Hydro Hotel
Latest Reviews
Went to the Hydro Hotel with my line dancing group in July. Fantastic hotel good location level of service excellent. Food great pool lovely couldn't fault it. Would highly recommend it. Our dance group,is going back next year and I can't wait
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My family and I have visited the Hydro for the past 5 years and it's been a firm favourite for family functions or just to pop in for lunch/afternoon tea. We're delighted it's now got 4stars because this is what we felt the hotel deserved (in our minds it was an amazing place to visit!). Sadly, our last few visits have been disappointing despite the star rating increase and the superb decor changes both inside and out. The service has been poor, waiting ages to be served, staff inattentive, poor knowledge and a lack of happiness amongst the staff. There was always a buzz in the conservatory and great friendly staff and it seems to have disappeared with lots of staff changes. I was sad on ordering afternoon tea that I was refused to be able to change a salmon sandwich to an alternative (the manager kindly agreed to make the change after I complained!). I was told the reasoning is because the sandwiches are made earlier for afternoon tea and to avoid waste - despite the menu stating they're freshly made to order! In fairness, the afternoon tea was superb - as per usual - glad the standard of the catering is the same! The food at the hotel is great and the eclairs are delicious! Also, I found the receptionist rude to me when I enquired about costs to stay for a night. The hotel is in a lovely location, it's always clean, nice food and I would definitely recommend it but it's such a Shame the ambience is no longer the same. Please Manager's at the hotel look at the staffing/attentiveness/morale as it is impacting on the customer experience! I wish to remain a loyal customer but I'll be put off visiting if the customer service continues to be poor and there's no buzz of happiness in place like there was in recent times. Thank you George for listening to my concerns on my last visit and for doing your best to put things right! This hotel has so much going for it and I hope it can remain my favourite Eastbourne hotel!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the Hydro to celebrate our Sapphire wedding anniversary, having stayed here many times over the years and can confirm that the standard of service is every bit as good as it has always been. The staff were warm and friendly and very efficient and made our celebration very special. The food was excellent and we were particularly well looked after by Adam in the Crystal dining room. Many thanks to the new manager who is obviously maintaining the traditional atmosphere and charm that makes the Hydro so special.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I thoroughly recommend this Hydro hotel as a wonderful place to stay. The location commands stunning sea views and there is free parking available both on site and very close by. The interior is well kept and there are excellent facilities. The best thing about this hotel however is undoubtedly the staff. All staff I came into contact with during my stay were unfailingly helpful and friendly, and went out of their way to make my stay comfortable and enjoyable. I will definitely choose this hotel again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had short break at this hotel as part of a Travelzoo deal. We upgraded to sea view rooms, my daughters had a side sea view and my husband and I stayed in the Cuckmere Suite - which was absolutely gorgeous. Huge room with sofa at the end of the bed to sit on and admire the breathtaking view over the croquet lawn and down to the sea. Our deal included a cream tea which we again upgraded to a full afternoon tea. This was lovely - very generous with plenty to eat and hot chocolate for the children. The staff were marvellous - even though the hotel was incredibly busy every staff member couldn't do enough. I asked the head of serving staff if we could have a table in the conservatory for our tea and he put himself out to juggle things around and get us a table - thank you! Although the weather wasn't great when we visited - the outside pool was still a lovely addition. It is a real suntrap with plenty of seats to sit around the pool, which was heated to almost a warm bath! We just took towelling robes down with us for a little bit of protection against the breeze when we got out and it was perfect!! Only slight downside was that the cooked breakfast was rather on the cold side, not inedible but not good. However they were very, very busy and I am sure this was the reason why. Overall definitely worth 5 stars and I would love to visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely old Grand hotel elevated with views to Beachy Head. Very traditional with afternoon teas being served to small groups. Parking available for rented cars. Some rooms larger than others, our room had beautiful broad views out to see and towards the Eastbourne Pier. Seemed to suit the older generation, very quiet location.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We booked the Hydro Hotel for its great location and having all the what we look for in a short break.We had a twin room facing the sea what a view from the room it was very comfortable ,spotlessly clean and nice bedding,
Full tea and coffee in the room that was a nice touch.
The restaurants were very nice and had a chilled out feeling ,I would recommend the afternoon tea ,as you will need a nap after eating it.
The all the staff were very helpful and nothing was to much trouble the gardens are well kept and the pool was very clean.
I would recommend this hotel for all ages as it has a lot to offer it was nice chatting in the drawing room with the other guest as you learn a lot and some very interesting stories.
Well done to all the staff and we will see you again I am sure.
Full tea and coffee in the room that was a nice touch.
The restaurants were very nice and had a chilled out feeling ,I would recommend the afternoon tea ,as you will need a nap after eating it.
The all the staff were very helpful and nothing was to much trouble the gardens are well kept and the pool was very clean.
I would recommend this hotel for all ages as it has a lot to offer it was nice chatting in the drawing room with the other guest as you learn a lot and some very interesting stories.
Well done to all the staff and we will see you again I am sure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This a very traditional English seaside hotel situated between Eastbourne town centre and the seven sisters cliffs ( one of the nicest walks in the country) . The situation slightly out of town means a 15 minute walk into town but is one of the few with car parking which is a real issue in Eastbourne. There are good sea views from the conservatory that also look over a croquet lawn and a hidden/sheltered swimming pool that our both well kept.
Considering the age of the hotel the rooms are of a reasonable standard and ours had a small table with tea making facilities. They were working on updating rooms during our visit. There are good communal areas for sitting in the evening and all the staff we met were very pleasant and hard working.
We stayed with a large group on a half board basis and they tried very hard to make sure that we were all fed together both at breakfast and dinner. Even giving us early dinner so we could attend the music at the bandstand. There was a good choice for both breakfast and dinner for this half board option. Considering the volume they were catering for the food was of a good standard .
The only negative was of an evening. Knowing that there is little in Eastbourne in the way of entertainment, the hotel could do more to at least sometimes add some entertainment during the summer months. You are not encouraged to stay by the very high bar prices either. This is not just this hotel but many English hotels of this type where they don't seem to realise they are competing with many foreign holiday resorts at very similar prices but guaranteed sunshine. They need to 'up their game' in almost every aspect , their foreign competitors have realised this and I hope the Hydro takes this on-board and thrives as I do like the staff and the hotel.
Considering the age of the hotel the rooms are of a reasonable standard and ours had a small table with tea making facilities. They were working on updating rooms during our visit. There are good communal areas for sitting in the evening and all the staff we met were very pleasant and hard working.
We stayed with a large group on a half board basis and they tried very hard to make sure that we were all fed together both at breakfast and dinner. Even giving us early dinner so we could attend the music at the bandstand. There was a good choice for both breakfast and dinner for this half board option. Considering the volume they were catering for the food was of a good standard .
The only negative was of an evening. Knowing that there is little in Eastbourne in the way of entertainment, the hotel could do more to at least sometimes add some entertainment during the summer months. You are not encouraged to stay by the very high bar prices either. This is not just this hotel but many English hotels of this type where they don't seem to realise they are competing with many foreign holiday resorts at very similar prices but guaranteed sunshine. They need to 'up their game' in almost every aspect , their foreign competitors have realised this and I hope the Hydro takes this on-board and thrives as I do like the staff and the hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent room, comfortable bed, spotlessly clean. Friendly and efficient staff in the reception and the Crystal Restaurant. Very good breakfast with great staff. Staff very helpful and went the extra mile, with a phone call at home from the manager, when looking for some lost property. The only downside was the Conservatory - cheerful and friendly staff but terribly inefficient. On one day I had to order a simple pot of tea three times and we waited 45 minutes to be served with our dinner on another day. Surly barman and average food. However, I mentioned this on the assessment form in the room and was emailed .at home on the same day by the manager, expressing his regret. I was very impressed by this.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am a very regular visitor to the Hydro and always stay for at least a week. The rooms are very comfortable and spotlessly clean. The staff are friendly and attentive. The restaurant serves excellent food and is good value for money. The conservatory also serves lovely lunchtime snacks. The view from the conservatory overlooking the lawns and then the sea is wonderful. I would recommend the Hydro to anyone looking for a break in Eastbourne
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was our third visit to the Hydro, we love the location. We had a sea facing room which had been refurbished to a very high standard. The beds are very comfortable. We dinned in the Crystal Restaurant where we find the staff all so friendly and the menu very good, there is something for everyone. For breakfast they have local sausages which are the best in the whole of Sussex. We had a swim in the outside heated pool, lovely area to enjoy and have a drink too.we always have had a very warm welcome from the reception staff and all the team at the hotel. We took a couple of friends with us and they had a very nice experience, lovely room, and enjoyed dinner too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The last time I visited the Hydro was about 30 years ago, it was good then but even better now.
The staff are exceptional.
Food excellent
Quite a walk into town unless you are young and active, advise you to drive.
The staff are exceptional.
Food excellent
Quite a walk into town unless you are young and active, advise you to drive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Hydro is a very elegant hotel that really has a lovely setting. It is popular with and probably targeted at the more mature visitor with much of the decor and ambience being of a traditional English seaside hotel. As a younger couple though we liked it too and enjoyed the unhurried and traditional feel of the place. Our room made us feel that we were staying in the 1930s but had all appropriate facilities and was spotless. As we chose to walk to Beachy Head and beyond, it could not have been better positioned on the route from town out to the south downs and the route was easy to find. It is a bit further out if town than some and we found to our cost that dinner gets booked up easily at weekends - perhaps a less grand bar menu would be good. Overall though if you want a break in a genuine period seaside hotel with luxury then this is a good place. We had fun here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I booked this as a respite break from a caring role. Pleased to hear there were single rooms and was told it would be agarden or town view, Arrived and was given a top floor attic room which although spotlesssly clean and nicely decorated, had a small window which could not be left open as the birds came in !! This was on a typed card! SO, on looking out, all I could see were roofs and tiles and a gull on her nest, Had to crane my neck to see the sky. It was very hot, Not impressed or happy and told reception.
Went to the pool one afternoon, Completely colonised by a group of trainee teachers,. The language was blue, singing Rugby songs and drinking the bar dry. The noise and the rowdiness were excessive and many people just turned back. I stuck it out as I wanted a swim and eventually plucked up courage to get in the pool for 10 minutes. Rather disappointed as it was a 3 night respite break,
The staff were very good, especially in the restaurant and I enjoyed breakfast.
Went to the pool one afternoon, Completely colonised by a group of trainee teachers,. The language was blue, singing Rugby songs and drinking the bar dry. The noise and the rowdiness were excessive and many people just turned back. I stuck it out as I wanted a swim and eventually plucked up courage to get in the pool for 10 minutes. Rather disappointed as it was a 3 night respite break,
The staff were very good, especially in the restaurant and I enjoyed breakfast.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the 4th time I have stayed @ The Hydro Hotel Eastbourne ~ it's a very lovely hotel. Staff are very friendly & helpful. Food is great & management do all they can to help with queries of all kinds
Thank you to staff for a fabulous few days. ♥️💙
Thank you to staff for a fabulous few days. ♥️💙
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Hydro is an institution in Eastbourne but under new management it is appealing to a wider audience whilst preserving and indeed improving its core standards. A new outdoor wedding venue and dining area will certainly be the most spectacular in Eastbourne.
After a 3 night stay, everything worked. Room was comfortable, breakfasts and the one dinner food and the staff very professional and friendly.
The conservatory and extensive lounges are wonderful facilities and they manage the large number of celebration parties with the needs of non-residents and residents very effectively.
Thank you for an enjoyable and good value experience.
After a 3 night stay, everything worked. Room was comfortable, breakfasts and the one dinner food and the staff very professional and friendly.
The conservatory and extensive lounges are wonderful facilities and they manage the large number of celebration parties with the needs of non-residents and residents very effectively.
Thank you for an enjoyable and good value experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at this hotel for a 3 night break, it was our first time here, and we found it to be a wonderful, charming hotel. Our room had a side seaview, it was clean and comfortable, and the beds and pillows were very comfy. Its also dog friendly, so Freddy was able to enjoy this 4 star treat too! We over indulged in their Crystal Restaurant, enjoying their 3 course menu, which had a good variety and selection to choose to from, so no complaints there! We found the staff to be friendly and polite and always at hand if help was needed, and we shall definitely treat ourselves to another stay at this hotel in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On arrival we were greeted by welcoming staff although our room was not quite ready for the 2-30 check in we had a drink in the bar . The views from the conservatory overlooking the well kept gardens was amazing.
The room, a double was clean and fresh, nice comfortable bed with nice pillows.
The only down side to our stay was it was an exceptionally hot day and with only one opening window a very not room. Seagulls were also a pitfall as they squawked all night, but to be fair if the window hadn't been open it would have made it bearable but this is after all by the sea.
A little hiccup checking in this was for business and although I reserved the room on a personal card the lady on reception took the payment on arrival instead of checkout so my personal card was used for a business payment, instead of on the business card.
I could have got it refunded in the morning but had to get to an early meeting so a little bit awkward.
An enjoyable stay nevertheless would recommend for business or pleasure.
The afternoon tea looked fabulous although we did not partake.
The wifi was not accessible from the room
The room, a double was clean and fresh, nice comfortable bed with nice pillows.
The only down side to our stay was it was an exceptionally hot day and with only one opening window a very not room. Seagulls were also a pitfall as they squawked all night, but to be fair if the window hadn't been open it would have made it bearable but this is after all by the sea.
A little hiccup checking in this was for business and although I reserved the room on a personal card the lady on reception took the payment on arrival instead of checkout so my personal card was used for a business payment, instead of on the business card.
I could have got it refunded in the morning but had to get to an early meeting so a little bit awkward.
An enjoyable stay nevertheless would recommend for business or pleasure.
The afternoon tea looked fabulous although we did not partake.
The wifi was not accessible from the room
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Decided to visit Eastbourne for the weekend and checked into this hotel.
Check in girl was really friendly and helpful. A lovely smile and greeting.
We found the staff to be very polite too. A beautiful old hotel with a lot of character. Ok not much to look at from the front bit lovely inside. Good car parking too.
Our room on the 3rd floor was a double which was nice and clean with en suite.
Usual tea/coffee making facilities too.
Breakfast was hell yourself to cereals, fruit, croissants etc.
Cooked breakfast order taken and cooked to order.
It was a good 20 minute walk into town and a bit of an incline back which was no problem to us but could be to elderly people.
Town was busy/buzzing as it was a really hot weekend.
Sat outside near the bar after we had ventured into town for a meal Saturday eve.
Lovely grounds and views.
There was a swimming pool but all beds were taken on Saturday afternoon so we headed for the beach.
Really couldn't fault this hotel and woild stay here again if we came back to Eastbourne.
Woild highly recommend.
Check in girl was really friendly and helpful. A lovely smile and greeting.
We found the staff to be very polite too. A beautiful old hotel with a lot of character. Ok not much to look at from the front bit lovely inside. Good car parking too.
Our room on the 3rd floor was a double which was nice and clean with en suite.
Usual tea/coffee making facilities too.
Breakfast was hell yourself to cereals, fruit, croissants etc.
Cooked breakfast order taken and cooked to order.
It was a good 20 minute walk into town and a bit of an incline back which was no problem to us but could be to elderly people.
Town was busy/buzzing as it was a really hot weekend.
Sat outside near the bar after we had ventured into town for a meal Saturday eve.
Lovely grounds and views.
There was a swimming pool but all beds were taken on Saturday afternoon so we headed for the beach.
Really couldn't fault this hotel and woild stay here again if we came back to Eastbourne.
Woild highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for a friends 80th Birthday and to celebrate my husbands birthday. It is a pretty hotel and in a wonderful location - but a steep walk from town! Hotel was clean and room comfortable, the bathroom was a little tired looking but clean and tidy. All the staff we met were pleasant and friendly. Unable to eat in the restaurant for our evening meal as they were fully booked! tried booking a table when we booked in but there was no availability. The afternoon tea was lovely, delicious and served well. Staff were polite without being overpowering and requests for extra pots of tea etc were dealt with quickly. Swimming pool clean, warm and inviting, we went swimming about 5.30 and it was lovely, with good facilities (changing rooms/ WC). Breakfast was delicious and staff attentive. My only minor niggles would be not being able to book in the restaurant (we tried at 3pm considering check-in time is 2.30!), and not being able to check in prior to 2.30pm. I appreciate that rooms have to be serviced etc but (as we did explain) the afternoon tea started at 2pm! A lot of the guests were quite elderly (80+) and had travelled a long way on a very hot day and only had the option of getting changed in the toilet! Fortunately my sister had travelled down a day earlier so we were able to have a shower and change in her room! Perhaps you could have an option of slightly earlier check-in for these circumstances. Also lift is very small (I know its an old building) but had to manoeuvre my mothers wheelchair in backwards!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've stayed here as a single traveller twice now and have enjoyed both stays. Lovely hotel with beautiful features. In an amazing location perfect for walks. The breakfast is amazing and staff are polite and friendly.
The rooms I've stayed in were newly refurbished and were very nice.
The only issue is with the reception staff who were polite and friendly but on both visits they failed to tell me important information such as confirming breakfast was included and what time it was served until. Neither did they explain how to find my room and it being a large hotel this was not obvious. The first time I stayed I had to ask how to find my room on the second floor and with some vague instructions (no obvious signage) I found it. On the second stay I was on the third floor and after receiving no information about how to find my room I ventured in the same direction and I had been previously but found the staircase only went up to the second floor and spent some time wandering around until I found further stairs up to the third.
Overall a lovely stay but it would be nicer for reception staff to be a bit more informative.
The rooms I've stayed in were newly refurbished and were very nice.
The only issue is with the reception staff who were polite and friendly but on both visits they failed to tell me important information such as confirming breakfast was included and what time it was served until. Neither did they explain how to find my room and it being a large hotel this was not obvious. The first time I stayed I had to ask how to find my room on the second floor and with some vague instructions (no obvious signage) I found it. On the second stay I was on the third floor and after receiving no information about how to find my room I ventured in the same direction and I had been previously but found the staircase only went up to the second floor and spent some time wandering around until I found further stairs up to the third.
Overall a lovely stay but it would be nicer for reception staff to be a bit more informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived at the hotel and was met by a friendly receptionist who happily told us we had been upgraded from our double room to a Suite. Even better, when we got up to the room, we discovered it was large, beautifully furnished and with a sea view! As it was my partner's birthday, this was a lovely surprise and there was even a birthday card for him sitting on the table. Within ten minutes we had a call asking if every thing was to our liking, I was very impressed. All in all, it was a lovely stay. The hotel was traditional and we enjoyed a cream tea in the conservatory and a game of croquet on the lawn. Good location only about a ten minute walk to town (bit of an uphill walk back). Would definitely stay again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed in the Cuckmere Room and the seaview from the big picture room was fabulous! The room had obviously been recently refurbished and was spotlessly clean. Our only complaint and big disappointment was the Cocktail Bar. It doesn't do cocktails! The Cocktail Bar is mentioned on the hotel's website. It's mentioned in the hotel's information folder in the room. When the barman told me they didn't do cocktails I initially thought he was joking! On checking out we told receptionist how much we'd enjoyed our stay - except for the Cocktail Bar that isn't. It's just a Bar. The explanation that it has 'always been called the Cocktail Bar - they just don't have the ingredients to make cocktails' is at least still keeping us amused!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Reception Staff were very welcoming and My room was perfect for my four night stay watching the Eastbourne Tennis. All the staff were very friendly enquiring on how our day had been and if there was anything they could do to help. The whole ambiance was one of relaxation and calm. As I spent most of the day at the Tennis I did not use all the facilities that were there but did eat in both the Crystal Restaurant and Conservatory where the food was excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a few days in June and fell in love with the hotel. It manages to capture something old-worldly while being efficient and comfortable. There's lots of lounge space to enjoy.
The staff were friendly and on-the-ball, our sea view room was spacious and comfortable. Food great.
It was tempting not to leave the hotel as we could play games like croquet and putting and the swimming pool was excellent.
We found the location exceptional - not far from the town centre yet within very easy reach of walks up to Beachy Head and being on a rise the hotel and its grounds had a lovely quietness.
The staff were friendly and on-the-ball, our sea view room was spacious and comfortable. Food great.
It was tempting not to leave the hotel as we could play games like croquet and putting and the swimming pool was excellent.
We found the location exceptional - not far from the town centre yet within very easy reach of walks up to Beachy Head and being on a rise the hotel and its grounds had a lovely quietness.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
