Fore St, Hertford SG14 1BZ

A Quiet Night’s Sleep at the Salisbury Arms Hotel: A Story of Preservation and Innovation

Nestled in the heart of Hertford, The Salisbury Arms Hotel has stood as a proud landmark for over 650 years. With its historic charm and distinguished guests, including figures like Oliver Cromwell and ‘Black Tom’ Fairfax, this hotel has witnessed centuries of stories unfold within its walls. However, like many historic buildings, its age brings both character and challenges.

One such challenge? The noise.

Despite its tranquil setting in the heart of Hertford, the hotel’s guests were often disturbed by the bustling sounds of the surrounding roads, particularly at night when quiet is most desired. The historical windows, while beautiful and full of character, did little to block the external noise, leaving visitors restless in their rooms.

The Need for a Solution

As a listed building, making any alterations to the hotel’s windows was not an option. The owners knew they had to find a way to combat the noise without sacrificing the hotel's historical integrity. That’s when they turned to us for help.

Our Approach: Blending the Old with the New

We were tasked with providing a solution that would allow the hotel to offer a peaceful, restful experience to its guests, while respecting its architectural legacy. To do this, we installed secondary glazing—a modern solution with minimal impact on the building’s traditional charm.

Working closely with the hotel owners, we designed a custom plan that involved a mix of vertical and horizontal sliding secondary glazing units. The units were carefully selected to fit seamlessly within the existing window frames, ensuring that the building’s historic aesthetic remained untouched. The glazing featured 6.4mm and 6.8mm laminate glass, with the thicker laminate glass chosen specifically for its superior acoustic performance.

The Transformation

The results were immediate and impressive. Guests who had once struggled to sleep through the noise of traffic and passersby now enjoyed a much quieter environment. The secondary glazing effectively blocked out the external sounds, creating a serene space that allowed visitors to fully unwind and relax.

What’s more, the solution didn’t alter the hotel’s historic windows in any significant way. The timeless beauty of the Salisbury Arms was preserved, and its unique character remained intact. It was a perfect example of how modern technology can blend effortlessly with heritage, providing a practical solution without compromising on the charm and history of a beloved building.

The Guest Experience: A Night to Remember

Since the installation, the feedback from the hotel’s guests has been nothing short of fantastic. Visitors are now able to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep without the interruption of noise from the outside world. The secondary glazing has not only enhanced the comfort of the hotel but also helped to maintain the heritage that makes the Salisbury Arms such a special place to stay.

It’s a shining example of how Granada Glazing products can seamlessly integrate into historic buildings, combining the best of old and new. We are proud to have been part of this project, and it was a pleasure to see our solution work so effectively for the Salisbury Arms Hotel.

A Quiet Legacy

As the Salisbury Arms continues to welcome guests from around the world, it stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful restoration. With its combination of rich history, stunning architecture, and modern amenities, it offers a truly unique experience for all who stay.

This project isn’t just about secondary glazing—it’s about preserving a piece of history while making it work for the future. And, of course, ensuring that every guest leaves with a well-rested smile.