Top 10 Best Hotels in Folkestone and Hythe

Where to Stay in Folkestone and Hythe

Folkestone and Hythe have welcomed visitors since Victorian times, when the railway brought fashionable holidaymakers to the clifftop promenade of The Leas. Today, the district attracts art lovers visiting the Triennial, walkers exploring the Kent Downs, foodies drawn to the harbour and travellers passing through the Channel Tunnel. Its accommodation reflects this variety, ranging from historic seafront hotels to modern budget chains and boutique guest rooms.

Choosing the right hotel depends on your priorities: sea views, spa facilities, dining, value or proximity to the Channel Tunnel. Here are ten of the best hotels in Folkestone and Hythe.

What Makes a Great Hotel Here?

The best hotels combine comfortable rooms with a great location, whether that is overlooking the Channel, close to the Harbour Arm or within easy reach of the M20. Good breakfasts, friendly staff and parking are also important, particularly for travellers heading to Europe early in the morning.

The Top 10 Hotels

1. Hythe Imperial Hotel

The Hythe Imperial is one of the most iconic hotels on the Kent coast. Set in extensive grounds on Hythe's seafront, it offers a spa, indoor pool, golf course and elegant Victorian architecture. It is a superb choice for relaxing breaks, weddings and conferences.

2. Stade Court Hotel

Located right on Hythe's seafront, Stade Court offers classic seaside hospitality with sea-view rooms and a welcoming restaurant and bar. Its guests can also enjoy leisure facilities at the nearby Hythe Imperial, making it excellent value.

3. The Clifton Hotel

Standing proudly on The Leas, The Clifton Hotel offers traditional charm and panoramic views across the Channel. Its central location puts guests within walking distance of Folkestone's town centre, the Leas Lift area and the Lower Leas Coastal Park.

4. The Burlington Hotel

The Burlington is an elegant Victorian hotel close to The Leas, known for its period character, comfortable rooms and relaxed atmosphere. Its restaurant and bar make it a popular choice for both leisure guests and business travellers.

5. Rocksalt Rooms

Rocksalt is one of Folkestone's most celebrated restaurants, perched over the inner harbour and serving outstanding seafood. Its boutique rooms nearby allow guests to combine a memorable dinner with a stylish overnight stay in the heart of the regenerated harbour area.

6. The Relish

The Relish is a boutique bed and breakfast set in a handsome Victorian townhouse in Folkestone's West End. It is known for its warm hospitality, stylish rooms and excellent breakfasts, earning loyal repeat guests.

7. The Grand Burstin Hotel

Overlooking Folkestone's harbour, the Grand Burstin is one of the largest hotels in the district. Its affordable rates, sea views and leisure facilities make it a popular option for coach groups and families on a budget.

8. Holiday Inn Express Folkestone Channel Tunnel

Positioned close to the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminal and the M20, this hotel is ideal for travellers heading to or from France. Modern rooms, complimentary breakfast and easy parking make it a practical overnight stop.

9. Premier Inn Folkestone

Premier Inn offers reliable comfort, famously good beds and consistent quality at sensible prices. It is a dependable choice for business travellers, contractors and families wanting a no-fuss stay.

10. Travelodge Folkestone

Travelodge provides budget-friendly rooms with easy access to the town and motorway network. It suits travellers who want a simple, affordable base for exploring the area or catching an early crossing.

Hotel Trends in the District

Folkestone's regeneration has encouraged investment in boutique accommodation and restaurants with rooms, while classic seafront hotels are upgrading spas and dining. Demand is strong during the summer, the Triennial and major events on the Harbour Arm. Guests increasingly value sustainability, locally sourced food and flexible check-in, especially those combining their stay with Channel crossings.

Choosing the Right Area to Stay

Where you stay can shape your entire visit. The Leas and Folkestone's West End are ideal for those who want elegant Victorian surroundings, clifftop walks and panoramic sea views, with the town centre and Folkestone Central station within easy reach. The harbour area suits food lovers and nightlife seekers, placing guests close to the Harbour Arm's bars, street food and live events, as well as the independent shops of the Creative Quarter.

Hythe offers a more relaxed pace, with a charming high street, a long seafront promenade and easy access to the Royal Military Canal and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Sandgate, between the two towns, is perfect for antique hunters and those seeking quiet seaside charm. Travellers catching an early Le Shuttle departure will appreciate hotels near the M20 and Cheriton, which minimise travel time on the morning of the crossing. Considering your itinerary before booking ensures you spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the coast.

Book Your Stay

Whether you want the grandeur of a Victorian landmark, the intimacy of a boutique guesthouse or a convenient stopover before crossing to France, Folkestone and Hythe have a hotel to suit you. Book early for peak periods and enjoy everything this beautiful stretch of coast has to offer.