33 Best Hotels in The Southeast, England

This glossy boutique hotel inside the old city walls offers up-to-date style in traditional Canterbury, with good-size rooms—modern but not minimal—classed as Comfortable, Desirable, Enviable, and Most Enviable. The latter have the most space and extras like wood floors, sitting areas, and freestanding roll-top baths, but even Comfortable rooms are nicely designed with soft bedding in neutral colors (although most have no view). There's also a Fabulous suite, with a sun-trap terrace offering sweeping cathedral vistas. Back downstairs, the superb County Restaurant serves Modern European cuisine, while the beam-ceilinged Champagne Bar serves afternoon tea every day. The hotel can also arrange private "chef's table" dining events (including a view of the action inside the kitchen).

Enter under the portcullis of this genuine medieval castle, where across the moat, present-day luxury dominates. Antiques and rich draperies furnish the individually designed bedrooms, and many have lattice windows, beamed ceilings, and curtained four-posters. You can dine in the excellent Queen's Room restaurant, beneath a 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling, but prepare to pay for the privilege; it's £90 for three courses (or £155 including three paired wines).

Convenient for exploring nearby Standen House, this luxurious country hotel offers traditionally furnished bedrooms, superb gourmet dining, and fun and games galore—from golfing on the scenic 18-hole forest course to spa treatments in the country club (as well as tennis, swimming, croquet, snooker, and bike hire). Built in the 19th century, the hotel's enviable location on the edge of Ashdown Forest, which was the setting for A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories, means there are appealing walking paths all around; a half-day circular walk takes in the original Poohsticks Bridge. Even if you can't stay overnight, come here for a round of golf, a relaxing spa day, or afternoon tea on the lawn. And, if you can, stick around for dinner, as the hotel's Anderida Restaurant is one of the region's best (try the deliciously chocolatey Ferrero dessert). Ashdown Park is located 11 miles southwest of Hever and five miles southeast of Standen House.

Situated a few miles south of Arundel, this charmingly out-of-the-way country escape offers lovely period features, expansive private gardens, and one of the region's finest spas. With sleeping options spread out across a series of houses, cottages, and courtyards, most of which are (despite appearances) less than a century old, the rooms vary from highly decorative, medieval-style suites with four-poster beds to bright and breezy bedrooms with modern furnishings. Ask for a peek inside the 13th century chapel, one of the truly historic buildings in the grounds.

Chic and sleek, this hotel a little off the seafront (three minutes' walk from Brighton Pier) is all about relaxation. The stylish rooms are painted in restful, pale shades of blue and white, and the spacious beds are swaddled in soft white linens. Breakfast offers a mix of continental options—muesli, fresh fruit, pancakes—to accompany the (meaty or vegetarian) "full English." The look is minimal without being cold, and the service hits just the right note of friendliness and helpfulness.

There is no more peaceful place to stay in Canterbury then at this small and modern hotel tucked away within the grounds of the famous cathedral. Each of its quiet, soothingly decorated rooms with creamy white walls and exposed oak trim has cathedral views, as does the serene Campanile Garden. All guests have free access to the cathedral (which, as a couple, effectively knocks £28 off the price) as well as an even more precious extra: they get to stay inside the cathedral grounds when the gates close at night. There's limited free parking available for guests; ask when you book. Most of the rooms have UK double beds, which are surprisingly small. For a king-size experience, opt for a twin room and zip the beds together.

If you're looking for a hotel with history, you're in the right place: Cathedral Gate's ancient beamed ceilings, low doorways, and sloping floors reveal origins dating back to 1438 (that's 75 years earlier than Christchurch Gate next door). Due to the constrictions of the historic building, rooms vary dramatically—some are poky with shared bathroom facilities, others are en suite with four-poster beds and cathedral views—but they're all clean, cozy, and comfortable. Public areas, including the small library, lounges, and a bar, are great for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Continental breakfast is served in the dining room, with beautiful views over the Buttermarket.

This handsome 18th-century house, known for its flying (partially freestanding) staircase and colonnade, was once the residence of Admiral George Murray, one of Admiral Nelson's right-hand men. It's been beautifully converted into an elegant boutique hotel, in which the public areas have been restored to their full, Regency-era glory, while the guest rooms have a cooler, more contemporary design. Some rooms have lovely views over the city's old rooftops. The Ship restaurant is flooded with light from the rows of big windows. There's also a basement-level spa to help sooth away those travel-weary aches and pains.

Located in the heart of the South Downs, this delightful, ivy-covered, family-run country hotel offers stylishly understated bedrooms that combine period features and antique furnishings with smart TVs and walk-in showers. Guests will also enjoy the excellent but informal dining, the relaxing lounge areas, and the impeccably landscaped gardens, including a heated outdoor pool. Located on the edge of Alfriston village 10 miles southeast of Lewes, it's a convenient base for visiting Charleston, the Long Man of Wilmington (walkable in 45 minutes), and the dramatic white cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Dogs are welcome for an extra £10 a night, with lovely river walks starting right on the hotel's doorstep.

It's easy to miss the low-key sign for this elegant, modern hotel tucked away amid the frilly houses on Marine Parade, but it's worth the trouble of finding, because everything is cool, calm, and sleekly designed. The lobby is dark and sophisticated, while each guest room has its own style, with handmade wallpaper, firm beds covered in luxurious linens, and art everywhere. Some "feature" rooms have quirky touches, including claw-foot tubs looking out to sea. Rooms with sea views are much more expensive than the others, but what's the point of a seaside hotel without a sea view? The hotel's excellent fine dining Amarillo Restaurant has a huge local following for its Modern European cuisine. Check the website for packages.

Part of a small boutique chain, the Harbour Hotel is one of the more contemporary offerings in this part of Surrey, with its modern and well-designed rooms attracting mostly business travelers although the spa also brings in plenty of travelers who want a pampering getaway. The spa has a long list of stress-busting treatments, and at pretty reasonable prices, like £130 for a two-hour full body massage with foot and facial treatments. There are also three good in-house dining options, but since you're right in the center of Guildford there are plenty of other options within a few minutes' walk.

In Warrior Square at the edge of Hastings, this boutique guesthouse brings a funky, modern style to a grand Victorian building. Its individually styled guest rooms are chic and stylish, with big, comfortable beds and bright splashes of color. Marble bathrooms are small, but just big enough. Rooms 3, 5, and 7 have sea views but are also the priciest in the house. Dinner is available if you let the owners know in advance, as is afternoon tea.

Set within 1,100 acres of parkland, this luxurious Victorian manor house was built as a private home in 1850; it was owned by a friend of the late Queen Elizabeth until the 1980s, and she was a regular visitor. Today it continues to exude English country-house style, with a magnificent Victorian staircase, elegantly traditional guest rooms, and special touches like the secret door in the Gothic library, which leads to a private courtyard. The dining room serves elegant fare using fresh, local ingredients. The house is six miles north of Lewes.

An elegant sandstone house dating from 1762 has been transformed into a chic boutique hotel with polished wood floors and luxurious furnishings. Oriental rugs give public rooms a warmth that is both intimate and grand, and guest rooms are minimalist and modern, with luxurious linens and pampering bathrooms. The Burgundy Bar stocks a fine selection of French wines while, in the bistro, the contemporary menu changes daily but is strong on creamy soups, crisp salads, and grilled steaks.

In the Lanes area, this outpost of a snazzy boutique chain has chic, modern rooms. Pampering touches include Egyptian linens and large "monsoon" showers. The bistro restaurant offers classic fare that makes use of local seafood, and the wine list is excellent. The more expensive rooms have luxurious roll-top baths and wonderful sea views. Room prices fluctuate wildly day to day, and are significantly higher in summer than other times of year; check the website for the best rates.

This historic B&B, which dates back 600 years and was written about by Dickens, offers a unique and stylish stay not far from Canterbury West Station. Many of the rooms make use of the building's lovely original features; others, in the converted stable block, are more modern. Either way, they are decorated with a contemporary touch (ask for the Paris room with its lovely roll-top tub). Breakfasts are delicious, with plenty of local specialties and healthier options.

Antiques fill the cozy bedrooms of this rambling 1689 house, where the snug, painted-and-paneled parlor has a wood-burning stove for cold days. The delicious breakfast menu includes smoked wild salmon with scrambled eggs, French cheese and croissants, and a Rye variant on Welsh rarebit (fancy cheese on toast). It's served in a galleried room formerly used for Quaker meetings. Check out the extraordinary inscription by the front door; it alludes to the date the foundation stone was laid by Samuel Jeake, a local Puritan with a powerful belief in astrology. One room does not have its own bath.

Located in Boxgrove, a village just northeast of Chichester, this charming B&B offers space, comfort, and personalized service within a gorgeous, 17th-century thatched cottage. The two suites here are large and characterful, with traditional features like bowed timber beams, squat-to-enter doorways, and antique furniture complemented by modern luxuries like rainfall showers, large comfy beds, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests are welcomed by owners Mandie and David with a spot of tea and cake in the garden, while hearty breakfasts are served every morning in the historic dining room.

A calm oasis in the heart of Brighton, this guesthouse is filled with contemporary art and designer accessories. Beds are supported on platforms of glass bricks that filter an ocean-blue light. For something even more unusual, opt for the beautiful Japanese Courtyard Room, which includes a little courtyard with a wooden bath for (private) open-air bathing.

The best accommodation option in the town center, this 18th-century coaching inn on the main street was, like Arundel's cathedral and castle, built by one of the dukes of Norfolk (during the Napoleonic Wars, it was used to house soldiers). The comfortable rooms are decorated in a simple, country-house style, and range from small singles to spacious feature doubles; those in the annex are generally larger and more modern. Downstairs, the Norfolk Tap pub serves good food and craft beer until late.

This stylish boutique hotel in the center of Tunbridge Wells used to be a brewery and then a schoolhouse; today it's a luxurious and intimate place to stay, with spacious, contemporary guest rooms and modern bathrooms. There's also an excellent restaurant, The Terrace, as well as a bright bar and snug serving traditional afternoon teas (£25 per person, or £33.50 with Champagne).

One of the Southeast's most unique B&Bs, this 450-year-old whitewashed windmill overlooking the River Tillingham is home to 10 lovely bedrooms with large en suite bathrooms, including walk-in showers. If it's available, opt for the extraordinary two-floor Windmill Suite, which includes a balcony with panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. There's no restaurant, but guests can enjoy the comfy lounge—complete with a roaring fire and an honesty bar—in the evenings, while hearty and delicious breakfasts are served in the beam-roofed breakfast room. Enthusiastic and well-informed hosts Toby and Kathryn are on hand to help with everything from sightseeing recommendations to restaurant reservations.

Overlooking Chatham Maritime Marina on the River Medway, the charming boutique bedrooms above this bar and restaurant offer comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and subtle seafaring-themed decor, from wooden oar headboards to vintage maritime maps. Some rooms also come with large balconies overlooking the harbor, perfect places to sit in the evening and watch the sun go down. Downstairs, the pub-restaurant serves a mix of good-value British pub staples (beef and ale pies, cod and chips, chicken burgers) and interesting international fare (lime and chili tiger prawns, vegan koftas, goat cheese tortellini) along with a good range of lagers, ales, and craft beers. Along with being convenient for the Historic Dockyard, there's also the Dockside Shopping Centre right on the hotel's doorstep, but just keep in mind it's a 45-minute walk (or 10-minute drive) into the center of Rochester.

This lovely, larger-than-you-expect farmhouse on the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle was originally built in 1885 and lovingly restored by the National Trust in 2009. Tastefully decorated in muted color schemes, bedrooms are spacious and welcoming, with comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and sumptuous views across the estate. On arrival, guests are served tea with housemade cakes in the cozy communal lounge—or in the garden if the weather's nice—while charcuterie and cheese platters can be ordered in the evening (there's no restaurant). An honesty bar stocked with snacks and drinks is also available—though make sure to save enough space for tomorrow's deliciously filling breakfast.

Guildford was once famous for its coaching inns, and this handsome, 500-year-old hotel is the last to survive. Guest rooms have reproductions of antiques, and marble-lined bathrooms; about half are in the original stone building, while the rest are in a modern annex. The courtyard, where coaches and horses clattered to a stop, is open to the sky. There's a salon with a fireplace and minstrels' gallery, and the 14th-century stone-vaulted crypt serves as the backdrop for an elegant bar. There is no in-house restaurant, but there is a branch of the excellent casual dining chain, Bill's, on the same site.

No TVs and a general Zen vibe at this boutique B&B in the quieter St. Leonard's district of Hastings make it a thoroughly relaxing place to stay. The comfortable, light-filled guest rooms are decorated in soothing tones of gray and polished wood, with beautiful art on the walls. A holistic approach is taken to guests' health and well-being—four dedicated therapists offer aromatherapy, Reiki, shiatsu, or hot-stone treatments, while delicious, well-balanced breakfasts and dinners are served in the excellent restaurant. The owners could hardly be friendlier, nor the atmosphere more relaxed.

This attractive hotel on Rye's main road takes a boutique approach, cleverly mixing modern pieces with antiques in a sprawling Georgian building. Rooms are individually decorated, but many combine muted colors with bold-print feature wallpaper, colorful cushions, quirky artwork, and fresh flowers. The standard "Queen" rooms are quite compact, but the superior, luxury, and deluxe rooms—as well as the elegantly minimalist Junior Suite—give you more space, as well as extras like four poster Vi-Spring beds and free-standing roll-top baths. The George Grill restaurant and bar downstairs are popular with locals as well as visitors.

The city's most famous hotel and a seafront landmark, the Grand Brighton is a huge, Victorian wedding cake of a building dating from 1864. It's both imposing and elegant, with high-ceiling public rooms richly decorated with enormous chandeliers and plenty of marble. Having afternoon tea here is a Brighton tradition, and highly recommended. The spacious bedrooms are light-filled and traditional, with luxurious fabrics, white linens, and large bathrooms.

Steeped in a history of smuggling—look for Rudyard Kipling's atmospheric poem "A Smuggler's Song" on the wall outside—the 600-year-old Mermaid is Rye's most historic inn; its sloping floors, oak beams, low ceilings, and huge open hearth look like a film set, but it's all totally authentic. Bedrooms are quite small, but some have four-poster beds and stone fireplaces. The restaurant, warmed by a roaring fire in winter, serves good Modern British cuisine.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town below, this charming family-run boutique hotel has spacious, individually designed rooms that combine home comforts like Hypnos beds, walk-in showers, and roll-top baths, with quirky touches like bold print cushions, pineapple-shaped lamps, and antique chairs. The hotel's restaurant and bar, set inside an 8th-century cavern below the hotel, is one of the town's best; the all-day menu changes seasonally but might include chilli salted squid, mixed beans risotto, and venison and beef stew. Walk past rooms 7 and 8 and you may find yourself doing a double-take; they are suspended halfway up the wall and don't go anywhere.