Hotel review: The Harper, Norfolk

Daily Mail​

a day ago

No one prepared me for the long, winding roads I would encounter on my journey to The Harper in Norfolk. So long and winding they were, that I probably checked Apple Maps I was still going the right way about once every 30 seconds. The hotel isn't far from the coast, that I knew beforehand. But for some reason, despite the almost three hour drive to get there from London, I didn't expect to feel so peacefully removed from city life when I arrived.
After finding my way through the pretty villages and country lanes (which weren't all that difficult to navigate, after all), I received such a warm welcome at The Harper that I instantly relaxed into its calm atmosphere.
Rooms and facilities
There are 32 bedrooms and a self-contained cottage at The Harper, making it a great spot for everyone, whether you're travelling solo (as I was) or with a family.
Even if I were staying with someone else in my room, there still would have been plenty of space for us to move around and keep our belongings separate, and the bed was so big that any arguments about who was rolling onto whose side would have been avoided.
You can imagine, with all that space to myself, I slept very well. The only downside was that noise travelled, so I could hear doors closing in the morning and people talking in the room next to me.
To my delight, the bathroom was also a great size and filled with luscious Irene Forte products. Plus, it had excellent lighting for make up application – a feature that is more hard to come by in hotels than you'd think.
The radio was playing in my room when I arrived, which really added to the 'home away from home' feel of the place. Although, this 'home' was much grander and nicer than mine.
Other thoughtful touches included the drinks and snacks area. When I go away I find I'm met with additional costs for things that, back in the day, would have been included in the room cost. Now, you're often expected to pay more for drinks and snacks in the room, as well as breakfast and spa access. Well, not at The Harper.
The snacks in the room – freshly baked cookies and popcorn – were complimentary, as well as the mini bar bits that included gin fizz, beer and soft drinks.
Rates for a Big Room start from £260. Find out more on The Harper's website here.
Food and drink
My satisfaction continued into the morning knowing breakfast was included in the cost of the stay. The Harper's breakfast is table service only so I had expectations of a high quality breakfast. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the thick cut pieces of smoked salmon and fluffy scrambled eggs I ordered – a welcome change to the wispy bits of salmon you usually get served.
Dinner at Stanley's restaurant had as much of a calm atmosphere as the rest of the hotel. It featured a lovely selection of starters and mains that were simple, well-cooked, beautifully presented and full of good quality produce.
Hotel highlights
There are plenty of comfortable and cosy spots at The Harper where you can have a drink and chill out. The bar and lounge areas feature a pool table, and have board games for guests to play. In one of the areas you can even help yourself to the wine selection – it's released from a dispenser so you can pay as you go.
One of the best things about my stay was the spa. Firstly, the robes and slippers provided in the room are some of the softest I've ever had the pleasure of wearing, so I was more than happy to brave the cold as I ventured over to the spa area.
Each guest can pre-book a 30 minute pool slot, so they can be completely at ease in their own company while using the facilities and feel like a VIP. There's a pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna to enjoy.
The hotel is also dog-friendly, so a strong contender for those looking to take their pets on beachside and country walks.
What to do nearby
I don't own a car, and Norfolk is lacking in plentiful public transport, so it was immensely helpful to learn The Harper works in partnership with THE OUT, a luxury car rental service.
Once you've booked online or via the app, the car can be dropped off at a location that suits you – free car delivery is available in London zones 1-5, selected postcodes in Manchester, as well as Heathrow and Manchester airports. After your trip, it'll then be picked up in the same way, or even at a different location if that suits better.
I'm not exaggerating when I say the car I rented was the nicest car I've ever been in, let alone had the pleasure of driving. Guests of The Harper can claim 10% off their bookings with THE OUT too.
I'm so glad I did have a car, because it meant I could actually explore more of the area. Guests can venture out for coastal walks among the sand dunes, go seal spotting, crab fishing and bird watching.
A short drive away you'll find Bayfield Hall for clay shooting. Further afield there are golf courses, there's seaside fun at Cromer, Sandringham Estate, the Windmill at Cley and seal trips from Morston Quay.