Margate’s renaissance has been well documented over the last few years. Shoreditch-by-sea, as it’s reluctantly called, has had new life breathed into it by an ever-growing community of artists, hipsters and hangers on tired of the capital’s prohibitive prices.
The result is a town with a fizzing creative spirit, destination restaurants and a slew of fun activities. Its sandy beaches are clean and beautiful too.
Throngs of weekenders now arrive on the fast train looking for Instagrammable seaside memories. Slowly, Margate has reacted with a string of boutique hotels to accommodate them. While the selection remains small, the options are packed with character. Here are our favourites.
The best hotels in Margate are:
Have a stylish stay at the William Blake Suite
(The Albion Rooms)
Neighbourhood: Cliftonville
Margate’s rock ‘n’ roll hotel. You wouldn’t expect anything less from indie rockers The Libertines, would you? Pete Doherty and his gang opened The Albion Rooms just after lockdown with the best intentions: to create an affordable boutique hotel that nurtures and celebrates music. And they’re sticking to their word. There’s a recording studio at the back and the subterranean bar – a paean to crusty Camden chic – regularly hosts decent bands, poets and other performers on its small-step stage. The individually designed rooms are full of decadent, gothic drama; as is the restaurant, whose kitchen is serious about quality food, made from Kentish ingredients.
Price: Doubles from £125, B&B
This hotel is known by the greats – and for good reason
(Walpole Bay)
Neighbourhood: Cliftonville
Down the road from The Albion Rooms is a different proposition: Walpole Bay Hotel is Margate’s last-standing grande-dame hotel. Its creaking old-world charm – Grand Budapest meets Mr Fawlty – has been unspoilt by progress and is lovingly maintained by its vivacious owner, Jane Bishop. She’s only too happy to regale you with stories of yore, some of which include her star patrons: Tracey Emin is a big fan. Enjoy silver-plated high tea in the dining room or on the flower-filled terrace and then head to the marvellous Walpole Bay tidal pool for a bracing dip. Rooms channel the same chipped Edwardian charm and the views out to sea are Turner worthy.
Price: Doubles from £85, B&B
Stay in one of The Reading Rooms light and spacious suites
(Reading Rooms)
Neighbourhood: Hawley Square
This charming grade II-listed Georgian townhouse on leafy…
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