Rubys Happy Haven

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what? Ruby’s Happy Haven is one of those places that completely catches you off guard in the best possible way. I mean, when you’re driving through Crowle – which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly on most people’s radar – you don’t expect to stumble across something this charming. But there it is, tucked away at 7 Lakes Country Park, and honestly, the setting alone is worth the trip out to this corner of North Lincolnshire.

The thing about Ruby’s is that it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is – a proper boutique spot that feels more like staying at your most stylish friend’s country house than some cookie-cutter hotel chain. The owners clearly put actual thought into every detail, from the way they’ve decorated the rooms (think vintage finds mixed with genuinely comfortable modern pieces) to how they’ve positioned the place to make the most of those lake views. And speaking of the lakes – well, you’re literally surrounded by them, which means you wake up to water and greenery instead of traffic noise. The parking situation is refreshingly straightforward too, which anyone who’s wrestled with town center hotels will appreciate.

What really sets this place apart though is how it sits in the landscape. Crowle itself is this quiet market town that most people zip past on their way to somewhere else, but actually spending time here? You start to get it. There’s the old windmill just down the road, proper countryside walks that don’t require driving anywhere, and you’re close enough to both the Humber Bridge and the Peak District if you want day trip options. The staff at Ruby’s seem to actually know the area – not just the obvious tourist spots, but where to find decent pub food (the Red Lion’s not bad) and which footpaths are worth your time. Check-in was refreshingly human too – none of that overly scripted hotel reception routine, just genuine helpfulness and local tips that actually proved useful. The only thing I’d mention is that it can get pretty quiet in the evenings, but honestly, that’s part of the appeal. If you’re looking for nightlife, this isn’t your spot. If you want to properly unwind somewhere that feels genuinely special without the usual boutique hotel pretensions, Ruby’s Happy Haven gets it absolutely right.