The Gallivant

Breakfast was the letdown during our otherwise enjoyable three-night stay at The Gallivant. For what we paid, it didn't meet our expectations. My husband had been hoping for a full English, but there wasn't one available. Each table received the same continental tray: smoked salmon, crème fraîche, cheese, ham and prosciutto, fruit compote, granola, Greek yoghurt and two croissants. We could also get toast, boiled eggs and fruit, though that was limited to grapefruit halves and grapes. The items on the tray were good quality, just not what we wanted. At a hotel of this standard, we'd expected more choice and something more flexible. More healthy options, like freshly prepared eggs, extra fresh fruit, lighter food or plant-based dishes, would have suited us better. The location was fantastic for a short break and exploring Rye and the surrounding area. A sandy beach is a 5 minute walk across the road and through a car park. The hotel had a lovely atmosphere, and we enjoyed our time there despite the breakfast.

The room was compact but fine for a few nights, and the food was lovely. Breakfast was interesting and great. James at check was very good, and the staff were flexible with a couple of our requests. I think the website should warn people that a ‘full English is not an option’. I saw several Tripadvisor comments about it. We loved our stay, will be back, and Harry did a great job.

We stopped in with family for a light lunch on Friday. There were lots of cosy little seating areas, lovely decor and a welcoming open fire. The food was nice, though Fridays only had bar snacks, so we couldn't try the restaurant menu. Since it was our anniversary, we also ordered an espresso martini and a margarita. They came in very pretty glasses, but the glasses felt small for the price, and the huge ice cubes left even less cocktail. The sandy beach is across the road, through a car park and over the dunes. We had a quick walk, though it was blustery and wet!

The staff were all superb, friendly and welcoming to us and our flat coat retriever Harry. I think quite a few of them fell in love with him! Special thanks to Lyndsay, who was outstanding in every way. We loved the rooms and the pretty outdoor space, and really enjoyed yoga this morning. An espresso machine in the rooms would be a welcome addition, though. We had an amazing New Year's stay at the Gallivant, a fantastic start to 2026, and we'll definitely visit again ❤️