Walpole Bay Hotel & Museum

We arrived on the hottest day of the year so far, and sleeping was a struggle without air conditioning. We only spotted the fan tucked in a cupboard while getting ready to check out. The included breakfast was a very nice, standard English buffet. Our room was huge, with a partial water view. The hotel felt like a charming, cosy, slightly eccentric grandma’s house. It’s outside the main Old Town Margate bustle, so expect a 20-30 minute walk to the centre, or take the easy-to-navigate bus.

We loved it and will be back. The hotel has loads of character and history and looks out over lovely walpole bay. The breakfast is great, and the staff are kind and helpful. Premier Inn might be a little cheaper for a family room, but for a memorable family trip, book this place.

We came for a few drinks, not to stay, but took a tour of the rooms, which looked amazing. The front desk welcomed us warmly and showed us around the basement rooms. There’s so much to see, with fascinating features that feel like stepping into a time warp. The lift is a great centrepiece, and the upper floors and napkin gallery were lovely, full of unique pieces. We finished with drinks in the bar, served by a lovely girl in costume. A lot of effort has gone into preserving this beautiful hotel for everyone to enjoy.

Everything about this hotel is quirkily awesome. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary with a staycation full of happy moments, and really enjoyed the whole hotel and museum experience. If you like a bit of history, quirky places and a romantic stay, I highly recommend it. The veg sausage is deeelicious too. I’ve tried a few hotels, but Walpole’s version is soft, made when requested and tastes delicious.