Norwich realised its potential as early as the 11th century at the time of the Norman Conquest. Rich from the wool trade, the city found an enviable position within the Kingdom and a status which was to last for many centuries. While many other cities were transformed during the industrial revolution, Norwich retained much of its original character since its location, in what is now East Anglia, often meant easier access to Amsterdam than London.
Nowhere in the city is its long and illustrious history more evident than in the architecture found throughout the city. The most obvious and dramatic legacy of Norman times is the superb Cathedral dating from the 11th century and forming a focal point of much interest within the city centre ever since. The 12th century Castle is another popular visitor attraction and now houses a museum. The mediaeval streets offer a pleasant ambience and the later Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian additions to the city blend harmoniously and to great effect.What the great architecture means is that many accommodation options occupy some of the attractive historic buildings and enjoy prime positions in the charming city streets. A place with many churches, it is said that there is a church in the city for every week of the year. It is also said there is a pub for every day and while this may be a slight exaggeration they do provide an excellent selection of traditional inns which offer Norwich hotel accommodation, full of character.
The traditional inns will also likely have a bar and lounge facility, perfect for supping local ale or indulging in some classic pub food lunches and dinners. Rooms will be comfortable and well appointed and generally equipped with television, and tea and coffee making facilities. Often the accommodation will retain the sense of style and character with the building. Country type hotels and inns also often have external seating in a beer garden and sometimes also play areas and special menus for children.
At the other end of the historical architecture scale there are some grand old hotels, in which all the elegance and aged grandeur of a bygone age is celebrated in the decor and period features of the building. The spacious rooms and suites will offer a range of accommodation options for individuals, couples and families and will be equipped with all the modern conveniences expected from contemporary travellers and holidaymakers. Guests within the elegant luxury hotels should expect 24 hour room service and state of the art features such as satellite television and internet access.
Some establishments are family run and offer the intimacy and personal service of a bed and breakfast guest house, while others are typically international chains which offer a high standard level of service and often additional features for business, such as access to workstations and meeting rooms. As the administrative, business, and commercial centre of Norfolk, many Norwich hotels are mindful of the needs of business clients and corporate requirements.
Part of the attraction of is undoubtedly the surrounding Norfolk Countryside and many accommodation establishments are well placed, close to the city yet with access to some of the more rural charms of the area. Some of these particular hotels are more like country clubs, often in stately homes set in wonderful open land. Country club style options will certainly have an appeal which is linked to the building and the grounds but they will also likely have a whole range of leisure facilities both indoors and out.
Facilities within the country hotels will likely include a swimming pool and fully equipped gymnasium. There may also be tennis or squash courts and a large area given over to all the delights of a spa break, including extensive spa treatments and procedures, sauna, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis. Outdoor activities will range from golf to country sports and corporate activities and there are generally opportunities to discover the attractions of the area such as the trips to the rivers and lakes of the Norfolk Broads. Country hotels also form an excellent environment and backdrop for corporate events, weddings and other celebrations and will have at least one excellent fine dining environment as well as other more informal dining and lounge options.
There is plenty to do within the city itself and in addition to visiting the historic sights such as the Cathedral and castle; there is also some excellent shopping to be had, particularly within the open air market, one of the largest in England. Cafes, bars and restaurants are in plentiful supply and the city has a lively nightlife. Arts and music are prominent in too, with The Forum, in particular being an important venue for theatre, opera, music and art.
Situated in the most easterly part of England, the history of the city has been forever tied with its location. Now easy to reach from within England and beyond, the delights of Norwich, and of the many first class Norwich hotel facilities awaits you.
