Walpole Bay Hotel

Went for afternoon full tea. Quick service. Food poor. Sandwich fillings good but bread from the cheapest brand. None of the cakes were baked on the premises and were pretty mundane. No amount of frilly doilies and floral china can make up for poor food. Altogether a disappointing birthday tea.

We just got back from a two night trip celebrating me and my friend’s 40th birthdays with my sister. From the moment we stepped into the hotel we were infused with a happy, warm sense of fun and escape. Every single staff member was helpful and friendly and seemed happy to be at work! Our bags were stored for us while we explored Cliftonville. The tidal pool is only a five minute’s walk away and we loved ambling back up the stairs to the comfort of our rooms after our first cold water swim. That night we ordered a takeaway from the suggested list the hotel offers and a table was laid for us in the dining room. With the accompanying drinks from the bar it was perfect. Later that night when we got back the night porter prepped our drinks and showed us the vinyl room which we had to ourselves. We played old records and danced and sang till the early hours- lucky it was in the basement so no one except the wonderful porter could hear us! After a deep sleep in clean, VERY comfortable beds we were exited to sample the breakfast and we wasn’t disappointed. Breakfast was delicious, fresh and plentiful and again the staff were welcoming and we met the brilliant owner Jane At tea time the next day we enjoyed pots of tea while the pianist played some classic hits, while the sun streamed in. We felt as though we had been transported to a magical land. When we ended our evening back in the vinyl room (this time with a huge pot of tea made by the wonderful night porter) it was the perfect end to the perfect trip. We are planning to make this trip a yearly event and encourage anyone who wants a magical escape into the warmth and safety of the past, to come and stay here.

We visited the hotel to celebrate the 40th birthday of my sister and our friend. All of us have always fancied staying here as it looked such fun. We weren't wrong!! Alongside the relaxed and fun a**osphere was attention to detail and wonderful staff. Host Jane welcomed us each morning at breakfast, which we appreciated. We had a blast in the vinyl room, listening to nostalgic tunes and drinking tea late at night. The porter on the desk seemed happy that we were having fun. He was so lovely and caring. The rooms were spotless and had everything we could possibly need or want. For me, the most impressive part overall was the service. From reception, breakfast servers to bar staff there was a real feeling of dedication and enjoyment in their jobs. We are hoping to make this a yearly trip. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to ensure we enjoyed our stay!!

What a terrifically quirky place! Utterly charming throwback to about 60 or 70 years ago, with an amazing hotel museum. Its not modern, but there is ensuite, there is good service and the breakfasts are nice (no dinners) It was pretty quiet when we went, but the whole family enjoyed our stay.

Fantastic venue,elegant hotel that does not disappoint. Rooms you step back in time attention to detail brilliant very comfortable.Excellent breakfast and Afternoon teas are served. Staff are a credit to the hotel nothing is too much trouble. Museum is well worth walking around the owner has done a fantastic job on arranging and keeping the history alive and ongoing, hopefully we can return again soon🙂

Stunning venue!! The staff make you feel welcome. Thank you. The room is so traditional, as well as clean and soft bed. Lovely. I had a balcony view of the seafront, just a perfect greeting when you pull back the huge warm curtains. The hotel is warm, just right in my opinion. Lastly, will I be back?……..go then ❤️

I stayed here for 3 nights with my 95 year old mother in a two bedroom family suite whilst visiting my daughter who lives in Margate but was unable to accommodate us as her bathroom is downstairs and my mother would not have been able to negotiate the stairs. It was the only hotel I could find in the area with a lift which was the first plus point. What I hadn't appreciated was what a find this hotel would be! Yes, it's quirky with the Napiery and museum displayed in small cubby holes across all floors, but how unique and interesting is that?! The staff were so friendly. We had afternoon tea served outside on the terrace with deliciously warm (and large!) scones. The hotel no longer does evening meals but staff were quick to point out that they had a recommended list of places that do take away orders to be delivered to the hotel so we opted for fish and chips that night. The table was laid out in the dining room ready with the appropriate condiments and they were happy for my husband and daughter to join us as well even though they weren't staying. The staff even brought a blanket to put round my mother's shoulders as she was feeling cold and offered to bring her a hot water bottle for her bed that night! The buffet breakfasts were wonderful with a great choice of hot and cold foods. It's true our suite could have done with a new lick of paint but the beds were comfortable and we slept like logs. The Walpole has a real homely feel and we are already planning another trip for next year. We loved it and thoroughly recommend others to try. Actually, no, don't come here as it was really difficult for me to book a room since it is so popular!

I adored this hotel.. with its own museum and gallery of napery its admittedly not to everyone’s taste.. but if you love the esoteric, coupled with really wonderful service and a traditional touch which is more about valuing people than something outdated and fussy. The rooms are well appointed and the breakfast is fabulous. It’s a little old fashioned in terms of decor but the history and culture of the place means you over look this .. definitely one of a kind

The hotel is located right at the northern edge of the Thanet Island with great views over the sea pretty much from every room. The story of how the Bishop family rescued the hotel from certain destruction is also now part of the Margate folklore. The hotel itself is a museum: there are plenty of artefacts lovingly collected and stored over the years. The old Otis trellis gated lift, creaking floors and original furniture from the early XX century all create an unforgettable experience and sends one to a bygone era. Yes, the venue does require some maintenance and things inevitably go wrong but that’s exactly what you expect from such a place and the haphazardness is part of its charm. Our Superior Room on the second floor was overlooking the front of the hotel, with views over the bowling green and the sea to the right. There was a small balcony as well although the inclement weather spoiled that enjoyment. The bed was huge and comfortable, there was plenty of seating and various drawers for storage. Furniture was of period type, with a huge wardrobe occupying the centre of the room. Lighting was more than adequate. WiFi signal was good. The bathroom was on the small side and the door went right up to the sink creating a bit of a squeeze but considering the space constraints, that was acceptable. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn’t offer evening meals which is a shame considering the gorgeous restaurant room. They do allow you, however, to order a take-away and dine in there. We ordered a great Indian with Secret Spices and it was very tasty indeed. Breakfast was fairly standard although beautifully cooked mushrooms and scrambled eggs really stood out. Nice touch was the owner helping out and talking to guests at the tables – it’s always great to see owners taking so much interest in their business! We really enjoyed staying at the Walpole, it was an experience like none other. It’s a pity there was no evening dining as we’re sure this hotel would be even better with it being available.