Stone Court House

I ended up staying an extra night because the atmosphere was so lovely and the bed was incredibly comfortable. My spacious White Panel room gave me the privacy I needed for online work and interviews, and the quiet neighbourhood made that even easier. The location is handy for local amenities, and there’s a lovely Italian restaurant nearby with a cosy, home-like feel. Stone Court House is furnished in a classic Georgian style, with antiques, rich fabrics and traditional details that make it feel warm and elegant. The staff were welcoming and helpful throughout. Mr. Saban, the hotel administrator, was especially attentive and professional. I honestly can’t think of anything I disliked. A very enjoyable stay, and I’d gladly come back.

Belinda, our host, made us feel welcome from the start and was friendly and helpful the whole time. We spent two nights in Apartment No. 7 at Stone Courthouse, and it felt like a home away from home. There was so much room that you could almost get lost in it, and the place had a warm, elegant feel. The lounge areas were great for spending time together, and the hotel would suit a romantic break or a trip with friends in Maidstone. We loved our stay and plan to return.

We’ve stayed here three times now, and Saben makes you feel at home. He’s a top man and does everything he can to make the stay enjoyable. The property is stunning, and from the moment you walk in it’s a place that makes you want to relax, take it in, and come back. For me, it’s easily the best hotel in Maidstone and the surrounding area. Five stars and more. See you soon, Max and rachael.

The house is beautiful, with a lovely setting and a restoration the owners have clearly put a lot into. If you want a distinctive stay in a historic home, it could be a good fit. For us, though, it didn’t justify the price compared with the more than 15 different places we booked on this trip, including luxury stays. It has potential to feel luxurious with some changes, but the rules made the visit feel like a chore. We were told to leave our shoes by the front door, so we went through the house and up several flights of stairs in socks. I’d have preferred taking them to the room, but followed the rules. With the self-service check-in and the owner living on site in a private apartment, plus the information about numerous CCTV cameras, we felt like intruders in someone’s home. The room was warm, with only a small, ineffective fan. The wooden bed was beautiful but its slats made noise whenever we turned over. The shower was tiny, barely roomy enough to turn around in, and the towels were small and scratchy. The shampoo and shower gel were tiny too, and we didn’t use them because there wasn’t enough for long hair and too little shower gel. Luckily, we’d brought our own. There was no fresh milk in the room for tea or coffee; later, we saw from other reviews that some was in a fridge downstairs, but that wasn’t clear to us at the time. The restrictions were very strict: no eating in the room, no bringing your own alcohol, and only expensive drinks available to buy from the hotel. We were also woken well before checkout by the owner and other guests having a loud conversation in the courtyard. I’d suggest offering single-use slippers, or letting guests wear shoes and vacuuming thoroughly each day. Larger bottles of shampoo and shower gel fixed to the shower wall would be easier for everyone to use. It would also help to explain clearly where the fresh milk is, provide a larger fan, and check the bed slats for movement and noise. If guests can’t bring their own drinks, cheaper options would help, especially as people have their own preferences. The towels could be a decent size and laundered so they’re softer. I put a full review on Booking, but it cut off the last part. It’s disappointing to see the owners respond to reviews defensively, sometimes in an insulting or rude way, as if feedback is an attack instead of a chance to improve. A getaway shouldn’t feel like a list of rules to follow, and guests who’ve paid should be able to offer feedback without being insulted.