The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel Bexhill-on-Sea, Bexhill-on-Sea
About the Hotel
Set on a private beach with panoramic views of the English Channel, The Relais Cooden Beach offers a modern take on seaside hospitality. Built in 1928, this independently owned hotel features 45 newly renovated ensuite rooms and suites. The hotel aims to attract urban dwellers seeking a coastal retreat much like New Yorkers flock to The Hamptons. Additionally, its design reflects nautical inspirations drawn from the local landscape.
Location
Conveniently located just 52.5 miles from London Gatwick Airport, The Relais Cooden Beach is easily accessible by train via the nearby Cooden Beach Station. The hotel's beachfront position allows guests to explore the scenic Bexhill promenade, a historic area built by the De La Warr family. Nearby attractions include Herstmonceux Castle Estate and several scenic hiking trails along the Sussex coastline.
Rooms
Each of the 45 rooms and suites boasts newly styled interiors that take cues from the coastal environment. The Seascape Accessible King room offers ground-floor accessibility with stunning views of the British Channel. Spacious Verandah Suites include a private veranda for enjoying afternoon sun. Many accommodations feature modern bathrooms and are designed for various guest needs, accommodating everything from solo travel to family stays.
Eat & Drink
The Rally Bar & Grill is inspired by the region's motorsport heritage and serves fresh, locally sourced seafood with seasonal menu changes. Guests can enjoy meals indoors or on the expansive terrace that overlooks the beach, perfect for al fresco dining. Breakfast and afternoon tea options are also available, catering to a range of dining needs, from casual lunches to special celebrations.
Leisure & Business
The hotel offers a new wellness spa with four private treatment rooms specializing in services that harness the calming effects of the sea. Business guests can take advantage of multiple conference rooms that accommodate various group sizes, providing a suitable setting for corporate events and meetings. The property also features leisure amenities, such as a Beach Terrace for relaxation, alongside partnerships for local watersports activities.
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
- Locker room
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness center
- Hiking
- Golf course
- Pool tables
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
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness center
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Jacuzzi
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
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.