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  5. Reviews of Inner Dowsing Lightship

Reviews of Inner Dowsing Lightship

Medway Bridge Marina, Manor Lane, Rochester, ME1 3HS, United Kingdom

#4 of 7 B&Bs and Inns in Rochester

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 56 hotel reviews

9.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.9

  • Comfort

    9.8

  • Location

    9.3

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    10.0

  • Value for money

    9.3

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2024

    9.0
    A delightful quirky place to stay and relax by the river.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Eunha & Jeremy have done an excellent job refurbishing this 1839 ship and creating two beautiful rooms. They are cosy and comfortable with great views over the estuary. It’s a peaceful and quirky place to stay. Breakfast choices are good and there is lots of it.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2024

    9.0
    Novel & pleasant experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The only small detail which would of made it slightly more convenient was the car parking, we were quite far from the room so quite a journey to travel luggage from.

    The hosts were very accommodating, the view's were amazing and the extra added touches in the room like chocolate wafers with tea and coffee facilities and toiletries in the bathroom were appreciated.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 May 2024

    10
    Wonderful stay
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The pub with food stops serving it at 4.30 on a Sunday

    It was a very cosy room, beautifully furnished with a very comfortable bed. Beauyiful view at night over the river. Excellent breakfast! Very friendly hosts. We will definitely be back

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 May 2024

    9.0
    Beautiful location with character and a friendly welcome.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We enjoy being outdoors, spend several hours sitting in the sun on deck. But for those less adventurous, be aware you might need a rain coat to go to breakfast if it is raining. Not a problem for us.

    It was different. I wanted something special. Great view, wonderful breakfast, lovely hostess.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2024

    10
    Would totally recommend !
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night

    Everything was lovely .

    Lovely Boat to stay on , and with lovely views, and so much history to it . Lovely hosts who would do anything for you. Would totally reccommend

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2024

    9.0
    Home comforts with a beautiful setting
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    You are on a boat which means you will need to climb boat style stairs and be aware of plumbing limitations such as the hot water running out! There is a very small amount of movement to the boat when the tide is up which takes a little getting used to because it's so homely you forget you're on it. The boat is next to a bridge with traffic and trains running across, they are quite noisy but also very easy for the brain to ignore and they didn't cause us any issues with sleeping.

    Going to bed and waking up to the tide going in and out was magical. The bedroom was comfy and cosy, the bathroom fittings and extras felt like luxury. The hosts are really friendly but also give you space to relax. Breakfast was top notch with fresh fruit, croissants, choice of cereals and a choice of four hot options. I would definitely stay again and have recommended it to friends and family.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2024

    10
    An excellent place to stay if walking the Saxon way or Coastal path
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothin

    Location in a Marina overlooking the River Medway

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 April 2024

    10
    Lovely night stay, will be using it again if available.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    Good breakfast, nice pleasant stay.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2024

    8.0
    Very comfortable and made to feel welcome.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    These are observations and not complaints... when we arrived in the car park, we had to ask several people for the location as it was through a gate and a walk of about 200m to the lightship. We do understand that signage will be put up soon. Also, if you have mobility issues, getting to the cabin is up a steep staircase... but it's a lightship! Fortunately it gave us no problem but be aware.

    Lovely location right on the River Medway with views across to the castle and the cathedral. Lots of wildlife to view. The welcome we received was warm and friendly. The lightship was quirky and there's a lovely upper deck to sit out on in good weather looking across the river. Breakfast was continental and plenty of it plus freshly made pancakes and fresh coffee. The breakfast room was very large and very nautical. All in all, a very pleasant stay.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 April 2024

    8.0
    Delightful, friendly and hospitable couple running a charming and comfy band b.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Shower
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was all delightful

    The lightship has been beautifully converted. It felt a very magical spot indeed

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2024

    10
    Amazing night on the boat, beautiful views and excellent hosts.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing at all to dislike.

    Beautiful boat and tastefully decorated by the owner’s. Every comfort and luxury accounted for. Very kind hosts.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    9.0
    Quirky but comfortable accommodation on an old ship next to the river
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Nothing I disliked.

    Welcoming and friendly. Quirky accomodation on an old lightship - perfect for boat and waterway lovers. Fantastic views of the Medway from both rooms. Top deck is converted into two bedrooms, both with ensuite, ideal for we two couples. We used the bunk beds (in one room) for extra storage but they would be handy for a couple with kids. Solar panels provide electricity for all-day heating, even in winter, so the rooms were warm and comfortable. Plenty of 240v mains and USB sockets. WiFi worked fine. Though on a boat, there was plenty of hot and cold water. Bathroom spacious, and all plumbing worked fine. Half hour walk into town by the river. Breakfast provided in a pleasant room below the top deck; we were offered pancakes, cereals, fresh fruit, fruit salad, yogurts, croissants and more.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 February 2024

    10
    B&B with a difference
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amazing hosts, yummy breakfast, clean comfortable accommodation. Lovely interior design and great views from the deck and bedroom. We'd definitely go back.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    10
    A short stay but so memorable will be back , such a lovely area and setting , with lots of history
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely nothing not to like

    Wonderful friendly hosts Very Good location with amazing views from both our room and deck out over the River Medway

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It felt like a real treat to stay here. We felt very welcome, communication before and during was easy and clear. The rooms look out onto the river plus you can see the tops of the castle and cathedral in the centre of town from the boat, which was a 20/30 min walk away. You can hear the traffic on the bridge nearby but it wasn't overbearing, mainly we enjoyed the river and its wildlife. The owners were friendly and ensured our stay was comfortable. The breakfast was so good!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 February 2024

    10
    Just a real treat.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing but be prepared to drive into a Rochester for an evening meal choice.

    Lovely friendly host. Lovely views and complete peace. Lovely room and very comfortably furnished. Excellent breakfast. Special history of the boat. Do hope we come again.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    A little road noise from the river bridge but you certainly don't notice it in your cosy cabin

    Really super to stay on a boat and watch the river go by

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2024

    10
    Wonderful experience in a unique piece of maritime history
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    I found the bed a little soft for my liking (but my wife was very happy with it!)

    What a wonderful experience! Truly unique piece of British Maritime history, with fascinating story. Our room enjoyed serene views across the Medway down to Rochester. Breakfast was simple but just what was needed. Inner Dowsing Lightvessel is managed by a lovely couple who could not have been more friendly and helpful. Thank you!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 December 2023

    10
    Unique place place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing

    Cozy room, good decor. Breakfast choice good and fresh. Friendly welcome and accommodating to our requests

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 December 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The view was amazing and our room was kept lovely and warm for the time of year, and friendly host.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 December 2023

    10
    A lovely and unusual situation with amazing views of the Medway with Rochester castle in tje distamce.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Family Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    None

    A brilliant ambience all through the property😋

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 3 December 2023

    9.0
    Lightship gets our beacon of approval
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    In the depths of winter extra blankets would be good.

    Great experience to spend a night on this historic vessel. Very friendly hosts who have worked hard to transform their floating family home into bespoke bed and breakfast accommodation. Spectacular views across the River Medway and within walking distance (30 minutes) of the historic town of Rochester. Secure parking within a Marina and close to a cosy pub serving excellent food at good prices.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 19 November 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Parking was a bit of a distance away from the boat, but it wasn't too much of a problem for us. .

    Unique and comfortable accommodation. Friendly and helpful hosts.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 October 2023

    9.0
    Fab...
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    This is a fun place to stay. The hosts are very helpful, they offered us plates and cutlery for our take away meal. Breakfast was a lovely continental, with pancakes and porridge available. The bed was comfortable.

    Stayed in October 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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