The location is unique and the character of the place stays a bit quirky, in spite of recent make-overs. The rooms are very pleasant, and everything is provided that you need in the room. The restaurant also has a good atmosphere, the food generally good sometimes excellent, especially the breakfasts where you have an amazing range of options and no limits on what to combine with what. The staff are obviously making huge efforts to manage with fewer staff than really needed and are friendly, open, helpful and considerate in interactions with guests. We had great weather, which makes everything feel holiday-ish.

We were perhaps unfortunate when we found ourselves locked out one evening, returning not so very late at 11.30pm. The way into our room, accessed through the main building, then from the courtyard, was locked in the main entry lobby! There had been no instructions in the room as to how to get back in if returning late. And both emergency numbers displayed in the lobby were off-network. We realised maybe we could get in through the garden round the back and eventually did so. BUT it was pouring with rain, no lights were on at the back and it was very trip hazardous. Although staff were extremely apologetic the following morning, and assured us the problem would be dealt with, this shouldn’t have happened at all.

We wanted a short break in a peaceful hotel where we would be able to take our dog along with us at all times.. The Ship at Dunwich really fitted the bill, being situated in a remote tranquil location, very close to the beach and sea. The hotel interior is deceptively spacious with choices of where to sit and eat or drink (all dog friendly) both inside and outside. The bedroom we were allocated was clean and very comfortable and as a welcome surprise it included a dog bed, bowl and snacks for our pet. The food at breakfast and dinner was excellent as were the drinks from the bar. This was supported by the friendly and efficient staff who were always on hand. Although Dunwich is (now) very small, Southwold, Walbeswick, Aldeburgh and Thorpeness are all very close for sightseeing, shopping and alternate eating choices.

The stay at this hotel lived up to our expectations and there was nothing that we did not like . We did have a misunderstanding with our bill after we had checked out but I have to say the lovely lady who contacted us resolved it very quickly

Room was excellent. Everything I needed (tea, coffee etc and towels) and very nice smelling handwash, shampoo, conditioner and hand/body lotion. I just had breakfast and dinner and the menus were very well balanced. All my meals were delicious and with very generous portions.

My room; Hen Hill has slightly peculiar layout of toilet being on a raised platform as was the bath (with shower facilities), which then meant the shower head rested on the highest setting of the rail was too low for me to enjoy a shower as the roof was on a slope. I'm 5feet 4inches tall, so could get in and out of the bath relatively ok (getting out of the raised bath was a bit of a trick though).

The Ship Inn is very convenient for the beach and coastal walking & great for Bird-Watchers like us. The evening meal & breakfast were very good and the staff on hand very friendly.

The room we had with a small ensuite was adequate for our one-night stay, but was not large enough for a lengthy stay because it lacked room to have chairs or a desk, so spending time in the room would be difficult. We found a space to park outside our room, but I can imagine that this would not always be the case given that the Ship is very busy with non-residents and the small car park is quite busy.

I absolutely love The Ship Inn and it seems better than ever! 1)The location- how can you beat it? A few paces down a lane to the sea- with a cafe too! 2)The peace- a little row of pretty cottages and a church. 3)The staff- clearly have a great manager as everyone was happy and so helpful! They work really hard! 4)attention to detail- treats for dogs, thoughtful touches, a full length mirror and a plug socket close by for people blowdrying their hair!! Drives me mad when that’s forgotten! 5) the food!! Simply a fabulous chef!!

I can’t fault this place. It’s so relaxed, welcoming and wonderful to visit.

Very comfy spacious room. Comfy bed. Plenty of pillows. Room furniture very nice. Love the location. Very quiet. Good family room.

Breakfast was tasty. Some staff going above and beyond to help make it a good experience. You have to ask for everything at breakfast, which means it is really freshly cooked and delicious, which I liked. However, I worried i was putting the staff out asking for extra butters, drinks etc. because each item they have to bring. Perhaps a minimum amount available to help yourself to- juices, water, sauces, butter etc, would help this? Thanks

The Ship Inn built 1868 is the last building on the High Street before making a left turn to the beach (pebble/shingle). It is approximately 200 metres to the beach and beach side tea rooms and car park. Our room 'Leat Hill' was on a shared landing up a flight of stairs with the room overlooking a paved patio and the garden. The room was en-suite (bath shower over), comfortable, well furnished,, and very warm even without the heating. There was plentiful hot water, a nice comfortable bath and good range of toiletries. It was large enough for two adults and two small dogs with two dog beds, drinking bowls and dog treats being provided. This is a genuine 'dog friendly' establishment with dogs welcome in all areas. We had breakfast everyday and the menu had a good choice of cereal, cooked breakfasts, for all tastes, and drinks all served at the table. We had two evening meals (main course with sweet) and the food and service were excellent. The conservatory was our choice of venue for eating but we also dined in the restaurant. The garden area is large and well equipped with tables and there is also a garden bar. There is parking for six cars plus a reserved space for people with mobility concerns otherwise it is street side parking (not a problem). Dunwich is a very quiet village even during day despite the beach being so close to the Inn. The Staff were outstanding throughout our stay.

Staff super friendly and helpful. A great pet-friendly welcome! There was a dog-bed, bowl and tasty treat for our canine friend. The room was a little on the small side for 2 people and a dog, (however it was as described on the website!)

The room was very hot. The radiator in the bathroom was scorching! We couldn't stand up fully in the shower too close to the shower head because of the sloping roof and the double bed was a little on the small side! Other than that, we enjoyed our stay, with friendly, accommodating staff, in a super location a couple of minutes walk from the beach.

The property was amazing, the family room was great for my son who is in a wheel chair. The beach walk was beautiful and so near. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My son was sick during the night and they were so understanding in the morning, and reassured us to not worry about the soiled sheets. Thank you.

The pub itself wasn’t wheel chair friendly due to its age but the staff were helpful with ramps but need to be shown how to use them to prevent a potential accident from happening. Breakfast was delicious although, it took a while for it all to come then the second course arrived before my friend and son and the other table finished their cereals. My cereals were forgotten, although I tried to point this out a couple of times, I was offered them but My hot food would have gone cold. Too many flies about, could do with some fly catching equipment.

Loved our stay here. The family "room" was actually a a little suite - a double room and twin with little bathroom in between, so we were all thrilled with the extra space. Careful with heads though - my boys and husband are all over 6ft and had to watch themselves not only through doorways but also inside the rooms, designed for smaller folk when the Inn was built in the 16th century, so we would ask for a lower floor another time, now that we know. Breakfast really delicious. Dogs made welcome. Perfect location for visiting Minsmere and experiencing the Suffolk Coast. We were seeing friends in Aldeburgh the day before and after, and it was a proper little holiday treat to stay here in between.

Somewhat grumpy welcome on arrival. We were very late, I know, but we had called in advance to let them know.... However staff at breakfast the next morning were delightful and couldn't have been more helpful.