Hydro Hotel
Latest Reviews
Have recently spent a break here. Rooms, public and private are of high standard; food beautifully presented in super dining room. Politest and best service encountered in a long time. Porter on duty was very friendly and helpful.
Two comments I think the management should consider. Many of the guests were saying they could not sleep as it was too hot in the rooms. I also feel it should be better signposted.
Views superb.
Would definitely stay there again and recommend it.
Two comments I think the management should consider. Many of the guests were saying they could not sleep as it was too hot in the rooms. I also feel it should be better signposted.
Views superb.
Would definitely stay there again and recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently visited the resturant in this hotel with my grandfather and it was lovely! The staff are lovely and the views are beautiful! Definitely would recommend this place to anyone! As well my grandfather was extremely pleased with the quality if his room!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My friend stays here annually for the airshow and wanted me to experience the charm of the hydro and she was right. A spotlessly clean hotel in a great setting high on the hill. Parking easy in surrounding streets. Cases taken immediately by friendly porter. Reception very slow and 'relaxed' . Not as slick as the high tech modern hotels but polite and friendly. Room o erlooking sea spotless and extremely comfortable. Windows that open which I love. The furnishings are not modern but the cleanliness makes up for that, plus the tranquility and mar ellous unspoilt view of tne sea.
Ate lunch in the crystal restaurant. Very good value and charming, old fashioned service from the restaurant staff. Breakfast was outstanding. Locally sourced bacon and sausages plus superb service. Lounge and conservatory area do remind me of a bygone era but so relaxing and peaceful. Most of the guests are of the silver variety but for us that was a bonus. Not a hotel for those in a hurry, but loved the atmosphere and will be returning in the next few weeks with my elderly mum who I know will love it.
Ate lunch in the crystal restaurant. Very good value and charming, old fashioned service from the restaurant staff. Breakfast was outstanding. Locally sourced bacon and sausages plus superb service. Lounge and conservatory area do remind me of a bygone era but so relaxing and peaceful. Most of the guests are of the silver variety but for us that was a bonus. Not a hotel for those in a hurry, but loved the atmosphere and will be returning in the next few weeks with my elderly mum who I know will love it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I just returned from a 5 night stay. The building is indeed old but still functions well. The staff were all helpful and professional. The breakfasts are extensive good quality and very filling. The evening meals were excellent, tasty, varied and well served. The midday buffet style lunches were also excellent. Our room was spacious, overlooking the sea, clean and comfortable.All in all a great place to stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the Hydro for a friends wedding . Overall it was OK , but , in a few areas the hotel is definitely from a bygone age !
One of the lifts is pretty unbelievable - a 4 person maximum load - not even sure if 4 people could fit in !
Our room was large and clean with the promised sea view and the bed was comfortable . The TV was probably the smallest one I've seen for quite some time !
We tried to get something to eat in the afternoon - around 3.30 and were told that the bar served food . They took our order for toasted sandwiches ( which was all there was available as hot food ) and then told us they couldn't do any hot food so we had to have sandwiches . The hotel clearly has very strict times when food is available - breakfast finishes at 0930 on Sunday , lunch is 12 - 2 ( I think ) and Dinner starts at 6.45. I was amused to read that room service is only available when the restaurant is open . If you arrive at strange times or need to eat outside their meal times..... its probably best to make other arrangements !
We did have dinner and breakfast when the restaurant was open and the food was very good .
They were very organised for the wedding reception and the evening buffet was also very good . My only observation was that things had to be asked for - e.g the bar to be opened in the function room and more staff to man it . I would have expected the hotel staff to do these things when they see the whole wedding party going to the main bar for a drink , but , it seemed that the bar was planned to opened at a certain time and we were too early !!
I got the impression that the Hydro is being run with a certain client in mind who likes the rigidity of the system they run which is fine as they do it pretty well.
Overall , we did enjoy our stay but I think the price was a little high for the quality of the room / hotel in general .
One of the lifts is pretty unbelievable - a 4 person maximum load - not even sure if 4 people could fit in !
Our room was large and clean with the promised sea view and the bed was comfortable . The TV was probably the smallest one I've seen for quite some time !
We tried to get something to eat in the afternoon - around 3.30 and were told that the bar served food . They took our order for toasted sandwiches ( which was all there was available as hot food ) and then told us they couldn't do any hot food so we had to have sandwiches . The hotel clearly has very strict times when food is available - breakfast finishes at 0930 on Sunday , lunch is 12 - 2 ( I think ) and Dinner starts at 6.45. I was amused to read that room service is only available when the restaurant is open . If you arrive at strange times or need to eat outside their meal times..... its probably best to make other arrangements !
We did have dinner and breakfast when the restaurant was open and the food was very good .
They were very organised for the wedding reception and the evening buffet was also very good . My only observation was that things had to be asked for - e.g the bar to be opened in the function room and more staff to man it . I would have expected the hotel staff to do these things when they see the whole wedding party going to the main bar for a drink , but , it seemed that the bar was planned to opened at a certain time and we were too early !!
I got the impression that the Hydro is being run with a certain client in mind who likes the rigidity of the system they run which is fine as they do it pretty well.
Overall , we did enjoy our stay but I think the price was a little high for the quality of the room / hotel in general .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is certainly a very restful and lovely hotel - You have lovely views in bedrooms and
everything is kept very nice.
The food is good and a good selection - and the staff are very friendly. The garden is very good
and plenty of seats to use and just at the bottom of the garden is a lovely (small) but heated
pool. A most for the children and also for adults in the morning....
everything is kept very nice.
The food is good and a good selection - and the staff are very friendly. The garden is very good
and plenty of seats to use and just at the bottom of the garden is a lovely (small) but heated
pool. A most for the children and also for adults in the morning....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have just spent two nights at the Hydro Hotel and must say how enjoyable it was. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and on Sunday the sun came out and we were able to sit around the croquet lawn in deck chairs. It really does have the Poirot, Miss Marple factor about it. The staff were friendly, the breakfasts were very good, no fighting to get to the buffet, all the meals were served to you by very nice waiters or waitresses. The Reception staff were all helpful and eager to help and I can't fault the service.
I will definitely be paying another visit to the Hydro in Eastbourne. Well done !!
I will definitely be paying another visit to the Hydro in Eastbourne. Well done !!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved this hotel. It was a last minute booking for the bank holiday weekend so didn't pay much attention to reviews.
Enjoyed sitting in the comfortable communal areas, I felt I was in another era. As another reviewer said, expecting to see Miss Marple!
Sea view room which was wonderful, comfortable bed, plenty hot water, clean, lovely thick curtains.
Enjoyed sitting in the grounds, having a cup of tea.
Decent breakfast, with the treat of haddock or kippers. Good service.
Enjoyed sitting in the comfortable communal areas, I felt I was in another era. As another reviewer said, expecting to see Miss Marple!
Sea view room which was wonderful, comfortable bed, plenty hot water, clean, lovely thick curtains.
Enjoyed sitting in the grounds, having a cup of tea.
Decent breakfast, with the treat of haddock or kippers. Good service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Duncurin and family recently spent 4 nights in Eastbourne visiting relatives, and opted for the Hydro.
Upon entering the foyer of this genteel hotel, one could be forgiven for thinking one had entered a bygone age and that any minute Poirot or even Miss Marple was about to look round from one of the wing-backed chairs.
Though the reception rooms downstairs have a feel of yesteryear about them, do not let this deceive you, however, as this is a well-appointed, comfortable hotel with nicely refurbished rooms with crisp, clean décor and en-suite bathrooms which are spotless ( at least in the two rooms we’d booked ! ) and kept that way by the diligence of the hotel maids who worked tirelessly and efficiently. One niggle was that the double bed in our room seemed just a little too small and Duncurin and spouse are amazed at how any marriage can survive on a bed that is just 4’ 6” in width! The girls had a twin room, which was perfect.
We had opted for a B&B package, which was extremely good value, and a varied and nicely cooked range of delights awaited us each morning.
Grounds are beautifully tended and though we did not have time to try the Croquet lawn nor the outdoor heated pool, it looked inviting and well tended.
So, for not much more than one of the national ‘budget’ hotel chains; we were very pleased with the comfort and welcome we received from this worthy hotel and when visiting our relatives in future will be more than happy to choose the Hydro once again.
Upon entering the foyer of this genteel hotel, one could be forgiven for thinking one had entered a bygone age and that any minute Poirot or even Miss Marple was about to look round from one of the wing-backed chairs.
Though the reception rooms downstairs have a feel of yesteryear about them, do not let this deceive you, however, as this is a well-appointed, comfortable hotel with nicely refurbished rooms with crisp, clean décor and en-suite bathrooms which are spotless ( at least in the two rooms we’d booked ! ) and kept that way by the diligence of the hotel maids who worked tirelessly and efficiently. One niggle was that the double bed in our room seemed just a little too small and Duncurin and spouse are amazed at how any marriage can survive on a bed that is just 4’ 6” in width! The girls had a twin room, which was perfect.
We had opted for a B&B package, which was extremely good value, and a varied and nicely cooked range of delights awaited us each morning.
Grounds are beautifully tended and though we did not have time to try the Croquet lawn nor the outdoor heated pool, it looked inviting and well tended.
So, for not much more than one of the national ‘budget’ hotel chains; we were very pleased with the comfort and welcome we received from this worthy hotel and when visiting our relatives in future will be more than happy to choose the Hydro once again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first opinion was.... "great, a bit of class", as I entered the foyer, as I used this hotel for interviewing prospective employees. The reception area is large and Comefortable and ideal for meeting friends, family.... And potential employees. The staff were friendly however I got the feeling that we were in the way as we had to get their attention for drinks and lunch and getting their attention took some work. We did visit just before "Airbourne" so the hotel was busy. As my interviews went on until gone 08.00pm I decided to ask if the hotel had a room available, and after using my smart phone to check 'late rooms.com' I knew there was space... The receptionist was happy to do me a deal and I stayed in a double room with a sea view for a really competetive rate. I spent a Comefortable night at the hotel... But the room was very dated! The room that I was given was VERY clean, had an ensuite, tv etc." but everything was a bit old and a bit twee. I can't complain, I had a Comefortable stay and would stay again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I went to Eastbourne for the Airbourne Air show 18th 19th August and had the most wonderful time ever staying at the Hydro Hotel.This was our third stay since June and I wouldn't go anywhere else now we have found this hotel!
Our room was comfortable, spotlessly clean and well presented. We had glorious views over the sea and beyond. we had a first class view from the gardens and from our room of the Air display, rather than be in the crowds on the sea front. The Red arrows and Lancaster Bombers were just fab!
The Staff at the Hydro are helpful polite and very friendly. Breakfast was served fresh and piping hot in the pleasant Crystal restaurant. In the grounds the gardens are perfectly kept and it was a delight to sit and relax there with a large glass of wine in the evening sun. The pool area is a big bonus for this hotel.
We really feel that all the staff should be commended for their attention to detail and their polite manners at all times. All in all I would highly recommend this lovely well run quality hotel which is full of tradition and good service. Thank you Hydro for a wonderful stay!
Our room was comfortable, spotlessly clean and well presented. We had glorious views over the sea and beyond. we had a first class view from the gardens and from our room of the Air display, rather than be in the crowds on the sea front. The Red arrows and Lancaster Bombers were just fab!
The Staff at the Hydro are helpful polite and very friendly. Breakfast was served fresh and piping hot in the pleasant Crystal restaurant. In the grounds the gardens are perfectly kept and it was a delight to sit and relax there with a large glass of wine in the evening sun. The pool area is a big bonus for this hotel.
We really feel that all the staff should be commended for their attention to detail and their polite manners at all times. All in all I would highly recommend this lovely well run quality hotel which is full of tradition and good service. Thank you Hydro for a wonderful stay!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great views for Air Bourne what could be better afternoon tea and watching the red arrows and a lovely hotel to stay in
Food good staff great
Grounds are well maintained and the outside pool which is now fixed !! Is great to cool off in with this lovely weather we have had this year.
Food good staff great
Grounds are well maintained and the outside pool which is now fixed !! Is great to cool off in with this lovely weather we have had this year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the Hydro Hotel for 3 nights.My fathers 'WAKE' was held at the Hotel.It was held in the Garden Suite an excellent room for a function and opened out onto a terrace that overlooked the sea.The food was excellent. The hotel is in Meads where the hotel has a super location,lovely gardens,croquet lawns and outdoor swimming pool.We also enjoyed the rest of our stay,with excellent food,and very attentive staff.A perfect location and we will certainly be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I stayed for the first time at the Hydro a year or so ago and was so impressed that I have returned for two most enjoyable three day stays in the last couple of months. The Hydro is an elegant Hotel, well decorated in a traditional style and is a peaceful place to stay in a great location just a few minutes from the sea and close to the beautiful coastal path that leads to Beachy Head. There is a bus service into town or a half hour stroll along the attractive promenade to the town centre. The rooms I have been allocated have all been smart and clean. The food at breakfast and dinner was consistently good. It is particularly enjoyable to have a drink or a light snack in the conservatory which overlooks the front lawn. What I have been most impressed about however, is the staff who have, without exception, been smart, cheery and pleased to assist. I am looking forward to my next visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having booked through a discounted internet site I had worried we would be shoved off to the side but no - a great room with a great view at a great price! The room had obviously been recently refurnished and refubished and was immaculately clean. The only down-side was the bathroom which was somewhat dated and could have done with an overhaul, but again it was spotless. The staff could not have been more helpful and were without exception polite and friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at this hotel as we had been impressed by photos that we had seen but were sadly disappointed. The room should've been kept as a broom closet and we should've been warned that the pool is used by all the local children. The staff were lovely but we won't be returning there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Both public areas and room were well kept and elegantly decorated. Agree with other reviewers should be 4 star. Had a single room which was a decent size and had a sea view. Excellent position with nearby access to a nice quiet section of the promenade, gardens and beaches. Staff were all very pleasant and helpful. Had breakfast in the room and it was delivered bang on the dot and as ordered. Had my dog with me and no issues there, though no special provision appeared to be made. Only gripe is that more than one pillow should be provided. Would especially suit older people because it is a bit formal in terms of dress etc.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just come back from 2 nights at this hotel. Eastbourne was beautiful and the weather was fantastic. The Hydro Hotel is a lovely hotel, only rated 3 star but I think it warrants a 4 star. Very old fashioned with big chandaliers but very beautiful and clean. The double room was lovely with sea view and with everything you need in the room, en-suite was big and spotlessly clean. Outdoor heated swimming pool and beautful garden with seating areas all around all overlooking the sea. Staff friendly and helpful. We would definately go back to this hotel and recommend it to others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the third time we have stayed at the Hydro, so it can't be bad. Just one or two niggles.
The public areas were so quiet. Background music is needed to create a bit of atmosphere. Many hotels and restaurants play very appropriate, noninvasive music and that's what the Hydro needs in my opinion. Low numbers of guests meant a very quiet dining room and all you could hear was the chinking of cutlery and whispers so as not to share conversations. Background music would really help I feel in all the public areas.
We booked BB. We decided to have dinner at the hotel on one of our two nights on the evening of our wedding Anniversary. There is no concession for residents not on DBB, we had to pay the same price as non residents. At present dinner as part of DBB is equivalent to £20 pp. Non residents and guests booked for BB pay £28.50. Quite a hike for the same meal. Surely some compensation should be available for BB residents who decide to take dinner on any given night?
Last gripe - you have one hour per day, continuous use, free WI fi. At £80 pp, per night BB, I think WI Fi should be included!
Having said all that, food quality is great, staff very helpful, rooms good. Location is a bit of a drawback as it's a bit out of town, but if you can walk, that's not a problem. We were given an upgrade without asking which really pleased us. With the hotel nothing like capacity, I would have been disappointed not to have been offered this. The room has to be cleaned anyway, so why not please the guest in this way? Well done The Hydro. We will be back!
The public areas were so quiet. Background music is needed to create a bit of atmosphere. Many hotels and restaurants play very appropriate, noninvasive music and that's what the Hydro needs in my opinion. Low numbers of guests meant a very quiet dining room and all you could hear was the chinking of cutlery and whispers so as not to share conversations. Background music would really help I feel in all the public areas.
We booked BB. We decided to have dinner at the hotel on one of our two nights on the evening of our wedding Anniversary. There is no concession for residents not on DBB, we had to pay the same price as non residents. At present dinner as part of DBB is equivalent to £20 pp. Non residents and guests booked for BB pay £28.50. Quite a hike for the same meal. Surely some compensation should be available for BB residents who decide to take dinner on any given night?
Last gripe - you have one hour per day, continuous use, free WI fi. At £80 pp, per night BB, I think WI Fi should be included!
Having said all that, food quality is great, staff very helpful, rooms good. Location is a bit of a drawback as it's a bit out of town, but if you can walk, that's not a problem. We were given an upgrade without asking which really pleased us. With the hotel nothing like capacity, I would have been disappointed not to have been offered this. The room has to be cleaned anyway, so why not please the guest in this way? Well done The Hydro. We will be back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Staying for our wedding anniverasy, we had decided that £1000 for a junior suite up the road at the 'grand' would be for us a grand too far! Would we be 'slumming it though spending ONLY? £550 FOR 3nts:- 2 B&B, 1DBB .A complimentary upgrade with EXCELLANT Eliza into a seaview room made me feel "Thank God If this is their upgrade, what SHOULD we have stayed in?)" Extremely NARKED though at the decor in the room (stained ceiling from water ingress , continued down onto the wall paper had obviously left them feeling :- "that's not too bad, we will combine it in the rest of the hotel rooms refurbishment .I asked (later) to see an inside twin room.:_WOW factor:
Sadly, in our room stained regency wallpaper with flat-pack furniture.Classic lighting combined with contemporary Dark brown curtains & matching nylon bed-spreads.I was REALLY annoyed then, as I had been promised a new computer, and the funds were spent on this. 'treat'
Ordering fresh milk for tea at about 5ish,took 2 hours. Don't bother
.Also we only had one pillow on our beds :-standard??this was corrected on the last night>I know I can ask:_ I shouldn't have to.
The food is FANTASTIC however:-DO pre-book dinner with your room gives you still good choice off the designated menu
Staff:-great , mainly foreign but VERY good English.
.Ambience of public rooms?_ understated elegance , which is what this hotel COULD triumph on .Not everyone wants a minimalistic, atmosphereless hotel clones.The 'bygone era' thing can be VERY positive.I fhere they stopped visibly cost cutting and scared of being what they are:-With a POTENTIAL to SERIOUSLY impress
Hubbys' comments:-" Irritating hotel name .Great food,Nice staff,.Nothing Special."
TO SUM UP:- I EXPECTED TOO MUCH of this hotel.Feel cheated out of a computer!!!
Sadly, in our room stained regency wallpaper with flat-pack furniture.Classic lighting combined with contemporary Dark brown curtains & matching nylon bed-spreads.I was REALLY annoyed then, as I had been promised a new computer, and the funds were spent on this. 'treat'
Ordering fresh milk for tea at about 5ish,took 2 hours. Don't bother
.Also we only had one pillow on our beds :-standard??this was corrected on the last night>I know I can ask:_ I shouldn't have to.
The food is FANTASTIC however:-DO pre-book dinner with your room gives you still good choice off the designated menu
Staff:-great , mainly foreign but VERY good English.
.Ambience of public rooms?_ understated elegance , which is what this hotel COULD triumph on .Not everyone wants a minimalistic, atmosphereless hotel clones.The 'bygone era' thing can be VERY positive.I fhere they stopped visibly cost cutting and scared of being what they are:-With a POTENTIAL to SERIOUSLY impress
Hubbys' comments:-" Irritating hotel name .Great food,Nice staff,.Nothing Special."
TO SUM UP:- I EXPECTED TOO MUCH of this hotel.Feel cheated out of a computer!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myself and 7 colleagues spent 2 nights at the Hydro for a 1/2 day meeting and 1 1/2 days relaxing. We really enjoyed playing the croquet & putting, swimming and also played snooker. Your staff must be commended for their conduct and professionalism towards us during our stay. I would thoroughly recommend the Hydro to our friends and business colleagues in the future. The Hydro is a beautiful 1920's hotel retaining all its original character.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I have been to the Hydro several times for lunch and it's the best. The food is always tasty and well presented. The staff very friendly. Not had a better 3 course lunch and reasonably priced. When we stayed at the Hydro we liked the atmosphere, very relaxing and quiet. The rooms were clean and the sea views we had were lovely. We hope to visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at this hotel for 2 nights last week.We have stayed once before about 3 years ago and found it excellent.This time, although the staff are friendly and welcoming we do have some adverse comments
1 our third floor side sea view room was unbearably hot, however there is a warning notice that if you open the window the pigeons will fly in so we had to suffer
2 the bed was a4ft 6' very uncomfortable, if a Premier Inn or Travelodge can provide a 5 ft bed so should this hotel at £162 a night
3 the hotel is badly in need of work, the third floor stairwell had mould on the walls and the general appearance is one of shabbiness
Having said that the hotel clearly has a loyal band of regular elderly visitors, it is well situated just at the far end of the seafront with easy free parking,a lovely garden and pleasant staff.
We would like to come back but not until they do something about the bedrooms
1 our third floor side sea view room was unbearably hot, however there is a warning notice that if you open the window the pigeons will fly in so we had to suffer
2 the bed was a4ft 6' very uncomfortable, if a Premier Inn or Travelodge can provide a 5 ft bed so should this hotel at £162 a night
3 the hotel is badly in need of work, the third floor stairwell had mould on the walls and the general appearance is one of shabbiness
Having said that the hotel clearly has a loyal band of regular elderly visitors, it is well situated just at the far end of the seafront with easy free parking,a lovely garden and pleasant staff.
We would like to come back but not until they do something about the bedrooms
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was a trip to Eastbourne for the tennis,so stayed one night at the Hydro, wish we could have stayed longer,lovely location ,lovely staff and efficient service for breakfast,such a change to be served with a freshly cooked full english,no greasy eggs and bacon languishing in trays here.The dining room is very elegant with crystal chanderliers and crisp white table cloths.We will certainly return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Hydro offers great value for money. A good hotel, clean and attractive with good food, and very often you can get a night with an excellent freshly-cooked breakfast for just £45. Particularly good if you're into walking over the Downs as it is very close to Beachy Head etc.
Such a shame though that they don't raise the standards. It could be done up to rival the Grand but it stays very much downmarket catering for some raucous weddings and holding some terrible Friday night 'music' nights in the conservatory. Sometimes when you get there you feel like you've walked into an upmarket old people's home rather than a hotel.
The staff are excellent and very friendly. Many have been there for years and years which helps the atmosphere a lot. But the place feels like it has seen much better days and should again.
Recommended, particularly in low season.
Such a shame though that they don't raise the standards. It could be done up to rival the Grand but it stays very much downmarket catering for some raucous weddings and holding some terrible Friday night 'music' nights in the conservatory. Sometimes when you get there you feel like you've walked into an upmarket old people's home rather than a hotel.
The staff are excellent and very friendly. Many have been there for years and years which helps the atmosphere a lot. But the place feels like it has seen much better days and should again.
Recommended, particularly in low season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
