Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews The Traveller's Guide to Hotels and Restaurants around the World

I am a mother-in-law and all I can think about is Les Dawson: I hope my son-in-law does not feel the same way!

He married my beloved elder daughter on Saturday at the wonderful venue that is Bickley Manor Hotel, in Kent, England. The old Manor House is set amidst beautiful landscaped gardens and from the moment my husband and I arrived we felt transported from the bustling world into the heart of the Kent countryside.

The property was built in 1878, so there is no lift but arrangements were made by the hotel and our family so that my disabled mother felt completely included in the occasion.

The hotel is bursting with character and has retained many of its original period features. Although, a few extra power points would not go amiss! However, the hotel’s highly professional staff ensured that we feel completely relaxed as soon as we arrived. The care and attention to detail afforded to our party far out-weighed any slight inconveniences. However, you must bear in mind that it is an old building and has no elevator. Bickley Manor also has over 30 bedrooms en-suite, including 2 honeymoon suites and its own private cottage. My mother stayed in the private cottage. That has no stairs.

Bickley Manor does have a spectacular restaurant with high ceilings and a chandelier that creates a wonderful setting for lunch or dinner. We very much enjoyed our meals there. Portions are generous! Even the bar menu is very varied and the wedding breakfast was delicious and promptly served.In t he morning, the breakfast offered is a full English breakfast, although the hotel is happy to change items as required for dietary needs. Cereal, fruit juice, tea and coffee are all available on a self-service basis and the dining room is a very relaxed way for guests to start the morning. There is also a bar on site as well as the restaurant . Everything was great.

There are two honeymoon suites at Bickley Manor. Clearly, the bride and groom took one but my husband and I treated ourselves to the other. Ours was a beautiful room with large windows overlooking the beautiful grounds and the cutest en-suite I have ever seen. When we went in, I thought it was a tiny little shower-room. In fact, the double doors that open on to it hide a good sized bathroom with full bath and quality shower. The rooms also have flat-screened televisions, tea and coffee facilities and good quality shower products. I had forgotten my hairdryer and the hotel provided one without hesitation. 

There are drawers and wardrobe space. This is not always so in modern hotels. The bed was very comfortable and we both slept well. My husband is a very tall man, so he did appreciate the king-size bed.

For our purposes it was most important that the requests of the bride and groom were met. This was the case in every detail. The staff were diligent and helpful throughout our stay. I cannot commend them highly enough. This was an extremely friendly wedding. That is a testament to the bride and groom. It was also a very well-organised event. Again, the couple put a huge amount of effort into ensuring all went as planned. However, there is no doubt that they chose well when they chose Bickley Manor as their venue. The support and kindness afforded to them and their guests was open-handed. I highly recommend Bickley Manor.