Sleep Here: Port Hotel, Eastbourne
Truth be told, I’d never really thought of Eastbourne as a staycation spot until I came across Port Hotel, a new good looking boutique hotel on the seafront with views of the sea, terrazzo floors, colourful HAY accessories, and giant bathtubs in the larger rooms. Like many UK seaside towns, Eastbourne has a reputation for being a bit of a sleepy retirement town, but this is changing with an arty renaissance having started to bubble up over the past few years, giving way to new galleries, artisan coffee shops and the odd craft beer bar and tap room. And now there’s Port Hotel, with its blush-pink lobby-restaurant and jet black Victorian facade.
Luckily, Port isn’t just a photogenic hotel. We’ve all been to the ones that don’t live up to how they look online, but Port really is a gorgeous spot to spend a night or two. The rooms feel luxurious, the beds are comfy, the shower is powerful, the sea views really are stunning (especially on a summer’s evening), and the food in the restaurant downstairs is worth booking a table for. Of the 19 rooms, six look out to sea and if you can, I’d try to nab one of those. We stayed in a Studio Apartment, the largest of the lot, which had a stunning view over the beach and Eastbourne Pier, and the most gigantic standalone bathtub in a huge bathroom with his and her sinks, Haeckels products, and a big old walk-in shower. Rooms are designed with minimalism and sustainability in mind, and feel Scandi-ish with their muted colour palettes and HAY accessories. Crosley vinyl players make for instant evening ambience while you’re soaking in the tub or freshening up for dinner.
To me, Port is exactly what Eastbourne needed — a memorable and affordable modern hotel to give the charming seaside town fresh appeal to a newer audience. And what I really love about Port Hotel is how it facilitates the most easy-breezy weekend away. There’s no need to craft an itinerary or figure out how to get from A to B. Once you’ve had fish and chips on the beach, strolled along the five-mile promenade, contemplated a swim, had a drink or two at Levels, played on the arcades on the pier, soaked in the tub, had a lie-in, and walked to Beachy Head and back the next day, it’s time to come home, giddy on fresh sea air and a weekend well spent.
Port Hotel, rates from £126
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Book a table for dinner — it’s a popular spot with the locals. Produce is sourced within a 30-mile radius and there are some great English wines to try by the glass or the bottle.
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