Hydro Hotel

4.6/5 based on 2026 reviews
Latest Reviews
Booked a Travel Zoo deal and were pleasantly surprised. This is a very elegant, older style hotel with lots of lovely seating areas. Room was comfortable, breakfast was very good. Only one thing to note if you are on Travel Zoo deal is that the afternoon tea consists only of one scone with jam and cream and no sandwiches or cakes. Plenty for us but those expecting a proper afternoon tea might be a little disappointed.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Comfortable rooms, friendly staff and afternoon tea are the hallmarks of the Hydro. It's like stepping into a time warp (in a good way). Bedrooms are well appointed and tea/coffee and biscuts are refreshed every day. The extensive lobby area has loads of seating so it's great for meeting people or having the excellent afternoon tea. Meals are availabely in the conservatory or the more formal dining room but even when not busy you should book the dining room as they only seat a certain number of people per 15 minute slot to avoid back logs in the kitchen- food is excellent wherever you eat. The garden is very pleasant and I'm sure it's a lovely place to enjoy a drink on a spring evening.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a a charming and elegant hotel set in a great location away from the busy coast road but within easy walking distance from the promenade via steps from the main road and only about 15 mins walk from the pier and walking distance from beachy head . Very friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful dining room and wonderful sea views from the front facing rooms - what's not to like?!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have known the Hydro for 40 years and living in the Midlands, I like to return to Eastbourne for the occasional short visit. The hotel has a superb restaurant , comfortable bedrooms, relaxing lounge areas and friendly but not intrusive staff. A lovely traditional hotel.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently booked a short break at your Eastbourne hotel through Travel Zoo. Our room, though compact, was perfectly adequate until early evening when it became cold and neither the radiator nor the heated towel rail was working. We rang reception who rang back a few minutes later to say we were being upgraded to a room with a sea view and so we moved. What a lovely room! Ample space, a king-sized bed and a terrific view …. and warm.
This was the beginning of a very enjoyable short stay – the cream tea in the conservatory, dinner in the Crystal Restaurant and painless parking. All the staff were very helpful, friendly and efficient and contributed greatly to our enjoyment. Marvellous!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very traditional Hotel with immaculate service.
Comfortable room though slightly cramped.
Excellent breakfast: lovely conservatory overlooking the sea & gardens.
had evening meal in the conservatory: most enjoyable. Dinner was available in the dining room & looked as if the menu was well selected .
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were looking for somewhere to have a break close to my birthday. The Hydro came up as a voucher deal and what a cracking deal it was too! The receptionist at check was very helpful and despite being busy, she took the time to explain all that we needed to know. Cream Teas come in all shapes and values. Our stay included the Sussex Cream Tea.The scones were warm,fruity and substantial.
All of the staff that we met at the hotel were very pleasant and nothing was too much trouble for them.
We had a very nice double room that had a comfortable bed and all the things that a 4 star hotel should have.
Breakfast is full and hearty. All round, we had a very nice stay and would certainly recommend the Hydro and would stay again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having attended functions and stayed here a few times previously, we booked the Garden Room for a special birthday dinner and murder mystery event with family and friends. We were very impressed by the professionalism of the staff and had a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience.
The events team was incredibly helpful and the arrangements in advance were spot-on. The room was just right, exactly as we had hoped. The maitre d' and waiting staff were professional, efficient and unobtrusive, the food was praised by guests as excellent and the other facilities were wonderful.
We had a lot of very positive comments from guests about how much they enjoyed themselves. My wife, daughter and I were delighted that everything worked so well and had an absolutely wonderful evening ourselves.
Our thanks go to everyone involved, not just the visible people but the chefs and back-of-house support as well - all were superb.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first stay in January 2019 for the weekend - I am a single traveller and this hotel is so welcoming and friendly that you feel at home as soon as you arrive. All of the staff were kind, helpful and very efficient from Reception, to restaurant staff and housekeepers.- nothing was too much trouble.
My single room was tastefully and comfortable furnished - everything looked new and the ensuite bathroom was roomy and well-designed. I had breakfast and evening meals - the Crystal restaurant is beautifully designed and comfortable with plenty of spaces between the tables. The food and service could not be faulted - definitely deserving of 4 stars. There is a large conservatory for coffee and afternoon tea overlooking lovely gardens and wonderful views of the sea front and Beachy Head.
I would thoroughly recommend this hotel for a stay and can't wait to return.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had an overnight weekend break offer at this wonderful hotel and it really was exceptional value and so worthwhile, I would come back any time and will do so. We had a great room with a sea view ( Room 112). The room was spacious, very clean and a large king size double bed. All the staff were so friendly and helpful, lovely lounges and dining room, it was like a mini holiday. Don’t miss out, stay at the Hydro, highly recommended.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was looking for a nice hotel with a sea view and easy parking for a short business trip. This elegant lady is just that. Yes when you get there the 1930 style can be interpreted as a little old fashioned and my room was simple and functional but that isn't why this hotel is worth a visit. I heard another guest praising staff and food as I arrived. I can see why . What a wonderful, warm and welcoming team there is here. Nothing was too much trouble. Food was very good. Please do try the restaurant. Special words of praise to the restaurant staff . I need to come back again on business and will definitely return again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here on the 5th-6th for our friends 50th Birthday Party, on arrival the receptionist was most helpful,The breakfast was lovely ,plenty of selection available, everything was lovely will sure to stay again in the future many thank's to the excellent team who looked after us!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Afternoon tea in the conservatory was very nice with views across the lawn to the sea. The room was massive, well decorated, maintained and functional making the stay very comfortable. Staff were polite, helpful and efficient. Would not hesitate to stay here again
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We found the hotel both excellent in terms of both location, general ambience and the helpfulness of the staff, wherever the location within the hotel. We have already recommended it to friends and it is our wish at some future date to organize another visit when visiting Eastbourne. The cream tea was delicious and in a wonderful setting. We had out evening meal in the hotel and that was also very pleasant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a two nights stay to celebrate my birthday.

We had a deal which gave us cream tea on arrival and b&b for 2 nights for £59per night plus supplements of £20 each night for sea view.

It was definitely worth paying for the sea view as this was terrific.

The service in the Conservatory for the cream tea was very slow but the scones were delicious.

Breakfast was also very slow and I have to say the food was below standard. My husband had a fried egg which was rubbery and hard, I had scrambled eggs which resembled creamed rice. We both found the bacon too salty.

We decided against eating dinner in the hotel.

The hotel itself is very nicely decorated with a lovely croquet lawn overlooking the sea. They have a delightful little pagoda which would be great for wedding photos.

It was a bit of a hike to the town centre ( about a mile and a half but uphill on the way back.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed with friends onTravelzoo offer. Room was very clean and comfortable. Bed was a standard double which was a little small for us but very comfortable.. All the staff were friendly and efficient. We were of the opinion they enjoyed their jobs.. Breakfast was lovely and fresh. Would definitely stay again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a great two days experiencing the hotel's fine dining, hospitality and caring service. We were looked after superbly. The lounge areas are excellent and comfortable and the classic bedroom basic but fine.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I had booked an overnight stay and, on checking in at reception, were pleasantly surprised to be told we had been upgraded to a sea-view room. Our room was spotlessly clean and beautifully furnished and had both complimentary supplies of tea/ coffee and bathroom toiletries. We enjoyed a Sussex cream tea with warm scones in the lovely conservatory overlooking the sea and the most wonderful breakfast we have ever had, served up on hot plates which is something of a rarity these days. We cannot find fault with anything and we commend the hotel management on it's polite and attentive staff as well as it's personal attention to every detail of our stay.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had the most marvellous time here, over the Christmas period. The food was excellent. The best asset the hotel has are the staff, who are all friendly, make all guests very welcome, and spend time interacting with the guests. We would definitely go back.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely hotel, circa 1800s Rooms lovely, we had a sea view. Breakfast probably one of the best ever, we are both pensioners and have traveled the world but any breakfast with fried bread which is in no way greasy is good cooking. Bacon and sausage very good, so tasty. Staff brilliant, god willing certainly re-visit. Booked via Travelzoo, well done you for finding this gem.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a pleasant surprise,although building was built in the 1800’s it was in a good state of repair.We booked via Travelzoo which was an offer,will be looking again.Would definitely use the Hydro again.All staff were very pleasant and helpful.Bus stops were a walk away,and a bit hilly in the locality,so should you have any walking issues check the terrain via the net.
Car park was ok,although I guess High season you would need to park free on the roads outside.One critique,my sausage was pink,so was the replacement,changed without any fuss.However I eered on the side of safety and didn’t eat it.
All in all a nice one night break.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I spent two nights at the Hydro on 4/5 January. We were not familiar with the hotel and booked after a Travelzoo 'alert'. We were so pleased that we did. On arrival the receptionist was very welcoming. Our room was warm comfortable and well equipped. We loved sitting in the lounges and ordering tea and drinks etc. It was a pleasure to enjoy real service from smartly attired and friendly staff. We had a lovely meal in the Crystal restaurant and particularly valued the efficient and professional, 'old school' service. Wherever you were in the building staff always greeted you.
We will definitely be returning for a longer stay.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
good location, ideal for town centre and theatres, walks and sea front. well-run hotel. Excellent staff and food.
facilities were also at a high standard, this was our first visit and won't be our last
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As always pleasant experience however couple of small points service was slow waited far to long for drinks felt that the sandwich selection was poor bread a little dry overall experience was ok but not up to usual standard
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have stayed at this hotel many times before. This was booked by our daughter through Travelzoo for a present as she knew it was our favourite hotel in Eastbourne. There has been a lot of refurbishment since our last visit. It is such a lovely elegant hotel with excellent staff.
The lady on reception upgraded us to The South Downs Suite as it was vacant which was very luxurious. The decor was really good and everywhere was spotlessly clean, with beautiful sea views. It was very much appreciated to have been able to stay there. Also a very good deal with Travelzoo.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Displaying page 26 of 82
Latest Reviews
Social Interaction