Top Boutique Hotels in East Sussex (2026)

Located on the beachfront in St Leonards on Sea, The Zanzibar offers a self-catered holiday home with complimentary Wi-Fi and secure parking for up to 2 cars. The holiday home comes with 8 rooms with attached bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge offering sea views, bar, breakfast station and flat screen TV. Some bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Complimentary luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers are provided. Guests can relax in the garden which comes with a large hot tub. Zanzibar is opposite from the beach and the promenade is ideal for walking, cycling or running. The old part of town is around a 20-minute walk and is full of independent shops, pubs and eateries. The Blue Reef Aquarium and amusement arcades are 1 mile away and White Rock Theater and Hastings Pier can be reached in 5 minutes’ walk.

- "Amazing property, excellent location and great value for money. The customer service from Max and Kate from start to finish was first class. Thank you for making our stay so perfect. Hoping to return soon." - "Cost-effective Business Off-Site I booked this for our company off-site. Easy access from London, and a fantastic location when we arrived. All 8 of us had our own bedroom and bathroom. The dining room is perfect for meetings. The lounge is comfortable in the evenings. And the pizza place next door is excellent. There is a well-stocked convenience store less than 50m away too. The property has an excellent kitchen. Also an easy-to-use projector and screen (perfect for presentations). We all loved Zanzibar and we've already booked to go back in 6 months' time."

This beautiful Victorian villa has sea views. It is now a 5-star boutique guest house with free Wi-Fi and luxury rooms with digital TV, DVD players and toiletries. Black Rock House is the first guest accommodations in Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea to be given 5 stars with a Gold award. It is less than 2297 feet from Hastings Rail Station and close to the beach, Alexandra Park and the Old Town. Black Rock House has been beautifully restored and mixes original character with modern style and luxury. The individually designed rooms are large and light, with luxury beds, mini-fridges and tea/coffee. The modern private bathrooms have powerful showers, luxury toiletries and bathrobes. Breakfast includes a seasonal fruit selection, croissants, pain au chocolat, toast, artisan coffee and quality tea.

- "Beautiful old house. Full of character." - "Another perfect stay. Everything was wonderful: the room, the staff, the meals. You will be seeing me again." - "This is a lovely guest house in an excellent location. Well within walking distance of the town. The hosts were both friendly, welcoming and knowledgable of the area. We had an excellent nights sleep and the breakfast we had here was delicious. Would happily stay here again." - "My partner and I had a wonderful stay. Vincent was an amazing host and the breakfast exceeded our expectations. Our room and bathroom were extremely clean and had everything we needed and more. Vincent goes the extra mile to make the stay feel special and luxurious. Great value for money, we'd definitely stay again!"

Overlooking Devonshire Park, Ravilious is located in the cultural quarter of the large seaside resort of Eastbourne. This boutique Victorian house offers a bar and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Featuring original artwork throughout, the property offers individually designed rooms with a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. In the mornings, guests can enjoy home-cooked full English breakfast. Lighter alternatives include smoked salmon, eggs benedict, and scrambled eggs. Dishes are served alongside a choice of fruit juice, pastries, and cereals. With prior request, Ravilious can cater for any dietary requirements. Conveniently located from the seafront, Ravilious is just 5 minutes’ walk from Eastbourne Beach. Eastbourne Railway Station is a 7-minute stroll away. Guests can reach the Congress Theater, the Towner Art Gallery, and Eastbourne College after just 5 minutes’ walk.

- "Excellent breakfast mushroom cookery. Rustled up a USB charger as we'd forgotten ours." - "Welcoming and classy" - "The room was excellent, breakfast was very good. Chris and Caroline were really accommodating and helpful. I would definitely recommend the Ravilious to anyone looking to stay in Eastbourne." - "Really well located, clean and friendly owners. Was a great place to stay as a base for our walk." - "Friendly staff Very obliging Close to Eastbourne College Large sized rooms"

Located in Bexhill and within a 3-minute walk of Bexhill Beach, The Driftwood Bexhill has a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is around 11 miles from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, 11 miles from Eastbourne Pier and 21 miles from Glyndebourne Opera House. Brighton Dome is 31 miles away and Brighton Train Station is 31 miles from the hotel. At the hotel, the rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The Driftwood Bexhill has some accommodations with garden views, and every room is equipped with an electric tea pot. All rooms will provide guests with a closet and a coffee machine. AMEX Stadium is 27 miles from the accommodation, while Victoria Gardens is 30 miles from the property. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 52 miles from The Driftwood Bexhill.

- "The whole property is just absolutely gorgeous, so comfortable, the owners have paid amazing attention to detail and the rooms smelt gorgeous. Choices for breakfast you could not fault it, food tasty and excellent. Photographs of the rooms that you see on the website is exactly how it is." - "The best b&b I've ever stayed at. And I've stayed at hundreds in the UK" - "I enjoyed a lovely hearty cooked breakfast. Wonderful close location to everything in the town."

Saltmarsh Farmhouse enjoys a location in West Dean, 11 miles from Glyndebourne Opera House and 14 miles from Brighton Marina. 7.7 miles from Eastbourne Pier and 9.3 miles from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, the property features a terrace and a bar. Free private parking is available, and the country house also offers bike rental for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. Free Wifi and a private bathroom are available to all guests, while selected rooms will provide you with a DVD player. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities, and fresh pastries are available every morning at the country house. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. After a day of cycling or hiking, guests can relax in the garden or the shared lounge area. Brighton Pier is 15 miles from Saltmarsh Farmhouse, while The Royal Pavilion is 15 miles away. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 42 miles from the accommodation.

- "Saltmarsh is a phenomenal property with excellent service. Although we were there for just a night, we were blown away by the personal touch of each and every person working at Saltmarsh. From remembering our dog’s name :) to not charging us for the alcohol because we left a day earlier, can’t say I have any complaints. I’m only waiting for summer to arrive so we can go back and enjoy a longer stay at the property." - "We had a wonderful time at the Farmhouse. The room was really comfortable, cosy and warm and we really appreciated the Christmas tree and decs. The breakfasts and all the facilities were fab with a very relaxed and restful atmosphere. Emma and all the staff were so friendly and helpful and made us and our old dog feel very welcome. Perfectly located for Seven Sisters Country Park and the South Downs Walks."

With 5 stars and a Gold Award, this seaside boutique B&B is yards from the sea and has fantastic views. It combines Victorian character and elegant, modern design. Set on a garden square in St Leonards on Sea, Hastings House is a place to relax and feel pampered. All of the stylish rooms are individually designed and each has free WiFi and a large flat-screen TV with Freeview digital channels. Bathrooms have an American-style power shower, bathrobes and luxurious toiletries. Hastings House is within walking distance of St Leonards Warrior Square Railway Station, which has regular trains to London, Brighton and Gatwick Airport. Fine restaurants, pubs and cafes are close by, as is the White Rock Theater.

The New England is in a quiet area, looking out to Eastbourne's seafront. It offers award-winning guest accommodations in light, modern rooms with attached bathroom. Free WiFi and free on-street parking is available. The New England is decorated in a light, relaxing style, inspired by the East Coast of the USA. The guest lounge has comfortable armchairs, original paintings by local artists, as well as books and games. The dining room has sea views and offers a comprehensive Full English breakfast. There is also the option for those who are gluten free, vegetarian or vegan. The rooms have a flat-screen Freeview TVs and large bathrooms with power showers and baths. Most rooms have sea views while the rear facing rooms enjoy views of the South Downs. Some rooms have outdoor terraces.

- "The breakfast was outstanding and the chef could not do any more for us. the room was spotless and the bed very comfortable. I will not hesitate to use this hotel sgain." - "Loved The New England. It succeeded in the small details where so many other places fail: decent lighting in the room - tick! Water glasses AS WELL AS toothmugs - tick. Hooks for coats - tick. Window that opens normally and easily - tick. Loved the clean and light decor in the room too. Breakfast also excellent, especially the fruit salad - no apple/banana/melon filler - big tick!"

Directly facing an award-winning beach, on Eastbourne's Royal Parade, Beach Front Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodations right on the Eastbourne seafront. All rooms at Beach Front are en suite with a shower, and many enjoy beautiful sea views. In addition, all rooms have a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. In the mornings, a Sussex breakfast is served, using locally sourced produce wherever possible. Guests are welcome to unwind in the sea-facing sun lounge, or on colder evenings, in front of the fireplace in the cozy guest lounge. Beach Front Guest House is just 1640 feet from Eastbourne Pier and a 10-minute drive from Beachy Head. The historic Royal Hippodrome theater is a 5-minute walk from the property. Eastbourne Railway Station is less than 1 mile from the bed and breakfast. The property is in a convenient, central location of the city, with several pubs, restaurants and the Eastbourne Arndale Center within a 10-minute walk.

- "Welcoming staff, spotless facilities, comfy bed and delicious breakfast." - "I can honestly say it was all exceptional, i would definitely book there again Selina and Co could not do enough to make your stay any better. Great location, very clean Hotel and Breakfast was A*." - "everything second time and it is like the first time" - "Overlooking the sea this hotel is a little gem. The room was modern, clean and was provided with tea and coffee plus biscuit nibbles. The breakfast was freshly made and was fantastic. The bacon rashers were a good thickness and service was excellent. Definitely a place to stay for value and quality."

Magnolia House, Rye offers accommodations in Rye, 28 miles from Leeds Castle and 28 miles from Eastbourne Pier. Housed in a building dating back to 1910, this guest house is 26 miles from Eurotunnel UK and 28 miles from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking, and free Wifi. The units come with parquet floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. At the guest house, all units are allergy-free and soundproof. At the guest house, every unit has bed linen and towels. À la carte and full English/Irish breakfast options with warm dishes, pancakes, and fruit are available daily at the guest house. Folkestone Central Railway Station is 29 miles from Magnolia House, Rye, while Folkestone Harbour is 30 miles away. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 65 miles from the accommodation.

- "Located close to the town of Rye with parking. The breakfast were delicious and perfectly cooked." - "Spotlessly clean and very modern Very close to town centre Would definitely stay again" - "Clean, quiet rooms, good bed, great breakfast" - "Great hosts, good room, easy parking, lovely breakfast and lots of effort to ensure the stay was good. 10/10" - "We had such a lovely stay - the bed was so comfortable and the air con was really welcome in the summer heat. The hosts were warm and friendly and made some great dinner recommendations. Delicious breakfast and just a short walk away from Rye and the train station."

Located in Uckfield, 12 miles from Glyndebourne Opera House, Trading Boundaries provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. The property is around 14 miles from AMEX Stadium, 17 miles from Hever Castle and 18 miles from Victoria Gardens. Guests can enjoy garden views. Guest rooms at the inn are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Trading Boundaries also offer free WiFi, while some rooms are equipped with a patio. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Brighton Dome is 18 miles from Trading Boundaries, while Brighton Train Station is 18 miles away. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 16 miles from the inn.

- "This property was elegant and just what I hoped it be." - "Everything about trading Boundaries was fabulous. The team at trading boundaries went above and beyond to help us in any way they could. The rooms were amazing, beautifully decorated, cosy and the best beds I have slept in. We enjoyed our stay and I hope to return again one day." - "A beautiful venue with great facilities." - "Great hospitality and very kindly upgraded my room." - "Friendly staff. Super quirky facilities"