The Ship Inn, Rye – Luxury 5★ Hotel from 188$| HotelBest.net

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Strand Rye, Rye, United Kingdom, TN31 7DB

Close to Mermaid Street

Great

8.1

8.8

/10

3.2

4.0

Location

The Ship Inn is situated in the historic town of Rye, Sussex, at the intersection of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Guests can easily visit the iconic Rye Castle Museum, located within walking distance. The idyllic surroundings offer access to local markets and scenic coastal strolls.

Rooms

The hotel comprises 10 boutique bedrooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with a charming cottage style. The Hush Heath Suite provides additional space with separate sleeping and living areas, accommodating families comfortably. En-suite rooms include a selection tailored for families and those traveling with dogs.

Dining

The Ship Inn emphasizes fresh, local ingredients with a menu that includes hearty breakfasts, Sunday roasts, and seafood platters. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines from the award-winning Balfour Winery alongside seasonal craft beers. A private dining area with its own bar is available for events, accommodating from 40 to 50 guests.

Events

The hotel's Upper Deck Dining is a beautifully designed venue for group dining and business functions. It offers an exclusive space with the flexibility to cater to various event needs. The venue is suitable for small weddings and gatherings, providing both comfort and privacy.

Community Support

The Ship Inn contributes to the local community by donating £1 from every portion of freshly battered fish and chips sold to the Rye Food Bank. This initiative supports vulnerable individuals and families in crisis. The commitment to local charities strengthens community ties while providing quality dining experiences.

Highlights

Location: Historic town of Rye with medieval architecture

Rooms: 10 boutique bedrooms and suites

Dining: Menu featuring seafood platters and local wines

Events: Private dining area for up to 50 guests

Community: £1 donation per fish and chips to Rye Food Bank

Pet-Friendly: Accommodation available for dogs

Must-do experiences

Stroll along the medieval cobblestones of Mermaid Street for charm.
Indulge in a locally made Rye pie at The Sweet Shop on High Street.
Visit the Rye Heritage Centre for fascinating local history exhibits.
Explore the scenic views at Camber Sands, just a short drive away.
Don't miss the bustling Rye Market on Thursdays for local goods.

View all

Select your room type

The Ship Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

One-Bedroom Suite

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Ship Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Children's menu

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Ship Inn invites guests to enjoy hearty British fare in a warm and family-friendly environment. With an emphasis on local ingredients and a curated selection of drinks, the dining experience is one of comfort and camaraderie, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic taste of British hospitality.

The Ship Inn

Traditional British

Ambiance

Family-friendly setting with a traditional charm, perfect for gathering around the table.

Key Offerings

Enjoy a satisfying meal featuring homemade dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients. Complement your food with a handpicked selection of wines, real ales, and ciders from the barrel, alongside unique spirits that embody a true taste of the region.

Reservation

Recommended for dinner to ensure a table.

Open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 12:00 to 21:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00.

The Ship Inn Location

The Strand Rye, Rye, United Kingdom, TN31 7DB

Map view

The Strand Rye, Rye, United Kingdom, TN31 7DB

City landmarks

Church

The Church Of Saint Michael's

3900 ft

Landmark

Martello Tower

2900 ft

Nature reserve

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

1.9 mi

Church

St Thomas The Martyr Church

2.0 mi

Landmark

Winchelsea Court Hall Museum

2.0 mi

Landmark

Spike Milligan's gravestone

2.0 mi

Church

All Saints Church

2.2 mi

Landmark

Rye Harbour SSSI

2.1 mi

Beach

Camber Sands

3.1 mi

Castle

Camber Castle

10.0 mi

Nearby

Museum

Rye Castle Museum

1400 ft

Church

St Mary's Church

900 ft

Museum

Rye Heritage Information Centre

300 ft

Museum

Lamb House

800 ft

Church

St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church

500 ft

Mermaid Street

300 ft

Corner Landgate & Tower Street

Landgate

1800 ft

Gallery

Rye Art Gallery

1100 ft

Gallery

Art and Soul Gallery

1000 ft

Gallery

The Purdie Gallery

1100 ft

105 High Street

Ethel Loves Me

1100 ft

18-20 Rope Walk

Glass Etc

1500 ft

Rock Channel

Bridgepoint Rye

1500 ft

Restaurants

Simply Italian

100 ft

The Grist Mill The Strand The Strand

The Ship Inn Restaurant

100 ft

The Strand

The Old Grain Store

200 ft

The Strand

Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn

600 ft

Mermaid Street

The Standard Inn

600 ft

The Mint

Giants Fireplace Bar at The Mermaid Inn

600 ft

Mermaid Street

River Haven Restaurant

200 ft

Winchelsea Rd The River Haven Hotel Quayside

The Cobbles Tea Room

800 ft

1 Hylands Yard Off the Mint

Hoof

700 ft

35 The Mint

The Dandelion Restaurant

600 ft

Watchbell Street Hope Anchor Hotel

Ye Olde Bell Inn

800 ft

33 The Mint

Tatner's Street Kitchen

900 ft

24 Wish Street

Explore Rye

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

35 minutes walking

Nature reserve known for diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails along the marshes and coastline.

Rye Castle Museum

6 minutes walking

Museum housed in a historic castle offering exhibits on Rye's rich maritime history.

Martello Tower

11 minutes walking

Historic tower with panoramic views and exhibitions highlighting coastal defense during the Napoleonic Wars.

Lamb House

3 minutes walking

Former home of author Henry James, featuring beautiful gardens and literary heritage.

Coastal Walks

35 minutes walking

Scenic walks along the coastal paths of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with breathtaking views of the sea.

Kayaking

8 minutes drive

Kayak rentals available at Rye Harbour for thrilling adventures on the water; pre-booking recommended.

Yoga Classes

10 minutes drive

Local studios offering relaxing yoga sessions for all levels; suitable for solo travelers and couples.

The Ship Inn Restaurant

1 minute walking

Traditional pub offering local seafood and craft beers in a cozy atmosphere. Reservations recommended.

Simply Italian

1 minute walking

Casual Italian dining with a variety of pizzas and pasta dishes, known for its family-friendly vibe.

Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn

3 minutes walking

Historic inn featuring fine dining with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations preferred, caters to dietary needs.

The Rye Community Centre

6 minutes walking

Hosts regular events including live music, comedy shows, and family activities suitable for all ages.

The Standard Inn

3 minutes walking

Lively pub with a weekly jazz night and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a fun night out.

Getting around

City Centre

Rye6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

London Gatwick (LGW)161 min · 66.4 mi

London City (LCY)171 min · 70.7 mi

Train

Rye Railway Station4 min · 1000 ft

Rye Train Station5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP15 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ship Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 484 verified reviews

8.2/10

Great

84%

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Comfort

8.7/10

Facilities

8.2/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Staff

8.8/10

Value for money

8.1/10

sophia from germany

Single

double room private bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 06, 2026

8.8/10

historic charm and attentive service

attentive staffexcellent locationhistorical charmnight noise

i stayed three nights in this beautiful place. the staff were attentive. the location was excellent, it was near everything. the building had great historical charm and my room was very clean. i really appreciated the proximity to local attractions.

the room had some noise at night. it sounded like it came from the kitchen, but it was manageable. i would still stay there again though.

Service

9/10

staff offered prompt attention during check-in. requests received immediate action. staff provided thorough information about local attractions and services. i appreciate a friendly attitude.

Facilities

8/10

the building has historical significance. there is close proximity to transportation options. nearby shops provide convenient access to essentials. public parking is available just opposite the hotel.

Rooms

9/10

the room included essential toiletries. the room has a clean layout. the room size was suitable. the room offers a comfortable experience.

Dining

9/10

i tried local fish. i tried local wines from balfour winery. staff were knowledgeable about the wine list. the gastro pub food tasted delicious.

0 Helpful

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Jordan L from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 07, 2026

9/10

big tvcoffee

i found the room very clean. the big tv was great, and i used the tea and coffee provided in the room..

i noticed a stain on the room carpet that could use some attention.

0 Helpful

Ian from United Kingdom

Family with children

Double Room Private Bathroom

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 04, 2025

9/10

fantastic stay!

sensational breakfastlocal foodcramped room

the breakfast was sensational i especially enjoyed the locally produced food the location was excellent too the rooms were nice especially the chardonnay room.

the room was a bit cramped and i feel it was overpriced also there was only one bedside table as there wasn't sufficient room on the other side of bed

Service

9/10

kelly made us feel welcome she were pretty good with her excellent service the staff was friendly and helpful they made me feel very welcome at this nice hotel.

0 Helpful

Nicholas from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 28, 2025

9.5/10

Enchanting Haven

modern roomclean roomfriendly staffexcellent service

I found a perfect location near main attractions. My room was modern and very clean. Friendly staff provided excellent service, and dinner was delicious. This stay becomes nice.

Air conditioning system, made loud noises so I turned it off. Warm night caused to use a fan, but was noisy too.

Dining

9/10

A beautiful roast dinner offered me much enjoyment. Dessert was delicious and the seasonal crumble with custard became the best I tasted. A chap provided good service.

Rooms

10/10

The bed felt enormous, along with the TV. I appreciated the sustainable bathroom products. Massive, fluffy towels and top-level coffee filled the tea tray.

Service

10/10

I received excellent, friendly service from all staff members I encountered. The staff seemed cute and visible throughout the stay. It was a much appreciated and lovely gesture.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel offers easy access to the train station. I found an excellent location. Breakfast was delicious, and a wonderful experience and an excellent start to the day.

0 Helpful

Brian from United Kingdom

Single

double room private bathroom

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:July 12, 2025

7/10

included sausagesnice bathearly pubdessert absence

the breakfast included sausages and eggs. the bath was a nice amenity in my room.

the pub closed early one night. the staff did not offer dessert one evening after dinner.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Ship Inn

Is parking available nearby the inn?

10 February 2024

There are plenty of Pay and Display parking spaces available around the area, though the inn does not have its own car park.

Are dogs allowed at the inn? We have a small pomeranian we'd like to bring.

15 March 2024

Yes, dogs are welcome at the inn with an additional charge of £20 per dog.

Is there a place to securely store my bicycle during my stay?

22 April 2024

There is dedicated space available for securely storing bicycles overnight.

What are the breakfast service hours?

30 May 2024

Breakfast is served daily between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

What is the latest time I can check in to the inn?

12 June 2024

The last check-in time is 10:00 PM.

Do the bathrooms come equipped with towels?

8 July 2024

Yes, towels are provided in the bathrooms of all the rooms.

How much do breakfast options cost?

20 August 2024

Prices range from £9.50 for a continental breakfast to £18 for a complete cooked and continental breakfast.

Can you recommend nearby activities or attractions for families?

5 September 2024

Visitors can explore the historic cobblestone streets of Rye, visit the iconic Rye Castle Museum, or take strolls along the coastline for family-friendly outings.

Are there any special meal options available for events or gatherings?

15 October 2024

The inn offers a private dining space for events, with meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience.

Can I host a wedding or special event at this venue?

25 November 2024

Yes, the inn has a private dining area for small weddings and gatherings, accommodating up to 40 guests for a seated meal and 50 for a stand-up event.