Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1290" height="630" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/salthouse_harbour_hotel_ipswich_060919-0.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/salthouse_harbour_hotel_ipswich_060919-0.jpg 1290w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/salthouse_harbour_hotel_ipswich_060919-0-800x391.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/salthouse_harbour_hotel_ipswich_060919-0-1000x488.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/05/salthouse_harbour_hotel_ipswich_060919-0-400x195.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px" /></figure>



<p>Ipswich is a true tale of two cities (or towns in this case!) – one minute you&#8217;re in the middle of a classic UK high street and the next you round a corner and find yourself in a yacht-filled marina that, on a sunny day, wouldn&#8217;t look out of place on the French Riviera. Luckily for us, we came to stay at <a href="https://www.salthouseharbour.co.uk/">Salthouse Harbour Hotel</a>, which stands proud in the centre of this waterfront area, on a sunny August day and, as first impressions go, it doesn&#8217;t get much better. </p>



<p>The hotel is owned and run by The Gough Family, who also own The Angel in Bury St Edmunds (<a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/review-the-angel-hotel-bury-st-edmunds/">read our review here</a>) and so it has that lovely friendly home-from-home feel that just can&#8217;t be found in the bigger chains. It&#8217;s housed in a very attractive red brick warehouse with a newer glass and balcony-filled addition to the side and a wow-factor triangular penthouse on the roof. It&#8217;s a modern masterpiece. Don&#8217;t just take our word for it either, the hotel has 4 AA Red Stars in recognition of its top-class hospitality. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1779" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/inside-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg" alt="inside the malthouse harbour hotel in Ipswich " class="wp-image-42457" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/inside-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/inside-salthouse-harbour-hotel-675x800.jpg 675w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/inside-salthouse-harbour-hotel-843x1000.jpg 843w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/inside-salthouse-harbour-hotel-337x400.jpg 337w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/inside-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1295x1536.jpg 1295w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The industrial-meets-contemporary vibe continues in force on the inside and the hotel is full of a collection of modern art objects that shouldn&#8217;t work together, but somehow do! It&#8217;s a really fun look and sits perfectly in the light-filled warehouse building. </p>



<p>The reception area is large and full of squishy velvet sofas that just invite you to sit down and admire the boats bobbing around outside and there&#8217;s a reception desk tucked discreetly at the back where check-in is smooth, sleek and friendly. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1575" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/the-vibe-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42455" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/the-vibe-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/the-vibe-salthouse-harbour-hotel-762x800.jpg 762w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/the-vibe-salthouse-harbour-hotel-952x1000.jpg 952w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/the-vibe-salthouse-harbour-hotel-381x400.jpg 381w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/the-vibe-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1463x1536.jpg 1463w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Beyond the reception there&#8217;s The Eaterie, a large restaurant with exposed brick walls and divided into cosy areas by the bar and leather banquette seating. The restaurant is a little more traditional in style, but still full of eye-catching pieces like the wire jewel-covered mermaid that gracefully hangs from the ceiling. The Eaterie is at its very best on a hot summer&#8217;s day when the front patio doors are slid back for al fresco marina-side dining. Overall, it&#8217;s a fairly small footprint for a hotel, but that only serves to make it feel cosier, more intimate and special. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1462" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/cool-details-at-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg" alt="large gold scorpion ornament at malthouse harbour hotel" class="wp-image-42453" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/cool-details-at-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/cool-details-at-salthouse-harbour-hotel-800x780.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/cool-details-at-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1000x975.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/cool-details-at-salthouse-harbour-hotel-400x390.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Gough family have really worked on hard on training staff to ensure everyone feels like a VIP here. The service is five-star and I could see that my fellow hotel guests were delighted to be made to feel so special. Every member of staff was smiley and super helpful and couldn&#8217;t do enough for us. Coupled with the cool interiors and lovely vibe it made for a winning weekend escape combo. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42449" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re going to stay in a hotel on a marina, you want to have a view of the boats from your room, so it&#8217;s definitely worth stretching the budget a bit to get a marina view room. Ours was on the 5th floor so had wonderful elevated vistas of the area and we spent ages just soaking in the tranquility of being by the water from our balcony. Thankfully we could still see the splendid sight from inside our room, which had a huge and extremely comfortably super king bed, a cool copper bathtub by the floor-to-ceiling window and a sitting area and desk. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/view-from-bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42450" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/view-from-bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/view-from-bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/view-from-bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/view-from-bedroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Everything is decorated in warming dark tones and sumptuous textures like velvets and brushed leather, and metallic touches have been used to create a luxurious look. The rooms lack any of the quirky touches from the downstairs, but then again with that view, you&#8217;ll only have eyes for what&#8217;s outside. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="745" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bathroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel--1000x745.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42451" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bathroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel--1000x745.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bathroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel--800x596.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bathroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel--400x298.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/bathroom-salthouse-harbour-hotel-.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The bathroom was modern and pared back and full of lovely British made products from Bath House and there was plenty of hanging space for clothes just outside it. A quick power shower and one last look at that view as the sun was setting and we headed down in the lift for dinner&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>It was a busy Saturday night when we stayed and the restaurant was chocker, so full marks to the staff for proving that they can still offer amazing service even when rushed off their feet. I forgot to tell the restaurant ahead of time that my plus-one was gluten free, but it couldn&#8217;t have been less of a problem. Our knowledgeable and friendly waiter took time to go through the entire menu and explain how dishes could be altered for her dietary needs and then put his sommelier hat on to recommend the perfect bottle of wine for the food. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/Copy-of-LBB-The-crown-Bildeston.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42470" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/Copy-of-LBB-The-crown-Bildeston.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/Copy-of-LBB-The-crown-Bildeston-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/Copy-of-LBB-The-crown-Bildeston-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/10/Copy-of-LBB-The-crown-Bildeston-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We both choose burrata with wild garlic pesto to start that was light and lovely and came with a basket of bread for me and gluten free bread for my guest. Then it was a panzanella salad with goats cheese for my main and the fish dish of the day for my guest. The specials board was full of lovely seafood and fish, which is fresh from the famous James Hunt Fisheries in Felixstowe and obviously tastes even better when devoured within metres of a marina. There was also a whole section of grilled meats featuring lots of local cuts such as Dedham Vale sirloin and Earl Soham wagyu rump. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/salthouse-harbour-hotel-restaurant.jpg" alt="The eaterie Salthouse harbour hotel " class="wp-image-40943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/salthouse-harbour-hotel-restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/salthouse-harbour-hotel-restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/salthouse-harbour-hotel-restaurant-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/salthouse-harbour-hotel-restaurant-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The next morning we had a long lie-in and then meandered downstairs to try the hotel&#8217;s brunch offering, served from 10am &#8211; 3pm and where you can sit back and relax for two hours and order as many brunch dishes as you like, all washed down with cocktails or Champagne! We loved all the different sharing options on offer, making it a sociable meal, but opted for our own dishes – smashed avocado, poached eggs, grilled tomatoes and bacon on sourdough. Delicious! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes. There&#8217;s a brilliantly named &#8216;Buoys &amp; Gulls&#8217; Menu for kids &#8211; 2 courses for £8.95 as well as a children&#8217;s afternoon tea for £12. With such friendly staff, you can be sure little ones would be most welcome and there are cots and extra beds for easy family sleeping.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>There are dog-friendly rooms at Salthouse Harbour Hotel and dogs are allowed in the lounge area but not the restaurant. There is a small additional charge of £15 per night for dogs. The first time we stayed at the hotel a few years ago we brought our dog with us and she was treated like royalty, with treats and a bed left in the room for her arrival. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessible">ACCESSIBLE?</h2>



<p>Yes, the entrance to Salthouse Harbour Hotel is level and there is plenty of space to move a wheelchair around. There is also a lift and there is one room that has a walk-in shower and bath. There is a small car park directly outside the hotel but this does get quite full. Otherwise parking is just a few minutes away by the marina and the hotel pays for ticket. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<p>The Eaterie at Salthouse Harbour hosts regular wine nights (a 4-course meal with paired wines) and other foodie events throughout the year, so keep an eye on <a href="https://www.salthouseharbour.co.uk/events/">upcoming ones here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-do">THINGS TO DO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/flatford-mill.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13190" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/flatford-mill.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/flatford-mill-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/flatford-mill-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/flatford-mill-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The waterfront is really close to the main town so you can easily walk to key attractions like <a href="https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/about-suffolk-archives/the-hold/">The Hold</a>, <a href="https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/christchurch-mansion/">Christchurch Mansion</a> (with its collection of Constables and Gainsboroughs), as well as three theatres showing mainstream touring shows as well as local productions and all the shops and restaurants of Ipswich. If you&#8217;re staying multiple nights and want to eat elsewhere, <a href="https://www.marinersipswich.co.uk">Mariner&#8217;s</a>, a top restaurant on an historic boat, is just next door to Salthouse Harbour Hotel too. </p>



<p>Slightly further afield is Constable Country, Suffolk&#8217;s glorious AONB immortalised by John Constable, as well as some of our favourite Suffolk coast towns and villages including Woodbridge, Orford, Felixstowe and Aldeburgh.   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1012" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/view-of-marina-from-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg" alt="view of Ipswich Marina from Salthouse Harbour Hotel" class="wp-image-40939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/view-of-marina-from-salthouse-harbour-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/view-of-marina-from-salthouse-harbour-hotel-800x540.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/view-of-marina-from-salthouse-harbour-hotel-1000x675.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/view-of-marina-from-salthouse-harbour-hotel-400x270.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Feeling like you&#8217;ve gone away somewhere special and different without having to jump on a plane. Unless you live by the river or a marina already, there&#8217;s something about this location that just helps you escape from reality. </p>



<p>And, if you really value excellent and personalised service this is the place to come. After the staff heard my guest was gluten-free they added some biscuits to the tea and coffee tray in our room for her while we were at dinner – a small detail that really impressed. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If you seek a hotel with loads of green space outside, then look elsewhere. The hotel doesn&#8217;t have its own gardens, but who cares when the view is so gorgeous?</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Great value for money! A prepay rate is available from £120.80pn for B&amp;B (up to 40% off B&amp;B, most discounted rate is available on Sundays).</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.salthouseharbour.co.uk/">Salthouse Harbour Hotel,</a> Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1AX</em></p>


Review: Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Ipswich

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