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The Mermaid Inn

4.6(2,236)
Hotel

About

The Mermaid Inn is a 15th-century half-timbered inn in Rye, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Its period furnishings and original features create a distinctive setting for business gatherings, with private dining rooms and a function space for up to 50 guests.

The inn's 2 AA Rosette restaurant offers refined British cuisine in a paneled dining room or cozy private spaces, while the Giant's Fireplace Bar invites relaxed networking over well-priced drinks. Staying overnight means sleeping in rooms steeped in history, just steps from Rye’s cobbled streets and independent shops.

Best for

  • Historic venue for executive retreats
  • Private dining & client dinners
  • Boutique hotel stays with local charm

Request a Package

Tell the venue what you're planning and they'll respond with a custom proposal within 1–2 business days.

Group Meeting

Custom request

Professional meeting space for your team — whether it's a meeting, training, workshop, or multi-day offsite. Half-day, full-day, or multi-day — with the option to request AV, catering, and your preferred room layout.

What's typically included

  • Meeting room & layout
  • Food & beverage
  • AV & technology

Room Block

Custom request

Reserve a block of rooms for your group — ideal for multi-day conferences, offsites, or any event where attendees are traveling from out of town.

What's typically included

  • Reserved guest rooms for your group
  • Flexible check-in & check-out dates
  • Negotiated group rates

Meeting + Room Block

Custom request

Bundle your meeting space and guest rooms in one request — perfect for multi-day offsites and conferences where the team meets by day and stays overnight.

What's typically included

  • Meeting room & layout
  • Food & beverage
  • AV & technology
  • Reserved guest rooms for your group

Venue Details

Standout features

Historic Architecture
Half-timbered 15th-century inn with original cellars
The Mermaid Inn dates back to 1156 with cellars surviving from that era, rebuilt in 1420 after a fire. Its half-timbered structure and period furnishings create a genuine step back in time, offering a unique historical setting for events.
Distinctive Event Spaces
Multiple intimate dining rooms and function room
Guests can choose from the Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant with a 2 AA Rosette, the cozy Dr Syn dining room, or the private Boardroom, plus the Tudor Room function space for special occasions, providing versatile and character-rich settings for
Atmosphere & Storytelling
Smugglers’ bar with secret passage and rich local lore
The Giant’s Fireplace Bar and Tudor Bar evoke the 18th-century Hawkhurst Gang smuggling history, with features like a secret passageway entrance, immersing guests in a storied and atmospheric environment.

At a glance

Rated 4.6 on Google · 2,236 reviews