Restored coaching inn
This 16th-century coaching inn operates as a lively social anchor, linking historic timber beams with relaxed Sussex hospitality.
What it’s good at
Notable
Individually styled bedrooms with freestanding tin baths, eclectic antiques, and floral wallpapers.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
This 400-plus-year-old coaching inn by the East Sussex seaside has been cleaned up and classed up just enough to suit the modern taste.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
High Street shops and timber-framed houses surround the inn, with the cobbled slope of Mermaid Street just around the corner.
The rooms
Bedrooms tuck beneath timbered ceilings with Frette linens, and select rooms have roll-top copper or tin soaking tubs.
Restaurant
The George Grill
The kitchen cooks over a wood-and-charcoal grill, preparing Sussex meats and seasonal produce beneath woven pendant lights.
At the table
The Dragon Bar pours Sussex ales and English wines, and candlelit banquet tables host private gatherings.
How it began
Established in 1575, the inn moved to the High Street in 1719 and once hosted three successive King Georges.
Rye
More like this
The Gallivant
“Duneside coastal hideaway”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.