Hydro Hotel

4.6/5 based on 2026 reviews
Latest Reviews
Just spent an amazing weekend at the Hydro for our daughters Wedding ceremony. Excellent facilities, courteous and friendly staff organized well, made the day stress free. Bedrooms, Restaurant and function room excellent. Highly recommended.

David J
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Stayed at this hotel on Saturday night .
Really helpful,friendly staff. The hotel was spotlessly clean and gardens absolutely stunning as are the views .
Breakfast was excellent with great choice all cooked to order and with waitress service.
Nothing was too much , the night doorman even opened the bar for us when we arrived back at 1am after a night out .
All in all a lovely stay , only 1 very minor negative was that the furniture in bedrooms was a bit dated , having said that the bed was very comfortable .
Would definitely recommend
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was a pleasure to stay again at this iconic hotel and experience the charm of yesteryear but in an up to date and modernised environment. The refurbishment has been tastefully carried out and new features added Rd that add to the enjoyment of a wider range of clients.
The rooms are spotlessly clean and well appointed and serviced by staff who share a passion for customer satisfaction.
The new Terrace restaurant provides a more relaxed dining experience than the traditional and excellent Crystal restaurant.
I particularly recommend experiencing the Afternoon Tea which is well prepared and served in the pleasant and airy terrace .
An excellent and satisfying breakfast is served in the Crystal restaurant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is indeed an old-fashioned traditional style of hotel which obviously appeals to some. The gardens were pleasant with a croquet lawn but apart from the small table and chairs area which had parasols but was fully occupied, there were no benches in the shade and no parasols round the pool either, so far too hot for me to be outside. The inside lounges were cool and comfortable and the staff were pleasant. The twin bedroom 201 was small but comfortable and quiet even with the windows open. My main reason for marking down is the breakfast which I found disappointing. The buffet was very ordinary and unimaginative and the full english bacon and eggs was clearly pre-cooked as it arrived so quickly and the egg yolk was solid.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I like staying in different places rather than chains when I travel. This give more variety to life and makes travelling for work more enjoyable.

Having stayed in Travel Lodges recently, through practicality rather choice, than I thought I would review some of the other places I have strayed recently as a comparison.

The Hydro is a remarkable survivor from a time gone by. The decor pleasantly in keeping with the exterior and being well maintained.

Reception was staffed by decent individuals who knew the town and gave me advice about parking for my work the following day.

The food I was given at dinner and at breakfast was very pleasant and the service attentive without being troublesome.

It was excellent value.

All in all I would recommend this hotel and listening to other guest many patrons return on a regular basis.

There is only one thing I would say. I am an old fashioned chap of 46 years. I felt young. I would imagine that if you are after a place with a disco and mixology then you may be disappointed.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Went to the hydro hotel for the 1st time.couldnt fault it excellent service friendly staff and wonderful service and the food was excellent.
We will be going back again and would recommend it to any one going to Eastbourne.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Hydro Hotel is perfectly placed for accessing the Tennis tournament with a stroll down the hill in the morning and a walk back to stretch ones legs after a long day of tennis watching. Sitting in the conservatory bar eating our evening meal looking over the sea past the newly landscaped garden is quite idyllic. The staff are all very friendly and nice to see so many familiar faces in the Bar and restaurant from our stay last year. The rooms are clean and fully equipped with everything one wants. There is a large selection of food for breakfast which is served by a very friendly and attentive crew. We have booked tennis again next year and have also arranged our booking at the Hydro Hotel.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Beautifully situated on the West Cliff this is a lovely hotel. Still an easy walk from the pier and town. First visited 25 years ago and it's still as I remembered it.
Stayed four nights with a large group of friends. Our room had been recently upgraded and decorated to a very high standard. We eat in restaurant each evening, dinner was always very good. Breakfast was excellent as everything that needed cooking was done to order, no sitting on a hot buffet for ages. Very good breakfast menu choices.
The staff were all excellent and there appeared plenty of them in all areas of the hotel.
Good old fashioned friendly service.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have visited this hotel a few times with my mother, we always feel comfortable and looked after, sea view rooms do give an excellent view, and there are side sea views that are quite acceptable if all sea views are taken. Generally the service is excellent particularly in the Crystal dinning room. The large conservatory is a lovely place to sit overlooking the croquet lawn an gardens and on to the sea, Both food and drinks served here food till about 5.30, hot, cold and bar drinks till late. on our Last visit we unusually experienced some slack service in the conservatory, I spoke with the manage and this was rectified straight away. Hotel has a reasonable car park with a dedicated disabled car park with a number of spaces, There is also good on street parking if the car park is full. Hotel has a smallish outside pool with room for sunbathing round it. Am very happy to recommend this hotel to anyone though not sure that it would necessarily suit families with young children
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real find, it is kinda olde worldly but with modern conveniences.
Bedrooms where very clean and spacious. The beds so comfy I had one of my best nights sleep.
Amazing grounds and the view is stunning, being on the top of the cliff looking down over the sea.
Will definitely visit again some time.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Bit of a strange review this one Guys. I called this hotel to book in for next weekend as we have gift vouchers for an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast. Called very late on a Saturday night and, to be honest, I expected to be told to call back. The complete opposite! I was made to feel very welcome on the phone and booked the rooms we wanted and were pointed to a golf course where I have also booked. Really great service from a young lady called Hannah I believe.
Well pleased and really looking forward to staying here now!
Thanks Guys!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here for four nights. Our room was very clean and comfortable with an excellent view. The menu in both the Dining Room and the conservatory was both varied and well presented. The Reception Staff were most helpful in making it possible for us to stay an extra night and arranging for our return visit in September
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Hydro hotel was such a lovely, old fashioned hotel to stay the night in. From the art deco outside to the super grand entrance and reception, it was like stepping back in time! Even the lift was an "experience"! The staff were all lovely and the rooms were decent enough with everything's accommodated for (tea tray towel warmer, safe etc). The only thing that was a bit of a shocker was the cost of room service and even prices at the hotel bar... They were extortionate, but the surrounding area had limited options to grab food (especially when you've just got back from a 15 mile hike!). The free breakfast was also underwhelming... I've got serious questions about the "locally sourced" sausage as it was on par with a Quorn sausage...
However, food aside, the hotel really was lovely, the staff super welcoming and the sea view was fantastic! Also had a giggle at the warning about birds flying into the room...
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We recently stopped at the Hydro for 6 nights in room 306 on the 3rd floor, the room had a side view over Eastbourne and the sea. The room was excellent for our needs, a very comfy bed, tea & coffee making facilities and had good wifi. a lift was available to all floors which was handy with tired legs after a lot of walking locally.

Breakfast was served in a delightful room with numerous chandeliers and all the staff were very friendly and lots of choice on the menu.

The purpose of our visit was to walk on the South Downs and Seven Sisters cliffs and the hotel was ideally situated with easy access out of Eastbourne, and parking at the hotel was always available on our return

We will certainly stop here again in the future at this professionally run and elegant hotel.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Room 122 was on the Internet at £90. I thought to call in and see if I could do better at reception as I wanted 2 x doubles. Now 2 x doubles were £360 at reception ~ or £90 each on Expedia and I am sure that the hotel has to pay a commission to Expedia.

Once I had picked myself off the floor ~ sorry for fainting ~ I got the rooms and I think that we were all pleased.

The lounge areas are perhaps the best in Eastbourne and on a par with the Grand.

The gardens are also excellent.

122 ~ perhaps the smallest double on the Eastbourne Market? Smaller than the other 3 and 4 star hotels that I have stayed in, in Eastbourne. A lot smaller than the Premier Inn.
Small TV.
Nice tea and coffee facilities. Bath.
Had a small fridge which was handy.
Comfy bed so well done there.

Traditional old style dining room.

Would I stay again?
Not at £180, no. And ideally a bit bigger room.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A group of 8 of us based ourselves at the Hydro for three nights and played three of the excellent golf courses nearby. The Hydro is ideally placed and they gave us a fantastic deal covering meals and accommodation. The hotel is first class and in excellent condition. All of the staff were extremely helpful and friendly which made our stay very enjoyable. They are a credit to the management who ensure that everything is run professionally.

The hotel is excellent value for money and a great place to stay. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to you.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed over on Saturday night with my son after walking near the Birling Gap. The hotel dates back to the 1890s and is located on a nice stretch of the Eastbourne coast; was great generally, quainty-English, friendly staff, comfy bed, small but neat room; ours faced the sea. We had a fabulous full English breakfast which ended our short but sweet stay.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We had a 4 night break, received excellent service from checking in to leaving. The room overlooked the sea, very comfortable beds, tea and coffee making facilities, and even bottles of Sussex water in the fridge. The staff in the restaurant very attentive, food very good and well presented, afternoon tea is a must!
I can definitely recommend the Hydro Hotel, not our first visit and will not be our last.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this hotel as part of a dance weekend (our 3rd visit). We were allocated a lovely room with views of the garden and the sea. This is a lovely old fashioned traditional hotel which has been updated with modern facilities.
The staff were very welcoming. The restaurant was very well run, all staff seemed very organised and friendly. Breakfast was great, continental and cooked. Cooked breakfast came very quickly and was well cooked. We had a set meal with a couple of choices each evening.
Whilst we were there a wedding was held in the grounds which had a lovely setting.
There was a small heated swimming pool and a lawn to play croquet.
Busy hotel with lots of different areas which to have lunches, afternoon teas.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visit Eastbourne once a year to see an aged aunt, who treats us to lunch at the Hydro,
The ambience is much the same, entirely to our taste, and the staff are smartly dressed, pleasant and attentive.
The food, while being well cooked, is presented in a manner more suitable to a popular pub than a 4 star hotel. Chips in a bucket, sauce in a little jug - all individually microwaved and chucked together on the plate. Perhaps this is due to the new chef, James.

Pity, as otherwise the Hydro is a magnet for us of a more mature age.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The view from The Orangery is beautiful. We had booked an afternoon tea and did arrive a little early, but still had to wait 20 minutes before anyone came to our table.

The crockery had seen better days and looked worn, probably from dishwasher use. No point in asking for a different cup as they were probably all the same. Not what I expected from a 4 star hotel.

The sandwiches, scones and cakes were displayed beautifully. Unfortunately, the sandwiches were stuck together so the bread had to be carefully peeled apart leaving some bread behind.

Lovely setting and atmosphere but little things let it down. As my title says, a bit disappointing.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The hotel was charming and the staff were helpful and friendly. The breakfast was perfect and the best bit was the delightful outdoor pool set in the lovely gardens. There was plenty of areas to sit and relax - both in and outdoors. We will definitely be booking there again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a two night dancing weekend here. Have been on two occasions before and looked forward to it. We weren’t disappointed, from our nice room, delicious food and courteous service it was a lovely weekend. To top it all, the weather was glorious! Wonderful.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Myself and my friend took our mothers (aged 88 and 94) for an overnight stay. As we ate a lovely lunch in the conservatory the sun came out and revealed the beautiful gardens and views to the sea. Having on-site parking was a boon with one of the mothers needing a wheelchair. Food was excellent, rooms were spacious and comfortable and views to "die for". Would have no hesitation is recommending this hotel to anyone - well done Hydro!!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrival was great, lovely receptionist. Professional, smiling and helpful.
Room was charming, no air conditioning, so a bit warm. Lovely views and has a real old fashioned seaside feel. Clean and comfortable. Breakfast was of a good quality and the staff friendly and chatted as much as you wanted them too.

Would of had four stars if the receptionist hadn’t been so awful, I mean awful. I walked to reception and was greeted by no one. Not even looked at. Two receptionist there (one in training possibly?) I handed the room cards in and waited, and waited, she looked at the cards, started working on the computer, nobody looked at me or talked to me. I asked if everything was ok as we had had extras, and was ignored. Suddenly a print out was put in the desk. I said I was going to pay with another card and was told “unfortunately we can only accept the card registered on arrival” hubby by this time had taken his card and our luggage out to the car. I have never had that before! We often hold rooms on credit cards and pay with our debit card. I think what really annoyed was the attitude of the receptionists. Off hand treatment, disrespected, not valued.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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