Getting to Know You! A Profile of the Hythe Imperial Hotel

How much do you know about our award-winning hotel?

Of course we have luxury accommodation, but we offer much more, from being one of the best wedding venues in Kent, to a spa, golf course, fine dining and live entertainment!

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A landmark building on the Kent coast

Set on the picturesque coast in Kent, the Garden of England, the Hythe Imperial Hotel is a landmark of British seaside elegance.

With a rich history spanning more than 140 years, our grand hotel has been welcoming guests since the Victorian era.

And today, it stands as a fully refurbished, modern coastal retreat that blends its heritage with contemporary style.

Packed with history

The Hythe Imperial first opened its doors in 1880 and was originally named the Seabrook Hotel.

Located on the scenic shores of Hythe, a quiet village, it quickly gained a reputation as a premier destination on the Kent coast.

The hotel was built by the South Eastern Railway, and guests would travel down by train from cities such as London, seeking the fresh sea air and a more laid-back pace of life.

The hotel expanded and changed quite quickly – the large Princes Parade opened in front of the hotel in 1890. Then just six years later, a new wing was added to the original building.

Throughout its history, the hotel has witnessed plenty of remarkable events. During both World Wars it served as a military hospital, and as a rest stop for soldiers. Afterwards, it continued as a hotel over the decades, although it soon became clear it needed a little TLC.

In 2008, the GSE Group took ownership of the property, recognising its historical and architectural significance. A refurbishment soon followed, revitalising the building while preserving its Victorian charm.

Today, the Hythe Imperial stands as a magnificent blend of the past and the present.

Only now, it’s much more than just a hotel…

One of Kent’s top wedding venues

The history, architecture and setting of the Hythe Imperial means its long been in demand as a wedding venue.

And it’s really not hard to see why! The combination of sea views, large gardens and elegant yet modern interiors make it a dream location for weddings and celebrations of all sizes.

There are a variety of spaces to choose from within the hotel, including the grand Imperial Ballroom and the intimate Garden Room. It means couples can tailor their special day to suit their vision, with everything under one roof.

Plus, the hotel’s dedicated wedding team are on hand to make sure every detail is taken care of – and a choice of flexible wedding packages are available to keep you on budget too.

So if you’re looking for the dream venue to say “I do”, why not visit our hotel and see for yourself why it’s so popular?

Dining at the Coast Restaurant

The Hythe Imperial is home to the renowned Coast Restaurant, an AA-rosette winning dining venue that showcases the best of British cuisine with a modern twist.

We’re famous for our Sunday roasts!

Using local Kent produce and seasonal ingredients, our chefs offer menus that feature fresh seafood, succulent meats and innovative vegetarian options too.

Dining with us is a culinary delight for our guests and visitors alike. The hotel also plays host to events throughout the year, such as our upcoming Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch and our popular afternoon tea experiences.

Why not find out more and reserve your table?

Relax in the hotel’s spa

While guests at the hotel get to use the indoor swimming pool and spa, it’s also open to the public.

For those seeking relaxation, the Hythe Imperial’s spa provides the perfect place to relax, all year round. You can unwind in the sauna, steam room and large jacuzzi, enjoy a swim, or relax on the loungers inside and out.

The spa offers also an extensive range of optional treatments including rejuvenating facials, deep tissue massages and holistic therapies to promote wellbeing.

It means the Hythe Imperial is also the perfect retreat for those looking for relaxation and a little bit of self-care.

Enjoy golf with a view

Looking for a unique golf course to practise your swing?

The Hythe Imperial is also home to a 40-acre golf course with 13 greens, set between the historic Royal Military Canal and the English Channel.

It’s a par 69 course which is suitable for players of all abilities – and guests and visitors are always welcome.

So, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to enjoy a leisurely round, the club next door offers a fantastic golfing experience, just moments away from the hotel.

A venue for live entertainment too

There’s even more to enjoy at the Hythe Imperial!

Our hotel is also a popular entertainment venue, hosting a variety of live events throughout the year.

From tribute nights to themed dining experiences, there’s always something exciting happening. These events are open to everyone, guests and locals alike, with the opportunity to enjoy unique entertainment in an elegant setting.

A few  of our upcoming events include tribute acts to Boy George, Adele and Elton John; these entertainment and dining events are always very popular and sell out quickly.

Make sure you book your place soon!

A modern coastal retreat

With so much going on, it’s easy to forget that the Hythe Imperial is also a fabulous hotel! Just like it was originally intended…

Fully refurbished and brimming with character, our 4-star hotel has 92 well-appointed rooms and suites. Each one offers a stylish retreat, many with great views of the English Channel.

Whether guests are visiting for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or wedding, the hotel’s accommodation and staff always make for a memorable stay.

The hotel’s location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the charms of Kent.

You can enjoy scenic walks along the parade or Royal Military Canal, discover the historic High Street of Hythe, or venture further afield to the famous Port Lympne Wildlife Reserve.

With excellent transport links, including connections to Folkestone, Dover and Canterbury, the hotel is well-positioned for those looking to explore the majestic Garden of England.

Plan your visit to the Hythe Imperial

For whatever reason you’re visiting us, we’re ready to welcome you at the Hythe Imperial Hotel.

To book any of our experiences or if you have any questions, please send an email or call our Reception on 01303 267441.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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