A relatively unknown hotel chain has been crowned the nation’s finest.

Earlier this month, Coaching Inn Group topped the rankings after being assessed by 4,631 customers across the UK. With 36 properties nationwide, I travelled by train to Sheringham before cycling through the stunning North Norfolk countryside to reach the Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn in Blakeney to discover what makes it special.

On my first evening, the power failed, with staff swiftly attempting repairs. Moments later – complete darkness. The lights flickered repeatedly until staff admitted defeat and brought out candles. The atmosphere actually became more intimate, particularly with fierce winds battering the windows throughout the evening.

Such unforeseen incidents can occur, especially at a countryside hotel tucked away in rural Norfolk. In 2013, the Manor experienced a considerably more devastating setback. On 5 December, thousands throughout Norfolk and Suffolk were evacuated as a massive storm surge caused rivers to overflow, with properties collapsing into the floodwater. Damage costs were estimated at £1bn.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

“It happened so quickly,” Sophie, one of several Hill family members employed at the Manor, explained, demonstrating the floodwater’s height as it swept through the bar. “We weren’t fully open again until the following summer.”

The hotel, having recovered from a flood, has flourished ever since. Today, it spans a vast area adorned with a babbling fountain and enticing stone arches that lead you through a labyrinth of walled gardens and ancient mulberry trees. In total, the Manor boasts 36 rooms, with the most affordable available for just £99 next week. It offers classic budget hotel amenities, but at the higher end of the quality scale.

A cosy double bed, a decent-sized TV, and a tastefully decorated bathroom. Everything is sturdy and spotless. The priciest room – The Mulberry Suite – is as spacious as a small flat, complete with a living room, kitchenette, two bathrooms, a twin room and a master bedroom.

As delightful as the rooms are, they’re not the primary reasons to visit the Manor or why it clinched the Which? award. Those accolades go to the location and the delightful staff.

The location

Blakeney is a charming spot. Just a stone’s throw from the hotel’s entrance is the River Glaven, which meanders through the National Nature Reserve. If you choose to follow it to the North Sea, be sure to borrow a pair of wellies from the front desk, or risk ending up with waterlogged shoes and mud-splattered trousers like I did.

Blakeney Point is famous for its seal colonies, with Beans Boat providing guided tours all year round. The pupping season is currently in full swing, making it an ideal time to visit. For a slightly different day out, Langham Dome near the RAF base offers a unique experience. During WWII, this dome was used to train soldiers on how to shoot down enemy aircraft using projected moving images.

Today, veterans are available to explain the process. Throughout my stay, the peaceful village life was occasionally interrupted by the sound of training jet fighters flying over the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Personally, I found this added to the charm.

In the 19th century, the coastal village was much closer to the sea than it is now. Over the past century, the estuary has silted up, coinciding with the decline of the local fishing industry. This has prevented all but the smallest boats from reaching the quay. What was once a bustling fishing village has transformed into a tourist hotspot. In the summer, Blakeney’s two pubs and three hotels are brimming with visitors.

The staff

For me, the real charm of the Manor lies in its staff, many of whom have been there for over a decade. The Hill family, including Tore, Karen, Sophie and Wayne, are all part of the team. They were always available during my stay to ensure everything was perfect and to share local knowledge. This warmth, recognised by the regulars who knew the staff by name, is a significant advantage. It turns the hotel from a mere overnight stop into a cosy place you want to return to.

The verdict

The average room rate at the Manor is £128. While it’s not exactly a bargain, in the Which? survey, the hotel was one of only two to receive four out of five stars for value for money.

The other was Wetherspoons. I recently stayed at the Spoons Hotel in Canterbury, where rooms start at just £55, with an average price of £70. What Spoons offers that the Manor doesn’t is a lively atmosphere. The ground floor was buzzing with patrons of all ages.

Everything about the room was satisfactory, especially considering the price. However, the Manor distinguishes itself from its rivals by offering a premium experience at a somewhat affordable price. From the tastefully adorned interiors to the spacious, inviting rooms; the natural setting to the delightful staff; every aspect of the hotel is executed superbly.

It certainly lives up to the hype.