The Crescent Turner Hotel

The meal was beautifully prepared and presented, and as a chef I noticed the care in the details. I was visiting as a guest speaker at a Whitstable Rotarians meeting and dinner, rather than staying overnight, but a guest showed me the rooms. Staff were friendly and attentive, and helped older group members who had mobility difficulties. I was driving, so I stuck to water, but the beer looked well kept and cold, as did the white wine, and the red served with dinner.

We'd come back to The Crescent Turner Hotel, and this visit gave us a chance to show my sister-in-law Whitstable. Even in the bitter cold, she was as impressed as we were. Owner Sarah and her team clearly want guests to feel looked after, and most of the staff were first class about checking we were happy. The final evening was a lovely touch: we were the only dinner guests, so they set us up in the Lounge by the Log Fire, with other guests there too. We stayed between Christmas and New Year 25, three mature adults in rooms 12 and 16. Room 12 must be one of the hotel's best, with a patio and fantastic views. Room 16 is a double on the first floor, though only one of us used it this time. We think it would feel a little small for two adults, despite having views on two sides. A couple of things could be better, in our opinion. Breakfast could use improvement, though that's partly a matter of choice. We ate in the Restaurant all three nights. The food was good, but the weekday menu felt limited; a couple of dishes weren't top notch, and one arrived just warm. When we mentioned it, the staff member seemed unsure how to handle it. Still, it's little gestures like that last-night seating that make a hotel. The Crescent Turner Hotel isn't run of the mill. We'd happily return, hopefully in summer to enjoy the outdoor areas.

Our room had a small balcony over the roof of the main building, with lovely views towards the mouth of the Thames Estuary and the Isle of Sheppey. The bathroom was very spacious, and dinner offered excellent food with some interesting choices. Breakfast isn't a buffet, but there are several cooked options. The hotel sits high on a hill above Whitstable, a great place for a short break with easy road access to North Kent and Canterbury.

Sarah kindly moved us to a family room with a cot for our son, and Maria got us checked in early. Jake also kept an eye on us throughout. The views were a real highlight, and the staff made the weekend feel special. A lovely stay for our fifth wedding anniversary.