The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel Bexhill-on-Sea, Bexhill-on-Sea
About the Hotel
The Relais Cooden Beach is an independently owned hotel situated directly on the beach in Bexhill, East Sussex. Originally built in 1928, this hotel offers stunning views of the English Channel and aims to attract urban dwellers from London, akin to New Yorkers' affection for The Hamptons. It combines stylish renovations with nautical design elements, embodying the essence of seaside living. The recently introduced wellness spa will feature treatments inspired by the healing properties of the sea.
Location
Located just a two-minute walk from Cooden Beach Station, guests enjoy easy access to direct trains connecting to London and other nearby cities. The hotel stands on a quiet beach, allowing for scenic coastal walks. Additionally, nearby attractions include historic sites like Herstmonceux Castle Estate and charming local attractions along the Sussex coastline.
Rooms
The hotel features 45 well-appointed rooms and suites in the main building and the Sea House annex. Each room has been newly renovated with coastal-inspired interiors reflecting the colors of the English Channel. Options range from cozy single rooms to spacious Verandah Suites, many offering direct views of the sea and private verandas for enjoying the sunshine.
Eat & Drink
Dining at The Rally Bar & Grill includes a menu highlighting locally sourced seafood and seasonal dishes. The venue presents a relaxed atmosphere for casual meals or celebratory gatherings with family and friends. The beachfront restaurant also offers outdoor seating on a terrace with sweeping views across the English Channel for al fresco dining throughout the warmer months.
Leisure & Business
The hotel features a new wellness spa with four private treatment rooms offering massages, facials, and therapies inspired by the sea. For business needs, the Business First venue includes multiple conference rooms designed for various group sizes and layouts, ideal for meetings and corporate events. Leisure activities are available, with water sports options like stand-up paddleboarding through a local partner.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- 24-hour security
- Baggage storage
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Beach access
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel room I stayed in was cheaper than expected but quite similar to a Premier Inn room. Despite being located at the top of the stairs next to the fire door, there was a surprising amount of road noise from accelerating cars along the coast. The service was friendly and accommodating, but unfortunately, the staff made no effort to address the issues I encountered during my stay. The location, although tired and dated, offered a perfect pool temperature and a beautiful seafront view with convenient access to the beach and nearby towns like Bexhill and Eastbourne. The dining experience, which I specifically wanted to include in my stay, featured a delicious and huge breakfast spread, but dining at knee-high tables in the corridor without cutlery was a bit inconvenient. The facilities were adequate, but the need for a refurb was evident. Prices seemed high given the current condition of the hotel.
I had the pleasure of staying in a huge and very comfortable family room at this hotel. The front positioning was nice, but the road noise was a bit surprising with cars accelerating along the coast. The slightly sloping floor was a tad disconcerting, though overall a satisfying stay.
The hotel is in a great location with versatile dining options and a nice outdoor sitting area. The rooms are modern but show signs of wear and tear, with some issues like non-working room keys. The service is friendly and efficient, though room service can be slow at times. The dining experience can be inconsistent, with delays and some dishes not meeting expectations.