Dear Georgians,

The decorations have been chosen, the Christmas puddings are wrapped in their bundles, and the chefs are busy perfecting their mince pies. We’ve even finished planning carols with the choristers. Yes, The George in Rye is gearing up for a wonderful festive time, and we want to let you know there is still some availability if you want to stay in one of the most beautiful towns in England over the festive season.

For 2011 we are offering a two-night delight where all is included. The break begins on Christmas Eve. After an arrival drink and mince pie, and having settled in your room, there are plenty of places to get comfy with a book, or have a soak in the tub and call down for a bathside cocktail.

If you’ve still got some last-minute presents to buy, hit some of Rye’s new shops. We love Lion Street Stores, a family-led design outfit which sells wonderful prints, cushions and stationary (just opened in October). The illustrator Rob Ryan has even done a special range for them. Violetta Boutique is the place for a bottle of Miller Harris perfume, or try Glass Etc for vintage glassware and Pale & Interesting for homewares.

Christmas Eve night begins with an atmospheric seafood dinner of locally caught Rye Bay fish, including a huge paella. The medieval St Mary’s church up the town’s winding hill will be hosting Midnight Mass and afterwards we will be ready with a nightcap so you can sleep soundly while Father Christmas does the rounds. Don’t forget to hang up the stockings!

On Christmas Day, after a leisurely morning of presents (including one from us), take your seat for traditional Christmas lunch in our fabulous Regency Ballroom. Work off your food with a stroll around Rye, or perhaps a boardgame by the fire if you’re feeling languous. A light three course supper will be served in the Grill restaurant, after which snuggle up with a DVD (our hayloft suites are perfect for chilling). On Boxing Day, check-out after a hearty breakfast and blow away the cobwebs with a stroll along Camber Sands.

If this sounds like your kind of Christmas, all this including the food is from £325 per person. You can check out the package here.

Fast forward a week to New Year’s Eve, and The George transforms itself into a den of Rockabilly for our celebrations to see in 2012. Head to Rye on the 31st December for a one-night stay, where you can enjoy all the comforts in the hotel for a restful afternoon. Then get dressed up in drainpipe trousers or a 50s style dress (or black-tie if preferred) and step into the Ballroom for a cocktail reception and southern-inspired dinner, after which the fabulous Rock n’ Roll Society will get everyone dancing. We’re really excited about the band (pictured). Their motto? “Killers, not fillers”, which has made them one of the best Rock & Roll acts in Britain. On New Year’s Day, have a recharging breakfast and extend your stay into Bank Holiday Monday if you fancy. The New Year break starts at £175 per person all-inclusive, and you can see the menu here.

With Best Wishes,
Alex and Katie Clarke