We had a relaxation massage with Laura, then afternoon tea....not for the first time! Absolutely wonderful warm!) battery recharge in the midst of this cold snap. We can highly recommend it if you’re looking to treat yourself, or others.

As part of my 60th birthday celebrations, 12 of us went to The Hydro for afternoon tea in their conservatory restaurant on Saturday.
Absolutely superb. Noel and his staff made us feel so welcome and were very friendly and helpful with first class service.
The selection of sandwiches and cakes was excellent, plenty of both, and we even had take-away boxes so that none of the cakes were wasted!
Our table was in the conservatory itself, with views out over the gardens and sea which was made even more pleasant by the sunshine.
This is obviously a very popular place to eat, whether for lunch, afternoon tea or just a sandwich, so it is worth making a reservation to avoid disappointment.
An added personal touch was a birthday card from Noel and his team!
Thank you for making my 60th birthday celebrations even more special.

We booked through Travelzoo and were very impressed with the booking and subsequently the 2 nights we spent at the Hydro Hotel.
It was our 3rd visit to the hotel and were extremely happy with the service we received from all the staff, from the moment we arrived at Reception, through to the Crystal Restaurant (both for a delicious array of food at breakfast to a most enjoyable dinner) .
Our room had a full sea view and was very comfortable, my only comment being that the pillows were a bit too firm for my comfort.
We would recommend this hotel without any hesitation, thank you to all the staff and we will see you again!

This hotel is on my “must visit regularly” list because it meets all of my requirements of a 4* establishment. A wheelchair is my method of getting around, and this hotel is perfect for wheelchair chair users. I have just returned from a three night winter break. The high standards of service, food and comfort continue. The “winter break offers” are good value. The weather was very very cold, but everywhere in the hotel remained comfortably warm. I must particularly mention Hannah Francis, Assistant Manager, whose “nothing is too much trouble” approach is much appreciated. However I was a little disappointed that the Union Jack flag is now flying from a short mast on the high roof of the hotel. I doubt that any of the guests are aware that it is there. but I admit it can be seen from afar. I do hope the management will consider returning it to the tall flag pole at the end of the croquet lawn with the hydro flag where it can be seen by all (including our European friends on a clear day). Once again a great stay and thank you to all the staff.

Stayed last night for one night. Couldn't fault the place. My five year old boy was looked after really well, especially the girls on reception. I do however have to knock a point off for breakfast. There was no potato offering ie Hash Brown, no black pudding and no real vegetarian option. The sausages were not in keeping with the fine standard set. They were bready and cheap tasting. Room 115 had a great sea view and very comfy 6ft bed. The entire hotel is spotless. Will go back.

First impression was of an elegant hotel. The room was a decent size and very clean and comfortable. We found it quiet so a good nights sleep followed. The service from all staff was very good and courteous. The food in the Crystal restaurant was very nice and we thought the wine prices were good. Cream tea in the conservatory also very nice. Excellent breakfast with good friendly waiter service. All in all a hotel with good standards and one which we would return to.

We were so surprised to be upgraded to a sea view twin room, for our two night stay. Wonderful views from the large windows to the sea. With the exception of a glitch with the eggs at breakfast on the first morning (rectified on second morning) everything was five star. The hotel is warm and welcoming with excellent standard of cleanliness. Our evening meal taken on one night in the Crystal Restaurant, delicious and well cooked.
Bright and sunny weather but very windy, so we spent one interesting morning in the Towner Art Gallery, well worth a visit,
Thanks to the staff at the Hydro, we look forward to our next visit, we wouldn`t stay anywhere else.

Our first room was quite nice (116), but the bathroom was so tiny and narrow, and as we were here for 3 nights we asked for a room change. After seeing several different rooms, we opted for Cuckmere room 219. With its huge picture window over the grounds, bandstand, towards the sea, gorgeous view.
The staff here are the best of the best, very friendly, welcoming and will do anything for you, anything! Don't be afraid to ask! You'll be very surprised how far they'll go.

The exception to the rule, (isn't there always!) is the young lady I tried to buy a Hydro Teddy Bear from on the front desk. She really did have a frosty attitude, because I didn't like the bear she bought out for me, raising her eyebrows and tutting in front of us, I asked for one with different fur!! (There are a few different ones)
My Bad!!
She didn't like that one bit. And didn't hide her feelings. I know it's only £9.99 to be causing a fuss over. So in the end I didn't bother!

Spencer showed us around his pool area, telling us what has to be done to the pool to be ready for guests to use. He clearly loves his work, takes great pride in what he does, and told us it will be about ready mid March.
Definitely will be back for that!
David the bartender ran out of our favourite tipple, but ordered more in especially 2 nights later.

I love the hotel, staff, food, ambiance, all the staff seem to personally know the majority of guests, so lovely to see.

We felt so relaxed during our stay, so we extended our stay for a few more nights.

The food here is geared up for whatever you want, great breakfast, lunch and fabulous dinner.
Francisco in the Crystal restaurant looked after us impeccably, the first night I had my trout filleted, so every time I had fish after that, he asked chef to fillet it for me. He remembered.

The restaurant serves fine dining food, the menu changes every evening. It was absolutely delicious! Beautiful food, beautifully presented and served.

My husband asked for 'lashings' of custard with his dessert one night and was bought up 2 large jugs of the most delicious custard ever....

We will return to dine here even when not staying in the hotel as we are locals.
In my opinion the food, service and relaxing atmosphere in the restaurant is second to none. It knocks spots off other large Eastbourne hotel restaurants in its class and above.
It is definitely fine dining at its best and doesn't try to break the bank in doing so.
Thank you Hydro, don't change!
We've already booked for some upcoming events. Can't wait!
The Burgesses

This was our second visit to the Hydro and once again it was a success. We had a lovely room on the top floor which had obviously just been refurbished and was of a high standard. Everything was spotlessly clean and we had clean towels every day. We had dinner in the Crystal Restaurant which was very good. The lounge areas are good with plenty of comfortable chairs, ideal for a spot of people watching! Staff are all very friendly and helpful. Looking forward to a return visit.

Our second stay at the Hydro Hotel. Older style hotel, but beautiful decor, comfortable lounges and rooms. Stunning location overlooking sea. Quiet location. Very friendly and helpful staff. First class food served in the restaurant and conservatory (fine dining). Would definitely recommend and will be going back again.

We had a 3 night break on D.B&B basis. Our room was clean and comfortable and included a fridge. The food was of a very high standard, excellent menu with lovely balance if flavours and ingredients. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. This is our second visit and we will definitely go again. The hotel is in the old style but has a warm atmosphere with lots of places to sit, read or just enjoy a quiet relaxing drink.

My wife, myself and two friends stayed at the Hydro for one night - a weekend winter break. We used a TravelZoo deal, which meant that we got a room with a sea view, breakfast and a cream tea on arrival for just £69 per couple. We were extremely pleased. The hotel is old, but well equipped and furnished, with all the modcons. The room we had was massive, with a king size bed, dressing table, sofa and plenty of room to sling several cats. The atmosphere throughout the hotel was good, with plenty of guests, events going on, friendly staff, etc. We had dinner in the restaurant, which was also really nice and well priced. Location is great. There's no real negatives. Would definitely go again and highly recommend.

Again a wonderful stay at the Hydro Hotel, the room was superb overlooking the garden

and the sea. The staff again were warm and welcoming and the food was excellent, a

good choice of menu for breakfast and dinner.

Hope to be returning later in the year.

Stunning hotel, fabulous service, excellent room, food scrumptious.
Can’t praise it enough, will definitely return, had forgotten how nice Eastbourne was , the hotel just made my stay even more wonderful than I had hoped for.

What a wonderful stay we have just had at The Hydro Hotel. The young man on reception was very warm and welcoming. Our room was delightful, spacious and spotlessly clean. We had an evening meal in the restaurant, every mouthful was delicious and the staff were very attentive without being intrusive. As for the breakfast it was just the thing to have before a lovely stroll along the seafront. This hotel is elegant and delightful and all the staff cannot do enough for you. I hope to stay again very soon.

Good hotel our room was a premier double sea view, couldn't have been better, large windows looking straight to the sea, nice furnishings fridge tv. staff very helpful. We were in a party of 40, sometimes had to wait a bit for food but was busy and there was a lot of us. Good food, different types with thought. Good value would go again

A proper English afternoon tea; we sat in the conservatory which was lovely, light and relaxing.
We had tasty finger sandwiches, delicious fresh scones with, butter, jam & clotted cream, followed by a selection of beautiful cakes.
There is a variety of teas and coffees to choose from, Noel and his team, were attentive but discreet, would definitely recommend the Hydro's Afternoon tea. Hope to be back again soon

First visit to the Hydro Hotel and very pleased with everything. Very unusual nowadays that the customer is seen as paramount and genuinely treated as such. Had a fantastic room and what a view to wake up to (we had a side window view of the sea but facing towards The cliffs). The food was brilliant and the service was excellent. All members of staff must have been handpicked for their friendly but highly proficient disposition. Very high in the attention to detail stakes. Location was good for the sea, cliff walks and not too far out of town. There were some upgrades to rooms and building works going on but this didn’t deter from an excellent stay.

Just returned from our 2nd visit to this hotel and it was every bit as good as the first. From check in to check out all staff were friendly and helpful bar prices are good , in most cases being cheaper then my local pubs in Brighton and Hove. No seaview room this time but it was much bigger,there was some building work going on but did not impact on our stay at all, being the middle of winter we realise this is the time hotels will have work done. So if you are looking for a very clean professional run hotel with super staff and i must say a delicious breakfast then look no further then the Hydro Hotel.

Speedy booking in at reception nothing too much trouble very nice young man who was very helpful . the room was very spacious with sea view I don't know if it was worth extra £10 for sea view as it was dark by 4 pm and we had to leave room by 10 30.decor was very well presented and bed very comfortable, small tv supplied and if we had stayed longer I think even though we do not watch tv a lot I think it would be a problem bathroom was very clean but the shower might be to some a little small as it could be difficult if you dropped the soap.The breakfast was plentiful and varied choice of hot and cold , again staff were very friendly and helpful we had a cream tea which consisted of scone jam butter cream with good size tea pot but service seemed slow (20 mins wait)

There are few places that can pull off without being a pastiche of grandeur, but this hotel does it with style,

Checking in was excellent with lovely staff very helpful

ok the are a few flaky bits but there being attended to.
My room was prefect not huge, but clean bright lovely bed and a bonus a great bath

Breakfast being held in a huge dining room served fresh, and I mean served not banged out in huge over heated tins.

Freshly cooked and excellent

Wonderful place....

Something you rarely find these days

Yes, it really does! We have stayed on a few occasions at The Grand when we stay in Eastbourne, but this time we thought we would go somewhere different. We had frequently seen adverts for the Hydro, but never took them up, this time we thought we would and we were certainly not disappointed. The entrance hall is stunning with oak vault arches, the decor is wonderful, the ambience of the hotel is one of relaxation and there is no pretentiousness as opposed to other hotels.

We only stayed the one night but next time it may be a couple more.

To break it down for the time of the stay as we only had one night.

Reception very efficient and helpful

We had a cream tea during the afternoon, which was nice and light and just right (the way that the Three Bears say this!) and hit the right spot as we had decided not to dine in the restaurant, but the menu looked lovely,

We ordered room service during the evening, which was very efficient (within 10 minutes of ordering) for a sandwich - nice and fresh

Breakfast, thank you, thank you, thank you. It was freshly cooked and not a buffet style one where eveything is sat under lamps for hours on end, going horribly hard and swimming in grease, again the service was very prompt and organised.

And now the rooms. I will divulge one of the best rooms, I think, 109, it has a bay sit in window which looks out to the sea and so you get that wonderful sunrise (if you don't like being woken, there are blackout blinds), but what is the point? The rooms themselves are nice and clean and the furniture new (not mismatched like other hotels) and the housekeeping staff very attentive.

And finally, thank you to the housekeeper who came and found me as my husband had left his glasses behind in the room.

Would we stay here again? Yep!

Would we recommend it? Yep!

Disgusted on my recent family visit last Monday to discover that the highly regaled

chocolate eclairs had been emaciated to a shadow of their former selves --- not the

same product we relied upon. i had come to the Hydro to prove my point about the

quality of the eclairs , which depressed my family from Rio de Janeiro after my praise.

They whimpered onto the plates and whimpered off ---- why bother doing such

pathetic eclairs ? --- give me maltesers.

Had a nice long weekend. Very smooth check in and check out. Staff very helpful, polite and friendly. The place is fantastic, spacious, gives a vintage feel that I enjoyed. Had a sea view room which was beautiful. Croquet lawn beautifully maintained. Enjoyed dinner and breakfast in the conservatory. All staff at the restaurant very respectful and attentive. Did was delicious and portions good enough too. Not very pricey and presentation is also nicely done. Rooms are clean, comfortable. Had a nice relaxing time. Will go again. Nice overall experience.

Had a nice 3 day break dinner b&b lovely sea view room,comfortable bed lovely bedding.Restaurant ok but not enough choice,food in conservatory better more choice.Thank you to David the barman who made us so so welcome,what a lovely helpful guy.We have booked for the air show thanks to Him.There was work going on had to complain about drilling one morning we should of been told work was in progress it was head banging,We was there to relax & have a quite time but did not happen no compensation or sorry for this or a free coffee.