The Kicking Dickey

The hotel, operating as a welcoming country pub, offers a distinctive and memorable stay, particularly noted for its friendly atmosphere and convenient proximity to Stansted Airport. Its signature feature is the blend of a traditional pub experience with comfortable, often cottage-like rooms located in a separate building, providing a quiet retreat. This makes it an ideal choice for pre-flight travelers seeking a convenient stopover, couples looking for a cozy getaway, and dog owners due to its pet-friendly policy. Solo travelers and business travelers also find it suitable for short stays, appreciating the warm welcome and good food. Guests consistently highlight the attentive staff and the quality of the pub's offerings. To ensure the best experience, guests sensitive to bed firmness might consider inquiring about specific room types, and it's advisable to take advantage of the on-site dining for a satisfying meal.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's integrated pub environment, which provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The establishment features a pool table and offers access to two beer gardens, creating pleasant spaces for relaxation and socializing. While the rooms are described as simple, they are well-equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Each room includes a television and a generous tea and coffee tray, often supplemented with cold juice cartons, which is a thoughtful touch. Complimentary toiletries are also provided in the bathrooms. Although some reviews mention a games room, the primary focus of the amenities revolves around the pub's offerings and the basic comforts within the rooms. The availability of free Wi-Fi ensures guests can stay connected during their visit.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive remarks for its clean rooms and fresh bedding, with many guests finding their accommodations comfortable for short stays. However, feedback regarding bed comfort is notably mixed, with a significant number of guests reporting issues such as worn-out mattresses, protruding springs, or beds feeling like "concrete," leading to uncomfortable nights and backache. Some rooms have been described as damp and cold, and there are recurring comments about mouldy silicone in showers and a sewerage smell in bathrooms. Noise can also be a concern, with reports of thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms, and external disturbances from kitchen extractors, air conditioning units, or pub activities late into the night. Additionally, some rooms lack basic conveniences like hooks or hanging space for clothes.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's pub consistently garners high praise for its excellent food and generous portion sizes, making it a significant highlight of many guests' stays. Reviewers frequently describe the pub food as delicious, well-priced, and offering good value. The menu features traditional "proper pub grub" with a variety of dishes, and the quality is often noted as fresh and satisfying. Many guests choose to dine on-site and express strong recommendations for the food, often planning to return specifically for meals. The pub also offers a great selection of beers, contributing to a pleasant dining and social experience. While the food receives widespread acclaim, it is important to note that breakfast is not typically provided, which some guests mention, though it does not detract from the positive feedback on the main dining offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location is a major advantage, particularly for guests traveling through Stansted Airport. It is consistently described as being very near and convenient for early morning flights, typically within a 10 to 15-minute drive. While some guests mention the cost of a taxi to the airport, the hotel's accessibility makes it a popular choice for pre-flight accommodation. The property offers free car parking, which is a significant benefit, though some guests note that the car park can become full during busy pub hours, requiring temporary use of a residential side road. The hotel is also conveniently located near a bus stop, providing an alternative transport option to the airport. Its position also allows for easy access to local amenities, enhancing its appeal as a practical stopover.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their friendliness, warm welcome, and exceptional helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight the attentive and accommodating nature of the team, from the moment of arrival through check-out. Reviewers commend the staff for being easy to work with, efficient, and going out of their way to assist, such as waiting for late arrivals for supper or providing plates for takeout food when the kitchen was closed. The service is described as attentive and contributing significantly to a comfortable and safe feeling during the stay. Many guests feel a sense of being "part of the family" due to the genuine and welcoming interactions, making the overall experience highly enjoyable and memorable. The check-in process is often noted as smooth and quick, further enhancing the positive first impression. This dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme, with many guests expressing a desire to return specifically because of the excellent service received.

Additional Information
A notable and frequently praised aspect of the hotel is its dog-friendly policy, making it an excellent choice for guests traveling with pets. This welcoming approach extends to the pub area, allowing owners to enjoy the facilities with their companions. The hotel also hosts various pub events, such as Bingo night and Karaoke night, which contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere for guests who wish to participate and mingle with locals. While these events add to the social experience, some guests staying in rooms near the pub or its yard have noted potential noise until closing time, which might affect light sleepers. The standard check-out time is 10:00 AM, which is earlier than some other establishments, a detail guests should be aware of for planning purposes, especially if they have a later flight. The hotel has also been noted for successfully hosting private events like surprise birthday parties, demonstrating its versatility beyond standard accommodation.