Hydro Hotel
Latest Reviews
Most enjoyable stay on Easter Friday and Saturday 2013, built round a friends wedding and reception.
Freezing outside, but delightfully warm and comfortable inside.
Excellent sized room and bathroom, well furnished and equipped.
A monster sized bed much appreciated by us both.
Good sea view, described as "partial", but looking westward along the shore and cliffs.
Bar good, breakfast excellent, staff efficient!
Arriving at the wedding party in the evening, there was no table available.
On request at reception a table and chairs appeared in under five minutes with no fuss whatsoever.
Staff friendly and efficient.
EVERYONE got a large Easter Egg gift with breakfast on Sunday morning.
Parking very easy - although the hotel car park is small - plenty of road parking with no yellow lines within a few yards.
Eastbourne itself - Towner Gallery excellent, shopping excellent, Pevensey Castle nearby...all in all a memorable short break.
Freezing outside, but delightfully warm and comfortable inside.
Excellent sized room and bathroom, well furnished and equipped.
A monster sized bed much appreciated by us both.
Good sea view, described as "partial", but looking westward along the shore and cliffs.
Bar good, breakfast excellent, staff efficient!
Arriving at the wedding party in the evening, there was no table available.
On request at reception a table and chairs appeared in under five minutes with no fuss whatsoever.
Staff friendly and efficient.
EVERYONE got a large Easter Egg gift with breakfast on Sunday morning.
Parking very easy - although the hotel car park is small - plenty of road parking with no yellow lines within a few yards.
Eastbourne itself - Towner Gallery excellent, shopping excellent, Pevensey Castle nearby...all in all a memorable short break.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you like a traditionally English styled hotel, then this one is for you. First of all, we had morning coffee served in a pot, which is silver service, together with a gratuitous biscuit. There are many different rooms in which to take coffee, all of which are beautiful. There is also a large conservatory, which serves drinks and snack lunches and, in the summer, the residents play croquet on the lawn. Our lunch today was exceptional, starting with crab and a lemon creme fraiche and French toast. Delicious. The Mediterranean roasted vegetables in a filo pastry was also very good. Finished with pears in Drambuie, coffee ice cream and a chocolate wafer. Very attentive waiters, always with a smile and excellent service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently had a another short break at this hotel - one of my favourite places. Although it was freezing cold outside the welcome was warm, the staff all friendly and helpful, as usual, and the bedroom very comfortable. There is a new format for the restaurant evening dinner menu which for the first time includes a vegetarian menu - hooray! There is also a very good choice of early evening meals in the bar or conservatory. The lounge menu and service is superb and the afternoon tea most enjoyable. An early break is more reasonably priced than high season and is obviously popular. I look forward to my next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have returned from what was, until I left, an exceptionally happy stay. The Hotel was spotless, especially the extremely comfortable bedroom. The bar lunch menu was as expected, all the favourites. The dining room menu excellent. They are trying to be really 'different' and everything was beautifully presented and served. But the thing that made my stay special was the helpfulness and charm of the staff, who were all absolutely marvellous. Great fun but tactfully done! I would have given this Hotel higher than top marks, except that when I left, I was astounded that, as I began to go down the few steps to the hall, a receptionist I'd never seen before asked me a very cheeky personal question!! I really couldn't believe it and it quite ruined an otherwise perfect stay. She's lost the Hotel a perfect score and let the other wonderful staff down. Indeed when I booked there were "no sea views available", but when I pushed a bit, suddenly I'd got one! A little more training re. reception please and this Hotel will be my joy!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful plush place to have a lunch with mother-in-law, we ate in the crystal restaurant and I have to say it was ace! I normally struggle with a starter choice but they all sounded delish and what i had was exquisite, my main was very very tasty and the bill at the end was a pleasant suprize with the coffee included in the price of 2 courses which, in other places are often added on top and can add up. I was happy to tip for good service from polite friendly staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The hotel proved to be a pleasant surprise, the public areas being spotlessly clean and the staff curteous and attentive. The function area allocated was well thought out having coat storage, a socialising area with comfortable furniture, the dining room and a small bar. The size of the party must have been at least sixty but a quality three course lunch was served quickly and professionally.
(Just a little confusion in matching cutlery with specially ordered courses).
Only three "downs". 1) the staff at the small bar disappeared during the afternoon , 2), far more importantly,the state of the art gents toilets lighting was controlled by presence detectors which, when not sensing movement in the main part of the toilet, left the interior of WC cubicles in complete daarkness! and 3) Get there early, the size of the car park no way matches the size of the establishment.
(Just a little confusion in matching cutlery with specially ordered courses).
Only three "downs". 1) the staff at the small bar disappeared during the afternoon , 2), far more importantly,the state of the art gents toilets lighting was controlled by presence detectors which, when not sensing movement in the main part of the toilet, left the interior of WC cubicles in complete daarkness! and 3) Get there early, the size of the car park no way matches the size of the establishment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On the 10th February six of us had lunch at The Crystal Restaurant. I can only say that the food was excellent as was the wine, and you probably will not get better service anywhere for the price you are paying. This is our second visit and we will be going back again in March this year. The ambiance of this hotel from the time you arrive to the time you leave is superb, and the staff cannot do enough for you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife decided to treat me to DB&B at the Hydro as a birthday treat. We have been coming to the Hydro since we were teenagers, some fifty odd years ago but had never stayed overnight. We opted for a sea view twin room and were given room 116. A good sized room over looking the garden with the sea and the foot of Beachy Head in view. It had all the usual facilities and was comfortable.
Dinner, as usual was excellent and well presented and the extensive wine list good value.
Breakfast was comprehensive and well cooked.
We decided to extend our stay to include Sunday luncheon which we both enjoyed.
We will cintinue to use the Hydro into the future.
Dinner, as usual was excellent and well presented and the extensive wine list good value.
Breakfast was comprehensive and well cooked.
We decided to extend our stay to include Sunday luncheon which we both enjoyed.
We will cintinue to use the Hydro into the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a four night stay here that not only surprised us but 'knocked us over'. Eastbourne has some very good hotels but this was chosen for us by some friends who live nearby. We thought at first that they had chosen it for its convenience to them but were we quickly proven wrong.
The restaurant was the greatest delight - our dinner on the Thursday night excelled all our expectations. It seems that there is a new chef and a new menu which, although written in English, is best read aloud with a French accent. (smile). It seemed pretentious at first glance and was a source of mild amusement for us whilst we waited for our food to arrive. However, our quiet 'boarding school' humour was soon replaced with an awe and a deep respect for the hotel staff in general and the chef in particular as our chosen 'starters' were presented with the professional flourish of a Lord Mayor's Banquet. Colour, display and taste all added to the silent enjoyment of what we all described as masterpieces of culinary art. The main course simply added to our wonder and surprise and the meal quickly became the focus of our conversation rather than the accompaniment to it. The wine list would satisfy any dedicated wine lover and although our budget did not extend to the 'Nuits St Georges' it did enable us to enjoy an exceptional wine at a very reasonable price.
The hotel was peaceful and wonderfully dated; the staff, warm and attentive. Our accommodation was spotless and spacious and the view from our room something else indeed.
The restaurant was the greatest delight - our dinner on the Thursday night excelled all our expectations. It seems that there is a new chef and a new menu which, although written in English, is best read aloud with a French accent. (smile). It seemed pretentious at first glance and was a source of mild amusement for us whilst we waited for our food to arrive. However, our quiet 'boarding school' humour was soon replaced with an awe and a deep respect for the hotel staff in general and the chef in particular as our chosen 'starters' were presented with the professional flourish of a Lord Mayor's Banquet. Colour, display and taste all added to the silent enjoyment of what we all described as masterpieces of culinary art. The main course simply added to our wonder and surprise and the meal quickly became the focus of our conversation rather than the accompaniment to it. The wine list would satisfy any dedicated wine lover and although our budget did not extend to the 'Nuits St Georges' it did enable us to enjoy an exceptional wine at a very reasonable price.
The hotel was peaceful and wonderfully dated; the staff, warm and attentive. Our accommodation was spotless and spacious and the view from our room something else indeed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just got back from a three night break at the Hydro Hotel in Esatbourne.The hotel is right on the front at Eastbourne and is located close to the Beachy Head end of the promenade.It is in a raised situation so that the hotel everlooks the sea.
The hotel is rather quaint having been built about a 100 years ago in the Edwardian era and has kept its charm.The Crystal Restaraunt still feels like its set in the 1910's and the staffs attention matched this as they were attentive and the food was also very good.The hotel is quite busy during the day as it is used for morning coffee,lunches and afternoon tea and it also has a lovely conservatory at the front of the hotel facing the sea.
We also used the Wedgewood Room which also is the ballroom and this had ample space for dancing and the blue decoration earns it the title of the wedgewood room with its plaster decoration.
We had a front facing room and the views to the sea and Beachy Head were stunning as we were on the second floor.Although it was an executive room with a huge 7 foot bed the bathroom was a bit cramp otherwise the room was very good and the housekeeping excellent.
One of the two gripes I had was that although the hotel has wi-fi they only allow you one continous hour a day free and after that there is a chrage per hour which in these days I find a bit mean when mots establishments give it for free.The other was the car park its not big enough for the residence and all the lunch and tea guests that arrive especially at weekends so if you get there about one o clock the car park is full and you then have to find a space on the road and repark later in the eveneing when they have all gone.
Otherwise its a hotel I would recommend for a short break in the area.The town centre is a 15 to 10 minutes walk away mainly on the flat and there is a nice walk along the promenade opposite if the weather is fine.There is a spa offering treatmenst but we had such a busy time we didnt get to use it its is closed on Sunday afternoons and Monday all day.
The hotel is rather quaint having been built about a 100 years ago in the Edwardian era and has kept its charm.The Crystal Restaraunt still feels like its set in the 1910's and the staffs attention matched this as they were attentive and the food was also very good.The hotel is quite busy during the day as it is used for morning coffee,lunches and afternoon tea and it also has a lovely conservatory at the front of the hotel facing the sea.
We also used the Wedgewood Room which also is the ballroom and this had ample space for dancing and the blue decoration earns it the title of the wedgewood room with its plaster decoration.
We had a front facing room and the views to the sea and Beachy Head were stunning as we were on the second floor.Although it was an executive room with a huge 7 foot bed the bathroom was a bit cramp otherwise the room was very good and the housekeeping excellent.
One of the two gripes I had was that although the hotel has wi-fi they only allow you one continous hour a day free and after that there is a chrage per hour which in these days I find a bit mean when mots establishments give it for free.The other was the car park its not big enough for the residence and all the lunch and tea guests that arrive especially at weekends so if you get there about one o clock the car park is full and you then have to find a space on the road and repark later in the eveneing when they have all gone.
Otherwise its a hotel I would recommend for a short break in the area.The town centre is a 15 to 10 minutes walk away mainly on the flat and there is a nice walk along the promenade opposite if the weather is fine.There is a spa offering treatmenst but we had such a busy time we didnt get to use it its is closed on Sunday afternoons and Monday all day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a very pleasant stay at the hydro this weekend. We took advantage of a good deal on booking.com and couldn't fault for value. A big thanks to Peter the night porter who served us a couple of late evening brandies as we relaxed in the leather chesterfields. A big old homely fashioned hotel , our bedroom decor was in need of some modernising, but the beds were comfortable and the rooms clean. Friendly service and recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow what a lovely surprise afternoon tea, set in lovely comfortable surroundings the sandwiches were so fresh and delicious, and the cakes were just heavenly! Add to all that the superb waiter Alverez and we all had such a wonderful time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you want a stay, a meal, a snack, or just a drink then visit the Hydro in Eastbourne East Sussex Fully catering for the disabled, the staff so attentive and the atmosphere wonderful. From Spring to late October there is a salad bar in the conservatory where one can enjoy magnificent views of the sea. An outdoor swimming pool for the hardy in the summer and pretty gardens. The food is delightful in all areas and there are special lunches with guest speakers or singers. The surroundings are old world and one relaxes the moment one enters. I love it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This hotel is in and ideal position for a stay in Eastbourne or just to visit for coffee and cake to a four course dinner,the service is excellent and the waiters attentive,go to the garden conservatory and look out over the grounds,downs and sea,and relax.wonderfull
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I stayed for a business trip and didn't expect to be overwhelmed by the friendliness of staff,helpfulness and professionalism. The room was clean warm and fully equipped for my stay. The restaurant was the best food and service I have had in a long time. The menu was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit! I'll come again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Old world charm combined with a set lunch costing £11.95 for two courses or £15.95 for three. Good value, good service and a lovely place to take your granny (or grandad) for lunch in the Crystal Restaurant. Coffee afterwards in the garden room with sea views.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
When we first arrived we were given a room overlooking the conservatory - lovely room but horrendously noisy as there was a wedding reception going on. However, Lili at Reception could not have been more helpful and apologetic. She immediately got us moved to a room on the other side of the hotel which was gloriously quiet. Even when the rest of our party arrived the following day she managed to get them rooms next door to us on either side which was great. We could not fault the Hydro - the food was delicious, the staff excellent and the whole stay was enhanced because of the staff who served us. It made my 50th birthday celebration so enjoyable -thank you. We will be back later in the year for another event. Well done The Hydro.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the second Christmas my partner and I have spent at this hotel in Eastbourne and we have had numerous break there over the past few years and we always come away feeling it has been money well spent. Christmas 2012 did not diappoint us. From the minute we arrived on Chrismas Eve lunchtime to when we left on the 28th we were spoilt in every way. The staff are always friendly but professional, the food superb. Although the clientele is of a mature age, like ourselves, however, there were two young ladies there this year with their parents, this hotel has a warm friendly atmosphere. You can be with your family or on your own, which several people were, but you never felt left out. Ian, the general manager has the personality to involve everyone, that is if they want to join in. It is not a cheap hotel but we think you get value for money. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable. A Happy New Year. David and John
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for a brief weekend with our bridge club. Fantastic value for money, surprisingly good food with an excellent choice, service was good despite the fact that on Saturday night some of the waiting staff hadn't turned up. The room was a good size and view of the sea (bearing in mind November weather) excellent. 'Big Skies'. Would recommend to anyone wanting a traditional English hotel seaside experience with a good attitude to service. Just wish they had fitness centre, and I suspect the spa is a beauty therapy room rather than an actual spa, though I must confess I didn't use it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
170 attendees enjoyed a celebration Dinner here Saturday 24th Nov 2012 for the Centenary of the E/Bourne Old Grammarians' Association. The Crystal Restaurant looked splendid, food was excellent, wine ordered in advance & brought to tables, last minute 'hiccups' were dealt with efficiently & generally an occasion to remember. Grateful thanks to all staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have stayed here once for two nights in March 2012 and we also had lunch here In August 2012 when visiting family in Eastbourne.
While we loved its retro charm and note similar comments from other reviewers, anyone who experienced a British seaside hotel 40-50 years ago will tell you the Hydro has managed to preserve the best bits and the grand setting, while bringing other aspects such as the cooking up to date.
The art deco entrance and foyer set the tone and it came as no surprise to learn that the Hydro has apparently been used as a location for the TV detective series "Foyle's War"!
When we stayed our bedroom was traditionally furnished and comfortable. and the furiture appeared fairly new. We were particularly pleased that this hotel has stuck to traditional blankets and sheets and not adopted the ubiquitous duvet.
Everything in the bathroom was in order and very clean.
Some guests might have found the room a little small, but this was compensated by a bay window with a table and chairs giving a side view of the sea.
On our first visit we ate dinner at the hotel on both nights and had lunch there on our second visit. Each time we ate off the menu of the day and we found the choice varied and the quantities just right. This was good hotel cuisine; traditional but with modern presentational touches. The roast pork and crackling at lunch looked appetising on presentation and did not disappoint.
Likewise, the breakfasts were freshly prepared with several cooked options and a varied buffet.
The slightly old fashioned formality at dinner is all part of the hotel's character, but was not insisted upon if guests arrived more casually dressed, The service was uniformly polite and friendly.
Other quaint touches are the pianola playing in the main lounge in the evening and a jigsaw in progress on a side table.
While we loved its retro charm and note similar comments from other reviewers, anyone who experienced a British seaside hotel 40-50 years ago will tell you the Hydro has managed to preserve the best bits and the grand setting, while bringing other aspects such as the cooking up to date.
The art deco entrance and foyer set the tone and it came as no surprise to learn that the Hydro has apparently been used as a location for the TV detective series "Foyle's War"!
When we stayed our bedroom was traditionally furnished and comfortable. and the furiture appeared fairly new. We were particularly pleased that this hotel has stuck to traditional blankets and sheets and not adopted the ubiquitous duvet.
Everything in the bathroom was in order and very clean.
Some guests might have found the room a little small, but this was compensated by a bay window with a table and chairs giving a side view of the sea.
On our first visit we ate dinner at the hotel on both nights and had lunch there on our second visit. Each time we ate off the menu of the day and we found the choice varied and the quantities just right. This was good hotel cuisine; traditional but with modern presentational touches. The roast pork and crackling at lunch looked appetising on presentation and did not disappoint.
Likewise, the breakfasts were freshly prepared with several cooked options and a varied buffet.
The slightly old fashioned formality at dinner is all part of the hotel's character, but was not insisted upon if guests arrived more casually dressed, The service was uniformly polite and friendly.
Other quaint touches are the pianola playing in the main lounge in the evening and a jigsaw in progress on a side table.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My elderly mother loves this hotel and we go there often to have lunch (she lives nearby so there is no point in booking a room.) It is true to say this hotel is frequented by the older generation, but do not let that put you off. This is a fantastic hotel and like stepping back in time. Furnished and decorated in grand style with the 1920s in mind, it has an Agatha Christie feel to it as if Poirot is about to put his head round the door and name the murderer (in fact they do hold Murder Mystery weekends here for the true crime story fanatics). The entrance foyer/ reception lounge complete with grand piano is a lovely place to have tea or coffee and snacks. There are many nooks, crannies and alcoves leading of it where you can sit quietly away from the main crowd or where it can be roped off for a private function.
The conservatory and bar where we always lunch is a bright spacious area which serves light snacks or larger meals. During the summer months they do a lovely help-yourself salad buffet with plenty to choose from so your plate is piled high. The conservatory overlooks the perfectly manicured croquet lawn, where people can also gravitate out and eat in warmer weather. Beyond the croquet lawn are sweeping views of the sea. Staff are very pleasant, despite being very busy, and are eager to please.
There is a larger silver-service restaurant as well, but there is a limited menu and was half empty when we went in August. The conservatory is definitely busier and (although cheaper) more worth the money and view.
The conservatory and bar where we always lunch is a bright spacious area which serves light snacks or larger meals. During the summer months they do a lovely help-yourself salad buffet with plenty to choose from so your plate is piled high. The conservatory overlooks the perfectly manicured croquet lawn, where people can also gravitate out and eat in warmer weather. Beyond the croquet lawn are sweeping views of the sea. Staff are very pleasant, despite being very busy, and are eager to please.
There is a larger silver-service restaurant as well, but there is a limited menu and was half empty when we went in August. The conservatory is definitely busier and (although cheaper) more worth the money and view.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here for a murder mystery dinner, really good evening. Arrived at the hotel and it was like walking into a nursing home but in a quaint way. Rooms were good, very clean and well presented. Breakfast was plentiful, all freshly cooked to order. Free parking outside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second stay at the Hydro - on both occasions for a five night ballroom dancing break - the hotel has a very nice ballroom (the Wedgwood Room) lit by splendid blue and white chandeliers. It is old fashioned but in a rather charming way, the decor being somewhat retro but the proportions of the public spaces large and attractive and the furniture comfy. Our stay included breakfast and dinner - both meals were generous in proportion and there were plenty of staff in attendance, all very charming, helpful and efficient. We found the food this year not quite as good as last - with the scrambled eggs sometimes rubbery and meat at the evening meal sometimes overcooked but considering the numbers being served in the very large restaurant and the fact that we were quite a large group, I think the kitchen did well on the whole and we always had plenty of fresh vegetables with the main course. We found the building rather over heated for our tastes but we had a large room with a side view of the sea which was very pleasant - our bathroom was a bit shabby but I believe the hotel are gradually renovating all the rooms. The location at the top of South Cliff is superb - wonderful views and lovely walks down to the beach. Also easy walking access into town, provided you don't mind the hilly return. It is certainly a popular venue and there always seemed to be functions going on from funerals to wedding anniversary celebrations - I think the popularity is well deserved and I guess that is why groups go back year after year.... like our ballroom dancing group.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been to this hotel quite a few times now. The first my father-in-law's wake(!). This was chosen by his widow as they had had happy memories there (they lived 5 miles away.
As my husband and I liked the ambience we had four days break there the following year.
A seaview room near the life, as requested as I am disabled. Room clean, large with spotless bathroom.
What we did like was having to dress for dinner. Food was excellent, both dinner and breakfast.
Staff were friendly, courteous, and very helpful.
Returned last month (October 2012) for afternoon tea in the conservatory wirth mother-in-law. Again, staff very helpful. As they were very busy serving up the pots of tea, displays of cakes, sandwiches, etc we had to wait for service but, they showed us to a table immediatelyand apologised for the wait. Food well worth the wait!
We intend to return for a few days as this is becoming a favourite with us. We will probably book summer time/early autumn to sample the outside small pool.
As my husband and I liked the ambience we had four days break there the following year.
A seaview room near the life, as requested as I am disabled. Room clean, large with spotless bathroom.
What we did like was having to dress for dinner. Food was excellent, both dinner and breakfast.
Staff were friendly, courteous, and very helpful.
Returned last month (October 2012) for afternoon tea in the conservatory wirth mother-in-law. Again, staff very helpful. As they were very busy serving up the pots of tea, displays of cakes, sandwiches, etc we had to wait for service but, they showed us to a table immediatelyand apologised for the wait. Food well worth the wait!
We intend to return for a few days as this is becoming a favourite with us. We will probably book summer time/early autumn to sample the outside small pool.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
