Hydro Hotel

4.6/5 based on 2026 reviews
Latest Reviews
Spent 2 nights here on special Travelzoo rate - EXCEPTIONAL.
Despite the cold and rainy weather - we will return!
The hotel is a grand old place, they do well to keep it as smart as they do, as there are many small areas, nooks and crannies, but all are clean and tidy. Rooms very comfortable with some small touches that make it stand out, good hairdryer, good toiletries, incuding hair conditioner and body lotion. There was a small fridge and tea making facilities in our room, to have a designated place to make drinks was a very pleasant change from having to route around and unplug a light to boil the kettle- well done.Rooms fresh, warm and well maintained. The staff were great, right from the check in, through to housekeeping, meeting the odd job man, waiting staff, always a greeting, and very helpful, couldnt fault any that we interacted with. Only had the afternoon tea and breakfast, that was part of our package - brilliant, it all felt comfortable, and had a touch of old world charm which is what you expect from a lovely old hotel. Customers mainly of the older generation, If you want sleek lines, fancy showers, maybe not for you, maybe a 20 min walk into the centre of Eastbourne, out of season plenty of parking, and they seem to be doing a lot of improvements to the town. We will definately come back to the Hydro in better weather, to enjoy the gardens, pool and views.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My girlfriend booked here for a cream tea to treat her mum . . . we all absolutely loved it. The food was all so fresh and plentiful that we couldn't eat it all and (embarrassingly) asked for takeaway containers - no problem for the fantastic helpful attentive staff.
If the rest of the hotel is run like the tea room (with it's beautiful ocean views), it must be a great success.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed for one night, the staff were friendly and helpful. We only had breakfast there but it was very nice and filling. Would definitely recommend this hotel. We got a deal through travelzoo and was excellent value for money.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Lovely hotel very friendly helpful staff, nice bar excellent restaurant. Dinner and breakfast was first class. Nice clean well equipped rooms would highly recommend , good position overlooking the sea , outdoor pool for the brave .
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decided to break our journey over from France in Eastbourne and chose the Hydro Hotel. It has a long heritage and it was refreshing to find that high standards are maintained throughout. From the welcome in Reception when we arrived late in the evening, through the excellent service at breakfast to the friendly and efficient checkout our stay was a real pleasure. The location is perfect and the quality of the rooms and public areas was first class. Such well trained staff are hard to find. Keep it up !
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Stayed here for one night in October.
On arrival I wasn't certain where to park as the small car park at the side of the hotel was full. Ended up parking on the road outside the main door for the night. The lady at reception was very friendly and efficient and even said we had been upgraded. A very pleasant surprise indeed.
We had room 220 with a viewbout over the hotels lawns and also a very nice sea view.
The room was spotless and comfortable But....it was very, very hot. Not sure why as the heating was off. Even with all the windows open it was stifling and made it very difficult to sleep later in the night. I didn't complain however as we were upgraded so just grinned and put up with it. The hotel itself is very grand in a period sort of way. It was built in the late 1800s and reflects the design of the times. It is a tad worn and tired looking in some places but hey, it is over a hundred years old!
It was very quiet when we stayed with most guest probably in the retired age bracket. The hotel bar and staff were both good even if the price of the drinks was at the upper end of my wallets idea of a good night out. The dining facilities were pleasant. We ate in the conservatory which was nice but a bit chilly. There is also the crystal restaurant but we didn't try that one. The food was good and very tasty once the chef had remembered to put chicken in the chicken Caesar salad. He forgot the first time and sent out a plate of lettuce and croutons.!!
It was tasty though!
Breakfast the next morning was very good and there was plenty of choices.
Altogether I think I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a quiet stopover with a bit of old fashioned luxury.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Invited by friends to join them in thei annual association dinner. Easy to find venue, we were staying elsewhere, first impression very well furnished hotel. Looked really good. Lovely dinner, all served very well, attentive staff, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ladies cloakroom very clean with nice quality hand wash and paper towels. BUT what is it about hotel coffee, have been to 6 hotels this year and have yet to find a decent cup, I despair. The coffee in the tea room on the pier was great.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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A short break to mark my husband being halfway through his chemo treatment plus my finishing chemo/radiotherapy, so we decided to treat ourselves to a suite! It was well worth it having the separate lounge area, which had great views out over the garden and sea, and allowed us to really relax. To be really picky, it would have been nice if the bed had been a bit bigger (perhaps twins together) and to have had bath robes.
We were very impressed with the restaurant which had several great vegetarian choices each day, with no sign of a risotto or pasta with a few veggies - something a lot of top hotels and restaurants could well take note of! Good choice at breakfast, with hot items cooked to order.
Lovely garden with great.views again and plenty of seating, plus croquet on the lawn. Nice conservatory for coffee, lunch and afternoon tea although we didn’t get time to use this.
Easy access to the promenade walks and into the town and pier in one direction and up to Beachy Head in the other.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We had a wonderful short break at the Hydro Hotel. The staff were exceptionally friendly, the room was newly refurbished and extremely clean. Beautiful views of the sea and excellent location to the sea front and South Downs. Walking into the Hydro Hotel is like walking back in time, the beautiful character of the building has been kept.
Highly recommended.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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What a poor reputation many hotels have for uninspiring food and service. The Hydro is the exception and a full restaurant for a Sunday lunch at the end of October, where many guests were celebrating, proves it. Attentive professional but friendly service, great menu choice, great price and great food says it all. Long may it continue.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed at the hotel for my birthday treat. The staff were wonderful - very attentive. They couldn’t do enough for us.
We ate in the restaurant. The food was gorgeous.
The room was lovely and we had a great nights sleep.
The breakfast the next morning was really good especially the coffee.
I would thoroughly recommend a stay in this hotel.
Thank you
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We visited this hotel for a very sad occasion, the celebration service for a dear friend.On arrival the reception area and lounge were quite busy but quiet and very nicely decorated the advance guard of 30 people who were family and close friends were shown to a very comfortable sitting area in the garden suite where plentiful coffee/tea and biscuits were available. The staff members were all very respectful of the occasion and quietly efficient. Half an hour later the main bulk of the party arrived and we were about 90 people. This room was ideal for the purpose with great views out to sea and the sun shining in through large windows. A buffet meal was available and I have not had better, the sandwiches were actually filled with a wonderful selection of ingredients and were fresh. The vol Au vents and pastries were of a very high standard and plentiful. We will be back to try the restaurant and enjoy the wonderful situation of the hotel.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I have stayed at the Hydro Hotel four times in the last three years. It is in a wonderful position overlooking the sea and Beachy Head to the side.. It has a beautiful garden and is very quiet at night away from the centre of town. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. The food is good and the rooms comfortable and very clean.There is good parking on site. A wonderful place to stay.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I stayed at this Hotel on Sat 13th Oct 2018. The Receptionist who checked me in was extremely welcoming and friendly who provided me with all the Hotel information.

All of the Staff were friendly, polite and helpful.

The Hotel is a beautiful place inside and well kept gardens.

I will have no hestitation to stay there or recommend this Hotel to anyone else

Thank you for a lovely stay

Katie
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We took family for Afternnon Tea to the Hydro Hoyel. It was excellent and delicious as a treat for my Sister in Law. The scones were obviously homemade and the cakes were wonderful. There was so much we could eat it all.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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From the minute you step in the door the beauty of the hotel takes your breath away. The staff can’t help you enough offering help with your luggage even offering to de ice the car if needed for the following morning. We stayed in the South Downs suite it was immaculate with the most amazing views. The heated pool was fantastic along with the stunning garden. If your thinking of coming to Eastbourne this hotel is the one to consider your see the best views and most amazing atmosphere. I would recommend this hotel to everyone it really is special.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I held a retirement drinks reception for 70 people and the venue and service were both superb. It was very well organised and excellent value . The Events organiser , Angie, was very personable and helpful. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The hotel met our aim of having a break by the seaside, away from traffic, with relaxing terrace and grounds and a standard of service well above average for provision and courtesy. Our room was of a good size although a bit more shelving in the bathroom would have helped.
We liked all the meals we had there which included the crystal and conservatory dining areas. We suspect the speed limits on relatively large main roads fill the police coffers.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time stay at the Hydro in Eastbourne, Enjoyed the experience, friendly and attentive staff, good breakfast, and very nice gardens and location. Would recommend if wanting a quiet well run hotel, with beach and walks near by.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed here for 3 nights and had a wonderful time. We required a firmer mattress which was dealt with by a room change and bed boards. The manager could not have been more accommodating ensuring this was done in a timely manner providing the excellent service which became the benchmark for the next 3 days. The hotel is beautiful. Period features and appropriately furnished to match. Breakfast is of good quality and plentiful. Coffee is excellent and hot milk is provided with it (brilliant idea) . I had the smoked haddock and poached eggs twice which was lovely. We ate in the conservatory and in the restaurant . Both provided varied menus and the food was excellent. (The Blade of beef in the restaurant was superb) This hotel is all about providing an excellent experience through its service. The staff are attentive without being intrusive and there are plenty of them smiling and offering assistance. It would appear that the example here is set by the manager who can be seen around the hotel offering the same excellent service as his staff. We really enjoyed our stay and would thoroughly recommend it to all regardless of age . Hoping to stay again soon.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This victorian hotel has high ceilings, and very large dining rooms. 😁😁

Service, including porters, is first class. There is ample parking.

I stayed on the 3rd floor, which benefited from peace & quiet and sea views.

I had an average breakfast, with excellent coffee.

Everywhere looked well maintained.

If I'd had an evening meal, I may have given it a 4*.

I wouldn't hesitate in going here again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had the pleasure to stay for 3 days and the hotel vibes was something else! The staff was real kind and hosting, I liked the the originality and how close it was to the beach and the views. I highly recommend it !

Kindest regards, Manal ♡
tripadvisor.co.uk
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went for evening meal to celebrate my birthday and received a friendly greeting.
the service and food were first class and the staff very pleasant
we were able to park very close to the main entrance giving a level walk to the hotel
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Hydro Hotel is dear to my heart. It fulfils everything that I as a sprightly 70 something require from a short break. Impeccable service from friendly staff, excellent food gracious surroundings and an ideal location. There is plenty to see and do in Eastbourne whether you want to drive, walk or use public transport. You can catch a bus along the coast in either direction and it’s only a short train ride to the historical sites of Lewes. Eastbourne is a town that really looks after itself, litter free and very attractive. Speaking personally, one of the extra things that I love about the Hydro Is the way the staff listen when you have a request and do their upmost to fulfil it. This is old-fashioned service in the best possible way
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Highly recommend this hotel. Fantastic food and great service. They literally couldn't do enough for us finding us a table for 10 in the orangery even though they were fully booked which was great as my relatives were over from America and we wanted them to have a true British experience. Such a beautiful view of the sea.
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