The history of The Inn on the Lake and surrounding area came to life in the 1930s. Originally owned by the Darnely family, the building incorporated a boating lake and swimming pool, and was leased on various occasions throughout the 1930s and 1940s. During this time, it was known as 'The Laughing Water Restaurant and Tea Rooms'. During World War 2, the building and land played a vital role in the war effort, playing host to many crews from RAF Gravesend. During the Battle of Britain, and operating under RAF Fighter Command, the airfield nearby became the first to put the P-51 Mustang III into operation.
Services
Our sister establishment the King Charles Hotel in Gillingham is a short hop away in the bustling heart of the Medway towns. A comfortable and modern 3 star independent hotel, it is the perfect place to call home whilst staying in Medway. The hotel opened in 1980 and features 97 well appointed en suite rooms with Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and telephone all to make your stay as comfortable as possible.Plus further facilities include the Lounge Bar and Aurora Restaurant, and 6 function rooms making the King Charles hotel perfect for any corporate or family occasion.
The Inn on the Lake sits on the edge of Shorne Country Park and is a short drive away from many other beautiful woods, country parks and local villages. Shorne Woods Country Park is 292 acres of beautiful woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, literally on our doorstep. With its eco-friendly visitor centre and restaurant, fishing lakes, trim trail and picnic and play areas, the park has everything you need to spend a day enjoying the best of Kent's countryside.Ashenbank Woods in Cobham, a 5 minute walk from the hotel, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is teeming with extraordinary wildlife.
Eat and drink outside, surrounded by natural woodlands, calm lakes, and beautiful gardens. Wine and dine from our bar menu on the lakeside patio*, captivated by the panoramic lake views. Devour afternoon tea on the fountain decking, mesmerised by the gentle birdsongs. Enjoy refreshing drinks at the jetty, inhaling the botanical scents of the gardens.
Running on the second Wednesday of the month, this fantastic afternoon includes a two-course lunch, tea & coffe. Don your flares, pump up your wigs & follow the disco ball as it's time to boogie at our 70's disco night. Join us for a special Festive Afternoon Tea, with face painting for children, games, party packs and a visit from S.
Reviews (10)
Suraj Prakash
Jun 06, 2022
The South Asian waitress at the breakfast buffet was not so professional. She asked the table next to us if they would like any extra sausages, bacon or egg but we were not asked. I gave her benefit of doubt and approached her politely asking for extra sausage for my 8 year old. She just told me abruptly that you only get 6 items in buffet and if you want more, you can have toast as much as you like.
To me she behaved in a way which seemed to be discriminatory. I did complain at the reception and gave feedback form on checkout. The lady at reception politely told me that you can get extra but it is charged. I am now furious as the lady at the breakfast didn't even give the option to pay and buy and just directed me to the toasts. In the room 231, one of the dressor light was not functioning and one of the bedside lamp had bulb missing.
The hotel is dog friendly and I don't have issue with that but when we stepped out of the hotel, we found a bed bug or a flea in our jacket which was hanging in the room cupboard and sometimes on bed. This has rendered us in a situation that as soon as we came back, we have to put everything in wash and spray things and suitcase as infestation of these things in home can be very daunting.
My little one had bug bite marks on her body. Overall, these little things will keep me away from the hotel even though there is lovely staff at the reception and lovely location.
To me she behaved in a way which seemed to be discriminatory. I did complain at the reception and gave feedback form on checkout. The lady at reception politely told me that you can get extra but it is charged. I am now furious as the lady at the breakfast didn't even give the option to pay and buy and just directed me to the toasts. In the room 231, one of the dressor light was not functioning and one of the bedside lamp had bulb missing.
The hotel is dog friendly and I don't have issue with that but when we stepped out of the hotel, we found a bed bug or a flea in our jacket which was hanging in the room cupboard and sometimes on bed. This has rendered us in a situation that as soon as we came back, we have to put everything in wash and spray things and suitcase as infestation of these things in home can be very daunting.
My little one had bug bite marks on her body. Overall, these little things will keep me away from the hotel even though there is lovely staff at the reception and lovely location.
Robert Hilsely
May 07, 2022
Intelligent Eating
May 06, 2022
This is a REALLY nice hotel! Limited food menu and routine brekkie but the grounds are gorgeous and the rooms are very nice. Highly recommended with easy access. Probs a good wedding venue if you're into entering a contract with the state but I just went with my 4 year old who dressed as Thor for breakfast.
Mark Mahoney
Apr 17, 2022
Nice hotel in picturesque setting on a couple of lakes. Nice vibe with Friendly staff. The hotel is good with a reception area, bar and TVs with seating and outdoor seating. You can eat outside but if their is a wedding on which their usually is, outside is restricted though you can still use it on the far section, though does feel slightly like you shouldn't be their.
Their is also a dining room and a bigger breakfast room, the dining room is where you might have an evening meal but it's also the room used for breakfast for people with dogs. The breakfast is very good with a big selection on cereals, porridge, toast, tea and coffee etc and you also order a cooked meal when the waiter/ress comes to you. The rooms are good I'd would definitely recommend the lakeside room with patio and outside seating!
The room looks out onto the lakes and the wildfowl like ducks and coots come right up to you. The lakes are used by fisherman and although you can see them their not to much of a distraction. The outside area is very nice indeed with nice sunsets if your lucky. I would definitely stay again but would make sure their wasn't a themed night or wedding(as special as it is) it's just theirs large groups and can disturb your sleep with talking, doors banging into the night etc just changed the vibe I was seeking.
Their is also a dining room and a bigger breakfast room, the dining room is where you might have an evening meal but it's also the room used for breakfast for people with dogs. The breakfast is very good with a big selection on cereals, porridge, toast, tea and coffee etc and you also order a cooked meal when the waiter/ress comes to you. The rooms are good I'd would definitely recommend the lakeside room with patio and outside seating!
The room looks out onto the lakes and the wildfowl like ducks and coots come right up to you. The lakes are used by fisherman and although you can see them their not to much of a distraction. The outside area is very nice indeed with nice sunsets if your lucky. I would definitely stay again but would make sure their wasn't a themed night or wedding(as special as it is) it's just theirs large groups and can disturb your sleep with talking, doors banging into the night etc just changed the vibe I was seeking.
J. W.
Apr 04, 2022
The staff are lovely and were incredibly helpful and nice throughout our short stay. I was really, really impressed. Sadly, the rooms themselves are a little dated with walls that are essentially paper thin. This makes for some excellent people watching (listening?) so may be a positive for some. The ground floor lake view rooms have lovely big glass doors that open onto a pretty lake.
Be warned that the hotel path around the lake runs right past the window. A nice way to make some friends perhaps, but a bit of a shock all round when other guests come strolling past and make eye contact as you enjoy a siesta. Although dated the rooms were clean. Some marks deducted for the half smoked roll up left in a drawer.
Be warned that the hotel path around the lake runs right past the window. A nice way to make some friends perhaps, but a bit of a shock all round when other guests come strolling past and make eye contact as you enjoy a siesta. Although dated the rooms were clean. Some marks deducted for the half smoked roll up left in a drawer.
Sarah Louise Stanton
Mar 05, 2022
I was a wedding videographer here twice in a weekend. The staff were lovely and attentive to both myself and other suppliers as well as the hotel guests and wedding party. Everything ran smoothly. The exterior of the building doesn't do it justice to the lakes and interior. Stunning venue with staff who couldn't be more helpful. I'd highly recommend in all aspects! I even got to taste the bar menu for my dinner which was lovely!
Brian Watson
Feb 14, 2022
Jon Megan
Feb 12, 2022
Jayne Mccallum
Dec 15, 2021
Good basic hotel in need of updating. Great location just on the A2. Staff pleasant. Breakfast good.loved the fresh fruit salad. Event on when we arrived.but we were told in advance and room allocated to quieter part of hotel. However some of the residents were noisy and loud in their rooms. Not many mask wearers in sight.include staff. Felt like the odd one out wearing one!
Vaibhav Sharma
Dec 05, 2021
Lovely Inn situated very close to A2 motorway but still kind of secluded. Breakfast is served from 6:30am-9:30am and dinner service starts from 5pm onwards. Room was decent size (much bigger than some of the branded hotels) and clean. Dinner menu is decent, though being vegeterian I had limited choice. I hope they include couple of more veg options to give some variety.
Staff was very friendly, helpful, lovely and nice, special mention of Kate and Stephen. Thank you both for catering our requests. Radiator in bathroom was not working when we checked-in which was attended promptly, staff did everything that was requested with a smile :) Rooms with lake view is a bit more pricey. It was off season and the Inn didn't look full and I wonder if they could have offered a free upgrade to entice people come back again?
Would have definitely made a 5* stay. I personally felt that the Inn definitely deserves more than a 3-star and I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a budget place to stay but still want comfort, quality, access and service.
Staff was very friendly, helpful, lovely and nice, special mention of Kate and Stephen. Thank you both for catering our requests. Radiator in bathroom was not working when we checked-in which was attended promptly, staff did everything that was requested with a smile :) Rooms with lake view is a bit more pricey. It was off season and the Inn didn't look full and I wonder if they could have offered a free upgrade to entice people come back again?
Would have definitely made a 5* stay. I personally felt that the Inn definitely deserves more than a 3-star and I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a budget place to stay but still want comfort, quality, access and service.
