I chose the Gathouse hotel for a business trip as it offered free wifi access.

Both of the rooms that I have stayed in have been oversized, clean and comfortable. The first room that I was given had disabled access and I have to say it was not a patch on the room 2 upstairs which was very nice.

The hotel is full of period features which add a bit of character, The public areas of the hotel are very nicely finished. I've only used the restaurant for breakfast which was excellent.

Staff are all very pleasant and helpful.

Small hotel in the outskirts of town. Reception and common rooms have a warm atmosphere and comfortable furniture. My room was very well maintained with a good bed and a good chair which needed cleaning. The appearance could be improved by decorating the walls with more pictures or prints. Flat screen TV with regular British channels only. Bathroom was very small and after a shower there would be water all over the floor. Bar had a good selection of beers, dinner in the restaurant was excellent and the breakfast very good. Paid £ 79 for bed and breakfast which I found good value. Will definetely come back next time I am in the area.

When we drove up, I didn't expect much because of the area it was located - there was nothing fundamentally WRONG with it, it just didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. However, once we stepped inside, all doubts were banished. Charming decor, a small but intimate bar and dining area, lovely staff and clean, fresh and stately-home inspired bedrooms. You get all the basics in the rooms including a few luxuries like a hairdryer and a flat screen television complete with the basic channels and a couple of SKY channels thrown in. I would have liked to seen a channel for the kids though, like Cartoon Network.
Overall, a very satisfying stay. Not far from Ipswich town centre which is fantastic for Christmas shopping!

A fantastic gem of a hotel, off the beaten track but only 2 miles out of Ipswich, run by a Manager who went out of his way to make us feel welcome.

The food was excellent, high quality food, cooked to order, eg sea bass with local fresh vegetables and home baked deserts to the same high standard.

The rooms were comfortable and spotlessly clean. The staff helpful and professional.

I would recommend this hotel unreservedly and will certainly use them again. Hopefully on our next visit the open fires will be in use.

Anne Wood
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire