12 best hotels in Eastbourne, East Sussex

If you want to find a luxurious bolthole for your stay in Sussex, then I’ve put together this guide to help.

Having visited many times over the years, I’ve experienced some of the best hotels in Eastbourne and the nearby areas. So I’ve compiled my favourites into this handpicked list of the finest Eastbourne hotels.

The options include a historic town centre inn, Victorian townhouses with sweeping sea views, a grand coastal ‘palace’ and a clutch of exclusive self-catering properties that are spacious enough for a crowd. 

Locate your coastal home-from-home with my ultimate guide to the best hotels and self-catering properties in the Eastbourne area.

8 luxury hotels in Eastbourne

1. Port Hotel

Address: 11-12 Royal Eastbourne Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AR

Best for: Dreamy interiors

Occupying a grand position on Royal Parade, Port Hotel is a fine hotel in Eastbourne and a personal favourite of mine.

Here the Victorian townhouse has been fully overhauled to provide boutique accommodation plus an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar.

With less than 20 bedrooms, I love that this property has an intimate feel, and six of these offer ocean vistas. Otherwise your outlook may include town views or glimpses of the sweeping South Downs.

Rooms are smartly decorated with impeccable interiors. Lots of soothing neutrals and natural woods blend seamlessly with the coastal surroundings. While the glossy black exterior adds a city-style contrast which I just love.

The restaurant specialises in local, seasonal menus. The Luna Bar offers small, informal plates to accompany the range of colourful, sophisticated cocktails and other palate-pleasing drinks. 

2. Albert & Victoria

Address: 19 St Aubyn’s Rd, Eastbourne BN22 7AS

Best for: Sensational sea views

If you want to find a sea view hotel in Eastbourne, then the fact that this one’s just 40 metres away makes it one of my top recommendations.

Albert & Victoria is one of the best boutique hotels in Eastbourne and it’s packed with Victorian character. Every room is unique and many retain the building’s original period features.

The town centre, pier, marina, promenade, harbour and gardens can all be reached in a matter of minutes on foot. 

This elegant bed and breakfast admits adults only. I think this makes it one of the best Eastbourne hotels for those seeking a peaceful, romantic break within easy reach of all local attractions.

A delicious homemade breakfast will set you up for the day before you head out exploring.  

3. The Chatsworth Hotel

Address: 17-23 The Steyne, Worthing BN11 3DU

Best for: Seafront location

The Chatsworth is another one of the top Eastbourne hotels on the seafront. Also dating from the Victorian era, this refined property has been fully renovated.

It first began accommodating guests back in 1905, so is very much a part of Eastbourne’s history as a tourist destination.

I’m sure that anyone seeking a tranquil coastal retreat will be delighted by the range of contemporary rooms at The Chatsworth. Not to mention sublime views of the ocean, the bandstand and the pier from within. 

This is one of the best luxury hotels in Eastbourne when you’re seeking a convenient location plus peace, style and comfort. Perhaps even a dash of romance too!

4. Langham Hotel Eastbourne

Address: 43-49 Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AH

Best for: An award-winning restaurant

As one of the larger hotels in Eastbourne, the Langham offers 77 comfortable, stylish rooms housed within a white-fronted, 19th century building.

I love that the beach is just a short stroll away, and the property also offers an airy, award-winning restaurant and a bar with outdoor terrace.

Rooms at the Langham in Eastbourne vary in style: some are traditional, with four-poster beds, while others are more modern in appearance. Expect features such as William Morris prints, modest chandeliers and vast bay windows. 

I think the panelled, parquet-floored restaurant is a real highlight, and offers a range of good-value dining options with pleasing sea views.

Guests can enjoy a champagne, prosecco or alcohol-free afternoon tea here daily.  

5. The Lamb Inn

Address: 36 High St, Old Town, Eastbourne BN21 1HH

Best for: A cosy inn feel

In the heart of Eastbourne’s historic Old Town is the Lamb Inn. It’s a traditional English pub that also serves as a comfortable, luxurious Eastbourne hotel.

I think that the half-timbered, slightly off-kilter facade is delightful, while within rooms are decorated with cosy, welcoming Sussex style.

This Eastbourne pub dates back to the 14th century and is a place that both locals and tourists flock to day and night for good food, affordable drinks and snug surroundings.

Once you’ve had your fill of hearty pub classics, fine wines and real ales, you can simply retire upstairs to your own private quarters.

I find service at the Lamb to be friendly and efficient, and the location is unbeatable when you want to wander into town to shop, drink, eat or explore.

I’d also recommend this cosy pub as the perfect option for anyone seeking dog-friendly hotels in Eastbourne. 

6. The Grand Hotel

Address: King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne BN21 4EQ

Best for: A five-star option

The pick of the 5 star hotels in Eastbourne is The Grand, a place that’s often known as a ‘Palace by the Sea’ or the ‘White Palace’.

When pulling into or walking up to the stately front entrance, it’s easy to see why. This property is incredibly elegant and looks-wise this is where colonial meets traditional.

A 5 star hotel in Eastbourne is truly a rarity and while this one looks and plays the part, I also treasure the laid-back ambience and warm welcome found here. It’s smart, yet completely unstuffy. 

The Sussex Spa, a pair of eateries and refined, country-style rooms make The Grand a well-appointed, comfortable place to stay. Throw a sea view into the mix and I know you’ll be in for a pretty dreamy stay.

7. Hydro Hotel

Address: Mount Rd, Eastbourne BN20 7HZ

Best for: Clifftop location

If 4 star hotels in Eastbourne are more your thing, then the Hydro Hotel might just suit you down to the ground.

The clifftop location is a little out-of-town, but I love that the property is in a prime position to offer guests panoramic views over the Sussex coastline.

The centre of town is around a mile away, so it’s not too far to walk when you fancy a stroll. Dramatic Beachy Head, meanwhile, is around two-and-a-half miles distant.

In my opinion, trading a town centre location for a more spacious bolthole is the appeal of booking into The Hydro.  

The Hydro Hotel’s wealth of public spaces include a couple of restaurants, a cocktail bar, a snooker room, a library and a spa.

In summer, I love that the croquet lawn, putting green and swimming pool become the centre of attention. 

8. The Berkeley Guesthouse

Address: No. 3 Lascelles Terrace, Eastbourne BN21 4BJ

Best for: Theatre goers

If you do prefer to be in the thick of things, then I’m sure you’ll adore the location of The Berkeley.

It’s among the best hotels in Eastbourne for theatre lovers, as it’s situated in the heart of the dramatic district on Lascelles Terrace.

The Berkeley is another of those Eastbourne beauties that attention has been lavished upon, and there are rooms here to suit singles, couples and families alike.

Guests can also enjoy a hot beverage in the light-filled guest lounge, and borrow books or board games for entertainment during their stay. 

The breakfast served at The Berkeley includes a full English as well as daily specials. I love that care has been taken to select only the finest, award-winning ingredients.  

4 luxury self-catering near Eastbourne

1. Hay Barn Conversion

Location: Nettle Fields near Horsham

Best for: Luxe barn conversion

If you’d prefer more space in which to spread out during your Sussex sojourn, Hay Barn conversion is an incredibly slick, upmarket barn conversion with a thoroughly modern feel.

With two bedrooms, I’d recommend this for families or a small group. Deluxe amenities include a log-burning stove, underfloor heating and a spacious patio area.

The well-equipped kitchen means culinary types can cook up a storm, and there’s plenty of space at the breakfast bar or dining table for savouring a quick snack or multi-course meal. 

After dinner, you can retire to the comfortable lounge or outdoors for sundowners with a view. 

2. Loft Studio

Location: Near Brighton

Best for: Beautiful interiors

Surely you can count on a crash pad that’s featured in interiors publications for the ultimate in Instagrammable style. 

The Loft Studio forms part of the owner’s five bedroom guesthouse, and I love the panoramic views of the Sussex coastline from the private balcony.

It’s an open-plan space with the bed on a raised mezzanine level, and boasts a charming en-suite in addition to basic kitchen equipment. 

Offering much more seclusion and space than the average hotel room, the Loft Studio is a superb choice for discerning guests who’ll appreciate the understated coastal style and impressive range of facilities. 

3. Roserai 

Location: Waldron, East Sussex

Best for: Outdoor pool and hot tub

I think it’s well worth staying half an hour from town to savour a stay at Roserai. Ideal for large groups attending the opera, this sumptuous property offers a spa zone, heated outdoor pool and hot tub.

It’s also a short drive from Glydebourne. Who needs spa hotels in Eastbourne when you have all this?  Roserai is a sizeable yet traditional Sussex oast house located on a 10-acre plot.

While the exterior is undoubtedly local, the interior is akin to what you might find in a luxurious French chateau.

Shamelessly romantic, beautifully appointed and utterly memorable. In fact the owners have brought many original pieces from the south of France, which I just love.

With five bedrooms, two bathrooms and glorious flower gardens, Roserai is a secluded getaway where a number of guests can enjoy living in the lap of luxury.  

4. Hummingbird House 

Location: Lewes, East Sussex

Best for: A charming manor house

Located close to Lewes, Hummingbird House also provides larger families or groups with the ultimate getaway. Eastbourne is around 30 minutes away by car. 

The grade II listed manor house was once home to a star of the Edwardian music hall scene.

It’s now one of the finest holiday homes in the entire county. Hummingbird House might just tick all your boxes.

The 17th century Wealden farmhouse is typical of this area. Within you’ll find delightful features such as heavy oak beams, a mediaeval fireplace, an Aga and a range of antique furnishings.

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a hot tub, upmarket technological gadgets and much more, this Sussex holiday home is guaranteed to enchant every guest.

If you have any Eastbourne hotel recommendations or questions for visiting, do let me know in the comments!

Planning a visit to this pretty coastal town? Have a read of my guide to the best things to do in Eastbourne.