The Mayflower

Hotel review

The latest jewel in the Epicurean Collection's crown is The Mayflower (AA 4 star Gold Inn), recently opened in a quiet area of Lymington, near the Marina and opposite the Town Sailing Club. The theme is most definitely nautical with yacht prints adorning public spaces and bedroom walls, and the six bedrooms are all named after famous historical yachts. These rooms are smartly fitted out with white nautical look furniture, tongue and groove headboards, writing desks, old-style alarm clocks and retro black telephones. Romantics should book Maybird, which has a bathtub in the bay window with plenty of room for two. All rooms come equipped with Nespresso coffee machines (fresh milk is delivered morning and evening), Bramley bath products and Egyptian linen on the beds. For light sleepers, or those who want an early night we'd recommend one of the rooms at the front, as on warm evenings the rear beer garden can be noisy. Dining (AA Rosette) is either in the bar/restaurant or outdoor on the terrace when the weather allows. The food and drink are both locally sourced and the aim is to create dishes reflecting the mix of both coast and New Forest. The menu changes seasonally (but look out for the daily changing specials board). The Mayflower is the perfect base for exploring this yachtie's paradise with its myriad of boutiques and restaurants, and for those who want to explore further afield the New Forest is on the doorstep and the Isle of Wight a short ferry ride away.

Malcolm Orr-Ewing Review published: 03/12/2024