Best Hotels in Kent
It’s been a good few years for Kent, and that’s reflected in a slew of new hotels, especially in arty Margate. Some have opened up new destinations, such as Boys Hall on the outskirts of Ashford, or Updown, which has provided a bucolic inland alternative to the seaside at nearby Deal. In 2024, expect another unlikely corner to get a boost, when The Gallivant opens a second property on Littlestone Beach, on a hitherto unheralded stretch between Dungeness and Dymchurch on the south coast. For now, here’s our list of just some of the best hotels in Kent.
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Updown Farmhouse, near Deal
Of the many new Kent restaurants with rooms, few are as serious or creative about food as Updown, a restored 17th-century farmhouse in seven-and-a-half acres of deliberately unmanicured walled gardens inland from Deal. Owners Oli Brown and Ruth Leigh met at Le Cafe Anglais in Bayswater, and left serious London food careers to live the good life under the beams of this Grade II-listed beauty. Their six-room modern farmhouse makeover is striking, featuring dramatic colors in public spaces and bright mismatched contemporary art throughout. In the vine-covered, festoon-lit pergola restaurant, Brown cooks over an open fire, creating delights such as hearty lamb rack cassoulets and lasagne with pumpkin and taleggio. With a great drinks list and a tangible sense of eating in nature, this spot offers a unique dining experience.
Address: Updown Road, Betteshanger, Deal CT14 0EF
Price: Doubles from £190 -
Margate House
A bit like the Fort Road Hotel, Margate House showcases the town’s new creative confidence. A nine-room townhouse on Cliftonville’s once-grand Dalby Square, it was transformed by owner Will Jenkins. The hotel emanates luxurious scents, with a color scheme of pink, terracotta, and burgundy, featuring vintage Polish posters on the walls. Each floor has rooms with a focus on tactile design and thoughtful amenities. Moreover, Jenkins has revitalized the square, enhancing its charm with a passion for the area.
Address: Margate House, 6 Dalby Square, CT9 2ER
Price: Doubles from £140 -
Boys Hall, Ashford
The very existence of Boys Hall is remarkable – nestled between a rail track and an industrial estate on the edge of Ashford. This exquisite renovation of a wonky-beamed 1616 building exudes both stately style and warmth. Owners Brad and Kristie Lomas have created lovely rooms and a serious locavore restaurant. Their welcome infuses every slouchy sofa, making it easy to feel at home. The restaurant menu reads like a Kentish greatest hits, featuring local dishes made with regional ingredients.
Address: Boys Hall, Boys Hall Road, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0LA
Price: Doubles from £180 -
Fort Road Hotel, Margate
The Fort Road Hotel appeals to a diverse crowd, all seeking a timeless, refined experience. The iconic facade and carefully restored interiors provide a chic atmosphere. From the basement bar serving craft cocktails to the stylishly designed rooms, this hotel has become a local haunt. Moreover, many rooms offer stunning views across the Main Sands, adding to its appeal as a must-visit destination.
Address: Fort Road Hotel, 18 Fort Road, Margate CT9 1HF
Price: Doubles from £154 -
The Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury
Set in a 17th-century manor, this hideout is the closest to London. The red-brick Jacobean exterior masks a rich history, once serving as a notorious nightclub. The main house reflects an aging rock-chick persona, while the restaurant prominently features local produce in its classic menu.
Address: The Pig at Bridge Place, Bourne Park Road, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5BH
Price: Doubles from £145 -
The Rose, Deal
Once a pub, The Rose revitalizes the seaside town of Deal. Bold colors and seaside nods dominate the bedrooms, creating a unique atmosphere. The bar and restaurant overseen by experienced chefs offer delightful dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience during your stay.
Address: The Rose, 91 High Street, Deal CT14 6ED
Price: Doubles from £125 -
Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey
Elmley, a family-owned national nature reserve since the 1980s, allows guests to experience the beauty of diverse wildlife in a serene setting. The reserve offers restored farmhouse accommodations and stylish shepherd huts, perfect for nature enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the outdoors.
Address: Elmley Nature Reserve, Elmley, Minster on Sea, Isle of Sheppey ME12 3RW
Price: Cabins from £180 per night (sleeps four)
