Fam trip to the South Coast

Date Added 01/03/2016

Familiarisation Trip to the South Coast

Hayling Island

Following a brisk 7.30am start and refreshments at Chieverley Services we arrived at the Langstone Hotel, Hayling Island for a familiarisation visit. First impressions were very positive: a lovely 4* hotel with easy accessibility. The hotel has a bright airy feel with fresh vibrant colours and stunning views out to the water.

There is good accessibility throughout the hotel, including a flat level entrance to reception with 3 steps down to the lounge/bar area, but even this has a mini-disabled lift if required and a lift to the bedrooms on the 2 floor. Additionally, there is an attractive leisure centre within the hotel with indoor pool.

The hotel itself is situated only a few yards away from the Marina, a perfect place to view the boats, and there is an unpaved pathway leading to other areas of the island, including the nature reserve. The island itself picturesque with thatched cottage buildings, and is ideal for touring the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region

Bognor Regis

We continued along the South Coast to Bognor Regis where we visited the Best Western Beachcroft Hotel. Just a few steps from the sea front promenade where there are great views of Middleton-on-Sea and a level 10 minute walk along the prom into Bognor Regis. Following a warm welcome from Phillip the General Manager we were shown around. The hotel is a typical Victorian building which has been extended into a larger hotel, meaning that there is no lift, and the staircase is a little narrow. The second floor rooms offer superb sea views, however the hotel is situated slightly below the promenade, so from the ground floor & 1st floor there are no actual sea views. There is a small indoor pool at the rear of the hotel. The hotel itself offers a very warm and friendly welcome and is the perfect place for great excursion opportunities.

Brighton

Refreshed by a lunch at the hotel we continued to Brighton. The Old Ship Hotel commands a sea front location right in the centre of town, the perfect spot to be immersed in the busy and bustling town. Classified as 4*, there is everything you need for your stay. The hotel provides easy access throughout and boasts an interesting underground cellar, used as a wine, store where small groups can dine.

Eastbourne

Following a rather tasty Afternoon Tea (Good Food was the theme for this weekend!) we continued to Eastbourne for our overnight stay at the New Wilmington Hotel. Following a warm welcome from Sue we retreated to our rooms to freshen up prior to a beautiful 3 course dinner. A family run business for over 30 years ensures that this hotel benefits from a warm and friendly atmosphere, and a very ‘cared for’ feel. It is a lovely fusion of Old Victorian and modern décor, with a very welcoming feel. Bedrooms are of a very high standard, and many benefit from modern bathrooms some with walk in showers. Dinner was a wonderful experience in itself with a vast menu choice and extremely prompt service, everyone appeared to enjoy their dining experience, overall excellent!

Following a restful night’s sleep (no doubt helped by a couple of glasses of the most glorious red wine) and a hearty breakfast we checked out of the hotel and walked around to the sea front to the View Hotel!

Built in the 1970’s and formerly a TUC building, it is a modern hotel with fantastic sea views. The hotel provides easy access with 3 lifts to whisk you to all 7 floors. Bedrooms are large, airy and well furbished rooms, with modern bathrooms, and mainly shower over bath. The main dining room offers a lovely sea front view, with modern style dining and there are various fiction rooms for private dining. Overall a lovely hotel with great possibilities.

Hythe

The Imperial Hotel at Hythe is an impressive hotel with a superb sea front location. No longer part of the ‘Mercure Hotel’ chain this privately owned property, now branded as a ‘Classic British Hotel’ has recently benefited from major reinvestments. The bedroom refurbishment is very modern with feature walls - Scenic views on the wallpaper: so you may well wake up to a glorious sea view from the comfort of your room! Overall a very interesting hotel with a good vibe!

Dover

We continued to Dover where we visited the Best Western Plus Dover Marina. This 4* Hotel overlooks the sea front prom at Dover (tucked between Dover Eastern Docks & the Cruise Terminal). Lots of new development going on including a marina extension and shopping complex soon to open. We have used this hotel recently and had very good feedback.  There is a sea front coffee house attached to the end of the building, attractive for the locals and tourists alike. The hotel offers good accessibility with a few gentle steps to entrance, and coach tends to drop at the rear which has level access to the building. The bedrooms are comfortable and have everything you require. There is lift access to each floor including the basement area, which offers few meeting rooms and beauty treatment areas. The Hotel is situated perfectly for the various Kent attractions within our itinerary and is 2 minutes from the Port of Dover and 10-15 from the Eurotunnel terminal, a great location!

A very friendly welcome and keen to please and the theme of ‘good food’ continued with the offering of a free Sunday carvery for all!!

Departed Dover at 3.30pm, arriving back at Henley around 7.00pm. In 2 days we viewed 7 Hotels and covered almost 500 miles. Throughout we were well looked after, watered and fed and all in all an enjoyable, if not tiring, trip that hopefully was enjoyed by all….. And not one complaint about my driving either!

Barry Cobb

Tours Manager