehow perfectly balanced with just a hint of sweetness. It was glorious. I think I need to go back just for the biscuits. I’m not even kidding. That little moment of biscuit bliss, I’m still chasing it. Other stuff? Meh. But still, go for a biscuit. Go. Now.
Is the location good for exploring Canterbury?
Absolutely! That's the biggest win, and the huge benefit of the Sun Hotel. It's smack-dab in the middle of EVERYTHING. Seriously. You can practically roll out of bed and stumble into Canterbury Cathedral (please don't actually roll - it's a holy place!). The High Street is right there, with all its shops, pubs, and general chaos. The river, the parks... everything is walkable. You'll probably get lost at least once (I did - several times!), but even that's part of the fun.
I remember one time, I took a wrong turn and ended up in a tiny antique shop filled with dusty treasures and a very grumpy cat. Best detour ever. The location is the best thing about it. No contest.
What about parking? Is it a nightmare?
Oh, parking. Be prepared for the fact that you probably WON'T be parking super close. Canterbury is a medieval city, after all, not a car park. There are various public car parks nearby, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. I’d recommend parking further out and walking, or better yet, just park at the hotel and hope you are lucky. The hotel can often arrange parking, but make sure you check in advance... and be prepared to pay a premium. It's the price you pay for central location, and honestly, it's usually worth it to avoid driving around in circles, getting increasingly frustrated while your holiday starts to drain away in some car park gridlock... Don't let parking get you down, though. Enjoy the walk; enjoy the hotel; enjoy the journey.
Is it family-friendly?
Depends. The hotel is generally pretty accommodating. Kids, sure. But if you have small children, be aware of the potential for creaky floors and the slightly unsettling sounds old buildings make in the night. I'd probably be nervous with a little one who's easily spooked. But generally? Yes. The staff is nice. Canterbury itself is very family-friendly, with tons of things for kids to do. Just be prepared for some "historical charm" that might not always be ideal for rowdy youngsters, and ask to get a room away from the stairs if you can. Otherwise, it's a go!
Is the bar any good? Any recommendations?
The bar is alright. Cosy. Traditional. They do a decent pint, and the staff are friendly. I personally had a rather amusing experience in the bar one night. I'd had a long day of sightseeing, and I decided to treat myself to a quiet beverage. I was nursing my cider, trying to look sophisticated, when a group of very boisterous stags stumbled in. One of them, bless his heart, decided to climb on a table and start singing. It was truly awful, but also hilarious, and it makes me smile when I think about it! So, yes, it's a good bar... and you never know what you might get when you head to the bar. You might even make a friend. You probably will, to be fair.
Overall, would you recommend the Sun Hotel?
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