The hotel’s prime location, a stone’s throw from the beach, makes it ideal for those looking to explore the seaside town. Whether you're planning a stroll along the beach or a visit to the nearby attractions, the Chatsworth’s central position makes it a good base for a stay in Eastbourne.
What struck me most, though, was the beautiful Victorian architecture, which has been lovingly restored to maintain its history while adding modern conveniences. The building's exterior is reminiscent of a bygone era of elegance and grandeur, and the interior does not disappoint. The décor is an eclectic mix of styles, combining the ornate intricacies of rococo with the sleek, geometric lines of Art Deco. This quirky juxtaposition does work, creating a unique style throughout the hotel’s communal areas, including the dining room and bar.
One of the Chatsworth’s more elegant features is its charming old lift, which dates to 1904. This vintage lift is a treat for history lovers and adds an authentic touch of Edwardian charm to the hotel. Unlike most modern lifts, this one has a comfortable seat where you can sit as you’re transported between floors. It’s a beautiful piece of engineering and an experience in itself, providing a fun glimpse into the past.
Accommodation
We booked our stay at the Chatsworth at the last minute and were initially disappointed that there were no sea-view rooms left. However, we were pleased with our partial sea view room (executive room), which was spacious and comfortable. The room was bathed in natural light, making it feel bright and welcoming, and it was impeccably clean. The bathroom was nice too with a sleek design, and plenty of space, adding a touch of luxury to our stay.
The room also came equipped with a well-stocked tea and coffee caddy, the coffee being filter coffee sachets as opposed to instant coffee – something I appreciated. Unfortunately, there was no mini bar but this is becoming more common in mid-range hotels. The room service menu was fairly extensive, which is nice – not just sandwiches and nachos!
We opted to have breakfast in bed, which was delivered promptly with everything that should be hot, delivered hot. The breakfast itself was good, with a variety of options to choose from. We had requested a newspaper to be delivered with our meal, and it arrived right on time, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely morning with all the comforts we could have asked for.
Service
Throughout our stay, we found the staff at the Chatsworth to be friendly and efficient. They were always on hand to answer questions or offer recommendations, and their professionalism was evident in the smooth running of the hotel.
Value
In terms of value for money, the Chatsworth Hotel was well worth it. We paid £140 for our room, which we felt was reasonable considering the quality of the accommodation and the location of the hotel. The was particularly pleasing as our stay was toward the end of peak season, into the shoulder season.
The Chatsworth is a good choice for anyone looking for a blend of history, comfort and style, all at relatively good value. Its prime location makes it perfect for exploring, while the spacious, clean, and bright rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day about town.
thechatsworthhotel.co.uk
