Best Western Priory Hotel, Bury St. Edmunds
About the Hotel
Best Western Priory Hotel, located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, is a privately owned hotel known for its warm hospitality and high standards. This Grade II listed building provides a unique atmosphere for both romantic getaways and business travelers. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and historic priory walls, the hotel offers a tranquil environment away from the hustle of modern life. With 1 AA rosettes for food and excellent banqueting facilities, it is recognized as a premier venue in East Anglia.
Location
The hotel is conveniently located less than 15 minutes on foot from the center of Bury St Edmunds, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Key local attractions include The Abbey Gate and Moyse's Hall Museum, both within a short drive. Transportation is accessible with the nearest major motorway (A14, J43) just 1.5 km away and the train station 1 km from the hotel. Free on-site parking is available within the hotel’s walled grounds.
Rooms
All guestrooms at Best Western Priory Hotel are equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi and 24-hour room service. The rooms offer comforts such as flat-screen TVs and electric kettles, alongside various bed configurations. Some rooms feature views of the gardens, adding to the serene setting. Guests can also opt for accommodations that cater to special needs.
Eat & Drink
The award-winning Garden Restaurant is known for its formal yet relaxed dining experience, with a long-standing reputation for quality food. With an emphasis on local produce, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that has earned it 1 AA rosettes. Features such as alfresco dining capabilities and a new Garden Room allow for events and functions accommodating up to 100 guests. However, dining options may be limited during the festive season from late November to December.
Leisure & Business
Best Western Priory Hotel provides facilities for various corporate events, including meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. All meeting rooms are filled with natural daylight and some offer views of the hotel's gardens. Leisure amenities include a casual lounge bar that serves local beers, creating a relaxed environment for guests. Outdoor spaces, such as landscaped gardens, enhance the experience for both work and leisure guests.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Allergy-free rooms
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Board games
- Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel had a few drawbacks like being close to building work and the smokers area, but overall, it was a comfortable stay with friendly and apologetic service. The location was convenient but not ideal for a cozy dinner. The dining experience had some issues with slow service and cold food, but the Thai cuisine was worth the offer price.
I found the hotel to be a perfect fit for us with a pet dog, as we stayed in the bungalows. The proximity to Thetford Forest, Ipswich, and other tourist spots made it an ideal location for exploring the area. However, the dining experience, particularly the sausage dish, was a bit of a fiasco. The facilities were excellent for putting together a last-minute wedding function.
The hotel room was not up to standard, with dampness and odors present, but it was somewhat satisfactory for just sleeping. Natural light was lacking in the room's ambiance. However, the staff was exceptionally accommodating, even going out of their way to arrange an early meal for my elderly mother. They were attentive to our needs, including those of our dog. The location was convenient with easy access to the city center, although some areas lacked atmosphere. The dining experience had some drawbacks, such as the lack of toast options and poor value for money. The hotel facilities need improvement.