Staying in Kent? Explore 8 Gorgeous Boutique Hotels to Make Your Stay Extra Special.
On the lookout for charming boutique hotels in Kent?
You're in for a treat! This lovely coastal county is brimming with some of my absolute favorite places to stay in the UK.
Nestled in the heart of the "Garden of England," Kent is like a picturesque postcard, offering idyllic coastal towns, quirky independent shops, and a treasure trove of delightful restaurants. It's the perfect weekend escape.
Now, when it comes to choosing a spot to lay your head, get ready for a treat! Kent is dotted with boutique hotels, and there are even more on the horizon. Boutique hotels, in my opinion, bring a special kind of magic. They offer a personalized touch, with individually crafted rooms and those little thoughtful extras that make your stay memorable.
So, whether you're dreaming of waking up to the soothing sound of waves or craving a countryside retreat, my guide to Kent's best boutique hotels has your back. It's time for a cozy, charming getaway!
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If it's not something I'd choose for myself, I won't suggest it to you.
Top Boutique Stays in the Picturesque County of Kent:
1. Elmley Nature Reserve
1 Kings Hill Cottages, Elmley, Minster on Sea, Sheerness ME12 3RW
Elmley Nature Reserve stands out as one of the finest boutique hotels in Kent, creating an enchanting retreat that I consider one of the most extraordinary places I've ever experienced.
Few places offer the ability to truly unwind, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and leave behind the usual stresses, but Elmley Nature Reserve achieves precisely that.
Situated on the Isle of Sheppey, just a little over 40 miles from central London, the reserve transports you to what feels like an entirely different realm. Spread across 3,000 acres of untamed landscapes, it holds the distinction of being the sole national nature reserve in the UK where you can spend the night. Opt for accommodation in the main farmhouse or choose one of the shepherd's huts, providing uninterrupted vistas of the reserve.
Photo's Courtesy of Elmey Nature Reserve
2. Fort Road Hotel
KFort Road Hotel, 18 Fort Rd, Margate CT9 1HF
Margate has undergone a remarkable revival in recent times, earning the moniker "Shoreditch on Sea" due to its array of independent shops, lively bars, and a surge in new restaurant establishments.
Unsurprisingly, this vibrant atmosphere extends to hosting some of the finest boutique hotels in Kent, with Fort Road Hotel claiming the top spot. Situated just a short distance from the beach, the hotel boasts 14 individually crafted bedrooms, most offering scenic views of the coastline.
Adding to its appeal, the hotel features an exceptional restaurant serving a seasonal menu. Anticipate delectable offerings such as buttermilk chicken, cuttlefish, and oregano orzo, along with the day's fresh catches from the sea. On sunny days, you have the option to dine on the terrace.
Beyond the restaurant, the hotel boasts an impressive bar with a capacity for 60 people. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it serves as an ideal spot for post-dinner drinks.
Photo's Courtesy of Fort Road Hotel
3. Albion House
Albion House, Albion Pl, Ramsgate CT11 8HQ
Situated in the coastal town of Ramsgate, Albion House enjoys a prominent position overlooking the beach and the harbor, the latter distinguished with the title of Royal Harbour by King George IV in acknowledgment of the warm reception he received during his visit to the town in 1821.
Built in 1791, this historic establishment has hosted royalty, politicians, and actors, including Princess Victoria prior to her ascension to the throne. Following a restoration in 2014, Albion House transformed into a 14-bedroom hotel, with many rooms offering captivating views of the sea.
The hotel features a superb restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The menu boasts a delightful selection of dishes, with a particular emphasis on seafood sourced fresh from the neighboring Kent towns.
Photo's Courtesy of Albion House
4. Belvidere Place
43 Belvedere Rd, Broadstairs CT10 1PF
Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Broadstairs, between Margate and Ramsgate, Belvidere Place is an exquisite Grade II listed Georgian townhouse.
This boutique hotel offers five individually designed bedrooms, each adorned with unique pieces of furniture, vibrant prints, and bold colors. Your room rate includes a delicious breakfast, featuring locally sourced produce from the shops on Broadstairs' bustling high street.
While the hotel occasionally hosts dinner events with local chefs, you'll typically find yourself strolling into Broadstairs for dinner. Fortunately, this lively town boasts numerous excellent restaurants and bars. With seven sandy beaches in the vicinity, Broadstairs is an ideal destination for those who relish seaside excursions.
Photo's Courtesy of Belvidere Place
5. Updown Farmhouse
Updown Farmhouse, Updown Rd, Betteshanger, Deal CT14 0EF
Situated just outside Deal, Updown Farmhouse is a captivating 17th-century farmhouse and one of Kent's premier boutique hotels, offering a tranquil retreat.
Featuring five individually designed bedrooms, each exuding a cozy and laid-back ambiance, the farmhouse aims to create a homely atmosphere. Within the farmhouse, guests have access to a library stocked with books, games, and newspapers, an honesty bar where they can craft their own drinks, a drawing room, terrace, and the farmhouse kitchen.
Spanning across 7 acres, the property encourages guests to make use of the expansive grounds. On select days, the stunning conservatory restaurant is open, presenting a concise, seasonal menu. The culinary offerings showcase wood-cooked delights, including dishes like aubergines with chickpeas, chilli & feta, sea bass with tomatoes, and a 1kg veal chop with sage butter.
Photo's Courtesy of Updown Farmhouse
6. The Pig at Bridge Place
Bourne Park Rd, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5BH
The Pig at Bridge Place stands out as one of the top boutique hotels in Kent, and it's part of the cherished Pig hotel brand that I adore.
Focusing on a food-centric experience, the hotel places local sourcing at the core of its offerings with a 25-mile menu, ensuring fresh, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients for hearty meals. The presence of an on-site kitchen garden lets guests witness the origins of their dinner.
The accommodation choices are extensive, ranging from the compact "extremely small room" perfect for shorter stays to spacious lodges ideal for families. All bedrooms exude a rustic, country charm, with some featuring log fires, freestanding baths, and private outdoor spaces.
Among my favorites are the "hop pickers huts," each equipped with a log burner, a super-king bed, a monsoon shower, and a bath right in the bedroom. Nestled in the water meadows, they provide a genuinely cozy atmosphere.
Photo's Courtesy of The Pig at Bridge Place
7. Boys Hall
Boys Hall Rd, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0LA
Boys Hall, a magnificent 17th-century residence that underwent extensive renovation, reopened in June 2022, emerging as one of the premier boutique hotels in Kent.
The hotel boasts 10 distinct bedrooms, each varying in size but uniformly characterized by charm and exquisite design. All rooms are equipped with indulgent showers, Hypnos beds draped in English linen, locally roasted coffee, and delightful homemade treats.
For dining and drinking, Boys Hall offers three distinct areas: the restaurant, pub, and terrace. The culinary offerings are crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, predominantly procured within a 25-mile radius of the hotel.
The restaurant provides a more formal dining experience, featuring dishes like grilled Romney Marsh lamb, Pappardelle with tomato and courgette, and Charred cod with butter curry. Meanwhile, the pub offers a more laid-back ambiance, presenting a menu of tempting bar snacks.
Photo's Courtesy of Boys Hall
8. NO 42 By GuestHouse
42 High St, Margate CT9 1DS
GuestHouse hotels, conceived by three brothers dedicated to crafting unique and enchanting accommodations, present No 42 by GuestHouse in Margate. Situated in a Victorian beachfront edifice, this location offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
Featuring 21 bedrooms, the hotel seamlessly blends the original architectural elements of the building with contemporary touches. For an ideal experience, opt for a room with a balcony, allowing you to commence your day with the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore.
No 42 provides four distinct spaces for dining and imbibing — a restaurant, café, lounge bar, and a rooftop cocktail bar, ensuring you're well catered to. Additionally, on the lowest level, you'll discover their treatment rooms, a perfect haven for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Photo's Courtesy of NO 42 By GuestHouse
Closing Thoughts: Boutique Hotels in Kent
Hunting down the best boutique hotels in Kent? Well, you're in for a treat because this charming county is dotted with absolute gems!
Each spot on this list is on a mission to ensure their guests have an extraordinary time, something that tends to get lost in more standard hotels.
So, with this guide, I hope you've stumbled upon the perfect spot for you. Happy travels!