The Old Alma

United Kingdom , Ashford
ASHFORD, Canterbury Road Chilham
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50 reviews shown

2/10

Poor

09 Dec 2025

Andrew

This is the worst hotel i have ever seen, we turned up after a long days working to the drunk owner arm wrestling in the hotel, smoking inside amd flicking it in a stella glass.

It was honestly like a scene out of the league of gentleman.

We wemt straight to bed, to be knoked up at midnight by the steaming owner. He demanded payment even though we had paid theough hotels.com, we showed him the receipt but he was trying to scam us.

He then kicked us out of the hotel.

Honestly guys for your sakes avoid at all costs

Business

8/10

Excellent

26 Oct 2025

Helen

It was dark when we arrived and not so easy to found.
Friendly welcome and advice for dinner!

Partner

2/10

Poor

07 Sep 2025

Robin

The hotel was closed with nobody there. The owners were missing and the hotel was locked up. We had to phone the manager but he would not be there until 8pm. The building was derillict and up for sale. We had to find another hotel. I would like my money refunded.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Aaron

Lovely little place to stay, good value for money too! And all the people were friendly and plesent! Would definitely stay here again and reccomend to friends!

Thanks again Tony!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Martin

I assumed that this was a pub-hotel - but it isn't. It is more akin to a guest house, which you need to bear in mind if you are likely to be late (as I did). I guess it was once a pub but now just caters for guests - mostly walkers when I was there. Breakfast (cooked to order) was around a table with the other guests which proved to the most enjoyable breakfast I've experienced in any hotel. It's a place for people who value a friendly good value experience and don't mind that it isn't the Hilton. Its next to a road, but the area area Chilham and Godmersham is beautiful and historic.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Catherine

The Old Alma

The Old Alma may be an old building however the friendliness of the owner makes you feel at home very comfortable bed and breakfast was lovely

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

08 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Disappointing stay

There was no hot water in the room. We could use the shower in another room, but could not move to this room. They say there is free parking available, but we were charged an amazing GBP20,- per night for parking our trailer tent. The inn is for sale. While the rooms look reasonable, the general impression is that the inn is in need of renovation, with non-working locks and poorly screened-off storage areas.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Lovely stay

The decor was lovely and very clean. The bathroom was gleaming and they provided everything you need. Breakfast is made to order. Hosts were friendly.

Partner

4/10

Poor

28 Jul 2025

Carmel

Met by a friendly, helpful lady who brought a hairdryer to me. room was clean and bed comfortable. Shower poor. But the main complaint was after a short dog walk the male owner told us we hadn’t paid for dogs. We told him we thought we had - he then said it was £40 extra! Asked for cash- machine wasn’t charged for card/ he could barely talk as so drunk! Had to wait about 20 mins in reception for card reader. After 6 hour journey just wanted bed! Supposed to be smoke free hotel but he was smoking and drinking at reception which stunk of smoke- I’m asthmatic! Went on about Expedia charging a fortune and them getting nothing. We read after paying that it was meant to be £5 a dog! Said they could do us a take away omelette for breakfast at 8 ( we needed to leave before this so had nothing! Wish we’d booked the Travelodge!

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2025

Mrs j fribbins

Relaxing

Friendly and Welcoming
Breakfast was great
Room was clean and tidy and a nice size double

Partner

2/10

Poor

24 Jul 2025

Josh

Hotel showed it had a room available. I booked it and paid, and then received a message saying they had no room for us. No refund!!!

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2025

Jill

The owner Tony, called me before our arrival to check what time we would get there and any dietry requirements. He was friendly and welcoming. The room was at the back of the property so very little noise was heard from the main road. It was a perfect location for our plans that weekend, close to all our destinations, some lovely pubs nearby within walking distance. Lovely cooked breakfast at the time we requested.

Partner

2/10

Poor

01 Jun 2025

Paul

Hands down the worst hotel I’ve stayed in since ages. Totally run down, poor hospitality is an understatement.

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2025

Mark

Good place to stop on the North Downs Way.

Recently refurbished room, bed very comfortable. Bathroom a little dated. Hosts very friendly. No cereals or juice with the breakfast but a good full English breakfast to set you up for a day’s walking!

Partner

4/10

Poor

22 Aug 2024

Nicholas

Really weird.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Aug 2024

Sachin Dayabhai

Pets friendly, owner is welcoming, parking facility is very convenient.

2/10

Poor

28 Oct 2023

Kim

On arrival I was greeted by a man in old tracksuit pants, t-shirt, and tracksuit jacket, and he was clearly intoxicated. As a single female checking in this made me feel very uncomfortable and when I hinted at cancelling the man advised me that I was past the cancellation time so would pay whether I stayed or not. There were power cuts to the area that evening and they tripped the electrics. The first time this happened the man who checked me in reset the electrics but the second time I believe he had fallen asleep. I sat in the dark for a bit, then I rang the reception bell several times, eventually I went back to my room and called the hotel phone number, which he finally answered and said he would fix the electrics. I went to reception and explained that it was a very uncomfortable situation for a single woman to be checked into a very quiet hotel by an intoxicated man. He told me I could stay or go he didn't care but I was not getting a refund.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2023

Alastair

Great one night stay

Had a very warm welcome, great night's sleep and a lovely breakfast in the morning. We are regularly visiting Canterbury as our daughter is at Uni there, and we'll definitely stay again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2023

Michael

Very friendly and helpful. Would stay again

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

31 Jul 2023

Margaret

The host and hostess were very charming and welcoming.

Only dislike which is no fault of the proprietor is the speeding cars. There should be a speed bump or with restrictions on the left hand side of the road as you face the building and the white pillar should have a reflector to help cars approaching to slow down. Difficulty in driving out of the car park because the road curves, fast cars approaching from the right and the white pillar partially obstruct your view.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2023

Lorna

Check in

We arrived approx 4.30pm to be told our booking had been cancelled. We never received any notification from hotels.com even though Sarah from the old alma had told them the day before. Apart from that Sarah went above and beyond to accommodate ush. She actually gave up her own bedroom for us. I would recommend this hotel but just make sure you arej informed of any changes before you leave homej.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2023

ALBERTO

We loved our stay and they do make you feel at home.
Excellent and we would go back if we plan to go around Kent.

Leisure Pet

6/10

Pleasant

15 May 2023

Michelle

Pleasant stay at the Old Alma

Had a very pleasant stay, staff very friendly. Room was very clean and the bed very comfortable. A delicious full breakfast was served. Need to ring the bell to gain entry upon arrival as there is no reception desk.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2022

Robert

Staff are amazing made e feel at home

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2022

keith

Was made very welcome and the room was clean and comfortable, the breakfast was very nice and the people were lovely and friendly, I would recommend this place, thanks for the stay.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

26 Aug 2021

Chris

Avoid

Booked a double room only one cup then the tv didn’t work when we mentioned it they said it was something to do with the weather then we pointed out if that was the case then all the other rooms would be off as well. We had already spoke to other residents that said there tv was working and the previous occurre of the room had had the same problem then we so told by the management a guy called Tony to f**k off and get out of my hotel .then we was contacted by a lady called Sarah and ask us not to go and it will get sorted at 10pm while we was in bed jay the man that was very helpful came to our room to apologise about is boss and said he was going to cook the breakfast in the morning which he did but it was not edible and jay admitted that’s the first time he had made breakfast and he was an mechanic while cooking the breakfast he set of the alarm twice waking other residents

Business

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Located on busy main road, so quite noisy. Strong smell of cigarette smoke on stairs and landing, presumably coming from other rooms, although our room was smoke free. Helpful chatty young man greeted us, but no mugs, teaspoons or towels in room on arrival. Sadly cannot recommend to others.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2020

Adam

Business trip

I had a pleasant one night stay in this venue for a business trip, nothing to complain about, would book again if in the area again.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jul 2020

Jason

Work stay

Business

4/10

Poor

31 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Broken double glazing admitting loud noise from road

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Very nice, clean place, wonderful staff, always willing to help, definitely recommend it!!!

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

26 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Despite only having the property for a couple of months, Tony was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The property is clearly undergoing renovation work in the main part, but I have no complaints at all about the room. It was clearly recently refurbished - very, very clean and tidy. Tony went the extra mile to ensure our stay was very pleasant. Thanks!

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

13 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Tony and Sarah were great hosts a bit dispointed in room as no chairs in the room only the bed to sit on, no mirror to do your hair only a mirror in bathroom, but room very clean breakfast was very good, Tony and Sarah could not do anymore to make out stay any better. We would love to return when all the decorating is finished I think they will do very well

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

12 Aug 2019

Adrian

Horrendous Service - Better Service in a Hostel

Avoid at all costs!
The room itself was pleasant enough, however the owner was very troubling. The hotel was in a poor condition which was evident on the first moment of arrival. Underwear/Clothes were getting dried in the reception, the floor was sticky, the reception area was under construction. other guest had issues with their room and the owner asked if they could use our room to shower, they also mentioned to the random guest that they will allow access into our room while we were away so they can shower. They also double booked a room during our time there, and removed the first guest who had already checked in and set up a camp bed in the basement (dark, dingy, sodden wet, no bathroom, no sink and no lock on the door) and shouted abuse at them. Myself and my partner were attending a weeding and the guest was also at the wedding. I didn't know this person prior to this experience. He was very aggressive towards her, and was completely unwilling to understand the issue with providing the basement as an accommodation while still taking full price for a room.The owner served breakfast in his underwear.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Very pleasant hosts who have only had the property a few months so some refurbishment is underway. That said the room was very clean with a comfortable bed. Breakfast was very good with no problem for extra beverages and toast. Would recommend to anyone wanting to visit that area as not too far from Canterbury and some other nice coastal towns.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

09 Aug 2019

Colin

Be good when it's finished

It may be good when it is finished. The room was ok but the rest of the hotel was being rebuilt. The hotel could not offer breakfast till after 0830, no good for us with a early ferry sailing. But they still took the full rate

Partner

2/10

Poor

05 Aug 2019

Lauren

Uninhabitable Conditions, Aggressive Owner. AVOID

Despite paying, confirming via phone the week prior & checking in that morning, after double booking the owner tried to make me stay in a literal basement with a damp camp bed. No lock on the door, no bathroom, no toilet & no access to running water.

I was told by a stranger that I had to sleep in a basement & my belongings had been moved in favour of him- who had paid more. The owner, Tony was seen removing bikes & other items before trying to pass it off as a habitable room.

I called to resolve the issue. Tony was rude & aggressive when I asked him if he thought it was acceptable to do this to a solo female, telling me 'go f*** yourself' & hanging up. A friend also phoned to try and sort things out, he again told her to ‘f*** off’ and hung up.

Due to his behaviour on the phone & being unable to find other accommodation (everywhere local was fully booked) I felt very uncomfortable about returning & had a male friend accompany me. I cried upon sight of the basement. Tony didn’t apologise, refusing to give me a refund & telling me I was ‘pathetic & desperate for £50’. I asked him to have compassion, his behaviour was very threatening & intimidating.

During this altercation another guest, unknown to me, intervened. Kind, total strangers offered me a place to sleep after being disgusted by both the basement & Tony’s attitude. Had they not been so kind I would’ve left the property & slept in my car as it got to a point where I genuinely feared for my safety.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

A gem of a property hardly more than 30 mins drive from anywhere in East Kent. Literally a stone's throw from Chilham Station for direct access to Canterbury and the coast in one direction and Maidstone and London in the other.
The owners are the friendliest people you are likely to meet and cannot do enough to meet all your requirements.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2019

when we arrived we were told that the inn had recently been sold , we were met by the new owner [Tony] , who was,nt expecting us ! the inn was being redecorated making things a bit awkward and being the new owner was a new journey for Tony, however he went out of his way to make us welcome and he had some help as the week progressed , we enjoyed our stay and we are sure that Tony and his friends will make a good job of running the inn.,

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2019

Debbie

It was a stop over, needed to sleep. Very comfortable

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2019

Sue

New owners finding their feet. She was a definite positive - kind and helpful. He didn't start off on the right foot...tried to bump up the agreed price for my room. The room I stayed in was not the one I had booked, but it was really clean, and I slept well in spite of being on the road side of the building.
The breakfast was nice. There was one table whuch meant we all sat together and it created a friendly and chatty time.
I wish the new owners well....hope their venture is successful.

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

It was a good place to be. nice people that work there

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2019

Verified traveler

Jenny does a smashing breakfast, the B/B is spotless ,we spent two nights totally enjoyed our stay and will be back

Friends_and_family Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Thank you for a lovely break at your guest house. It was clean, the food was great. The guest house is located by a busy main road but you can't hear traffic noise from inside the property. Car park can be a little difficult to get out of at busy time which can't be helped and shouldn't prevent you staying here. Train station is just across the road ideal for onward travel. We bought off peak return tickets to Canterbury and they cost £4.40 each which we thought was easier and possibly cheaper than driving into Canterbury and parking.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful B&B with wonderful owners. It's very close to a busy road but once inside their is no noise. I would definitely stay there again. Nice bathroom, very clean, comfy bed.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2019

Joyce

Comfortable nd friendly stay.

Very nice room with a view of the garden. Comfortable bed and all amenities. Good breakfast and friendly hostess.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

Nice little B and B

Really friendly couple warm and welcoming, won’t let you leave without eating plenty at breakfast

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

Convenient for Canterbury.

Good value. No frills. Shower, bed and breakfast all very good.
Real family atmosphere. Ideal for walking, visiting Chilham village and train to Canterbury.

2/10

Poor

11 Aug 2025

Johanna

Note, The Old Alma does not use Hotelsdotcom -platform. I made a reservation and it was not found (and the hotel was fully booked). Nice owners were sorry and explained that this hotel is not available via Hotelsdotcom at all.

2/10

Poor

03 Aug 2019

Uwe

Kann man vermeiden

Die Begrüßung durch einen angetrunkenen Inhaber war durchaus freundlich, aber irgendwie bekamen wir das falsche Zimmer. Das Zimmer lag zur Straßenseite an einer stark befahrenen Straße, von der viel Lärm ankam. Das war vorher nicht ersichtlich. Nachts gab es bis 02:30 Uhr viel Lärm und Randale. Das Frühstück war anfangs chaotisch, besserte sich dann. Jedoch befanden sich die zwei Hunde des Besitzers zeitweise mit in der Küche. Wir entschlossen uns zu einer vorzeitigen Abreise.

Partner