The Falstaff Hotel stands at the western gateway of Canterbury on St Dunstan Street, a historic address that has welcomed travellers arriving along the road from London for centuries. Today it is a four-class hotel with a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and a garden, set right beside Westgate Gardens and the river. The location is the great attraction: Westgate Towers and the start of the High Street are on your doorstep, and the cathedral is about nine minutes on foot. For a stay that mixes character with comfort, and for visitors who arrive by train, it is one of the most convenient addresses in the city.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about one minute from Westgate Gardens, five minutes from the Marlowe Theatre and around nine minutes from Canterbury Cathedral, with the High Street and its shops in between. Canterbury West station is only about four minutes away on foot, which makes it the easiest of our hotels to reach on arrival by train, while Canterbury East is around fourteen minutes.
The two universities are both within a fifteen minute walk. If you are driving, note that self parking is limited and carries a daily charge, so ask the hotel before you arrive and have a public car park in mind as a backup.
Rooms and what to ask for
There are five room types, all with city views, from compact cosy doubles to classic, superior and luxury rooms, plus a junior suite that sleeps four, so couples, small families and solo travellers are all catered for. Rooms vary a lot in size, so if space matters to you, book a superior or luxury room rather than the smallest category.
Free WiFi is provided, there is a 24-hour front desk, and room service, luggage storage and coworking space are available. Check-in starts in the afternoon and after-hours arrival is not offered, so plan to reach the hotel during the day. Pets are not allowed.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, history lovers and train travellers will find the Falstaff particularly handy, and the terrace and garden are a pleasant place to unwind after a day on your feet. Breakfast is served as a buffet in the on-site restaurant and carries an extra charge, so decide whether you prefer to eat in or try a cafe on the High Street. The restaurant and bar give you an easy option for dinner after a busy day, though Canterbury has plenty of choice a few minutes away.
The area around the gateway can be busy with traffic and people, so ask for a quieter room at the back if you are a light sleeper. Visit in the early morning and the gardens beside the hotel are at their most peaceful, with the river and the towers almost to yourself.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Room service
- ✓Coworking space
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Four minutes from Canterbury West station
Good questions
How far is The Falstaff Hotel from Canterbury West station?+
It is about a four minute walk, which makes it one of the most convenient hotels for arrivals by train. The cathedral is around nine minutes on foot.
Is breakfast included at The Falstaff?+
Breakfast is a buffet served in the restaurant and carries an extra charge. Check your rate when you book.
Does The Falstaff have parking?+
Self parking is available but limited and charged by the day, so ask the hotel in advance. Public car parks are nearby.
