Tag: friendly

WHERRY HOTEL INTRODUCTION

‘Wherry Hotel Excellence’ title I chose is quite apt for my lodging experience in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. I have traveled much of my life in various careers and venues. Unequivocally, I must say this was one of the finest stays I have enjoyed, to date. Frankly, I was pretty much spoiled from staff and management. And, this was a good thing. I say this not only from experience, but for exactly for this time spent: I found the people I met here to be the most friendly, warm, caring, and honest of so many persons of whom I have ever met on any continent.

I booked reservations in November of 2018. Objectively, we were to see family and friends. Also, I had undertaken some investigative projects from over three years ago. Whereupon, I was hoping to complete them on this trip. I visited the Wherry in April, 2016. The service, friendliness, decor, and cuisine was fantastic. I stated that upon my next visit this is where I’d be unpacking the bags for my stay.

There are over 60 employees who attend to customer service with their various areas of expertise. Gladly, I met at least a third of them. I wanted to mention some names. However, the better part of valor and personal respect for privacy took precedence. Everyone, and I mean, everyone there were most gracious and accommodating.

WHERRY HOTEL

The Wherry Hotel is and has been so well known as an historical icon in East Anglia. It is located in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk County. The locals visit this hotel for great food and commiseration. One of the most well known attractions is the Castle Carvery. It is reasonable in price and available for all to enjoy. From the breakfast session in the morning to the full service carvery buffet provided from early afternoon to late evening, this is a must visit. Not only will one enjoy the views, atmosphere, and great cuisine, when one leaves they will not be hungry. There will perhaps still be a little bulge in the wallet depending on how many beverages are consumed. History shows that the hotel was built around 1919.

HOTEL VIEW FROM THE INSIDE

In essence, what is stated from above hardly explains my visit’s experience. So, I have chosen to provide the ‘one picture is a thousand words’ approach. Be it known, the Wherry Hotel is a #1 ranked lodging location in East Anglia. The ambiance and varied, exquisite atmospheres are some of the finest I’ve seen, in my time.

The carvery and daily buffet is always delicious and reasonably priced. It is open for guests and locals.

A view of the carvery where local clientele and guests dine together, daily.

Ah, the desert bar is a must for afters at the Castle Carvery.

This is a rare view, unattended of the beverage bar area where an assortment of drinks and adult brews and mixes are served.

This is a good view of the upper floor restaurant seating area.

I was able to snap this image in early morning hours before the breakfast buffet was set up. Breakfast is served beginning at 7 am until late morning.

Yes, wedding receptions are just one of the many events occurring at the Wherry Hotel.

Yes, some forms of gambling are legal in Suffolk County. I did view one fellow who occasioned the machine on the right who seemed to do quite well.

This is another view of the lounge area in the early morning hours before the onslaught of customers filled the place.

This view of the lower restaurant and lounge was taken in early morning hours. Oulton Broad is seen in the background.

WHERRY – A BIT OF HISTORY

I wanted to know a bit more about the history of this hotel and its relevancy of location. As mentioned, built around 1919, I found that there was a fire a while back and the hotel was pretty much rebuilt. There is one caveat to consider for those who may have disabilities. There is one elevator that transports guest to the three floors; however, the size of the wheelchair is to be considered. If it is motorized device, travel is limited many parts of the building.

Consequently, the Wherry Hotel gets its name from the Wherry Line. The railway line is from Lowestoft to Norwich. The railway station is an historic location. To state this briefly, traveling the rail system is easier to accomplish than to use auto traffic, in some cases. To alleviate traffic congestion, a new bridge is approved and will be built in the next few years. The boat traffic on the broads has to go through one drawbridge. When it is raised, traffic becomes congested. With the new bridge to allow auto and lorry traffic to travel, unabated, much congestion can be avoided.

Lowestoft’s railway system is one of the easternmost in England.

A SUITE WITH A VIEW

Oh my, what can I say? The suite where we stayed was surprisingly roomy and the view was so outstanding, it was almost surreal. Here is a few of the images taken from the balcony.

This was the view from the suite where we stayed for ten days. The weather in April was outstanding.

A view of moored yachts and cabin cruisers from the suite on Oulton Broad.

This is an astounding view, at dusk from the balcony of the boat canal area. Yachts and sailboats travel from moorings in Lowestoft to and from Oulton Broad.

This is an utterly fantastic view of the broads at dusk.

UNFORGETTABLE SUNSETS

The weather was absolutely amazing. There were only two days where it was a bit inclement and that only lasted for short periods of time. The suite faced the broads to the west. There were some fantastic sunsets to see during the stay. I pulled a few of these from videos I made. Included in the videos was some sappy whistling from the first Star Wars movie. I chose not to share, sorry.

This view of one sunset is shown with a person navigating what I considered to be a portable dock.

Here is a sunset view with a large bird crossing the image.

Here is an outstanding sunset view with emanating rays up into the sky.

This incredible sunset view, nestled in a haze, shows edifices below. Some of these were older factories that had been turned into habitats for retirees and others to enjoy.

In this closeup view of the sunset about to finish, a bird flies over Oulton Broad.

VIEWS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOTEL

Notwithstanding, Lowestoft and Oulton Broad is a treasure trove of places to see and enjoy. One may take leisurely river cruises or visit local shops. Even taking the time to walk around town is pleasurable experience. Also, taking time to enjoy the ambiance and history is well worth the time.

With the hotel in the background, this image was taken from a walkway heading to shops across the way.

This is the front view of the hotel entrance to registration.

This is a good view of the boat canal with the hotel in the background.

Here is a view from the parking lot of local traffic at a roundabout in Lowestoft.

This is a view of the broads side of the hotel. Our suite is on the second floor. The lower restaurant is below.

A SAD ADIEU – I’LL BE BACK

As with any vacation, a time to leave must come. Visiting family and friends was outstanding! I had more personal involvement with many wonderful people than I had anticipated. It was difficult to leave. Inclusive, I had completed over three-and-one-half years of investigations and interviews for another project. That is another story. However, interacting with so many incredible persons who made my stay so memorable; all I can say is thank you. It is insufficient, but I must leave it at that.

In summation, with a tear in the eye, I had to say goodbye, for now. I left the Wherry Hotel and other friends with only love in my heart. As a famous actor once stated, ‘I’ll be baack!’

Until then, my friends, I do hope you have enjoyed this small saga of my travels. I found another ‘home’ and here is wishing each and every one the best of wishes.

Cheers!

Written By: Ed Smith

UNIVERSAL DIGEST is a conduit for our contributing authors and editors. We do not claim credit, we simply want to make it more available to the general public. UD provided minimal editing assistance, also.