The Ship & Trades  

We were warmly welcomed at the Ship and Trades. There is a lift situated near reception to take guests up to their rooms. Our room was quiet and airy and nicely furnished. The bed was comfortable with extra pillows provided, the hairdryer electrical socket was under the mirror, there was also a full length mirror, towels were sparkling white. The breakfast room is on the same floor as the bedrooms with an outdoor eating area for fine weather. There is also a large modern bar and outdoor eating area downstairs overlooking the Marina. The food was qood quality pub food. Service was order for yourself by table No. At the bar and friendly staff brought the meal to the table. The decor is based on the memorabilia from the original ' workshop housed in that building. The designers have used tools and benches and other artefacts from the workshop and cleverly based the design of the bedrooms and public rooms on this theme. The addition of photographs on the walls from that period is an excellent touch as they are a talking point, especially for those who have an interest in the historical aspect of Chatham Dockyard. The rooms are of a good standard, modern, clean with all the usual facilities, tv etc. Breakfast is nicely cooked and staff very helpful and friendly.

The only downside was a really vicious shower! It attacked you from the back wall of the bath and came at you with a vengeance and unless you had the forethought and the agility to close the curtain and climb in at the side before you turned it on then the bathroom floor got flooded. Of course, this only happend once! However, a better arrangement is to have the shower positioned at the head of the bath. I did find it envigorating though! Another small problem was that they didn't do sandwiches on a Sunday!!!!!!!!!!! In spite of that, it was a very good experience staying at the Ship and Trades and we certainly plan to go again.

A well-designed and well-presented re-use of an old industrial building in an area of major historical interest. A naval historian would never want to leave. Efficient and friendly staff. Easy and adequate parking.

Finding the place from the A2 is not too easy for the stranger. I'd worry about the safety of unsupervised small children on/around the quaysides. These points are characteristic of the area though, NOT the S+T's direct fault.

Our modern room (no 5) was lovely and spacious and we had a large bath with shower over it. Everything was clean and although we looked out over the car park (instead of the marina) the double glazing worked well and we heard very little noise. Overall it was very good value.

Although our room was good our friends were in room 1, which was much smaller and only had a shower that unfortunately didn't work very well.

Ideally located for Chatham Historic Dockyard and Dickens World. Lovelly views overlooking the marina. Room clean and comfortable. The full english breakfast was excellent.

Parting wall to next room was paper thin. Could do with sound proofing or supplying ear plugs.

Rooms and food

friendly staff, really helpfull. lovely room .super restaurant and great bar.

Convenient to the Dockyard.

Nice building with marine artefacts. Huge interst, particularly for me. However, I found the place rather impersonal. I lived on muesili for breakfast. Other choices were limited, especially if you thrive on fat and salt!! The breakfast menu included "Kippers", so I ordered some. When it arrived, there was only one on the plate. "Kippers" implies that there would be a pair at least. Also far too salty (for me). Bit of a struggle to attract anyone to reception, but when they did come, they were nice enough. The room I was in was on the carpark and exit side, so lots of late-night noise, not much good if you want an early night! If I stayed again I would make sure that I had a room on the other side,

They were most helpful , polite and cheelrful. Nothing was a problem; It was a very relaxing stay. We will do it again.

The excellent use of an old,industrial building and the retention of many old features. Its postition on the old dockyard area was excellent.

My son and I were attending a funeral at Bluebell Hill and wanted somewhere near to stay. I found The Ship & Trades on the internet and looked at the pictures. I thought they looked good but quite expected that in reality the rooms had been enhanced by computer. I was pleasantly surprised on arrival to find the accommodation exactly as portrayed on the internet. We were lucky to have a room overlooking the harbor. It is a good location to visit Medway Towns if you can find your way round. I lived in the area 25 years ago and could not believe the changes. The staff were helpful when we asked for directions.

I wish it was a little cheaper so I could have more visits but it is a great location and I expect it to be a very popular place to stay. My son and I did not drink in the bar but it looked very really interesting and beautifully decorated. We did not have time for dinner but the menu was varied and looked very inviting.

The location friendly staff and the comfort and cleanliness

Traditional hotel not a premier or holiday inn. Decent towels soap, plenty of room huge bath Room not a box

Ah perfect hotel slightly ruined by no staff on reception when checking in. Maintenace not what it should have been. Floor of restauraunt littered with rubbish at breakfast

This was our second visit and it was just as good as the first! The staff were all very polite and helpful - in spite of various Christmas parties - we were served quickly wtih our food - which was very well cooked and presented - not to mention tasty! We used the Ship and Trades as a base visiting Canterbury and the surrounding area We will definately return .