The best hotels in Hastings

What are the best hotels in Hastings?

Hastings is one of those seaside towns that has a little bit of everything: a long shingle beach, colourful fishing boats, pretty old streets and lovely views from the surrounding cliffs. Best known for its connection to the Battle of 1066, it’s also become a favourite for its art galleries, antique finds and great places to eat and drink. The best hotels in Hastings are full of character, with cosy rooms, lovely breakfasts and a genuinely warm welcome. Our top pick is The Laindons, a gorgeous little guesthouse in the heart of the Old Town that gets just about everything right.

The best way to explore Hastings is with a wander around the Old Town. Its narrow streets are full of quirky shops, galleries, traditional pubs and lovely old Tudor buildings. Down by the seafront, you’ll find the famous fishing huts, fresh seafood restaurants and Hastings Pier, which is well worth a visit. For fantastic views across the town and coastline, hop on the West Hill funicular and explore the castle ruins at the top. And if you’re interested in the town’s most famous claim to fame, Battle Abbey, where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066, is just a short trip inland.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Hastings or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in East Sussex.

The Best Places to Stay in Hastings

For Romantics

• Right on Hastings High Street, The Laindons is just a short walk from the prettiest part of town, and the beach. There are five boutique-style bedrooms, decorated with a light and airy atmosphere in mind, and pops of colour. There’s also a very welcoming sitting room and honesty bar, where you’ll find just the right level of friendly welcome from the owners, who also provide the home cooked breakfast served in a charming conservatory.

For a Mini-Break

• Black Rock House is a wonderfully converted red brick mansion on a pretty residential road, not too far from the West Hill funicular. The decor makes it clear that this is a converted home, with a great collection of art, books and antiques in the communal areas, and simpler, more contemporary details in the five guest rooms. The locally sourced breakfast menu is memorable for all the right reasons, and you’re well positioned for walking trails.

For an Escape

• The Old Rectory is another charming guesthouse on the hill overlooking Hastings' cove. Converted from an 18th century rectory, this building’s generous proportions provide the scope for eight quite luxurious and romantic rooms, plus a very comfortable and stylish lounge and chintzy breakfast room. Cooked breakfasts incorporate locally caught fish and free-range eggs, while the beautiful garden is a real bonus.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• London’s airports are the closest for Hastings, with Gatwick Airport closest, at around an hour and a half away by train via Eastbourne, or about an hour away by car or taxi. Heathrow is on the wrong side of London, and you have to go though the centre if you’re travelling by train, so the journey is around two and a half hours. If you’re coming through London, trains leave from London Bridge or Charing Cross around every half hour, for a journey that takes about an hour and forty minutes.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• This is the UK, so expect changeable weather whatever the season. Hastings is popular in summer, of course, when the average maximum temperatures are around 20°C. But it’s also beautiful in spring and autumn —— if you don’t mind a chill and a bit of a shower or two. Winter is wonderful if you like things to be ‘bracing’, against stark skies.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in East Sussex,
• You might also want to consider the best places to stay in Brighton which is just along the coastline, or Eastbourne or Rye,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.