We recently had a short 'break' in Eastbourne and chose the Hydro because of their special October offers. The hotel is rather old-fashioned in some respects but is kept spotlessly clean. The room in which we stayed(a 'side room') was quite suitable for a short stay but had limited space. The beds were comfortable and the bathroom was acceptable but not luxurious. Fresh towels were provided each day. The whole hotel was very warm and we found that the bedroom was too warm even with all heating turned off and the windows wide open. The public areas were also very warm but the staff pointed out that the more permanent residents were quite inactive and therefore liked the warmth.

The Crystal restaurant was excellent and both Breakfast and dinner were included in the package. We couldn't fault the quality of the food and the service was excellent although the coffee was rather weak and breakfast toast was 'soggy'!
Reception staff were pleasant but could have been more efficient. On booking, I had paid for an extra night by Credit Card but was asked again for payment on arrival because the registration screen had not been updated.
Portering staff were present but I thought were not very quick to assist. When we arrived I had two suitcases to carry down a flight of stairs while being watched by a porter who did not offer any help!

Parking is available at the rear of the hotel but spaces are limited. There are a number of spaces for people with disabilities.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and felt that we had good value.

I found this gem of a hotel nearly four years ago and have stayed there with a group of friends about eight times now. It is an extremely well run hotel and is spotlessly clean. The lounges are well furnished and comfortable and the Chrystal Restaurant is extremely attactive with cuisine to match. The gardens and pool area are very well kept and the Conservatory is the perfect place for lunch and tea. This is a hotel for those who remember how hotels used to be run and if people say it is old fashioned, then I am all for old fashioned. The bedrooms are well furnished and if you want a sea view then it is well worth the supplement. Although this hotel is only graded as 3 star by the AA, I have stayed in higher grade hotels that do not come up to the standard of the Hydro.

Had lunch here in the conservatory recently. Very good lunch and good service, although had to ask the waiter twice for my tea (didn't charge me for the delay). This is a very old fashioned hotel, but a very relaxing experience. Booked for dinner in the Crystal restaurant but was slightly disappointed by the food and indeed the atmosphere. Not sure if I would eat in the restaurant again, but would certainly visit for lunch.

We attanded a function at the Hydro on 28th/29thSeptember. Found them to be a bit un organised. trying to get a drink in the bar on Friday night was hard work. On the Saturday night we only had one barman for 100 guest. Food not bad but same vegatable both nights.
Rooms all very clean.

had occasion to stay at this hotel on saturday 29 september for one night rooms where veryclean staff very pleasent could not do enough for you ,no complaints about the food, breackfast was excellent and good choices would stay there again.

I'd heard mixed reviews of The Hydro but it was great. I had been booked in on business and my room was modern, clean, extremely comfortable and had everything I could want, including a partial sea view. Parking was easy in the hotel's car park, and the receptionist was very helpful. Other staff were friendly, and utterly professional.

The rest of the guests were elderly, in some cases very elderly and in one or two cases extremely elderly. But nobody made me feel out of place for only being middle aged. Clearly the hotel has a loyal and discerning clientele who appreciate the staff, the service, and the general quality, and people seem to go back year after year after year. That says an awful lot about it.

The dining room was just a little daunting for someone who doesn't have a bus pass, but I had a very capable dinner of solid fare with attentive and prompt service, and there was a happy atmosphere with plenty of conversations going on around me.

The hotel knows its stuff. For somewhere in Eastbourne that is very comfortable, has parking and good amenities, this is something of a find.

I returned to The Hydro for a 1 night stay after a 25 year absence. The room I stayed in had been upgraded with new shower and decor. I invited friends for lunch on the day I arrived and the good food and value were still very much in evidence. The staff were generally friendly and helpful though, on arrival, there was only one member of staff on reception who was taking a rather long call from a client and I therefore had quite a wait to check in. I was not in a hurry so that didn't matter and, upon checkout this morning after breakfast there were three staff on duty.

I would happily stay there again if I happen to be in the area.

We had a lovely view of the sea and croquet lawn. We were celebrating our Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Staff were friendly and efficient. Clean room, very good service in everything. Good location with pleasant walks nearby. Would recommend to others.

A friendly welcome got this hotel off to a good start. The single room was well prepared and more than adequate for my 1 night stay. Fantastic views and the sound of the sea( with the windows open) was a bonus. The en-suite was very clean. the breakfast next morning was very good and set me up for the day.
A very plesant experienc and would definately recommend this hotel to others.

We spent two nights at the Hydro Hotel, it was very clean and comfortable, the staff were friendly.
We only booked for B&B and did not eat in the restaurant apart from breakfast which was excellent. We did eat in the conservatory, the food was good, plentiful and well presented.
Well positioned if you enjoy walking.

An excellent old style hotel , fab dominant location overlooking the sea, best natural location in Eastbourne.

Reasonable prices , good service , secluded guest swimming pool and croquet lawn, a real piece of history without it being moth eaten.

I have been going to this hotel for over 20 years now, mainly because of the lovely garden with croquet lawn. (A group of us meet up at the same time each summer to play). You can't beat it on a sunny day. There are uninterrupted views of the sea.
There has been some refurbishment/redecoration this year which has freshened up the lounges. This year I thought the staff were all particularly helpful, friendly and efficient. The restaurant food has improved on last year and the restaurant managers couldn't have done more to accommodate our needs. The bedrooms were spotless and had all one could need. They are now putting duvets on the beds but you can request sheets and blankets if you prefer those.
I actually like the old fashioned atmosphere and charm of the place; it's peaceful and relaxing.

For many years my family (from Eastbourne) have visited The Hydro for lunches and teas. On a couple of occasions my parents (local to Eastbourne) stayed for a few nights. We have always received excellent attention and good food.
However, last Sunday (29 July) various members of our family met for afternoon tea for those from further afield to met the 11 day old latest addition of the family.
Unfortunately, for the first time we had a bad experience. Later arrivals ordered a Sussex Tea; which took AN HOUR to arrive and was CHARGED DOUBLE.
The overcharge was rectified but with little in the way of an apology or compensation.
It was a shame such an event was marred in this way.

we had a great stay at the hydro hotel last week. Weather was glorious - food in restaurant very good and staff very helpful. The pool is a real bonus. Would thoroughly recommend for a break in Eastbourne. Pleasant walk into the town and lovely views of the sea from the hotel. The gardens are in wonderful condition with putting green etc. Do try it.

We have been to the Hydro a number of occasions thoughout the year along with friends. Its well situated in Eastbourne a nice BUS run to Brighton and local to the beach. Its an old building and its showing its age dispite some recent renovations, simple things need doing. I am sure they will be done in time. On the plus side the food is very good with good staff throughout. Its got a great deal going for it and its easy to get to from Kent. A little pricey as are the drinks but overall ok not great but Good. Its obviously a local hub as they have a lot of local events and it always seems busy. The deals available are worth going for, always go for a sea view room..

Visited Eastbourne for the day and five of us had lunch at the Hydro. It is true that it is likestepping back in time but none the worse for that! Standard of food was good and the service was very attentive. The dining room was almost full but the atmosphere was relaxed . The only thing missing was an appearance by Poirot or even Miss Marple!!

My friend and I stayed here last weekend and were really impressed with the friendliness, helpfulness and general efficiency of the staff at this hotel. They made you feel at home - and this really contrasted with the shocking service we received visiting the nearby Grand (allegedly 5 star) Hotel nearby. The Hydro isn't the smartest hotel around but I defy anyone to stay here and not be charmed by the atmosphere, even though the decor/architecture is a bit of a mish mash. The restaurant food and service is good and breakfast particularly delicious!! The only real negative is the restricted WiFi....come on guys...sort it out.

We met up with the family for afternoon tea for six. The conservatory is fine and there are several nooks in the extensive foyer for couples and groups having tea. A sort of 1930s Poirot atmosphere.
Things went wrong in ordering as its not clear that you 'aren't allowed' to mix and match from the tea menu. I ordered Earl Grey tea, toasted teacake and a slice of the 'cake of the day' which was 'light fruit cake'.
What I got was English breakfast tea and 2 slices of bread pudding, certainly not light! There seems to be no flexibility in what is on offer and what it costs. To be fair I should say that the rest of our party were OK with what they got.

I have stayed here about 3 times and it has improved. My room appears recently refurbished and was ideal for my stay. Staff very helpful and friendly, restaurant was staffed and good food. I would stay there again. The only 'negative' is that appears to be a dated hotel with an atmosphere from over 50 years ago. Perhaps it is just me though, I repeat I would go back as it was a comfortable, clean and pleasant hotel.

My husband and I recently had Sunday lunch here having not been to the hotel for some time. Although as is the norm the restaurant was very busy for lunch I did feel that it was all a bit of a rush and seemed that they were trying to move you on quicker than we would have liked. The food was very nice albeit almost instantly presented at the table, better than waiting an age I guess! Afer the main course we never like to rush into choosing a sweet, we do like to have some moments to digest but we found that if one member of the waiting staff asked if you were ready to order and you said no, within moments another was asking the same question, although attentive it seemed more to push us along. All that said the location is lovely, but not sure that the price reflects the service nowadays.

The Hydro Hotel atmosphere feels like you're going back in time. Most of the clientele is retired so if you are looking for someplace young and hip this isn't the place for you. Also the bartender didn't know how to make cocktails, so if you enjoy exotic alcoholic drinks I'd stay away.

The room was nice and cozy. I had no complaints with the room and found the shower, toilet, and bed sufficient. Bathroom seemed to be newly renovated. Made to order hot breakfast was good just make sure you check the serving times because I think they stop serving fairly early.

For entertainment the hotel has a green for croquet and mini putting golf. When staying in a room you can go down to the front desk and get a free 30 minute code for internet access. One can walk to Eastbourne from the hotel if able enough to walk up a big hill.

I made a booking online via a third party booking site. Upon check in at the hotel I was asked to prepay for the room, I insisted that I paid after I am happy with the room etc. Reception staff agreed. The first night in the room was mediocre. I am, for the record, a young healthy man, but even I struggled with the walk to the room. It seemed to go on forever! The following morning I was awoken at 8am by builders, and the same on morning two. I complained at reception, and was told that the building work was essential and there was no other room. "Unfortunately you must either stay in the room, or check out. Would you like to check out?"
I checked out.

Because my wife is an extremely keen player of the popular card game Bridge, it was only natural that - when we learned that the Northwood & Pinner Social Bridge Club was running a friendly competitive weekend away - we would be interested.

On checking with the club I discovered that the setting for this appealing event was the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne on the south coast of England. Turning, as we always do, to Trip Advisor, as our reliable source of information and advice, I was dismayed to discover a number of frankly negative comments about this venue. This, in turn, created some slight doubts in my mind about booking our place with the club.

However, also turning to Norman and Sheila (two of the friendliest people we know), who run the club, we found out that they had already made a point of staying at the Hydro in what might be described as an ‘incognito’ manner: simply as paying guests. They found this first visit satisfactory and returned for a second visit in order to negotiate terms and inspect the various bedrooms. They decided that it was ideal for their prospective Bridge Weekend and so booked it and also, as friends of ours, swept away any lingering misgivings.

SPECIAL DIETERY REQUIREMENTS

However, from our point of view there was one more problem. My wife, Beryl, was fairly recently diagnosed as a Ceoliac sufferer and so must have a gluten-free and wheat free diet. On making direct enquiries to the hotel we were assured that they would attend to this during our stay.

With the above thoughts in mind we booked for the weekend, along with 75 others keen Bridge enthusiasts, and I must say that the Hydro Hotel turned out to be delightful and amply fulfilled the promise made by both Norman and Sheila and the hotel management. Sure, any hotel built in 1895 is going to have a graceful Victoria air about it, but the lounges are comfortable, the service from the staff was friendly and impeccable, and the cuisine - including the gluten-free dining specially prepared for my wife - was truly excellent. The cost of the drinks at the bar were roughly what one expects these days in a good hotel, not cheap but certainly not exorbitant.

The Hydro Hotel is perched high on the South Cliff commanding a wonderful seascape, and perhaps the only off-putting point was the actual beds which, whilst adequate, certainly need updating from the comfort angle (although I don’t think that they had been there since Victorian days). However, we were given to understand that is progressively being attended to.

The Bridge Sessions were also excellent, even for me who is someone that comes from the school of “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” i.e. not being as enthusiastic as my wife but going along for the fun. And nature turned on some fine weather to cap a perfect weekend. And for your interest Northwood & Pinner Social Bridge Club can be contacted at 019238 40984

The proof of the pudding is that the Club has rebooked thre venue for next year. Now there's food for thought!

TONY SHAPPS
Editor: AV CONCEPTS
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I used to come here every year as a child and recently returned 35 years later and my stay was as wonderful as it was years ago. I booked a single room and had a double bed with great views, lovely decor and a great selection of tea and biscuits. The staff, in particular the restaurant staff, were very friendly and the food was great with a varied selection. For £70 per night including breakfast and dinner I thought this was excellent value (especially as I'm having to pay £65 per night for a hostel in Australia and certainly no breakfast and dinner included there!)

Double room in the eaves with a very comfortable (Queen sized) bed, and a really nice view towards the west side of the beach and onto Beachy Head. Nice dinner, breakfast marred by the Smoked haddock which appeared to be off and was returned. We stayed overnight for a 90th birthday party - which was well run. I think a hotel which needs to be modernised but perhaps most of its clientelle prefer it as it is!!! Swimming pool closed as out of season. Nice cliff top walking to Beachy Head and the 5 sisters.........had it not been horizontal driving rain F8 etc :-) But we walked anyway! No drying facility. Good connection to Gatwick. 15 mins walk from Eastbourne station. Recommended