The Sea Marge Hotel - Cromer

Debby J.

Aesthetically and historically, the hotel was both beautifully & empathetically decorated and furnished, in keeping with the mansions Edwardian construction. We loved the various places to sit comfortably - various little areas, plus gallery and lounge. The atmosphere of the hotel was extremely pleasant and the bar area had a great feel. The restaurant rooms were light and airy.

The food was excellent with a varied menu and staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind regarding my extremely complicated current dietary requirements, both in informing me of ingredients and adapting dishes on the menu for me; Melanie, Jade and Gemma were particularly amazing.

The outside grounds were wonderful. Although there was no children's play area, there were small children enjoying all the space to run around, and there were lots of outside games, for both children and adults alike. There was very comfortable seating overlooking the gardens and sea, for both relaxing and eating, plus a garden area at the front with tables.

The hotel and staff (again, those mentioned above, especially, plus Lana and Bailey were clearly favourites with younger guests) and children's menus, and highchairs were available (although a couple more of these might have been good in the main hotel bar and restaurants) in busy periods.

We also very much enjoyed the complementary of the swimming pool at The Links Hotel, nearby, just on the other side of Cromer.

Overstrand itself is a quiet village (great coffee shop above the beach) with a couple of shops and a pub, yet only a short distance from Cromer and a half-hourly bus service.

We had a wonderful stay and hope to return! Thank you, Sea Marge!

greggM403

Walk in Winston Churchill's footsteps in this grade 2 listed beautiful hotel . Easy to miss the car park we arrived and greeted by the very friendly Hannah & Melanie . Lift to the sea view room ,number 1 . Really clean , great bed . Shower powerful but you had to set it up first. The door lock turns ANTI CLOCKWISE to get in . We then had a very filling cream tea delicious , well recommended. The décor real Edwardian, art and information every where. The gardens manicured .Due to the remoteness we decided to eat in picking from the Bar menu within the information pack. Only to find it does not exist when we went to the bar. We slept extremely well with no noise and total blackout when the garden lights are turned off. Blackout curtains work too. Take binoculars to see the wind farm and the small vessels setting crab pots . If its warm enough it would be perfect for star gazing. Harry cheerfully served us the full English breakfast. All the food was only average to our taste ,black pudding and a fried slice a bonus. The staff are first class ,polite and smart. If you love history and architecture then stay here .

Stefan P.

Was in the area so popped into the bar for lunch. Fantastic old building, felt like sitting in an old manor house. Staff were so friendly and nice, great selection of beers and food on offer. Opted for a Fresh prawn and smoked salmon baguette with fries and a gorgeous pizza. Both tasted fantastic and very filling. The views from the garden and bar are great, direct out to sea over the cliff tops, huge garden with plenty of tables and chairs to soak in the views. Highly recommend and will definately be going back.

Jane M.

It was a very special birthday and they had decorated the table lovely. The food was amazing and all the staff were very friendly, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The chief had made me a happy birthday plate with chocolate brownie as a surprise. Every time we visit we are never disappointed. Thank you.

machinmad

We’ve been wanting to dine at this restaurant for many years and finally got the chance to sample their Sunday Lunch. Right from entering reception, every crew member we encountered was polite, friendly and helpful. One of our party was taken ill during the meal and they couldn’t have been more helpful and understanding.||The main dining room looks out on the rear gardens and the sea. It’s tastefully decorated but keeps the period features of the building. The carvery is in another room and each table is called in separately to get their food. This gives the chef time to provide a quality carving service. The joints were real cuts of meat, the roasties were fluffy and crispy, the veg al dente; perfect. There was loads of food and you were encouraged not to skimp.||Yes, it’s an expensive carvery, but you’re paying for a quality dinning experience and I think it’s worth it. Go treat yourself for a special Sunday Lunch.

clareandtrevor

We came here for dinner, unfortunately it was a bit chilly to have a pre drink on the terrace, but the bar is nice too. |It was a quiet evening and we were seated in The Churchill Room, it almost felt like a private dining experience. |Overall, the service and food was very good, but we would have expected to be offered to try the bottle of wine we ordered with our meal. Instead the unopened bottle was just placed on the table-fortunately it was a screw top. |I can’t comment on the accommodation as we didn’t stay there.

Ruth F.

We had been to the Sea Marge before and had drinks outside so as it was a rainy Tuesday we decided to have drinks and then food in the bar overlooking the sea. We ordered a ploughman's sharing platter and fries. Have to say the service overall was appalling. We had to ask the waiter/bar man to remove the remnants of the last people using the table. He did this but never came back to wipe the table which was clearly dirty, despite asking. We then ordered a £30 bottle of wine. No effort was made to open the wine for us, check it was OK etc. Then we received our platter which was "Ok" but not exceptional and a bit meagre on the amount. We did enjoy the variety of games on each table which we enjoyed as a family. We were intending to order cheese and port and Irish coffees but we did not see another member of staff for absolutely ages, no one came and checked on us, asked if we were happy or wanted anything else. When we did get a member of staff come over after waiting an hour to ask if we wanted desserts and muttered they had been "down the other end" and quite frankly did not seem that bothered. When we left a member of staff decided to ask if the dog wanted a treat! We felt they were taking the piss to be honest! There were hardly any customers in the hotel or bar. When we got home we called the hotel and apparently spoke to the manager (who did not give his name) and was as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Not that it's somewhere we frequent often, but at least they clean the tables in Macdonald's! What a shame, we are regularly in Overstrand and we're planning on returning for Fathers Day but now won't bother.

Why does the UK hospitality businesses complain about National Insurance going up, National Minimum Wages increases and lack of businesses if this is how they treat their customers.
Perhaps the best outcome for this hotel is collapsing into the North Sea!!! It could be a great venue, but sadly not with the current management or ownership.

321candidar

The hotel building is of historical interest with fascinating connections. The room (No.1) was large comfortable and with a super view to the sea. We stayed two nights and ate at the hotel. All the meals were exceptionally tasty and one of our party was a retired chef who has exacting standards, but she remarked on the well prepared and delicious food. The whole experience was a refreshing, calming, time out on a busy life. What made it so special was in no small way due to the staff. Every staff member we saw was friendly, polite, helpful and went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and it made us feel very much valued and listened to. One of our party had broken down some distance away and had to wait for the recovery truck, and so missed the evening meal. The staff were concerned and offered to make sandwiches even though the kitchen was closing. We have stayed in many hotels in this country and all around the world, and I have to say this is one of most enjoyable stays.