We stayed here for three nights in early September as a friend was getting married nearby.
There were pros and cons to the hotel; the stairway to the rooms smelt really musty and there was a plant on one of the floors that definitely had seen better days! We were put in a slightly better room because there had been a mix up with our booking but the room was still no more than average in size. Everything was clean and tidy; a decent sized bathroom but with a non-too powerful shower.
our biggest complaint was that the room was like an oven, despite it not being that hot outside! we had our window wide open and still had to sleep on top of the bed covers. it felt very uncomfortable; and when we enquired about this at reception we were told it was because of the age of the hotel and all the hot pipes running round it.
Breakfast is what redeems this hotel. The lady who served us was one of the friendliest i'd met; there was a superb choice of cooked breakfast - all individually prepared; and enough choice of cold buffet (although not everything that was stated on the menu!).
would probably use the hotel again if i had to stay in Dereham; although i'd probably check out the prices of the other 2 hotels in the town first!
- Phoenix Hotel Dereham
