Hydro Hotel
Latest Reviews
This was our 3rd or 4th visit to this hotel and every time we have not been disappointed. Usually the guests, like ourselves, are of a say mature age group but this visit we found guests of every age staying there.
The Hydro never loses that personal touch. We were met by a very professional receptionist who gave us an upgrade without us asking. The hotel staff are friendly but professional. The food is first class. The cream teas are to die for.
You cannot fault the restaurant manager or his staff.
My advice to anyone who has not been to the Hydro is, try it once, it is not going to be everyones cup of tea but you will be well looked after by the staff and the food.
The Hydro never loses that personal touch. We were met by a very professional receptionist who gave us an upgrade without us asking. The hotel staff are friendly but professional. The food is first class. The cream teas are to die for.
You cannot fault the restaurant manager or his staff.
My advice to anyone who has not been to the Hydro is, try it once, it is not going to be everyones cup of tea but you will be well looked after by the staff and the food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fabulous location, lovely restaurant, amazing choice of wines, food fantastic, staff extremely nice and nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend visiting the Hotel for a meal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful hotel in lovely settings and in a wonderful position overlooking the sea.
The hotel itself was very grand and the service from all staff couldn't be faulted.
The rooms were quite basic, but large and airy. The bathrooms were large and clean.
The food was plentiful and good.
I was attending a 50th birthday party and every attention to detail was paid.
The hotel itself was very grand and the service from all staff couldn't be faulted.
The rooms were quite basic, but large and airy. The bathrooms were large and clean.
The food was plentiful and good.
I was attending a 50th birthday party and every attention to detail was paid.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I stayed for one Friday night. The single room I had was perfectly adequate (if dated) and the bathroom was large and relatively new.
Unfortunately, at check in I was not told of the breakfast times and, this being Eastbourne with the clientele being the older generation, found that it finished at 9.30 even at weekends, which in my experience is ridiculously early. I pitched up for Breakfast at 10.00 to be told by a rude member of staff that it's nearer lunchtime than breakfast. There was no offer of any breakfast whatsoever and it was clear I was not welcome.
The other recent reviews sum this place up pretty well, it's like going back 70 years in time.
Unfortunately, at check in I was not told of the breakfast times and, this being Eastbourne with the clientele being the older generation, found that it finished at 9.30 even at weekends, which in my experience is ridiculously early. I pitched up for Breakfast at 10.00 to be told by a rude member of staff that it's nearer lunchtime than breakfast. There was no offer of any breakfast whatsoever and it was clear I was not welcome.
The other recent reviews sum this place up pretty well, it's like going back 70 years in time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I can understand the price because Eastbourne is expensive but the hotel was quite old fashioned. The bedrooms were extremely hot making it impossible to sleep without a window open. This meant an early morning wake up call from seagulls. The staff and breakfast were very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne has an Edwardian feel with dark pannelled rooms and 1930s furniture in the public areas. Many guests clearly survived the sinking of the Titanic and were probabbly using the same Zimmer frames all that time ago. Visiting Eastbourne on business put our group in a minority especially when the breakfast hours were advertised as 0800 to 0930 which was rather difficult for three days that began with 0800 meetings. That turned out in the end to be wrong and breakfast actually started at 0700 - nevertheless dinner was definitely 1845 to 2030 and, boy, was the Titanic contingent ready to get eating at 1845. Gin rummy cards were abandoned in the stampede as retired colonels lead the way to the choice tables. The cuisine in the restaurant was actually excellent, clearly a good chef is in the making, and the wines passable plus breakfast hot food orders were individually prepared not the usual buffet. The largely elderly waiters had a touch of Downton Abbey about them but were highly professional. On our last evening we returned at 2200 from Lewes and lingered perhaps a little too long in the lounge next to the bar. It became obvious that at 2300 we needed to return to our bedrooms. One by one the lights were turned off until only one lightbulb remained illuminated. The quality and comfort of the bedrooms was not the strongest recommendation for the Hydro Hotel but the room rate at £45 a night was value for money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived at 6 pm. Very well served by French or Spanish receptionist. Room was good maybe furniture a bit dated and perhaps in need of redecoration although not by any means the worse I have seen. Bathroom very good size bed small for a double room but as I was on my own perfectly adequate.
Hotel full of elderly plus a business convention. Had dinner elsewhere as pre planned.
Two lifts rather small and slow.
Noticed that the info stated that smart dress required for dinner. Was half expecting it to add 'no riffraff'
Breakfast was good but spoilt by French head waiter. Was first into enormous dining room at 7am with tables as far as the eye could see. Asked if breakfast was served in the dining room and he pointed to a nearby room as he assumed i was part of business convention was offered a table by kitchen in middle. Asked for table by window was refused. Asked for table against wall on other side and was refused. Only two tiny tables available was presumably my punishment for not dining the previous night Then served by junior French waiter who was very good and breakfast itself was great.
I would stay again despite the minor issue above.
Hotel full of elderly plus a business convention. Had dinner elsewhere as pre planned.
Two lifts rather small and slow.
Noticed that the info stated that smart dress required for dinner. Was half expecting it to add 'no riffraff'
Breakfast was good but spoilt by French head waiter. Was first into enormous dining room at 7am with tables as far as the eye could see. Asked if breakfast was served in the dining room and he pointed to a nearby room as he assumed i was part of business convention was offered a table by kitchen in middle. Asked for table by window was refused. Asked for table against wall on other side and was refused. Only two tiny tables available was presumably my punishment for not dining the previous night Then served by junior French waiter who was very good and breakfast itself was great.
I would stay again despite the minor issue above.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent three days in this hotel and, although the weather was poor, thanks to it being early March, we had a very enjoyable time. The hotel was reminiscient of Edwardian times but with all the modern conveniences one expects. Our room overlooked the hotel lawn and the sea, which is about 120 foot below, so one gets a really good view. The food and the service were excellent and it is not far to walk down to the promenade and then into Eastbourne. The car park was crowded, although we were lucky enough to find a place. However there is plenty of road parking nearby. Its position on the west of Eastbourne front is ideal and there are buses which one can pick up within a reasonable distance. The fact that it has an elevated position might present a challenge to those who find walking uphill difficult.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I felt as though I was met with indifference when I checked in, but that may have been because of the drive and time of day.
We were holding an event the next day and wanted to check the room we were using but it was being used. Fair enough but we asked if we could go in after but said no because they were cleaning.
Bedroom was ok but very hot but could open the window. The bathroom was a bolt on to the room and very small and cramped with no bath. Breakfast was medoacre but service was good.
The event was successful but at no point did anyone ask if we had everything or needed anything and I got the impression we were a hinderence rather than a paying customer. Why don't we do customer service here anymore?
Ok not great.
We were holding an event the next day and wanted to check the room we were using but it was being used. Fair enough but we asked if we could go in after but said no because they were cleaning.
Bedroom was ok but very hot but could open the window. The bathroom was a bolt on to the room and very small and cramped with no bath. Breakfast was medoacre but service was good.
The event was successful but at no point did anyone ask if we had everything or needed anything and I got the impression we were a hinderence rather than a paying customer. Why don't we do customer service here anymore?
Ok not great.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I stayed in this hotel in January with my family including two children and we got a great winter rate. The hotel is in a fantastic position in the poshest part of Eastbourne's front (fabulous for walks on the front or a walk on the downs) and has a lovely outlook. The hotel has a wonderful faded charm (indeed my great grandmother) was one of their permanent residents many years ago. The restaurant dinner and breakfast was good, not great but good. Dinner felt a little rushed. There was not much gap between courses. The waiting staff were lovely and cheerful, particularly to my children (notably the waiter from Hungary and the waitress who works with him). Our greeting from reception in the evening was a little cool but the staff on reception during the day were bright and welcoming. The drinks are a great price for a hotel of his stature. But for me and my family what let this hotel down was the room. We had a family suite, which comprised a single bedroom, double bedroom with a put up bed. The good part was plenty of toiletries, tea and coffee and nice biscuits. However, the furniture was rather poor quallity, the double bed was a real smallish double, with soft mattress, with scratchy blanket and terribly soft and lumpy pillows. I had such a bad night's sleep on both nights, partly due to the bed and partly due to the incredible heat in the room which felt like a sauna. We all woke up really heady and dehydrated. There is no thermostat control in the room. Also, the bathroom was very basic, little room to leave toiletries and with an old fashioned shower above the bath from which water trickled. So, some updating is badly needed. A comfortable night's sleep is a basic requirement and I didn't get it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I arranged a significant birthday celebration here, for my father, in early 2012 - afternoon tea, evening meal in a private dining room, overnight accommodation and breakfast. The booking arrangements were handled very efficiently (though perhaps a little coldly at times) and comprehensively. The hotel itself is handsome though the layout is a bit rambling in parts ... nothing unusual for a large seaside hotel. But it's the staff that made the experience so good - from charming check-in people and helpful concierge, to efficient, polite and attentive waiting staff. It really felt as if they all put the customer first. The bedrooms were fine, with some good views, even those without a sea view. The only aspect that loses the Hydro a point, is the limited free wifi (just half an hour) - while the day-rate isn't extortionate, I think people now expect wifi to be free (at point of use anyway) these days. But apart from that, I'd thoroughly recommend the Hydro.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We booked this on a last minute deal. Wow, lovely hotel which I would thoroughly recommend. We didnt eat in the hotel on this occassion, however if you want to feel special, go to this hotel and they will spoil you. I did use the hairdressers and this was a very pleasant experience. All the staff in this hotel are polite, courteous and caring. We will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Due to the nature of my work I have stayed in many a good hotel and this is one of them. My wife and I stayed overnight on the 24/1/12 and what a great place it is to stay. Yes a little antiquated but that adds to the charm, very clean and tidy. The room and bathroom was spotless, bed a bit on the small size but we had a good night’s sleep which was a first for me in a hotel. The staff were fantastic and polite, breakfast was excellent, nothing was too much trouble and I will defiantly stay there again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots of lovely old world charm, very friendly staff, food very good; very friendly guests and local customers. Very good for croquet in the summer, great grounds and very clean. Been going here for 20 years from this year and still love it!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here for two nights with friends between Christmas and New Year. Rooms, public areas and food were excellent.
We were very disappointed with the entertainment, which was held in an upstairs room, away from the public downstairs areas of the hotel. We did venture up the stairs to look and the ambience in the room was awful! A few couples sitting around the edge of the room and one or two dancing to a live keyboard player. When we visited the hotel last September, the entertainment was in the conservatory, close to the bar. The volumne was not overpowering, but you could tap into it or not as you chose. At 'Twixmas' it was different and therefore disappointing. Also, the only background music in the public areas was an automatic piano, which played the same tunes over and over each night!
We were very disappointed with the entertainment, which was held in an upstairs room, away from the public downstairs areas of the hotel. We did venture up the stairs to look and the ambience in the room was awful! A few couples sitting around the edge of the room and one or two dancing to a live keyboard player. When we visited the hotel last September, the entertainment was in the conservatory, close to the bar. The volumne was not overpowering, but you could tap into it or not as you chose. At 'Twixmas' it was different and therefore disappointing. Also, the only background music in the public areas was an automatic piano, which played the same tunes over and over each night!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great hotel to take your older relation to for a treat they'll love it! Good value out of season offers which include breakfast and dinner. Rooms are basic but comfortable and a lovely sea view for a bit extra. Good walk along the seafront and into town but as you are on the hill may need a taxi back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not many of these left. OK, OK, forget the retort of '... I'm not surprised...' as this is how I imagined the deportment of hotels of the 30's to be and that's not a bad thing. No, really.
The hotel looks straight out of the art deco era and has a charm which isn't really in all of the modern hotels. Yep, it's a little bit stuck in a time warp, but in Eastbourne, it fits in perfectly with the town and its clientele.
As a business traveller I've stayed in hundreds of hotels, and this one chimes with me because it's different. Dressing for dinner was perfectly fine and was entertaining as it is the exception to the rule nowadays. Breakfast service was OK - perhaps a buffet would be better than breakfast served up, but if that's what old fashioned service is, then fair enough. Rooms were great - bathroom a little dated, but still clean, sparkly and suitable.
And no, I don't wear tweed, hurrumph into my Telegraph and vote Conservative. I have long hair, like heavy rock and drive a modern sports car and am under 50. I just think the Hydro is a cool place to crash. Would I stay again? Absolutely.
The hotel looks straight out of the art deco era and has a charm which isn't really in all of the modern hotels. Yep, it's a little bit stuck in a time warp, but in Eastbourne, it fits in perfectly with the town and its clientele.
As a business traveller I've stayed in hundreds of hotels, and this one chimes with me because it's different. Dressing for dinner was perfectly fine and was entertaining as it is the exception to the rule nowadays. Breakfast service was OK - perhaps a buffet would be better than breakfast served up, but if that's what old fashioned service is, then fair enough. Rooms were great - bathroom a little dated, but still clean, sparkly and suitable.
And no, I don't wear tweed, hurrumph into my Telegraph and vote Conservative. I have long hair, like heavy rock and drive a modern sports car and am under 50. I just think the Hydro is a cool place to crash. Would I stay again? Absolutely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After paying top price for a weekend stay with a sea view room our expectations were set high. Upon arrival we were greated by a friendly and helpful receptionist.
However, after viewing our room we went back to reception as we were very disappointed by the size. We were told that our room was one of the smallest and for the price we paid the receptionist thought we had booked Dinner, Bed and Breakfast - only to be very surprised when we told her it was a bed and breakfast rate only.
The room was clean and tidy however, the bed was small and interior very dated.
We didn't eat dinner there during our stay but did have breakfast - on the first morning the service was terrible, the second morning it was outstanding. Food was ok.
When we departed we had a word with the manager who noted down our feedback (both good and bad) so hopefully this and the other reviews on tripadvisor are taken on board as this hotel has a lot of potential.
To sum up - a mixed experience but as a couple looking for a quiet, romantic weekend getaway - this is not somewhere I would recommend.
However, after viewing our room we went back to reception as we were very disappointed by the size. We were told that our room was one of the smallest and for the price we paid the receptionist thought we had booked Dinner, Bed and Breakfast - only to be very surprised when we told her it was a bed and breakfast rate only.
The room was clean and tidy however, the bed was small and interior very dated.
We didn't eat dinner there during our stay but did have breakfast - on the first morning the service was terrible, the second morning it was outstanding. Food was ok.
When we departed we had a word with the manager who noted down our feedback (both good and bad) so hopefully this and the other reviews on tripadvisor are taken on board as this hotel has a lot of potential.
To sum up - a mixed experience but as a couple looking for a quiet, romantic weekend getaway - this is not somewhere I would recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We found the Hydro Hotel wasn't sure whether it was running a rest home for the very elderly guests or a hotel. The beds were double and not king sized and pillows synthetic. Luckily we had brought our own! We couldn't sleep well because of the small bed. We were given the worst table in the restaurant (by the kitchen door) and had to have the same at breakfast although the room was almost empty when we arrived. Service was very good but our meal was mixed. The meat was tough but the vegetables beautifully cooked. The hotel is beautifully situated with a view of the sea, it has a heated outdoor swimming pool and pleasant conservatory. The bedroom was old-fashioned with dark furniture. There was one creaky, small lift which was difficult for all the zimmer frames and people with walking sticks. With the situation this hotel could be a lot better but guests should be treated with respect and not like residents of a rest home. Good car parking with an overflow car park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to a wedding reception at the Hydro last weekend. Couldn't fault the food or service. It was all served very professionally, don't know how they did it for so many people, but it was all hot and delicious. The staff were all very helpful.
The location is really all about the fabulous sea views, and the gardens were very lovely.
Can't comment on the rooms, as too pricey for us to stay there!!
Would highly recommend lunch/dinner/parties/weddings here.
The location is really all about the fabulous sea views, and the gardens were very lovely.
Can't comment on the rooms, as too pricey for us to stay there!!
Would highly recommend lunch/dinner/parties/weddings here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed at The Hydro for a bridge weekend. Lovely, old-fashioned hotel; very clean, polite, friendly and helpful staff; newly refurbished ladies' loo; we were a last minute booking but our small room had spectacular view of Beach Head, walk in closet, well-appointed bathroom and products, very comfy beds, slightly lumpy pillows and well-used blankets the only downside. The food is fantastic - freshly prepared, hot and tasty - breakfast extra special with everything freshly cooked to order. Wonderfully situated in quiet but central location. We'll definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My friend had her her 75th birthday lunch there for 20 friends the food was superb and the service excellent the tables were spotlessly set up with crisp table cloths and cutlery and glass.
Lunch was served to each individual as they had requested and it was hot. I could not fault the service or the food and I have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world in Malaya. Singapore. Spain , Turkey and France.
Lunch was served to each individual as they had requested and it was hot. I could not fault the service or the food and I have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world in Malaya. Singapore. Spain , Turkey and France.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My girlfriend and I took my Grandmother to the Hydro as a treat for her 85th birthday. We asked for and received extremely well placed rooms with incredible views of the sea. The rooms were sizeable, clean and well maintained. I am an often harsh critic of anything I choose to purchase, however the Hydro gave me absolutely no reason to complain. While the hotel is obviously a little dated, it is VERY well looked after and is far from tatty! The Hydro clearly values the sense of granduer that has served it so well for many years.
The breakfast was fantastic - all the staff were extremely polite, with the exception of the duty manager who appeared to be rather arrogant and disinterested (and forced my 85 year old Grandmother to walk to the table on the furthest side of the dining hall!").
Overall i would thoroughly recommend the Hydro. Our sea views were breathtaking, the location peaceful and we were close enough to town for easy access as well as being a few minutes drive from Beachy Head.
The breakfast was fantastic - all the staff were extremely polite, with the exception of the duty manager who appeared to be rather arrogant and disinterested (and forced my 85 year old Grandmother to walk to the table on the furthest side of the dining hall!").
Overall i would thoroughly recommend the Hydro. Our sea views were breathtaking, the location peaceful and we were close enough to town for easy access as well as being a few minutes drive from Beachy Head.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At the Hydro for a function. The room is small for a double, in need of reburbishment. Furniture the very cheapest low quality stuff. Bed though comfortable is a small double. Paint peeling here and there. Group dinner very poor: bought in goat cheese tart and dreadful overcooked dry chicken, vegetables left too long in a warming tray, gravy out of a packet. The location is fantastic, lovely outdoor heated pool, and excellent breakfast. So, get a seaview room, get a discount and don't eat there. At £150 for two it's the worst value on the south coast. Could be good but needs a change of owner and management.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A return visit for a short break by a group, requiring private dining, comfort, good food attentive service. The rooms are generally of a very high standards with excellent housekeeping. The bar has difficulty coping with sudden rushes and at peak times like 7-8 pm, due to insuffucient staffing. A very well managed established where the guests are important and well looked after. NOT REALLY SUITABLE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
