The Hand & Sceptre by Innkeeper's Collection

Hotels
8.2 (1304 reviews)
The Hand & Sceptre, London Road , Southborough , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Family rooms
Non-smoking throughout
Kid meals
Outdoor furniture
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
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!

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

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 1304 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
L
Lisa couple gb
9
Lovely room, great value for money
Pros:

Lovely room, quality fittings and decor

2026-03-25 via Nuitee
M
Melanie family_with_children gb
10
Pros:

Great location & view from bedroom, great food & friendly welcome over our 4 day stay. Will be returning next Feb!

Cons:

Food is quite expensive, but great menu and taste!

2026-03-23 via Nuitee
S
Susan solo_traveller gb
2
Location excellent. Ear plugs a necessity. Food excellent when the kitchen is open
Pros:

Location

Cons:

The room isn’t just noisy from traffic the room shakes when large lorries go past. The hotel wasn’t busy so I could have been offered a less noisy room. The room had peeling paint & a blocked shower. The kitchen opened at 8am. I had places to be so that was too late for me. Good safe parking

2026-03-22 via Nuitee
J
Janet couple gb
7
Very disappointing. Won’t be going back
Pros:

Bar and restaurant decor very nice

Cons:

Room very very tired. Pealing paint in bathroom, long commend that looked like they had been there ages. Staff abrupt and 40 min waiting time for breakfast when only 4 people in there. No continental selection and extra small portions on English breakfast.

2026-03-22 via Nuitee
S
Susan solo_traveller gb
5
Disappointing
Cons:

No cleaning done in time we were there despite asking.

2026-03-21 via Nuitee
N
Natalie couple gb
9
Lovely, friendly, great food, comfortable and good value
Pros:

Great friendly and helpful staff. All of the team came across happy to work there which makes such a difference . We felt we were valued as customers.
Food was fa mastic and served quickly which was perfect.
Rooms and environment clean tidy

Cons:

Some of the grout in between tiles was stained and could easily be cleaned . That and paint on the bathroom ceiling was flakey in places. That was the only down side as everything else was so well presented and clean. Seemed strange that these bits were left as they stood out.

2026-03-14 via Nuitee
J
Janet family_with_children gb
8
A lovely break.
Pros:

It was comfortable and within easy reach.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-03-14 via Nuitee
S
Sharon family_with_children gb
10
Pros:

Everything! We've stayed before. Perfect location, perfect staff, perfect room. Just a fab l'il place.

Cons:

Personal preference, but comfier pillows would be amazing.

2026-03-13 via Nuitee
P
Phil Raymond family_with_children gb
7
Pros:

Very friendly staff, food is fantastic/incredible. Some don't likes but will be staying again.

Cons:

Staff great, food fantastic, but cleanliness of room slightly in question! Scuff marks on bathroom floor, which when wiped with some tissues came off, so floor not cleaned 100%. When removing bed runner found a tissue under this!!!. Coffee cup in morning breakfast had lipstick on it, (this can happen as dishwashers can't always get this off), but when returned to staff gained the comment 'we don't charge for that!!!, silly comment as a short 'whoops sorry would be better'
That said it's way better than most and will be back again.

2026-03-12 via Nuitee
G
Georgia couple gb
8
I’ve stayed here a lot recently to be closer to my family and I’ve had a great stay everytime. The staff have always bee
Pros:

Everything is easily accessible with parking and the location is easy to find.

Cons:

N/A

2026-03-10 via Nuitee
L
Luke solo_traveller gb
10
2026-03-08 via Nuitee
V
vania family_with_children gb
8
2026-03-08 via Nuitee
S
Steenkamp family_with_children gb
10
2026-03-02 via Nuitee
M
Mary couple gb
10
Enjoyable stay
Pros:

Stayed here several times while visiting family in the area. Staff are lovely no complaints from me. Highly recommended

2026-03-01 via Nuitee
N
Noelle couple gb
9
2026-02-28 via Nuitee
L
Luke solo_traveller gb
10
Well, and truly looked after I’m really enjoyed my stay
Pros:

Lovely staff, so helpful

Cons:

Very comfortable beds everything maintained really clean

2026-02-28 via Nuitee
A
Alsaid family_with_children gb
7
Pros:

We only stayed a short while as we had a member of family declared end of life and had to go to them

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
S
Sarah solo_traveller gb
5
A good stay and provided what I needed .
Pros:

Situation perfect for what I needed. Excellent parking . Separate entrance and exit from the bar . Staff availability 24 hours a day .

Cons:

The room was a bit tatty and not as clean as I would have expected. I would have liked some bottled water with the tea and coffee facilities.

2026-02-23 via Nuitee
M
Michael family_with_children gb
8
Great sty’s, we will be back.
Pros:

Room was very comfortable and clean. Breakfast was good.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
C
Caroline couple gb
5
Served its purpose but wouldn’t return
Pros:

Good location. Lively bar and restaurant.

Cons:

Rooms a bit tired. Sheets not on properly. Took ages to check in and felt like an inconvenience.

2026-02-22 via Nuitee