The Cherry Tree Guest House

In addition to my single room being very spacious, spotlessly clean, bright and comfortable I loved the little touches like the fact compostable bin bags are used, a USB charger hub with three ports is supplied, and that soya milk was offered with the regular milk in the tea and coffee tray. There was even a bottle of hand sanitiser at the front door. It's unusual for a guest house to offer a lounge area and sadly I didn't have time to take advantage of it but there was a coffee machine, books, comfy sofas and even a piano! A basket of snacks and treats payable by an honesty system was available - and not just bog standard items; nice quality and considerate choices were offered (I even spotted sugar free chocolate in the basket). Thinking about considerate food choices, the breakfast selection was amazing. Gluten free, sugar free and other specialist diets are catered for. Even sugar free chocolate spread was provided! The choice of teas was wide (and not just the usual Twinings teas, there were some great flavours) and the decaff coffee was served freshly in a cafetiere, I wasn't just given instant coffee. I had the full Sussex breakfast which was delicious and made from locally sourced ingredients. It was tasty, filling and served quickly. The lovely lady who runs the Cherry Tree was so helpful recommending restaurants, cafés and sights of interest, and helped me get oriented where everything was. I felt very welcome. I only travelled to Eastbourne for work staying here made it feel like a holiday.

Not something that can fixed but the seagulls make a dreadful noise and on a warm night you need the window open. Bring ear plugs! I've stayed in many, many guesthouses and hotels and always wish there was an alternative to the little plastic pots of UHT milk which are offered with teas and coffees. I wonder if fresh milk (or long life milk cartons) could be supplied in the fridge in the common area, with little jugs guests can use to take the milk they need to the room. The efforts Cherry Tree goes to to reduce plastic waste is very clear, so this would be another positive step.