The Grove Cromer

The pool was enjoyable when we had it to ourselves, and breakfast tasted good, though the self-service setup raised hygiene concerns. Beyond that, our stay at The Grove was a real letdown. We paid £209 for one night in an upgraded room, after having a very enjoyable stay in a basic room last year. This time, the room had ripped cushions and felt poorly kept for the price. The only upgrade we could see was a roll-top bath, while comfort and service felt like a big step down. The quilt was so thin I was freezing, and noise from diners and the room above kept us awake into the early hours. The TV and internet connection kept dropping until we gave up and went to sleep. The pool changing area also badly needs attention. The showers need cleaning or repainting, and the artificial grass flooring seems unhygienic since it absorbs everything. A cleanable floor would be better. The shower plug was blocked too. When I went for help, the receptionist who had already been rude to us rushed ahead, ignored me asking her not to walk straight in, then barged into the room without knocking while one of us was undressed. It was intrusive and embarrassing. Earlier, our request for swimming towels, made just 30 minutes after arrival, had been met with eye rolls and sighs. The woman at reception, with a bob and glasses, berated us and lectured us on what “normal people do,” making us feel like our arrival was a bother. The reception area itself had been reduced to a small desk and bell, replacing the welcoming space we remembered. All in all, The Grove’s service and attention to detail have noticeably declined. The superior rooms aren’t worth what they charge, and what should have been a relaxing evening left a bitter taste.

Breakfast was the highlight, with cereals, yoghurt and fruit pots, toast with jam or marmalade, excellent fruit salads, and a choice of delicious cooked dishes. There was plenty of good tea and coffee, and it was the first hotel breakfast where even the youngest children in our group ate all their cooked food. On our final morning, one of us became ill, and the staff were wonderful. They kept breakfast open well beyond its usual hours so everyone could eat, and offered support and help. The staff had been delightful, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout our stay. Our extended family came along, with some in the garden rooms, while we had a double in the main hotel. Though on the small side, our room was perfect, spotlessly clean, and had a very comfortable bed, desk and chair, easy chair, and hanging space. The bathroom seemed recently updated and was well fitted, with an electric shower giving unlimited hot water and good toiletries. We also made good use of the heated pool, which the whole family loved. The water was just right, not too hot like many hotel pools, and the heating around it kept people sitting out of the activity warm. I can’t recommend The Grove highly enough, and we’ll definitely return.

The Grove’s staff were brilliant, the food was very good, and the pool was clean and warm during our four days there over Christmas. We hadn’t planned the trip, it came about because of an illness in the family, and the team were very helpful throughout. From the back of the garden you can join the coastal path, either heading down to the beach or along the cliff top towards Cromer. Check out the Red Lion for its real fire and 12 real ales.

We enjoyed reading the room folder, which had an interesting history of the hotel and of the room we stayed in. Our bedroom in the main building was clean and comfortable, and we liked the breakfast menu. We chose the Grove full English and it didn’t disappoint. The staff were friendly, welcoming, helpful, and faultless throughout.