The Best Hotels in Southend-on-Sea, England

Searching for a luxurious seaside retreat? Check into Seven Hotel. Designed by award-winning studio Adam Tibbatts, the seaside-inspired interior features iridescent metallic hues, marble and touches of serene sea green. Each of the 37 rooms has a unique design, while more than half of them have sweeping views over Southend’s famous pier. The on-site restaurant, Arum, is one of the area’s premier dining destinations, with mains cooked over a Mibrasa charcoal grill. After dinner, head to the gin-centric bar, which boasts more than 30 different gins.

Just 10 minutes from the city centre of Southend, in relaxed Thorpe Bay, the Beaches Guest House offers you the opportunity to truly escape the hustle and bustle – even in busy summer months. The newly refurbished rooms feature fun designer wallpapers and luxurious furnishings, and some have views over the Thames Estuary. Breakfast is served in a light-filled conservatory on the ground floor and is one of the highlights of a stay here – the kitchen makes their own sausages and also does an excellent eggs Benedict.

This friendly bed and breakfast, built in the 1920s and just a short bus trip from the centre of Southend, thinks of itself as a “home away from home, by the sea”. The comfortable rooms feature nautical-inspired decor – think model sailing boats –and come with a curated selection of books for holiday reading. The award-winning full English breakfast is made with locally sourced ingredients, but, if you’re looking for something lighter, there’s the option of fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Owners Teresa and Neil decided to open this five-star guest house in Thorpe Bay after travelling through Argentina and Chile on their honeymoon – and they pride themselves on their personal touch. Each of the five en-suite rooms is individually decorated with eclectic vintage furniture and a comfy bed dressed with egyptian cotton linens, while three rooms feature luxurious roll-top bathtubs. The sausages and bacon served at breakfast are locally produced in the village of Barling by Phillip Splett Butchers.

This boutique hotel in a restored Grade II-listed building dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It became popular with high society when Princess Caroline stayed in 1803 – and it’s still popular with celebrity guests today. Come for the mix of Georgian character and modern conveniences, and tuck into refined classics, such as prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce and homemade chicken pie.

This opulent hotel is the ideal choice for couples looking for a relaxing romantic getaway. The plant-filled interiors are inspired by 1920s glamour and chic coastal vibes, which pair perfectly with the beachfront setting. The restaurant, awarded two AA Rosettes, offers a menu of reimagined classics – think calves-liver bubble & squeak or duck rigatoni – and there’s the option to dine al fresco on the garden terrace in summer months. The famous afternoon tea, which caters to a wide variety of dietary requirements, is also a must.

You’ll find everything you need for a fun evening at this 14-room hotel run by Wetherspoon – a bar, a restaurant and a brand-new beer garden. It’s located in a handsome building just off the main High Street, a 2-minute walk from the beach, and is known around town as the place to catch live sports. It’s also perfectly situated to visit the Southend market, which runs each Thursday and every second Saturday and sells a variety of goods, from fashion and jewellery to plants and food.

Premier Inn Southend-on-Sea, on the Eastern Esplanade, is an excellent option if you’re looking for a no-fuss budget hotel. It’s a great choice for families as the spacious family rooms offer space for up to two adults and two kids – and it’s right next door to the Southend Pier and the Sealife Adventure Aquarium. After a day out exploring the town, enjoy some classic pub food at the on-site Brewers Fayre restaurant – think burgers, mac and cheese, and beer-battered haddock and chips.