Hydro Hotel

4.6/5 based on 2026 reviews
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Very warm welcome, excellent service, for a group of 44 seniors. All the participants were pleased by the kindness of the staff.
Meals were excellent, also breakfast. Little minus point: 8 people on a round table is too much: not enough space
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We recently celebrated our Diamond Wedding with a traditional Afternoon Tea for 108 guests made up of family and friends which was a huge success. From the first discussions with the Hotel everything was handled in a professional helpful and friendly manner. On the day of the party everything was superb. The room was beautiful with the tables set out with crisp white linen and sparkling glasses. The food served on traditional cake stands was delicious. All the staff were so helpful and friendly nothing was too much trouble for them. Nothing could be faulted and the feedback we have received from our guests confirms this. The guests who stayed in the Hotel for the weekend said the rooms were extremely comfortable, the breakfast was great and the overall relaxing atmosphere of the Hotel was very welcoming MIKE AND WENDY
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This lovely hotel is only a short walk from the end of the Southdown's way. Excellent food and surroundings with wonderful sea views and in sight of Beachy Head.

The gardens are beautiful and the substantial heated pool is in a sheltered sun trap.

The extensive lounge areas and conservatory are great for relaxing and reading.

All the staff I encountered we very helpful and pleasant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Following our wedding in Darley Road my Husband and I spent our first two nights as a married couple at this beautiful hotel. The previous year we had won an overnight stay at a wedding fair and loved it so much we we had to come back. Our room had a sea view which was stunning and the room was exceptionally clean and comfortable. We ordered breakfast both days and ate in the Crystal Restaurant. The breakfast was delicious and arrived at the time we chose at perfect temperature. Our meal in the restaurant was lovely, my Husband had steak and was delighted by how perfectly cooked it was. I was particularly impressed and grateful that they listened to my dietary needs and gave me exactly what I had asked for. All the staff were pleasant and welcoming and we will definitely look forward to returning in the future. Many thanks. Dan and Kerry Woolridge
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The bedroom was very clean and neat just the way we like them to be the bathroom although small was very clean and functional.

The hotel has a cosy retro feel about it with the livered staff being attentive and considerate.

The food in both the bar and restaurant was nourishing and served by friendly waiting staff. Breakfast is a must with plenty of choice between continental healthy fruit and delicious cooked english options sets you up for the day.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Had a fantastic stay at the hotel on the busiest weekend of the year (Eastbourne Airshow). No fuss checking in & out. Everything was great but special mentions to the staff who were so helpful and polite and the food. All 9 adults in our party raved about the place and no doubt we will be going again soon. Try it you won't be disappointed.
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We can't wait to go back for another visit. From start to finish the service, cleanliness and friendly staff were first class, we were made to feel special and spoilt. The hotel has a beautiful location, lovely well kept gardens and super conservatory overlooking the sea and gardens.
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We stayed in a side sea view room on the 3rd floor. The room was compact but lovely with a view over to the downs. The bed was comfortable and everything was spotless. The placing of a small table and chairs in the window was a nice touch.

The food was good although sometimes the service was a little chaotic as many of the staff appeared to be quite new.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I had the pleasure of attending a friend's wedding at the Hydro Hotel today. The ceremony took place on the Coastal Terrace, overlooking the sea followed by a reception in the Garden Suite. The whole thing was overseen and run by an excellent master of ceremonies. The Garden Suite was light and spacious with access out onto a private terrace. The food was excellent, often a difficult task when catering for such a large number of people in a short window of time. The tables were served promptly and everyone on the table received their food at the same time. During the evening a buffet set out which again was excellent, both in quality and variety. The staff wher attentive thoughout and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. All in all an excellent wedding reception.
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Just stayed at the hydro for 5 nights what a lovely surprise .It was slightly old fashioned but in a lovely way service was incredible the staff friendly and efficient. The food was very good both in the restaurant and the conservatory. There were no coach parties as one reviewer tried to suggest in fact there were quite a few families with children and guests of all ages and nationalities. The gardens were stunning and the hotel was constantly full with people who live in the area having afternoon tea and holding birthday parties etc in areas of the hotel it certainly is popular to people who live locally.
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Yes, the beds are ab-fab! like sleeping in a feather nest! The room is well appointed, ultra clean with luxurious toiletries from Aromatherapy. the location is perfect just a bit away from downtown and the noisy crowds, overlooking the Channel, 5mn away from the beach; the heated outdoor pool was delightful. I enjoyed the slightly outmoded atmosphere of this historic Victorian hotel. Staff is super-friendly.
Don't miss the walk on the cliffs: breathtaking views.
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Wow. This was amusing - it was clearly a place where people come for coach holidays and sit in all day looking at the sea. They may well possibly die in the hotel rooms in fact such was the type of guest! It was very old fashioned so suited the purpose of an OAP guest. The breakfast was absolutely superb - really great. The bar was distinctly below average - only one ale available and relatively expensive poor-quality wine. The receptionist was lovely and very welcoming. I have no real complaints - just perhaps the lack of choice for the beer and wine so bad I struggled to finish.
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We booked through the hotel website, all was more than satisfactory
It was a repeat visit and were extremely happy with our seaview room.
The staff at the Hydro are really helpful and we wanted for nothing!
We will be back. Thanks to all the staff.
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Really liked the old-fashioned seaside hotel atmosphere. Staff were all very friendly and efficient. Extra good point in the room was having plentiful hangers that didn't have to be fiddled into silly fixings - one of my bugbears, and there was loads of storage space. The room was very good, and useful to have a fan as it was hot some of the time. The bathroom was very small, but adequate, and good toiletries provided. Lovely to have a sea view.
The breakfast food and service were really excellent. The garden area and outside seating were very pleasant. Unfortunately it wasn't sunny enough while we were there to try the pool, although it looked good. We ate in the Conservatory one evening and the food was fine but the menu was a bit dull, especially for vegetarians (although they were catered for).
My only problem was that it was a very long walk (uphill on the way back) to the pier and town centre. We selected the hotel partly because of the availability of car parking. We did always manage to squeeze in but it's true that there is free street parking very near. Also you can park free on the streets on and near the seafront in the evenings, which is useful if you want to eat in a restaurant without having the long walk.
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This is a charming, period hotel in Eastbourne. It is to the west of the Pier in a quiet location just off the promenade and near to the Grand Hotel. The vestibule reminds one of times past as does the sitting area. There is always a wonderful aroma emanating from the restaurant, which is wonderful. The rooms are clean, tidy, very comfortable and warm. Most rooms have a partial or full sea view. The hotel is a real gem. All the staff are friendly, helpful and welcoming. Breakfast is superb and all restaurant staff provide a professional service. The hotel is located near to all Eastbourne's amenities but far enough away so that there is no noise. The hotel would suit couples who wish peace and relaxation.
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We go as a family every year. Staff are lovely and unchanging which reflects well on the management. Delicious lunch and afternoon tea menu though the evening restaurant meals are bland. I suspect this is to cater for largely elderly guests, so you may want to try local restaurants.
Rooms are very pleasant and clean, gardens charming and there is a warmed outside pool and normally enough parking. If you want to stay in an English seaside hotel you can't go far wrong.
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This lovely old hotel has restored my faith in English seaside hotels! It has parking, it has sea views, a very pretty garden and a fabulous heated pool.
It is a big hotel, and busy, but there are plenty of staff and they are happy to help guests in any way.
I particularly liked all the large comfy public areas. It is quite old fashioned, but in a nice way, and everywhere looks clean and well maintained. The bedroom was well served, with plenty of tea and coffee, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board. There is fast WiFi and a tv. The bathroom, though small, was clean and recently refurbished with excellent toiletries.
This is gracious old establishment, long may it prosper!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This is quite a classic style hotel set in a position above the beach. The lovely gardens give great views out to see and along to Beachy Head.

Dinner must be booked ahead of time as there aren't many tables available in the dining room. However, food is available in the dining area of the bar (conservatory).
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Good location with plenty of parking. Excellent food. Very pleasant and helpful staff. Beauty therapist excellent too. Attractive gardens. Not far to walk to Beachy Head or pier in other direction. Rooms clean and comfortable.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We held our Golden Wedding Celebrations for 60 family and friends in August. We were looked after beautifully, the meal was superb, the staff attentive and Johnny and Steve did everything to ensure we had a wonderful day. A lot of family and friends stayed either one or two nights, and again nothing was too much trouble. Our grandchildren had a great time in the pool and playing croquet. Many thanks to Angie and all the staff for ensuring a truly memorable stay.l
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We enjoyed a great time here over the air show weekend. It is handily places for the beach and shops.
Room and bed were small but clean and comfortable. Perfect for a short stay. Breakfast was tasty with hot food freshly cooked to order. We had evening meal both nights which was delicious. Good choice of food on the menu. Interior decor was pleasing with lots of comfy seating areas to relax and enjoy the ambiance.
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On this occasion we had booked in for lunch.
We have stayed here on numerous celebrations but this was a lunch with friends and no better place to go.
Staff are brilliant, very obliging and lunch in the Crystal room was great we all had the 3 course option which had very good choices and cooked to perfection, rounded off with coffee's in the lounge a great way to spend an afternoon.
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This is a landmark old hotel overlooking the Eastbourne coastline. Loads of 1930s/art deco features scattered everywhere around the building and sympathetically restored - large ornate entrance and reception. Common areas are tastefully and traditionally decorated and clearly well maintained. Reception and check in was smooth. Lovely old lift with mechanism/cage visible from the surrounding staircase.

Room was compact with comfy bed (if a bit soft), and seemed recently refurbished. View was as expected and booked - side seaview. Room on the smallish side but quite fine. Bathroom was all ok. The shower however was not very powerful at all - a big negative point for me. Room was quiet and provided a good night's sleep.

Had dinner on the first night in the bar area - very good sirloin steak. They had a voucher in the room for a free drink with steak meals.

Breakfast was adequate; the usual items available. Quite nice to have hot items cooked to order and quite quick to arrive once ordered. Dinner on the second night was in the main restaurant - a grand and large room with ornate chandeliers and very high ceilings. What struck me was the friendliness and efficiency of all of the staff at dinner and also at breakfast; it was clear that they were well-versed in being good at what they were doing; plates were quickly cleared; they checked in from time to time, correctly recorded orders and food arrived in good time. Food in the restaurant of a very high standard indeed - lamb rump was divine! See attached pics; starters also sumptuous. Cauliflower panacotta - wow!

The hotel has immaculately kept gardens/grounds. It really was superb!

There is a large green area in the front overlooking the seafront. There is also a pool which we did not use as the weather was not up to it. The hotel is about 10-12min brisk walk to the Pier along the Promenade. And to Eastbourne town centre. There is a free car park which was very convenient. If full, I understand that parking on the roads is free after hours, though not sure. All in all, it was a great stay in an historic and overall well-maintained hotel.

Would be 5 stars if shower was better. Clientele was good mix of young families, and of course the traditional Eastbourne older set, and everything in between.
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I would strongly recommend the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne. We recently held a family celebration at this location and the service and organisation was excellent. We were particularly impressed with the attentive staff which meant that the event ran very smoothly. The food was delicious and the venue was very pleasant indeed. Thank you!
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Lovely hotel staff very attentive and polite and always someone around to assist you breakfast extremely good with waiter service never had to wait for anything room cleaned daily and fridge in room didn't have afternoon tea but seemed very popular outside heated swimming pool which was very pleasant
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