the chase

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, when I first pulled up to The Chase on Anchor Lane, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect – it’s tucked away in this quiet part of Ingoldmells that most people miss because they’re rushing straight to Fantasy Island or the beach. The building itself has this understated charm that’s hard to pin down, sort of like someone took a traditional seaside guesthouse and gave it a proper makeover without losing its soul.

What struck me right away was how the owners clearly put thought into the details that actually matter. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward (no corporate script nonsense), and parking was right there – which, if you’ve ever tried finding a spot during peak season in Ingoldmells, you’ll appreciate more than you’d think. The rooms have this boutique feel without being pretentious about it, and honestly, the beds are properly comfortable. You know how some places cheap out on mattresses? Not here. I slept better than I had in weeks, and the morning light comes in just right through windows that actually open properly – small thing, but it matters when you want that sea breeze.

The location is actually brilliant once you realize what you’ve got. You’re close enough to walk to Butlin’s if that’s your thing, but far enough away that you don’t get the crowds and noise that come with being right in the thick of it. Chapel Point is just down the road, and I found myself walking there most evenings – it’s one of those spots where you can actually hear yourself think. The breakfast situation is solid too, nothing fancy but done well, and the staff seem to genuinely know the area. They pointed me toward this little fish and chip place that I never would have found otherwise, and it ended up being the best meal of my trip. The whole place has this lived-in quality that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere real rather than some cookie-cutter chain hotel. Is it perfect? Well, the Wi-Fi can be a bit patchy in some rooms, and if you’re expecting a full spa setup, you’ll be disappointed. But for what it is – a proper boutique spot that gets the fundamentals right – it delivers. I’d definitely stay again, especially knowing now how peaceful it gets in the evenings when the day-trippers head home.