The Queen Elizabeth
This iconic suite, with its original headboard and furniture, is named after Queen Elizabeth I. The Maids Head is rumoured to have sheltered Elizabeth I in 1587.
Rooms and Suites · since 1287
A room for every
kind of stay.
Heritage four-posters, beamed attic suites, courtyard-facing singles, eighty-four characterful bedrooms, each with its own story.
The finest rooms in the house, four signature suites
Each named for a moment in the hotel's eight-hundred-year story, kept refurbished, kept refined, kept available for guests who book well ahead.
The Catherine of Aragon
Named after Catherine of Aragon, said to have stayed here in 1520, this historic suite overlooks the courtyard and features a fireplace that adds to its character.
The Paston
An antique carved four-poster bed anchors this suite: Georgian sash windows looking over Tombland and a walk-in wardrobe blend historic and contemporary.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral Suite blends bedroom and living room, with daylight from four original sash windows, a feature fireplace, exposed beams and a roll-top bath.
Rooms by type
A Room for Every Kind of Stay
Eight rooms with stories of their own
Junior suite
The Shardlake
Named after the lead character in C.J. Sansom's novel Tombland, with a roll-top bath in the bedroom and views towards the Erpingham Gate.
Junior suite
The Wensum
Named after one of Norfolk's rivers, with whimsical tree wallpaper, exposed beams, a large sitting area and a roll-top bath.
Junior suite
The Ranworth
A luxurious king-size four-poster bed anchors this suite, with a feature fireplace, exposed beams and a comfortable sofa area to relax in.
Why book direct
Better when
you come direct.
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Plans change. So can yours.
Cancel your room without charge until 2pm on day of arrival. Late checkout when we can.
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No Prepayment
We take a card to secure your reservation, but nothing is charged in advance. Payment is taken on arrival, in person.
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Best price, kept honest.
Find a lower published rate within 24 hours and we'll match it. No fine print, no fuss. The occasional upgrade, reserved for guests who come straight to us.
A weekend to remember
A selection of experiences and overnight packages designed around the Maids Head.
Stay & Dine
Enjoy an overnight stay paired with dinner in the 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant, with an allowance towards your evening meal and breakfast the following morning. Ideal for guests looking to combine a city break with Norfolk's best seasonal produce.
Timeless Sunday Escape
A slower way to end the weekend, combining an overnight stay, traditional afternoon tea and breakfast the next morning. Designed for guests who prefer lingering a little longer before Monday arrives.
The Ultimate in Romance
Two nights in one of the hotel's most characterful rooms, complete with chilled prosecco on arrival, dinner in the WinePress Restaurant and time to explore Norwich together. A thoughtfully arranged escape designed for special occasions and memorable evenings.
Said about our rooms
“An honest survival of the English coaching inn, quietly excellent on every front.”
“The warmth you usually find at a good friend's house, only with markedly better breakfast.”
“Centuries of innkeeping, gracefully kept. A genuine bedrock of Norwich hospitality.”
- AA Silver
- 4 ★
- Years of welcome
- 800
- Rosettes
- 2 AA
- Grade listed, 1954
- II*
- UK oldest hotel
- No 1
Add a chapter to your stay
A drive
A spin in a vintage Bentley
Three classic Bentleys live in our glass-fronted showroom. Take one with our chauffeur through Norwich's medieval lanes. Complimentary for staying guests.
A tour
Walking around Norwich
Discover Norwich's hidden history with guided walking tours, including the popular Shardlake Tour, which tells the story of the Maids Head and its place in the city's past.
A cycle
Norwich by Bobbin Bike
Pastel-painted bikes with wicker baskets, lent at reception with everything you need to explore the city. Complimentary for guests.
