The Hope Anchor is a mid 18th Century Hotel built at the end of one of the most delightful streets in Rye. The building originally would have housed a Smugglers gang thought to have been "The Tenterden", a nasty motley crew! Pistols at the ready and regular fights for territory with other local smugglers gangs including the infamous Hawkhurst, legend has it that on one occasion the Tenterden gang famously out gunned the Hawkhurst gang and they scurried hurriedly back to their watering hole! Most of the secret passage ways and escape routes are now blocked in but once here, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to realize what it was like in those dark and exciting days! The Hope Anchor as its name suggests was built primarily for a watering hole for the sailors and ship builders as Rye was still surrounded by the sea up until the late 18th century. The hotel and all rooms are Non Smoking. Although famous for its past, the Hope Anchor is known locally for its stunning views across the Quayside, Romney Marshes, Camber Castle and beyond to the sea. Most of the rooms enjoy these panoramic views and to be honest they need to be seen to be believed. Although beautiful all year round the sunsets in summer bring locals young and old to enjoy alfresco dining accompanied of course with a glass or two of wine! The Hope Anchor features in Malcolm Saville's children's books and is described as the Gay Dolphin. It has also been identified as the Traders Arms in the map and Lucia books by E. F. Benson, a well known writer who lived in Lamb house. Rye was never built to cope with today's traffic or transport and parking is at a premium in Rye, the hotel is however lucky, although the outside of the building is controlled by local authorities, it has parking permits for its guests so your car is never far away. The Hope Anchor stands elegantly poised in this exquisite medieval town, one common trait is that once visited travelers and guests return time and time again.
The hotel also offers free breakfast to it's guests.