10 Luxury Boutique Hotels in Kent & Sussex
Looking for a relaxing staycation or somewhere for friends or family to unwind on a visit? We’ve rounded up a fantastic selection of charming boutique hotels right on your doorstep.
Image Updown Farmhouse, Yuki Sugiura
Updown Farmhouse, Deal, Kent
Updown Farmhouse is an idyllic hotel and restaurant housed in a former farm near Deal, that has been lovingly restored over the past few years to provide guests with a sanctuary to escape to in the middle of the Kent countryside. Over the last few years, Ruth Leigh and Oli Brown have been slowly rebuilding and restoring the farmhouse and grounds to its former glory, now housing four rooms and two cottages – along with the soon-to-open The Stables – designed to reflect and celebrate the farm’s historic character. This coming January The Stables will offer four new hotel rooms set in the farmhouse’s original stable block. Walking through Updown’s sprawling gardens, past the terrace restaurant, guests will enter The Stables, tucked away in a secluded corner with an unparalleled view of the grounds and farmhouse. The new rooms have been sympathetically restored to preserve the character and charm of the original building, keeping the high ceilings and wooden structure from the 17th century.
Updown Farmhouse, Updown Road, Betteshanger, Deal, Kent CT14 0EF
Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex
You will find this magnificent 16th century manor house and garden nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Gravetye Manor benefits from the choice of 17 rooms and suites that combine old world charm and modern day luxury, each with its own unique character due to the beautifully restored antiques and quirky period features you will find. When it comes to dining, the Michelin Star restaurant offers a menu that changes with the season and every ingredient used in the dishes has either been grown in the Kitchen Garden, or sourced from a trusted, local supplier. And as you dine, floor to ceiling glass walls provide uninterrupted views of the beautiful gardens.
Gravetye Manor, Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex RH19 4LJ
No. 42, Margate, Kent
Found on the front in the characterful Kent town of Margate is No. 42, by Guesthouse. This Victorian hotel, which has won the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025, enjoys views across the bay over the golden sands. The 21 guest rooms and Lookout Suites enjoy original features but also benefit from modern amenities, some also having the benefit of a balcony. On the lower ground floor of the hotel you will find the Treatment Rooms with the Copper Cover experience offering “ultimate soothing experience”. Their grill restaurant Pearly Cow Margate offers seafood and flamed-grilled meats as well as some garden greens. An added bonus is that the contents of their pantry are all yours to enjoy any time of day or night – all on them – stocked daily with sweet and savoury snacks such as ice cream, homemade baked goodies, soft drinks and fruit.
No.42, 42 High Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1DS
The Grand Brighton, Brighton, Sussex
Seated on the seafront of the popular Sussex city, The Grand’s prime location is just one of its many attributes. Having undergone a £16.2million refurbishment it says it is raising the bar for luxury blending its “unique heritage with a breath of fresh air”. Crafted to offer comfort, whether you are looking for a cosy getaway or a luxurious suite, each has been thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, while also paying tribute to its incredible history – and who could resist the opportunity of taking in the sunset from a sea-facing balcony? Dining in the Cyan Brighton will see you go on a culinary journey with its classic British staples with a twist, while overlooking the seafront. The hotel’s brand-new spa and gym also offers the chance to relax and recharge in stunning surroundings.
The Grand Brighton, 97-99 King's Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2FW
Image Updown Farmhouse, Ed Schofield
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The Beacon offers six beautifully renovated and luxuriously elegant bedrooms, plus a further cabin room – The Summer House – can be found on the edge of Happy Valley, with stunning views across the Kent countryside. The grounds at The Beacon include three Victorian spring-fed lakes, and each unique bedroom as well as having Arts & Craft interiors, is inspired by these natural surroundings and combines vintage stylish décor with modern furnishings. A Shepherd’s Hut – Holly Hut – has also arrived at The Beacon offering a cosy retreat on the edge of Happy Valley. You can dine in the traditional and elegant restaurant where the carefully created dishes use only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. Plus, the Garden Bar offers cosy corners and snugs for you to enjoy breakfast or after-dinner cocktails.
The Beacon, Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9JH
The Alfriston, Alfriston, Sussex
The Alfriston is a charming boutique hotel surrounded by stunning countryside in the heart of the Sussex town offering luxurious rooms and suites full or character. For those looking for a spa experience, Signet Spa offers the opportunity to take a dip in the outdoor pool, head to the sauna or enjoy a treatment. Whether you are looking for a king-size bed for lazy mornings, a free-standing bath for relaxing or a room enjoying breath-taking views of the gardens or on to the South Downs, there are lots of beautiful options to choose from. They also have dog-friendly rooms so you can bring your four-legged friends, who will enjoy the benefit of plenty of open space for them to explore.
The Alfriston, Seaford Road, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5TW
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent
The five star rated luxury bed and breakfast at Hever Castle in Edenbridge gives you the chance to stay in a fairytale setting. Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the castle is set in 125 acres of grounds with award-winning gardens. Some 27 luxury bedrooms are found in the Edwardian Astor and Anne Boleyn wings which are attached the Tudor-style castle. The ensuite bedrooms, some enjoying four-poster beds, are all individually styled giving them each a unique character. Facilities include a lounge, courtyard garden, billiards room, tennis court, gardens and daytime café. If you are looking to stay in a holiday cottage there is Medley Court – a luxurious four-bedroom cottage forming part of the Astor Wing with a lounge, kitchen and dining room. Entry to the castle and gardens is included in your stay at this bed and breakfast awarded ‘Five Star Gold’ by VisitEngland and a Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor.
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
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The George in Rye, Rye, Sussex
This luxurious retreat in the heart of Rye has been voted Top 10 “Most Romantic Hotels” by The Sunday Times and “100 Best Places to Stay in Britain for 2023” by The Times. Full of charm, you will find the lovingly renovated 16th century coaching inn on the cobbled high street, offering a delightful getaway for those looking for a relaxing break and a haven for food lovers. Offering a “sanctuary of comfort, elegance and calm” each room offers comfort as well as its own character and design. With Rye being just down the road from Camber Sands it offers the chance to get some sea air and visit the stunning sandy white beaches while you are there.
The George in Rye, 98 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JT
THE PIG-at Bridge Place, Canterbury, Kent
This charming boutique hotel has lots of quirky features to uncover including secret staircases, cosy corners to unwind in and a rock n’ roll past, having seen early gigs played there by Led Zeppelin, The Kinks and The Yardbirds. Each of the 31 bedrooms are unique, adorned in velvet fabrics and rustic textures and inspired by the spirit of the building it is housed in. A unique addition at THE PIG-at Bridge Place are the Hop Pickers’ Huts which you will find nestled in the water meadows on stilts and set along a boardwalk. As you dine in the restaurant you will find a daily changing menu with dishes created from the homegrown produce found in their Kitchen Garden – which you can also enjoy a tour of. Relax and unwind at the Potting Sheds that are hidden in the garden which offer spa treatments including massages, facials and body treatments, using natural products.
THE PIG-at Bridge Place, Bourne Park Road, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5BH
No. 124, Brighton, Sussex
No. 124 Brighton, the latest hotel by GuestHouse, enjoys sweeping sea views, located a stone’s throw from the beach. The hotel is a blend of Victorian and Regency architecture, mixed with a riot of colours and décor inspired by the Palace Pier. Offering 32 luxury rooms and suites, many with sea views, it also has the benefit of the FieldTrip Spa – with a range of bespoke treatments and the signature Copper Cove experience – relaxing lounges, a terrace and winter garden. If you are looking for something a little bit different try the Hideout Suite, complete with a secret door into the hotel! Another quirky element is that every room has a Crosley record player and a few choice records. It’s restaurant, Pearly Cow, serves up signature dishes such as locally-sourced shellfish and meats cooked on an open flame. Plus, there is also the Bar, Lounge, Games Room & Courtyard to relax in.
No. 124, 124 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2FA
Do you have any recommendations for top boutique hotels for people to try in the area? Then email us at info@indexdigital.co.uk
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