While not quite boasting a sea view (although some rooms have snippets), The Driftwood overlooks Sackville Road, a busy road which runs down to the beach. The revamped Bexhill Museum (Eddie Izzard is the patron) is a five-minute stroll, while the train station is a few minutes further. Have a drink at Rocksalt-on-Sea before heading for a show at the De La Warr, both a three-minute walk away.
By car: The drive from London takes 2 hours 30 minutes, Brighton is 1 hour 15 minutes away, and Portsmouth 2 hours. There is parking nearby costing £5 per day.
By train: London Victoria to Bexhill takes just under 2 hours. The station is a 10-minute walk or five-minute taxi from the hotel. Book trains to Bexhill.
Behind the anchor-grey facade of this three storey Victorian house is a bright and breezy interior by London designer Mark Standing. It has a modern coastal-chic vibe with plenty of natural woods, exposed brick and trendy hues like olive, teal and tobacco, an appealing theme which runs through the property.
The hotel is owned and run by Seng Loy, who earned his hotelier stripes at The Waldorf and the Langham in London. His young team provides a friendly, relaxed service from breakfast through to late-night supper. As a small hotel, facilities are scarce, but the breakfast room transforms into a restaurant at night.
- Restaurant
- Breakfast
- Workspace
- Free Wi-Fi
The bedrooms are decked out with more exposed brick walls, leather headboards and mid-century modern furniture. The larger rooms at the front have an oblique sea view. Although the bathrooms are rather compact, they are very smart with metro tiles and double rainfall showers.
Room types: Double Room, Deluxe Double Room, Superior Double Room
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, tea and coffee facilities, TV, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi
Breakfast is served in the ground floor restaurant and offers all the usual suspects: eggs Benedict, French toast, bacon and eggs, along with fresh juices, Union coffee and a basket of home-baked bread. In the evening, the restaurant becomes a bustling local hub renowned for its top-notch and authentic Asian cooking.
The Driftwood: choice of classic cooked breakfasts, contemporary Asian cuisine, Thai dishes, European desserts. Open Tues-Sat, for breakfast from 8-11am, and dinner 6.30-9pm. Large plates from £9.50.
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