Hydro Hotel
Latest Reviews
This was my second stay at the Hydro. I was given a refurbished double room for three nights with a good view out over the bay. The modernised en-suite bathroom was a delight to use and was equipped with very good quality towels, and ample soaps and shampoos &c., The extractor fan, however, was clearly unhappy with its new environment and said so loudly as it ran . . . Its saving grace was that it shut down immediately the bathroom light was turned off. The bedroom itself was warm and comfortable and came with free and fast wifi, digital television and free tea and coffee making facilities; (a bit mean on the tea bags however . . .) This was topped up with an excellent 24 hour room service that clearly outshines other hotels of its class.
As before, my stay was made most memorable by the staff, all of whom were attentive and very professional and were clearly trained not to let any guest pass by without a smiled greeting or an offer of assistance. I shall definitely return.
As before, my stay was made most memorable by the staff, all of whom were attentive and very professional and were clearly trained not to let any guest pass by without a smiled greeting or an offer of assistance. I shall definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of the best 3 star hotels in the country. It delivers on all the important things. Comfortable, freshly decorated bedroom. New sparkling white bathroom with instant and never ending piping hot water. Quality accouterments eg Twinings tea, Wilkin's Tiptree jam, proper Kleenex tissues etc. Lots of three star hotels scrimp in these areas. There are also plenty of staff, eg lounge waiters so one doesn't need to queue at the bar. The garden is beautifully kept and there is a marvelous sea view. I ate dinner in the restaurant (3 October) and it was excellent. Absolutely superb beef main course (flavoursome and cooked perfectly pink) and the selection of cheese was also very good. The House wines are decent. Breakfast also much above average and they only charge £2 for room service which is much appreciated. Housekeeping is top notch. In short one can come here for the same price as a Premier Inn (and that ilk - which are supposed to be 'the future') and one gets so very much more.
Some points for improvement: there are still some of those horrible fluorescent bulbs in a couple of the chandeliers in the lounge and conservatory (which give a very harsh unpleasant light); whilst they are the correct halogen type, I counted over ten broken bulbs in the chandeliers of the crystal restaurant; there is an odd smell in the main lift; it would be nice to have a pianist at tea and dinner; and the hotel flag in the garden could do with replacing.
Some points for improvement: there are still some of those horrible fluorescent bulbs in a couple of the chandeliers in the lounge and conservatory (which give a very harsh unpleasant light); whilst they are the correct halogen type, I counted over ten broken bulbs in the chandeliers of the crystal restaurant; there is an odd smell in the main lift; it would be nice to have a pianist at tea and dinner; and the hotel flag in the garden could do with replacing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here a few years ago while house hunting in Eastbourne. Booked on line with a special offer of a Town View Room, on arrival was upgraded to a Sea View room which was a nice surprise. Excellent quality of room. Comfortable beds and quality linen. Breakfast was good too. Now we live here we sometimes pop in for coffee and the only criticism is the service in the conservatory as we always seem to have to wait for a member of staff to even notice we are there. The hotel is a kind of pleasant step back in time as it has probably changed little over the years, but is very pleasant. Tends to have an older clientele. If you want somewhere quiet and quality it will fit the bill.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On first appearance the outside of the hotel doesn't appear much to write home about, but when you go inside it is lovely. Open lounge areas which are tastefully decorated and over look the sea. We went into the restaurant for a three course lunch. Service was very quick, friendly and efficient. It is a silver service style of restaurant which my uncles neglected to tell me, but even though I was wearing casual trousers with a T-Shirt both dinners and staff certainly didn't make me feel out of place.
The food was lovely and I think great value for 3 courses. I had Guinea fowl for starters, roast chicken for mains and a Lemon sponge for desert. The custard was amazing and ended up scraping the jug out to get every speck. Portions sizes were just enough over 3 courses and tea/ coffee were in the set meal price.
I loved the fact that the hotel is pet friendly. I'm not too sure if I can say that the hotel is family friendly. I know other visitors have already stated that the hotels main clients seems to be in their retirement years. This is certainly not a negative thing, but I think a young family may feel a little uncomfortable if their children become quite active from time to time like they inevitably will do.
It is definately worth a visit for a nice lunch by the sea.
The food was lovely and I think great value for 3 courses. I had Guinea fowl for starters, roast chicken for mains and a Lemon sponge for desert. The custard was amazing and ended up scraping the jug out to get every speck. Portions sizes were just enough over 3 courses and tea/ coffee were in the set meal price.
I loved the fact that the hotel is pet friendly. I'm not too sure if I can say that the hotel is family friendly. I know other visitors have already stated that the hotels main clients seems to be in their retirement years. This is certainly not a negative thing, but I think a young family may feel a little uncomfortable if their children become quite active from time to time like they inevitably will do.
It is definately worth a visit for a nice lunch by the sea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Booked 3 night short break amazon deal, we had been upgraded to a spacious side seaview room prior to arrival, bed very large and comfortable. Staff were very cheerful and helpful, most of the residents were elderly, very pleasant and mostly very active. Food was superb, we had breakfast and evening meal. Found a pub nearby for evening drinks as drinks at the hotel are very expensive. Large car park, also spaces on the road outside. We were out during the day, there was entertainment on the wednesday night, which was very good.
Ideally located if you want peace and quiet, Eastbourne attractions within walking distance, we had a very pleasant stay.
Ideally located if you want peace and quiet, Eastbourne attractions within walking distance, we had a very pleasant stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to a lunch reception at The Hydro, and it was handled well by the staff. The hotel does appear to cater for the more senior residents of the town, and the hotel is a touch dated, but it has old world charm. The finger food at the reception was well presented and good, especially the sweets and cakes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had booked a single room for my mother-in-law and a double room (both sea views) for us a couple of months ago. After booking we noticed that double rooms were on a Travel Zoo deal. We rang the hotel up and they were very accommodating and allowed us to have the double room at the Travel Zoo rate, a saving of around £300. We were of course very pleased and although we could have cancelled the room and re-booked, we would have lost the £100 deposit.
We had a beautiful side sea view room, with large windows, looking towards Holywell and the downs. We think this was probably better than a frontal sea-view. Our room looked as though it had been recently refurbished, with colourful curtains and wallpaper and a very white shower room. Bed was very comfortable and the room was spotless.
We ate in the Crystal dining room and were very happy with the food. It was tasty, well presented and large enough portions. Breakfast was plentiful with cereals, fruit, yoghurts etc. and then a cooked breakfast. It was refreshing to see that apart from the usual cooked breakfast, you could have poached smoked haddock and grilled kippers. I particularly enjoyed the steak fillet, which had a supplement of £7.50 to the table d'hote menu but was worth it. There was always a choice of fish, with Newhaven plaice on the menu each night plus salmon or cod and vegetarian and meat dishes. Wine wasn't overly priced and we particularly enjoyed the Australian chardonnay at £17.95 a bottle.
The hotel has a comfortable elegance, without being stuffy, with dark wood lounges. The conservatory is very popular and always seems to be full at lunch-time with a good choice of lunches and afternoon teas. It is a shame that there isn't more of a mix of ages as the main age of the people staying I would say is 70+.
We all really enjoyed it and would go again - perhaps not at the full price. However, if you were on a budget, you could stay in a room without sea view and eat elsewhere.
We had a beautiful side sea view room, with large windows, looking towards Holywell and the downs. We think this was probably better than a frontal sea-view. Our room looked as though it had been recently refurbished, with colourful curtains and wallpaper and a very white shower room. Bed was very comfortable and the room was spotless.
We ate in the Crystal dining room and were very happy with the food. It was tasty, well presented and large enough portions. Breakfast was plentiful with cereals, fruit, yoghurts etc. and then a cooked breakfast. It was refreshing to see that apart from the usual cooked breakfast, you could have poached smoked haddock and grilled kippers. I particularly enjoyed the steak fillet, which had a supplement of £7.50 to the table d'hote menu but was worth it. There was always a choice of fish, with Newhaven plaice on the menu each night plus salmon or cod and vegetarian and meat dishes. Wine wasn't overly priced and we particularly enjoyed the Australian chardonnay at £17.95 a bottle.
The hotel has a comfortable elegance, without being stuffy, with dark wood lounges. The conservatory is very popular and always seems to be full at lunch-time with a good choice of lunches and afternoon teas. It is a shame that there isn't more of a mix of ages as the main age of the people staying I would say is 70+.
We all really enjoyed it and would go again - perhaps not at the full price. However, if you were on a budget, you could stay in a room without sea view and eat elsewhere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We upgrade to a sea view room and was glad we did the room was very clean with lovey.big bed the fine dining was excellent the staff were very helpful and pleasant. breakfast Was cooked to perfection only one blemish when go into dinner and was met by a member of the staff gave them my room number and was told oh your with amazon I felt degraded
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you like a more traditional approach to your leisure this is the place to be. Our room was small but comfortable and clean with all the extras you need-tea/coffee making facilities and plenty of bathroom soaps etc. We didn't have a good view but in other rooms you can see the sea. The lounge/bar area is comfortably furnished with rather old fashioned furniture but the area where you can have a snack, afternoon tea etc is bright and more modernly furnished. Breakfast offers fruit, cereals and a traditional English breakfast. Service is generally good. The Hydro is situated between the main town and Beachy Head, about a slow 15minute walk from the pier. Our main criticism is that the décor along the corridors was in a bad state-many chipped areas of paint which we felt is not in keeping with the image the hotel wants to portray. The hotel has many social events but we have not been to any of these.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If someone likes the elegance of years gone by - this is it.
On the ground floor there are several interconnected lounges with comfortable armchairs and sofas, a warm old world atmosphere, with attentive waiters ready to serve tea, snacks or drinks. There is an adjacent bar and the restaurant.
An important feature of the hotel is its location - in the elegant part of Eastbourne, near Beachy Head. Unlike the hotels in the centre of the town, here there is peace, away from the smells of traffic, overlooking a garden with a velvetlike lawn and the sea. The rooms are comfortable and most have a lovely sea view.
The food in the restaurant is nicely served, a very good chef cooking rather the modern way. Some of the dishes were reminiscent of current TV food programs.
The set menu consists of some six starters. six main courses and four desserts.
On one day I had a delicious duck pate followed by roast duck served in cubes cooked rare. For dessert I had caramel profiteroles.There are always at least two fish dishes. The bread rolls are magnificent, fresh and warm. The hose wines also good, we had an exceptionally good Australian Shiraz. Another choice was a Southern France Merlot. There is a car park with disabled spaces just a few yards from the doorway. There is also an open air small swimming pool. Other services on offer are hairderssing and a variety of body tratments and massages. The only negative side for me was the mattress, too soft for my liking. The bathroom was modern and immaculate, the room service excellent with very fast response. Certainly if the opportunity to come to Eastbourne arises, this is the hotel for me.
On the ground floor there are several interconnected lounges with comfortable armchairs and sofas, a warm old world atmosphere, with attentive waiters ready to serve tea, snacks or drinks. There is an adjacent bar and the restaurant.
An important feature of the hotel is its location - in the elegant part of Eastbourne, near Beachy Head. Unlike the hotels in the centre of the town, here there is peace, away from the smells of traffic, overlooking a garden with a velvetlike lawn and the sea. The rooms are comfortable and most have a lovely sea view.
The food in the restaurant is nicely served, a very good chef cooking rather the modern way. Some of the dishes were reminiscent of current TV food programs.
The set menu consists of some six starters. six main courses and four desserts.
On one day I had a delicious duck pate followed by roast duck served in cubes cooked rare. For dessert I had caramel profiteroles.There are always at least two fish dishes. The bread rolls are magnificent, fresh and warm. The hose wines also good, we had an exceptionally good Australian Shiraz. Another choice was a Southern France Merlot. There is a car park with disabled spaces just a few yards from the doorway. There is also an open air small swimming pool. Other services on offer are hairderssing and a variety of body tratments and massages. The only negative side for me was the mattress, too soft for my liking. The bathroom was modern and immaculate, the room service excellent with very fast response. Certainly if the opportunity to come to Eastbourne arises, this is the hotel for me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely selection of cakes, sandwiches of your choice, served on 3 tier stand £12.95 each. Portion size about right, you can pay a lot more per head at other establishments and not be able to finish it. Nice relaxed atmosphere in the lounge areas or like us we chose a window seat in the conservatory overlooking the croquet lawn with a sea veiw. Nice way to celebate our 29th wedding aniversary at the same hotel we had our reception. Great service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was looked after from arrival to check out. Started with a nice massage in the treatment room. Then had help with my bags to fab sea view room where I could relax on the bed and enjoy the views. Afternoon tea was very busy service-wise but really good to eat. In total contrast to dinner in the conservatory which was completely empty and not that wonderful. Breakfast in the room was great but it was the views that really makes this hotel. I lowered the average age by about 40 years by being there and I'm in my 40's! Dinner aside it was exactly what I wanted from a night away to myself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely hotel with good food, comfortable rooms spotlessly clean, plenty of sofa's to relax inside when the weather wasn't good and very reasonably priced for drinks, food etc. Perfect views over the cliff. Peaceful and relaxing hotel.
However, our stay was spoilt by the aggressive seagulls marching into the conservatory restaurant and permanently on the patio and lawn. They were awful!!!
Filthy, angry and intimdating to the young children and the elderly. Ruined our meals twice. I am told this is a problem all along the coast unfortunately.
However, our stay was spoilt by the aggressive seagulls marching into the conservatory restaurant and permanently on the patio and lawn. They were awful!!!
Filthy, angry and intimdating to the young children and the elderly. Ruined our meals twice. I am told this is a problem all along the coast unfortunately.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I fail to understand why this hotel is only classed as a three star, it is more like a four star
You have to be careful if if you have afternoon tea, it is very good & very filling, you may not want dinner later.
Reasonable rooms with very comfortable 6 foot beds
Our second visit & we will return
You have to be careful if if you have afternoon tea, it is very good & very filling, you may not want dinner later.
Reasonable rooms with very comfortable 6 foot beds
Our second visit & we will return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great weekend, weather good on the Saturday, Sunday a bit wet! The hotel is a bit of a step back in time, but food & service was excellent. Bar staff very friendly well worth a visit. Eastbourne very nice and not what we expected.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I stayed at The Hydro for 2 nights as I had meetings locally and I can honestly say I had nothing to complain about. In arrival I was told I had been given an upgraded room, which was a lovely surprise after a long journey. The room was lovely, clean and well appointed. Not dated at all, unlike some of the comments below.
Ok, so the main reception, bar and dining area are 'traditional' but I'd rather that than worn out and dirty. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Yes, during my stay there definitely were a good percentage of 'retired' guests but I wasn't here to socialise, I was here to sleep!
Breakfast was lovely. I went for a cooked breakfast and you have a choice of what you want. There is also cereal, fruit etc. the food came very quickly which suited my just fine as I needed to get off to a meeting.
I can't comment on the grounds as the weather wasn't the best and mainly dark whilst I was here. I did however go for a lovely walk each evening along the prom to the pier. I live on the East Coast so very used to these sorts of surroundings but I do look forward to visit Eastbourne as the prom makes for a lovely stroll. The seafront gardens are kept impeccably neat and tidy and there's plenty of sights to take in along the way.
All in all, I'll be booking at The Hydro again the next time I visit the area.
Ok, so the main reception, bar and dining area are 'traditional' but I'd rather that than worn out and dirty. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Yes, during my stay there definitely were a good percentage of 'retired' guests but I wasn't here to socialise, I was here to sleep!
Breakfast was lovely. I went for a cooked breakfast and you have a choice of what you want. There is also cereal, fruit etc. the food came very quickly which suited my just fine as I needed to get off to a meeting.
I can't comment on the grounds as the weather wasn't the best and mainly dark whilst I was here. I did however go for a lovely walk each evening along the prom to the pier. I live on the East Coast so very used to these sorts of surroundings but I do look forward to visit Eastbourne as the prom makes for a lovely stroll. The seafront gardens are kept impeccably neat and tidy and there's plenty of sights to take in along the way.
All in all, I'll be booking at The Hydro again the next time I visit the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just enjoyed a 4 night stay at the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne, admittedly we had an Amazon Local special rate and so our experience was excellent value for money. But we were very impressed with the hotel. Yes, Eastbourne is popular with the more mature visitor but the hotel was exactly what that market appreciates. It is very comfortable with quality furnishings and decor in the public areas, the restaurant was very stylish and well laid out, and certainly our double room was very comfortable with a modern bathroom and furnishings. The staff were excellent, smartly uniformed with a very helpful and friendly attitude, nothing was too much trouble for guests. The food was excellent and we could not find fault with the variety of the menu or the presentation or the quality of the food. If you appreciated yet miss the days of the past when hotel guests were looked after and made to feel that they were valued, then the Hydro is the place to go to. A nice, comfortable genteel hotel of the old school. We liked it very much and would give it full marks and friends who came and stayed for 2 nights with us felt the same. We would have no hesitation in returning to the Hydro. It is at the best end of town on the way to Beachy Head and is a nice 20 minute walk along the sea front, so not sure it would suit those that couldn't walk too well, but there is plenty of free parking around the hotel, and lots of parking on the sea front, so using a car is easy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the Hydro for two nights, having booked at the last minute. It is situated about 15 minutes walk from the town centre and there is a bit of climb back up to the hotel. There is a car park at the rear which wasn’t very large but at the time of our visit it wasn’t completely full. There is also free parking on the road outside, which appears to be a nice residential area.
The public rooms and corridors are charmingly old fashioned and there is a very large lounge area with a bar and conservatory. The restaurant was also quite old fashioned, which was really lovely. There wasn’t a vast selection on the dinner menu, but the food was very good. The breakfast was exceptional and the service excellent.
The bedrooms were much more modern than the rest of the hotel and were clean and well equipped.
There is a lovely lawn area overlooking the sea where you can play putting, croquet and ping pong and there are plenty of seating areas. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers.
The staff were very friendly and efficient and the place was very clean.
The public rooms and corridors are charmingly old fashioned and there is a very large lounge area with a bar and conservatory. The restaurant was also quite old fashioned, which was really lovely. There wasn’t a vast selection on the dinner menu, but the food was very good. The breakfast was exceptional and the service excellent.
The bedrooms were much more modern than the rest of the hotel and were clean and well equipped.
There is a lovely lawn area overlooking the sea where you can play putting, croquet and ping pong and there are plenty of seating areas. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers.
The staff were very friendly and efficient and the place was very clean.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although it doesn't look like a posh hotel from the outside, the inside is surprisingly stylish and with a proper holiday atmosphere - everything calm and slow.
We stayed there for 2 nights and enjoyed all the great fun they have in the garden - croquet, swimming pool, mini golf and a lovely view over the sea from the garden and bar. Loved our room - must have been redecorated recently - very good taste of colours, little details and light! All very clean and set to enjoy every moment.
We had a dinner and breakfast every day at the stay and were very happy with tastes, presentation and service.
Must say all the members of staff are well trained to highest standards and very kind.
It was nice to get into this hotel after a whole day long walk around the Seven Sisters and just relax!
Beach is close by, city centre not far - all walking distance for sure.
Well enjoyed break.
PS. There were mainly adults and seniors around ;)
We stayed there for 2 nights and enjoyed all the great fun they have in the garden - croquet, swimming pool, mini golf and a lovely view over the sea from the garden and bar. Loved our room - must have been redecorated recently - very good taste of colours, little details and light! All very clean and set to enjoy every moment.
We had a dinner and breakfast every day at the stay and were very happy with tastes, presentation and service.
Must say all the members of staff are well trained to highest standards and very kind.
It was nice to get into this hotel after a whole day long walk around the Seven Sisters and just relax!
Beach is close by, city centre not far - all walking distance for sure.
Well enjoyed break.
PS. There were mainly adults and seniors around ;)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a very nice view from the room, that was the main highlight I would say. The rooms are dated and in need of modernisation. Without doubt the best thing about this hotel was the outdoor pool which the kids in the family used and the adults and aunties & uncles could relax on the lawn and not have to go swimming. I'd recommend this hotel if you don't mind a lot of 60's style. All in all though I would recommend this hotel to families and couples alike.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Short break her August 2015. Very very old school hotel, either very dated or plenty of charm depending on your point of view. Situated in quiet part of town, about 5 min walk from sea front, 30 min walk to pier.. Room was very clean, well decorated, furnishings and furniture in keeping with rest of hotel. Double bed was small by modern king/queen size standards.
Had dinner bed and breakfast, food was very good, evening meal choices were excellent and food well prepared. Staff were very very good, attentive, well organised and very welcoming. Overall I would say as long as you're not hell bent on staying somewhere modern, this hotel is very good.
Had dinner bed and breakfast, food was very good, evening meal choices were excellent and food well prepared. Staff were very very good, attentive, well organised and very welcoming. Overall I would say as long as you're not hell bent on staying somewhere modern, this hotel is very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited this hotel on a travel zoo voucher. This hotel was amazing very grand. The room was lovely beautiful bathroom and the food dinner and breakfast was very nice. Staff very helpful and friendly. Would definite go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed three bights as part of a business trip. Very well organised, room comfortable and clean, with fantastic sea views. Breakfast very good. Reception very helpful. It is a little old fashioned but wifi was actually OK. Not 5 stars because we had poor meal in the bar.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from another fabulous, memorable family week's break at The Hydro. As usual, we had a wonderful time - beautiful gardens, excellent food, lovely staff. The bedrooms are clean, comfortable with well-stocked bathrooms - something that's really important to me! I am slightly confused by previous reviews which state this hotel is "full of over 60s", or "like a Nursing Home". Firstly, I am 39 with an 11 year-old son, so if I look 60, Heaven help me. There were many children at the hotel during our stay, who enjoyed the pitch-and-putt, croquet, large Jenga and table-tennis in the gardens, along with the outdoor swimming-pool. Secondly, the hotel does indeed attract a certain clientele, and that is what makes it unique. There are many other hotels in Eastbourne which cater for many different tastes, and a hotel like the Hydro which attracts people who enjoy peace and tranquility should not be discriminated against for that. Each to their own. I also went down to breakfast in a running-top, running pants and trainers having enjoyed an hours early-morning run along the sea-front, and no one gave a hoot.
Overall, we love this hotel, and will be returning, as we do annually. My "over 60's" young-at-heart parents love it, I love it and so does my 11 year-old. Glorious hotel, but just as my "over 60's" parents wouldn't go to Ibiza, if peace, tranquility, excellent service and beautiful grounds is not what you enjoy, then perhaps look elsewhere.
Overall, we love this hotel, and will be returning, as we do annually. My "over 60's" young-at-heart parents love it, I love it and so does my 11 year-old. Glorious hotel, but just as my "over 60's" parents wouldn't go to Ibiza, if peace, tranquility, excellent service and beautiful grounds is not what you enjoy, then perhaps look elsewhere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four of us had lunch in the Crystal Restaurant on a Wednesday. It was not crowded, and the generous numbers of staff were attentive and efficient. The menu was not all that extensive but would satisfy a good spread of tastes. The food came quickly and was very well cooked and presented. Prices were not excessive. You can sit afterwards in the conservatory for a coffee, with a good view of the gardens and the sea.
The ambience is determinedly un-trendy, and attracts a clientele who are mostly "at the peak of their powers". Lots of dark wood and brass. No piped music.
There is a smart casual dress code and the staff are all in very smart uniforms.
This was one of those all too rare occasions when one could not see anything to complain about. We loved it and would happily go again.
The ambience is determinedly un-trendy, and attracts a clientele who are mostly "at the peak of their powers". Lots of dark wood and brass. No piped music.
There is a smart casual dress code and the staff are all in very smart uniforms.
This was one of those all too rare occasions when one could not see anything to complain about. We loved it and would happily go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
