38 St. Giles Norwich Review: Luxury B&B in Historic City Centre
38 St. Giles Hotel: Where History Meets High Indulgence (and Homemade Brownies)
38 St Giles B&B Norwich
Venturing into Norwich with our trusty VW Touareg, we sought refuge at 38 St. Giles, a family-run B&B that whispered secrets of a bygone era, nestled snugly within the city's ancient heart. Imagine, if you will, a discreet, utterly chic private flat, the sort where celebrities vanish for a weekend of incognito indulgence. More a boutique bolthole than a mere B&B, our studio flat, accessed by our own clandestine key, boasted a generously proportioned double bed and an en-suite, albeit shower-only, bathroom – a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things. While a formal restaurant was absent, their breakfast was a veritable symphony of culinary delight.
This 1700 Georgian townhouse, a venerable dame of a building, housed a mere eight bedrooms, sharing its storied walls with the very essence of Norwich's historical centre. We, of course, opted for the Colman Room, a sumptuous boutique double, a masterclass in eclectic elegance. Think colonial furniture cavorting with classic and contemporary pieces, Persian rugs luxuriating against walls of deep, velvety green and ornate wallpapers that whispered tales of forgotten grandeur. The bed, draped in exquisite Egyptian cotton linen, was a veritable cloud of comfort.
The St. Giles area has experienced a dramatic transformation throughout its history. Originally established as a medieval leper hospital, it evolved into a large London parish encompassing both affluent homes and the notorious St. Giles Rookery, a slum famed for its poverty and, according to historical accounts, its supposed licentiousness – a quality we, unfortunately, found somewhat lacking in our visit. Despite our best efforts to inject a little of that presumed 'debauchery' into our stay, the area has since been gentrified, leaving behind its grittier past. Though there are some very decent bars nearby.
The three parking spaces, a mere hundred yards distant, proved a delightful challenge, even for our sat-nav, resembling a particularly tight puzzle box. Ruari, our charming host, greeted us with homemade brownies, luscious strawberries, and a bottle of fizz, a welcome worthy of royalty. A pressing service, for the discerning traveller, was available upon request, and breakfast, served by the delightful Ellie, was a gastronomic masterpiece. Yoghurt with forest fruits and honey, followed by Eggs Benedict with salmon, accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice and an endless array of hot beverages, was a morning ritual we could easily become accustomed to.
The service was nothing short of impeccable, friendly, attentive, and utterly welcoming. Our own little slice of Norwich paradise, an ideal base for exploring the rich history and exquisite dining options of this ancient Norfolk town.
38 St. Giles B&B, crowned winner of Channel 4's Four in a Bed, a testament to the dedication of its owners, father and daughter, Dennis and Holly Bacon. A double room, a portal to this luxurious experience, starts from a mere £130. A steal, frankly.
