The Hand & Sceptre by Innkeeper's Collection

Hotels
8.2 (1448 reviews)
The Hand & Sceptre, London Road , Southborough , GB

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
Bar
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Good food
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
High prices

Categories

Cleanliness
6.69
Numerous mentions of cleanliness issues in rooms and bathrooms.
Service
9.16
Many reviews highlighted friendly and helpful staff.
Location
8.7
Location was often praised, being convenient for nearby attractions.
Room Quality
7.65
Mixed sentiments; some rooms were described as cozy, while others needed cleaning.
Amenities
8.18
Standard amenities mentioned, but some noted the need for maintenance.
Value for Money
8.14
Good pricing for services provided, but some meals were considered overpriced.
Food and Beverage
8.69
Food quality received positive reviews, but prices were noted as high.
Overall Experience
8.36
Overall satisfaction but with significant cleanliness concerns.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 04:18

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation
The Hand & Sceptre by Innkeeper's Collection offers fully refurbished rooms with Hypnos beds, modern design, and en-suite bathrooms with powerful showers and premium toiletries.

Gastronomic Delights
Indulge in fresh, seasonal cuisine at The Hand and Sceptre pub, serving modern British dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Don't forget to try their traditional Sunday roast and enjoy drinks on the terrace overlooking Southborough green.

Explore the Surroundings
Located in the scenic High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 18th-century hotel is just a short drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. Visit nearby attractions like Groombridge Place Gardens, Lamberhurst Vineyards, and Hever Castle for a memorable stay.

Book now for an unforgettable experience at The Hand & Sceptre by Innkeeper's Collection!

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 1448 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.69
Service: 9.16
Location: 8.7
Room Quality: 7.65
Amenities: 8.18
Value for Money: 8.14
Food and Beverage: 8.69
Overall Experience: 8.36
M
Malcolm • solo_traveller • gb
10
Second visit won't be our last.
Pros:

Amazing staff all very polite very helpful. Food good excellent choice drinks

Cons:

The room, was modern very clean, but the bathroom had a sink that was more or less impossible to use due to the size and the fact that it had a small glass shelf above it. Badly thought out. Also there was no way you could fit the kettle under it, so we filled it by cups!

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
A
Antonella • family_with_children • fr
10
top surprise
Pros:

La chambre était très cosy et très propre une bonne literie et j'ai adoré la salle de bain !! et il y avait meme une planche à repasser murale avec fer... what else? très bon rapport qualité prix et petit dej inclus en plus correct !!

Cons:

tout était tres bien

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
A
Alexandra • extended_group • gb
8
Friendly, pleasant pub, with good food and accommodation, would recommend.
Pros:

Clean, comfortable bed, able to adjust radiator easily.
Nice friendly staff who were helpful.
Really lovely meal, with good menu choices in the restaurant.
Complimentary coffee at the end of the meal.
Did not have breakfast, but were informed that we could use the the tea/coffee facilities.

Cons:

Nothing really, perhaps some bottled water in the room would have been nice.

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • solo_traveller • gb
8
Good but not as clean as it should have been
Pros:

It looked a really smart place and the bed was comfortable. There were well positioned plug sockets and chargers. TV was large and you could cast to it.

Cons:

The room was not very clean there was a hair on the in room menus, the toilet needed another flush, the room smelt a bit musty and the tissue boxes were empty except for one screwed up tissue in each. The TV remote had no back and only 1 battery. The in room experience did not match the look of the pub downstairs.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
A
Adam • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
K
Klara • solo_traveller • de
9
2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
C
CHARLOTTE • extended_group • gb
7
Pros:

Nice bar

Cons:

Stairs

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
C
Cary • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Location in relation to the attractions we were visiting in the area. Good food in the restaurant each evening.

Cons:

Breakfast on the first day was a shambles, with an incorrect order, and two orders that were never sent through to the kitchen. So over an hour to get a cooked breakfast.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
D
Daniele • couple • it
8
Pros:

Parcheggio gratuito, arredi della stanza caratteristici e piacevoli, ristorante ottimo anche per la cena e colazione fantastica, ottima qualità e varietà. Personale eccezionale e simpatico.

Cons:

La pulizia della stanza era un po’ randomica, riscaldamento un giorno caldissimo e un giorno parecchio meno ma vivibile. Manca lo scopettino per il wc.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
P
Paxo • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
T
Terence • solo_traveller • gb
6
Visiting in Kent.
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Expensive food and drinks

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
R
Robyn • couple • au
9
A well priced stay with a very good restaurant.
Pros:

Due to it’s location, having the restaurant is a positive. The room was adequate and clean. Perfect for our needs.

Cons:

Our room did not have a refrigerator.

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • couple • gb
10
2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
S
Stuart • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • couple • gb
10
Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean and comfortable rooms. Excellent food.
2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
J
Janette • solo_traveller • gb
9
Its my second time there and I would definitely return (although not in the summertime!)
Pros:

hotel staff are really friendly and diner was great

Cons:

Its my second time there and although it wasnt a particularly hot day the room was still very warm

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Clean, comfortable room and friendly staffN/A

Cons:

N/A

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • solo_traveller • ie
6
2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
H
HELENE • couple • fr
10
2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
V
Vickery • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Rooms were superb staff amazing and food was beautiful

Cons:

Nothing

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee