Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa & Golf

The hotel, a grand and historic building, is particularly memorable for its direct seafront access and the stunning sea views available from many of its spacious, comfortable rooms. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff as a major asset, alongside the convenient leisure facilities. This establishment is well-suited for couples seeking a relaxing coastal retreat, families who appreciate its child-friendly amenities and environment, and event attendees as it is a popular venue for weddings and tribute nights. It also serves as an ideal stopover for Eurotunnel travelers due to its convenient location. To enhance your stay, consider dining outside the hotel for potentially better value, and be mindful that the spa area can be quite busy with children, especially during peak times.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of leisure facilities, including a gym and a swimming pool, which are frequently used and appreciated by guests. The spa facilities also include a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there is ample parking with no height restrictions, which is a significant convenience. However, feedback on the spa area is mixed, with some guests describing it as "tired," "dated," or "in need of repair," noting issues like broken tiles or cleanliness. The main bar area often receives criticism for lacking atmosphere, being "dark and dingy," or appearing unkempt with worn furniture. In contrast, the Champagne bar is consistently praised as "stunning" and a highlight for many visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, spacious, and comfortable, with many commending the comfortable beds and large bathrooms. Numerous rooms boast appealing sea views. Standard in-room amenities typically include a fridge, kettle, tea and coffee facilities, a hair dryer, iron, and a suitcase stand. However, some guests report issues such as noisy air conditioning units, small TVs, or fiddly body wash dispensers. There are occasional mentions of rooms being too warm with difficulty regulating temperature, or problems with cold water in taps and showers. While overall cleanliness is positive, specific concerns have included stained towels, hair in bathrooms, dusty ironing boards, or mould on shower handles. The condition of the bathroom can vary, with some appearing modern while others are described as dated or needing attention, such as non-functioning towel heaters or low water pressure in showers.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is often highlighted as "great" with a "large choice" and is generally considered "delicious," though some guests find the overall quality to be average. The restaurant food, particularly for dinner, receives positive remarks for being "superb," "delicious," and "well presented" with "generous portions." Special event meals, such as those for tribute evenings, are also frequently praised. Conversely, the breakfast setup is a common point of criticism, often described as "chaotic" or "jammed together," with issues like weak juice, delays in getting cups, or inconvenient hot food pots. The coffee machine is often noted for producing "below average" coffee, leading many to wish for fresh, brewed options. Bar food quality is inconsistent, with some finding it "awful" or overpriced for the small portions provided.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel benefits from a perfect location directly on the seafront, providing guests with immediate access to beach walks and picturesque sea views. It is conveniently situated within easy walking distance of Hythe town centre, which offers a variety of pubs, restaurants, and shops. Its close proximity to the Eurotunnel makes it an excellent choice for travelers needing a stopover before or after their journey. The hotel also provides ample parking with no height restrictions, adding to its accessibility. While the location is widely praised, some guests note that the main restaurant and breakfast room do not offer sea views, which is seen as a missed opportunity given the hotel's prime coastal position.

Staff & Service
The staff are consistently commended for being "friendly," "helpful," "polite," "attentive," and "professional," with many guests highlighting their willingness to go "above and beyond." The check-in process is generally described as "quick" and "smooth," and some guests report receiving complimentary room upgrades or early check-ins. Specific services that receive praise include efficient housekeeping and accommodating requests. However, despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are isolated instances where guests describe certain staff members, particularly at reception or in management, as unprofessional or rude staff when addressing complaints or specific needs, such as late check-out requests or issues with deposits. Some guests also note that bar service can be slow or understaffed at times.

Additional Information
The hotel is a popular wedding venue, with many reviews praising the coordination and staff for making events memorable. It frequently hosts tribute nights and other events, such as New Year's celebrations, which are generally well-received for their entertainment and dining. Guests should be aware of a £50 holding deposit required at check-in, which some report can take a while to be refunded. The hotel operates a late check-in policy (4 PM, sometimes extending to 5 PM) and an 11 AM check-out, which some guests find restrictive. There is also a voucher policy with a 12-month expiry, which has caused disappointment for those unable to redeem them in time. A notable architectural feature is a striking chandelier in the main stairwell, often mentioned as a visual highlight.