sorry to jump in, especially as Kent is a tad to far for me.......but have a look on the cashback sites (I use top cash back and quidco). If you go for the simply account it doesn't cost anything at all to set up and you get cash back on various items. Both sites do cover hotels. Its what I did for the hallowistmas and will get £9.50 back (eventually).
Normally I'd be werry,werry,werry cross indeed with Andy but the poor ol' boy is extremely sore after his horrendous blow out in Europe so all is OK and mistakes are bound to happen. I've had a little search around the Interweb and I can confirm that most hotels in the area (for reasons that are a total mystery to me) appear to fully booked on the night of the 7th. Dec. EXCEPT: The Maidstone Travel Lodge......commonly referred to locally as the hat-box. Their rates aren't too bad, you can get a double en-suite room for £48. But you'd probably have to book in before going to dinner at the Moat. HTH
Get your name down on the Event Calendar, SilverLining and pay a fiver deposit over the phone to the Moat! (details on the Events Calendar) Be great to see you there!!