This hotel is for the over 70's. The rooms are ok but the food in the restaurant is bland and poor quality. The hotel is tired. Breakfast was ok. Next time i visit the area i certainly would not stay here

Ok, my husband told me he'd booked us 2 nights in an Eastbourne hotel. Oh dear I thought, sad, seaside hotel needing love and attention. I am always right as my husband will no doubt confirm but on this occasion I was very, very wrong.
The hotel is set in a residential area high up overlooking the sea. Yes, it's an old hotel and furnishings are not exactly designer but it is clean, very well maintained, staff are really friendly, top marks to Amy, one of the receptionists, for being so helpful. Our room was on the second floor with a great view of the sea. The bed was large and comfortable with plenty of storage. No frig but tea & coffee making facilities. Bathroom was good size and immaculate with a large bath with shower over and glass shower screen. There was an iron & ironing board provided if you felt a bit rumpled. Safety deposit box as well. Free wifi, free parking either in the hotel or on the roads outside. We had a cream tea in the conservatory and I must say the scones were superb with plenty of jam and cream...yummy. Breakfast was a revelation. I'm sick of hot buffet breakfasts where the food is mostly cold, undercooked and disgusting. The food here was cooked to order with a huge choice, porridge haddock, kippers, eggs any way bacon etc etc bliss. There was also a cold table for cereal, yoghurt, fruit etc. One of the best hotel breakfasts I've had in ages. Ok, there was a bit of a wait sometimes but certainly worth it.
Grounds are beautifully maintained with croquet hoops and a tiny putting green. There's also a swimming pool hidden away. I love swimming but couldn't really find too much about it on the website so wasn't expecting a great deal, at the very least I thought it would be cold, not that it would bother me but goodness it was beautiful, warm, reasonable size and about 2m deep. Sun loungers and changing rooms and toilets. Fantastic.
It's about a good 10-15 minute walk mostly downhill to the town depending on your level of fitness which tested one on the way back after a meal and drink.

What a lovely couple of days we had and so unexpected. Thoroughly recommend.

We stayed here for one night and have already booked to have a short break. When we walked through the door into reception the immediate impression was of a grand hotel, thickly carpeted, attentive staff and very comfortable public areas. Our bedroom was large, comfortable, well equipped and with a vast bathroom. The breakfast room was large and full of waiting staff. The breakfast itself had a wide choice and the smoked haddock with poached egg was particularly good. The grounds are nicely landscaped with sea views. There is an outside swimming pool but we didn't have the time to try it out. The hotel has free parking with two car parks - a small one to the front and a larger one to the side. However if these are full there is plenty of free on-street parking around the hotel.

My husband and I spent a night here last week whilst visiting our son in the Brighton area. The Hydro offered a very competitive rate in comparison to the over inflated prices in Brighton.
The room, a sea view one as requested, was immaculately clean, bright and airy. It was newly refurbished with a stunning view. The bathroom was maybe a little cramped and the shower lacked a little pressure for my liking. With that said, everything was provided and very clean.
The breakfast was excellent, with great service. Although the hotel car park was full, there was plenty of free street parking surrounding the hotel.

Eastbourne centre is a short easy 15 minute walk away.

We would stay at this hotel again in the future because we felt it offered excellent value for money, a great nights sleep, and an excellent breakfast.

Stayed here on a Travelzoo two night deal and had a great time. We were two couples and both sea view rooms must have been refurbished recently, they were a good size, very clean and the toiletries of good quality. All the hotel staff were polite,extremely helpful and a credit to the hotel. As has been said before the hotel is modern but still has a certain charm to it and we will certainly be returning.

I travelled here with my elderly Mother, to give her a first break away for a few years. The setting of the hotel is amazing, and the view from my room superb. Overall a very relaxing place, with large lounge area with lots of easy chairs. Parking isn't extensive but I managed to find a spot each day without trouble, although it might be a little more of an issue in high season. There always seemed to be enough staff to help when required, and they were all friendly and willing to help. I had one issue with noise from a room above that was being refurbished during the day. I mentioned this to the manager who apologised and immediately provided us with an extra room for the afternoon so my Mother could rest without the noise disturbing her. I understand that there is never a good time to carry out work, but it has to happen sometime, and we very much appreciated the gesture.

Relaxing few days at the Hydro Hotel. Staff available to assist as necessary and good, comfortable lounge areas.
Front sea-view rooms recommended and doggies allowed. An excellent main restaurant chef has an interesting menu each evening and the food is attractively presented and delicious. The breakfasts are great, with wide choice and well prepared.
A good well known Eastbourne Hotel which is not too large and retains the personal touch.

My husband and I were on a short holiday in the Southeast of England staying at The Hydro, The Hythe Imperial and Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield. See my reviews on these hotels elsewhere.

We have stayed at The Hydro many times and have always opted for a town or side sea view room. We decided that we would treat ourselves to a sea view room this time and as the hotel was being refurbished, asked for an updated room.

Opening the bedroom door we realised that we were walking into an oven. The sun was pouring in and the windows were such that we could only open them about 3 inches. Probably this was due to a health and safety issue but we noticed that the room next to ours were able to gets theirs wide open.
However, reception sent a fan to our room very quickly.
We then set about looking at the decor. Yes, there were new beds and bedside tables. The electrics had been updated with a chandelier light in the centre but the rest of the furniture was very ordinary. The walls were an uninteresting grey and could have been brightened with a colourful picture. Then we went to inspect the bathroom. It was all very clean but we could not see any evidence of updating, except perhaps for a modern towel rail that was so close to the wall that the two bath and two hand towels issued were impossible to fit in.

This is a very busy hotel which is popular with outside guests visiting either for a lunch or tea. They are not intrusive.

On one of our days we had ordered a packed lunch which was good,but please could the packed lunches be put in larger carrier bags. We had asked for our drink to be bottled water. As the water was in a glass bottle and too large to go in the bag it had to be carried separately, and being glass made the carrying of it heavier and awkward. This could be thought to be nitpicking but it could have been better thought out.

The food was very good as were the staff but one morning we waited 20 minutes for our cooked breakfast to arrive although when we asked if we had been forgotten we were told that our order had only gone in 7 minutes before. We decided not to argue further on this. Having said that, the service could be slow at times.

The question of whether we would return has cropped up. The hotel has very good breaks on offer but if we did return we would opt for a town view room. The rooms looking over the sea in summer time must be very uncomfortable with the sun blazing in.
The hotel bedrooms badly lack air conditioning although it has been installed in the dining area. One realises that it all costs money but it would greatly benefit the hotel guests.

Stayed at this beautiful hotel for a short break. We were on a Travelzoo deal and was not exspecting this quality. The rooms look like they have just been refurbished and this hotel is modern yet still has that old world charm. The staff most of whom are foreign are wonderful and extremely helpful and polite. The hotel is very well staffed so consequently you don't have to wait for attention.The Conserveatory restaurant has beautiful sea views and the food is excellent .
We are definitely going to return and we shall be bringing friends.

Great hotel, old with character and very well up kept. We had a travel zoo deal which included breakfast and 1 x cream tea .
We used the hotel as a Base to walk to the seven sisters cliff faces.
Plenty to explore for a few days.

Staff we very friendly and professional.
Breakfast was well presented tasty and ample.

Room very comfortable quiet and we'll equipped, with great views of the sea.

Would certainly return to The Hydro hotel if visiting there again

This was our second stay at The Hydro hotel. Both breaks were for two nights with a special rate that included room,breakfast and a cream tea. Our first room on the third floor was large and comfortable overlooking the sea, this time we were in the room next door that still had the sea view but was much smaller. The towels, of which there were plenty were large and soft, the bed linen was also good quality. Great breakfasts and the evening meal that we had was also tasty. We couldn't fault any of the staff as they were all charming and helpful (especially as I managed to erase the information on the room key by putting it too close to my mobile 'phone!!).
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and will return again I am sure.

Lovely hotel very oldie but lovely.breakfast lovely ,dinner very small portions & not much choice.no cocktail bar as advertised or al-e-cart menu as advertised.Staff very helpful & friendley.quick check in at reception

I was a Sports Science student at Chelsea College (now University of Brighton) in the early 1980s. I always dreamed of venturing into The Hydro but never did...

Fast forward 30 plus years and I have have used The Hydro when I've been in Eastbourne on business. What a fabulous place!

You feel as if you should be part of a Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Inspector Alleyn or Mrs Bradley story, such is its timelessness. It is simply a gem on the south coast.

True some of the rooms are small ish and a bit dated although redecoration has addressed most of this now. The rear lift creaks and groans somewhat but it adds to the appeal of the place. The bed was fine and the shower always hot.

I have not eaten dinner there as I have met up with friends in town but asking for breakfast at 7am was never considered a problem and the full English with strong coffee a joy.

I never met a grumpy receptionist and all staff were as would be expected in a hotel like The Hydro. Polite and helpful.

Most of all there is that glorious smell of old well polished wood and as I lay in bed with the gulls squawking looking at the pantiled roof could almost have been back at PE college in a town where I was so happy. I can't wait to come back.

Great hotel in elevated position nothing we can fault. Food good, rooms fine some overlook sea others part town/ part sea. Location handy for walking the downs, situated in the more refined area of Eastbourne, Staff helpful, A charming period hotel. We are regular guests.. Parking easy some on street

This is my second stay here. It is just a beautiful old world hotel and great to enjoy a different England after visiting busy London. Staff are lovely, particularly with the elderly guests ,and there are a few of them, but this just adds to the charm for mine. Breakfast did finish a little early but there's always morning tea then lunch, high tea then dinner to enjoy. I found it an absolute delight to stay here. It is great to enjoy a G & T in the lounge and people watch before dinner. The meals and service were very good.Though a few light bulbs needed attention in the chandeliers in the dining room. I would stay again.

Late booking for 1 night Sunday night stay. Great room with all amenities and wonderful view of sea and downs. Good evening meal and breakfast. Staff especially helpful and friendly. All round exceptional value and we will return.

My wife and I stayed here for one night with old friends on a special deal which included a cream tea on the afternoon of our arrival. The hotel is situated near the top of a hill overlooking the sea with nice views and gardens. There is a large garden room where afternoon teas are served. There is also an outdoor swimming pool which my friend used although it was a bit chilly.

The Hydro was opened in 1885 and is currently undergoing some refurbishment which was evidenced in our rooms which were very nice although there was a definite smell of paint in the hallways. Our room was distinctly late 19th century with bay windows and a high ceiling. We did have a sea view. Quite roomy with a 5' wide bed and a nice bathroom with a walk-in shower. Our friends did somewhat better than us for some reason with a larger room, a 6' wide bed, a settee, and a bath in the bathroom.

The dining room was very nice and we had a nice dinner (although the rib eye steak was very chewy) and generous breakfast served at the table (not buffet) the next morning. The lounge areas and bar were very pleasant. All the staff were pleasant and professional. The price of drinks was on the high side but it is a three or four star hotel.

the hydro hotel is very grand looking building plenty of seating and bright conservatory, we had a lovely room with sea view ,really clean and the beds were so comfortable staff very helpfull, breakfast was good plenty of staff to serve you keeping you topped up with tea and coffee and toast .on arrival we were given vouchers for teacake and tea on the day then vouchers for a glass of wine each for the nights we were there. you
choose which wine you like, I had sauvignon blanc which was good .dinner was good too, there is quite a few older people around but it was nice seeing them enjoy themselves and being treated so nice by staff .We went to the devonshire theatre which was a great very roomy seats plenty of leg room .good weekend.

Loved this hotel at first, it is elegant old style, beautifully situated, with wonderful views out over the gardens and sea. Particularly liked the cream tea which we had as part of our deal on arrival, could not wish for nicer surroundings and service. Breakfast was also very good, lovely comfortable dining room though a pity it finished at 9.30 which is very early for a weekend when you are on holiday. However - although we had a nice size room the decor here was a big disappointment. Couldn't understand why designers had been brought in to destroy what could have been in keeping with the hotel's style. Walls a stark plain unadorned white, curtains nasty shiny brown, carpet though brand new was dark and depressing. The bathroom, though probably updated, had old style single hot and cold taps instead of a mixer. It seemed such a pity that the rooms could not have been designed in a comfortable traditional style instead of this attempt at stark modernisation which simply seemed at odds with the ambience the hotel clearly prides itself on. We enjoyed our stay on the whole, and could not have had better service, but couldn't understand how the room design was allowed to happen.

Just had a lovely couple of days staying at The Hydro. This is our fourth stay in the last couple of years. Our first visit we were surprised in that we were upgraded to a suite which was absolutely beautiful. Our last stay we had a sea view room which was again lovely. The room was huge, I believe recently decorated and had very nice furniture a huge bed and the view across the gardens and out to sea beautiful. We did make sure we kept the window on the latch as early one morning we had a visit from a seagull who obviously had been fed by someone in the past and had come for some more food. A definite must to keep the window on the latch.

The staff are always very smart, friendly and polite. We had a cream tea which was delicious. Many other visitors were having afternoon cream teas which looked very nice. Breakfast is very good and the choices excellent. This time we did not eat in the restaurant but the menus are always varied.

We did have a query with the Manager who dealt with it efficiently and was very pleasant.

We will be booking again very soon.

We have been here a few times but only stayed once and can honestly say it was a most lovely experience. Our room was very comfortable and we were lucky to have a sea view. Our cream tea in the conservatory was relaxing and enjoyable. At dinner in the evening we were serenaded by a pianist and the food was stylishly presented and delicious. Breakfast the next morning was also relaxed and scrumptious. Staff very friendly but professional. We shall return.

Very often when you get a special deal, there is usually something not quite up to scratch, but our recent stop at the Hydro Hotel was PERFECT. The room we had did have a wonderful sea view (not a glimpse of it over the roof tops), the food was excellent and the staff outstanding.

First class service, Staff can't do enough for you. Lots of ambiance with excellent sea views.
Rooms clean and tidy, breakfast was more than adequate with a wide choice of cereals, breads, cheese's, and of course full English.

Set up and back from the seafront large Victorian Building modernised and refurbished located in spacious grounds and private car parking part being upgraded internally, (should inform you when booking) Sea view bedroom is essential if like us you live inland, most of the staff are helpful but there is always the exception, whilst they have extensive menu's more attention is needed to it’s preparation, one evening the vegetables were not cooked inedible unfortunately the plaice was more the size of a large sardine, sorry it’s still the best located up-market hotel in Eastbourne.

The hotel has lovely facilities, however they seem to be wasted.(eg. Breakfast served in restaurant with a cark park view, instead of using lovely conservatory with a sea view). Overall the hotel is clean and staff friendly. Rooms have modern bathrooms and comfortable beds. The only thing I had a problem with, was too small television for the size of the room. The biggest let down is the breakfast, poor selection and average quality. Such a potencialous place, however it needs improvements.