Name: The Carpenters Arms
Address: Three Elm Lane, Tonbridge and Malling District, England, United Kingdom, Tonbridge and Malling District, Kent, GB
Price range: US$149–US$238 per night
Rating: 8.9

What guests think

Across recent reviews, The Carpenters Arms is praised for warm, helpful staff, tasty food at dinner and breakfast, comfortable rooms with strong showers, and convenient on-site parking, creating a cosy country pub stay that feels quiet and relaxing.

The rural location suits visits to nearby National Trust and historic sites. Some reports mention queues or slow service at busy morning times and a few billing surprises, including undisclosed service charges or incorrect charges. Isolated criticisms include a cramped or noisy room, temperature or maintenance niggles, and one complaint about cleanliness and hot water. Best for travellers seeking a relaxed country pub base rather than full service hotel frills.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site parking is frequently praised, and the pub is well liked.

Related guest reviews

10

Neil

7 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent friendly service, lovely room and great bar and restaurant.

10

T

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was plenty of parking. Easy check in, the room was warm and comfortable, food was excellent at dinner and breakfast. The staff were friendly and attentive. Would definitely stay again.

8

Lorne

17 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great little place, nice pub and good food, Pleasantly surprised.

10

Kelly

21 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great room, and facilities. Great bar and food was spot on

10

Jonathan

23 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful friendly staff. Beautiful country pub with modern accommodation.

10

Gary

17 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent restaurant. Good outdoor eating options.

10

David

4 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

great food, comfortable room and easy to park. will stay again.

10

J

17 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous find, great location, ample parking and fab food in house. Great breakfast.

10

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Would stay again as better than any place in the local area. Positives Clean tidy, good room and relaxed, lovely people who are very helpful. Breath of fresh air compared with other popular local hotels and comparible pricing. Free onsite car parking Great food with inclusive breakfast. Very minor niggles for very fussy people but not enough to drop from a full 5 stars: -Need to be very careful walking on the road to walk to the bus stop as no pavement so easier with a car. -Breakfast can be very busy on certain days so plan ahead and ask when quiet/busy times are. -instant coffee in room was not up to much.

8

Alan

18 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

good, professional and friendly staff. Clean room. Good atmosphere in pub.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Most guests find rooms clean and well presented; however, one review reported a dirty room on arrival and some minor maintenance niggles.

Related guest reviews

2

emma

6 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

ARRIVED THE ROOM WAS FILTHY , NOT BEEN CLEANED FROM LAST CUSTOMER , PUT ME IN ANOTHER ROOM THERE WAS NO HOT WATER .SENT TO THE BAR BUT NO STAFF SO A QUEUE OF PEOPLE WAITING FOR DRINKS AND FOOD . ONLY 1 GIRL DOING EVERYTHING. I HAS TO THEN AT 7.30PM LEAVE AS NO ROOM FOR ME AND FIND ANOTHER HOTEL . ID BEEN ON THE ROAD SINCE 3.30AM WORKING IT WAS A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE ..... PROMISED A CALLBACK BUTH RUTH COULD NOT BE BOTHERED . DO NOT GO HERE ITS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD USING A HOTEL . I WILL NOW HAVE TO LEGALLY GET MY REFUND

10

Carol

28 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyed our overnight stay. The twin room was spacious, beds and pillows so comfortable, and plenty of hot water for showers. The initial problem with the heating was sorted out very quickly. We had our evening meal here, and can highly recommend the food. What really stands out at The Carpenters Arms, is the staff. Many thanks to Richard, Holly and Paula and to everyone that helps make this such a great place. We would certainly be happy to stay again.

8

Samantha

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is very nice with welcoming staff. Room was comfortable and well equipped (hairdryer, iron and ironing board). The only complaint I have is the tower rail in the bathroom was constantly on and therefore it was boiling in the bathroom. We had to keep the door closed and the bedroom windows open Similarly the heating was bouncing in the corridors, a waste of energy in my opinion. 2 male staff outside early in the morning need to be more considerate. Not sure if they were on a cigarette break but very chatty and noisy outside bedrooms.

10

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Would stay again as better than any place in the local area. Positives Clean tidy, good room and relaxed, lovely people who are very helpful. Breath of fresh air compared with other popular local hotels and comparible pricing. Free onsite car parking Great food with inclusive breakfast. Very minor niggles for very fussy people but not enough to drop from a full 5 stars: -Need to be very careful walking on the road to walk to the bus stop as no pavement so easier with a car. -Breakfast can be very busy on certain days so plan ahead and ask when quiet/busy times are. -instant coffee in room was not up to much.

8

Alan

18 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

good, professional and friendly staff. Clean room. Good atmosphere in pub.

10

Paul

23 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great clean and well presented room with a super comfy bed.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable, often spacious, with very good showers and beds. A few note drawbacks such as a cramped or noisy room, limited TV channels, or missing USB points.

Related guest reviews

10

Cornelia

20 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was lovely and the shower, in particular, was exceptional: strong water pressure and quick hot water. The most impressive part of our visit was the staff. Every single employee we encountered was friendly and willing to help no matter how crazy our request was. Ruthie, You ROCK!

10

T

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was plenty of parking. Easy check in, the room was warm and comfortable, food was excellent at dinner and breakfast. The staff were friendly and attentive. Would definitely stay again.

10

katie

19 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely rooms and great food

8

David

1 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I greatly dislike returning to the Home Counties but this small, comfortable and friendly hotel made the pain bearable. The room was spacious and comfortable and everything worked, the staff were for most part welcoming and helpful. I had only two very minor observations to make: no USB points in my room and the piped music at breakfast was excessively loud. These as I say were small niggles and I would happily return should I need to make another visit to the area.

10

Suzanne

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were amazing, food lovely and the room was perfect. Thank you

10

Carol

28 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyed our overnight stay. The twin room was spacious, beds and pillows so comfortable, and plenty of hot water for showers. The initial problem with the heating was sorted out very quickly. We had our evening meal here, and can highly recommend the food. What really stands out at The Carpenters Arms, is the staff. Many thanks to Richard, Holly and Paula and to everyone that helps make this such a great place. We would certainly be happy to stay again.

10

Stefan

24 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to stay, friendly and accommodating staff. Best shower I've had at a hotel, and great food.

10

Paul

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A fantastic stay at a fantastic place. The staff were superb, the restaurant was outstanding, the room was excellent. Quiet, comfy, warm, excellent wifi. Can't fault it.

6

Gordon

15 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were in room 12 which is cramped and next to the exit door which made a bang everytime someone came or left even late at night. We had a booking issue that could be traced back to an ownership change. They seem to use sourdough for everything, so when toasted becomes rock hard. My wife needed a steak knife to cut into the muffin provided with her eggs benedict breakfast. I was sick during the night, not sure why.

10

Paul

23 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great clean and well presented room with a super comfy bed.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely described as warm and helpful, with quick assistance for minor issues. A few guests reported billing problems or an undisclosed restaurant service charge, and one cited understaffing and poor follow-up.

Related guest reviews

10

Cornelia

20 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was lovely and the shower, in particular, was exceptional: strong water pressure and quick hot water. The most impressive part of our visit was the staff. Every single employee we encountered was friendly and willing to help no matter how crazy our request was. Ruthie, You ROCK!

8

Denise

29 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable. Tried to overcharge on arrival was a little disappointing.

10

T

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was plenty of parking. Easy check in, the room was warm and comfortable, food was excellent at dinner and breakfast. The staff were friendly and attentive. Would definitely stay again.

2

emma

6 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

ARRIVED THE ROOM WAS FILTHY , NOT BEEN CLEANED FROM LAST CUSTOMER , PUT ME IN ANOTHER ROOM THERE WAS NO HOT WATER .SENT TO THE BAR BUT NO STAFF SO A QUEUE OF PEOPLE WAITING FOR DRINKS AND FOOD . ONLY 1 GIRL DOING EVERYTHING. I HAS TO THEN AT 7.30PM LEAVE AS NO ROOM FOR ME AND FIND ANOTHER HOTEL . ID BEEN ON THE ROAD SINCE 3.30AM WORKING IT WAS A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE ..... PROMISED A CALLBACK BUTH RUTH COULD NOT BE BOTHERED . DO NOT GO HERE ITS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD USING A HOTEL . I WILL NOW HAVE TO LEGALLY GET MY REFUND

10

Suzanne

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were amazing, food lovely and the room was perfect. Thank you

10

Carol

28 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyed our overnight stay. The twin room was spacious, beds and pillows so comfortable, and plenty of hot water for showers. The initial problem with the heating was sorted out very quickly. We had our evening meal here, and can highly recommend the food. What really stands out at The Carpenters Arms, is the staff. Many thanks to Richard, Holly and Paula and to everyone that helps make this such a great place. We would certainly be happy to stay again.

8

Jonna

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Kunne hoft have ønsket, at det blev oplyst, at der var et servicecharge på næsten 25 pund på regning i restaurant for 4 personer

Translate

10

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Would stay again as better than any place in the local area. Positives Clean tidy, good room and relaxed, lovely people who are very helpful. Breath of fresh air compared with other popular local hotels and comparible pricing. Free onsite car parking Great food with inclusive breakfast. Very minor niggles for very fussy people but not enough to drop from a full 5 stars: -Need to be very careful walking on the road to walk to the bus stop as no pavement so easier with a car. -Breakfast can be very busy on certain days so plan ahead and ask when quiet/busy times are. -instant coffee in room was not up to much.

8

Alan

18 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

good, professional and friendly staff. Clean room. Good atmosphere in pub.

2

Gulam

1 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It is a nice hotel, but I was charged for breakfast when I explicitly told them I did not have breakfast. They said they would look into it, but my credit card bill showed they charged me anyway. Not very nice!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Rural, quiet setting convenient for National Trust and other historic sites.

Related guest reviews

10

Loraine

24 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

A charming country pub with lovely comfy rooms and wonderful food. The staff are delightful and helpful. Lovely country walks

10

IAN

14 Nov 2023

·

A delightful location with fabulous staff, great food, good beer & a lovely room within easy access of our intended destination.

10

T

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was plenty of parking. Easy check in, the room was warm and comfortable, food was excellent at dinner and breakfast. The staff were friendly and attentive. Would definitely stay again.

10

Karen

28 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful environment. Hotel and staff are amazing

8

Anthony

9 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

A very enjoyable stay. Convenient location for visiting National Trust properties in the area. Quiet and restful. Ample parking. Excellent breakfast menu if service was a little slow one morning. Poor channel choice on TV.

10

Jerry

20 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great place and quiet during evening. Food was great!

10

Peter

20 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

A great place to stay with a lot of historic places near by.

10

Peter

20 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place to stay near a lot of historic sites.

10

J

17 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous find, great location, ample parking and fab food in house. Great breakfast.

10

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Would stay again as better than any place in the local area. Positives Clean tidy, good room and relaxed, lovely people who are very helpful. Breath of fresh air compared with other popular local hotels and comparible pricing. Free onsite car parking Great food with inclusive breakfast. Very minor niggles for very fussy people but not enough to drop from a full 5 stars: -Need to be very careful walking on the road to walk to the bus stop as no pavement so easier with a car. -Breakfast can be very busy on certain days so plan ahead and ask when quiet/busy times are. -instant coffee in room was not up to much.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Food is consistently praised at dinner and breakfast, with many calling it delicious or excellent. Minor downsides include occasional breakfast waits, a hard sourdough or bread preference, and a few complaints about added service charges.

Related guest reviews

10

T

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was plenty of parking. Easy check in, the room was warm and comfortable, food was excellent at dinner and breakfast. The staff were friendly and attentive. Would definitely stay again.

8

Anthony

9 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

A very enjoyable stay. Convenient location for visiting National Trust properties in the area. Quiet and restful. Ample parking. Excellent breakfast menu if service was a little slow one morning. Poor channel choice on TV.

10

IAN

10 Nov 2023

·

A delightfully up-graded pub with excellent food & beer together with lovely rooms.

10

Carol

28 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyed our overnight stay. The twin room was spacious, beds and pillows so comfortable, and plenty of hot water for showers. The initial problem with the heating was sorted out very quickly. We had our evening meal here, and can highly recommend the food. What really stands out at The Carpenters Arms, is the staff. Many thanks to Richard, Holly and Paula and to everyone that helps make this such a great place. We would certainly be happy to stay again.

10

Olivia

19 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely rooms and fab breakfast

10

Paul

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A fantastic stay at a fantastic place. The staff were superb, the restaurant was outstanding, the room was excellent. Quiet, comfy, warm, excellent wifi. Can't fault it.

8

Jonna

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Kunne hoft have ønsket, at det blev oplyst, at der var et servicecharge på næsten 25 pund på regning i restaurant for 4 personer

Translate

10

Rebecca

11 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

After a long day traveling this property offers a lovely cosy place to unwind. The staff are friendly, the food is delicious, and the rooms are very comfortable.

6

Gordon

15 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were in room 12 which is cramped and next to the exit door which made a bang everytime someone came or left even late at night. We had a booking issue that could be traced back to an ownership change. They seem to use sourdough for everything, so when toasted becomes rock hard. My wife needed a steak knife to cut into the muffin provided with her eggs benedict breakfast. I was sick during the night, not sure why.

10

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Would stay again as better than any place in the local area. Positives Clean tidy, good room and relaxed, lovely people who are very helpful. Breath of fresh air compared with other popular local hotels and comparible pricing. Free onsite car parking Great food with inclusive breakfast. Very minor niggles for very fussy people but not enough to drop from a full 5 stars: -Need to be very careful walking on the road to walk to the bus stop as no pavement so easier with a car. -Breakfast can be very busy on certain days so plan ahead and ask when quiet/busy times are. -instant coffee in room was not up to much.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6 $149	7 $169	8 $187	9 $163	10 $156	11 $193	12
13 $157	14 $171	15	16 $171	17 $156	18 $238	19
20 $157	21 $166	22 $169	23 $172	24 $161	25 $186	26 $233
27 $162	28 $165	29 $168	30 $215

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $162	2 $186	3 $202
4 $159	5 $168	6 $163	7 $163	8 $162	9 $189	10
11 $149	12 $165	13 $201	14 $201	15 $223	16	17
18 $159	19 $161	20 $177	21 $166	22 $162	23 $187	24 $219
25 $162	26 $169	27 $190	28 $160	29 $161	30 $186	31 $233

Select dates to see prices and availability

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Fabulous

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Carpenters Arms

Have a question?

Prices for upcoming dates