Sunscape Lodge

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what’s funny about Sunscape Lodge? I drove past it three times before realizing this unassuming building on Coast Road was actually the place I’d booked. It doesn’t scream “boutique hotel” from the outside – honestly, it looks more like a well-kept seaside house that someone decided to turn into accommodation. But that’s sort of the point, I think.

Once you’re inside, it becomes clear why this place doesn’t bother with official star ratings. They’re doing their own thing here, and it works. The rooms have this lived-in comfort that feels authentic rather than staged – proper thick curtains that actually block out the morning light (trust me, you’ll appreciate this if you’re here during summer when the sun’s up at 5 AM), and furniture that looks like it was chosen because someone actually liked it, not because it photographed well. I mean, my room had this slightly worn leather armchair positioned perfectly by the window where you could watch the comings and goings on Coast Road with a cup of tea. Small touches like that make the difference.

The location is actually brilliant once you get your bearings. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Corton Beach – and I’m talking a proper walk, not one of those “five-minute walk” claims that turns out to be fifteen minutes of hiking. The beach here is one of those Suffolk stretches that somehow stays relatively quiet even when Lowestoft gets packed with day-trippers. There’s decent parking at the hotel too, which honestly surprised me given how tight spaces get around here during peak season. The staff seem to know the area properly – when I asked about avoiding the A47 traffic on checkout day, the guy at reception gave me this back-road route that saved me probably half an hour of sitting in holiday traffic. It’s that kind of local knowledge you can’t Google.

Is everything perfect? Well, the WiFi can be a bit patchy in some rooms (though it worked fine in the common areas), and if you’re expecting room service and a concierge, you’re in the wrong place. But there’s something refreshing about a place that focuses on getting the basics really right rather than trying to be everything to everyone. The beds are genuinely comfortable, the showers have proper pressure, and there’s this communal sitting area downstairs where you’ll often find other guests planning their days or sharing recommendations over coffee.

The 7.7 rating actually makes sense when you think about it – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but for what it is, it delivers. If you want somewhere that feels more like staying at a friend’s place than a corporate hotel, and you appreciate being close to the coast without the Southwold prices, Sunscape Lodge hits that sweet spot. Just don’t expect them to make a big fuss about it – that’s not really their style.