The Marlborough Hotel
An article from 'Southwold & Neighbourhood' published in 1903, two years after the hotel's inauguration

Southwold, erstwhile a mere village of pictureque cottages jumbled together in delightful and artistic seclusion, has now completely cast aside its mantle of simplicity and blossomed forth into a "rising watering place". Nay; the town has already risen, and has become popular almost beyond belief. And those whose business it has been, and is, to cater for the wants of ever-increasing numbers of visitors - what of them? Let such as come to this delightful Suffolk resort look around and see for themselves. They will assuredly find every preparation for their comfort and enjoyment. Take, for instace, the Marlborough Hotel of which Mr C F Bennewitz is the proprietor - Mr Bennewitz, the popular and courteous manager of "The Queen's" at Eastbourne. Arranged for the accommodation of about sixty guests, the Marlborough is furnished and appointed in a manner which approaches as nearly as possible to the style and convenience of a private mansion.. The furnishing throughout is by Maple and no expense has been spared to make every apartment a complete example of what the highest modern skill can effect to produce a perfect combination of refinement and comfort. Electric light is installed throughout the establishment, the entire building being warmed by an elaborate system of radiators, which render it especially suitable as a pleasant winter residence.

The position of the "Marlborough" is, without doubt, one of the finest on the sea front, commanding a magnificent and uninterrupted view of the German Ocean, and being within easy distance of the Golf Links. It contains more than fifty bed and sitting rooms, a spacious hall, magnificently upholstered lounge, coffee, smoking and billiard rooms, with bathrooms on every floor. The bedroom appointments are worthy of especial remark from the fact that such costly furniture as Chippendale and Sheraton serve to render them particularly pleasant to visitors of aesthetic tastes.

The sanitary arrangements have been perfected on the latest scientific principles, and all matters connected with proper ventilation and a uniform system of temperature have received the most careful consideration. Even the minor detail as the proper care of visitors' bicycles and dogs are most carefully studied, and in short, every effort is made to impart the comfort and conveniences of home life into this pleasant hotel.

It is almost superfluous to bring to the notice of those who were acquainted with Mr Bennewitz's management at the Queen's Hotel., Eastbourne, that the cuisine at the Marlborough is of a character to sustain the former reputation of the proprietor. All wines, spirits and cigars have been chosen from the best brands available in the market and the service and attendance is of the best possible description.

The tariff at the "Marlborough" is kept within strictly reasonable bounds and in no way exceeds the most moderate charges which can fairly be made at a Hotel of this character. From October until July a "special winter" scale of terms comes into force, ranging from a exceptionally low basis according to the accommodation needed. At the height of the season the tariff is necessarily somewhat increased in view of the keen demand experienced from visitors who appreciate the many comforts obtainable at this Hotel under the present thoughtful and courteous system of management. We may mention, in conclusion, that at the recent election, Mr Bennewitz was chosen as a member of the Southwold Town Council.