The Relais Cooden Beach and Spa

Hotels
Classic British Hotels
8.2 (1712 reviews)
Cooden Beach, Cooden Sea Rd , Bexhill , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Spa amenities
Cons:
Limited dining options
Noise issues

Categories

Cleanliness
8.13
Cleanliness noted as variable, with some complaints over noise and condition.
Service
8.6
Staff were frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful, contributing positively.
Location
8.64
Great location noted, enhancing the experience despite other issues.
Room Quality
7.59
Rooms described as too small or noisy in specific cases.
Amenities
8.62
Spa facilities praised, which enhanced guests' overall experience.
Value for Money
7.58
Perceived high prices for the limited dining choices.
Food and Beverage
8.13
Food quality noted as good, but menu options were limited.
Overall Experience
8.3
Overall positive experiences mentioned, with some mixed feedback.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 13:11

Property Description

Directly on the Beach

The Relais Cooden Beach in Bexhill, East Sussex is a unique award-winning hotel located directly on the beach. Just take a step from the terrace to start a wonderful walk along the coastline!

Stylish Accommodation and Dining Experiences

Offering a range of accommodation and dining experiences, including the Stylish Rally Bar and Restaurant. With no roads to cross, relaxation by the beach is just steps away. Enjoy stunning views while indulging in delicious meals after a day out, a wedding, or a conference.

Luxurious Refurbished Rooms and New Dining Concepts

Following a redesign, all 45 rooms, including five new Veranda Suites with private terraces, have been entirely refurbished. The hotel now features new public spaces and dining concepts, reflecting a relaxed yet sophisticated style. The Rally Bar and Restaurant, Beach Terrace, and Cafe Bar offer various dining options for guests.

Book now to experience the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation at The Relais Cooden Beach in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.

Important information:

Guests may only book up to 4 bedrooms at any one time. Any Bookings exceeding 4 bedrooms will not be accepted.


Gym access is complimentary for the property guests only.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LGW

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 1712 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.13
Service: 8.6
Location: 8.64
Room Quality: 7.59
Amenities: 8.62
Value for Money: 7.58
Food and Beverage: 8.13
Overall Experience: 8.3
J
Jocelyn family_with_children gb
9
Great! Such a wonderful stay!
Pros:

Lovely style and great selection of drinks and food. Amazing garden right on the beach. My child has severe allergies and they were so attentive and careful, always being prepared for us and checking all the ingredients. Have been to a lot of places with her and this place was by far the best, making us feel relaxed and not worried about any allergic reactions

Cons:

The room could’ve been a bit cleaner as had lots of stuff on the carpet but other than that was perfect

2026-07-11 via Nuitee
S
Stuart couple gb
9
Pros:

Lovely hotel in an amazing location, with the most helpful of staff (breakfast was great too)

Cons:

The room was a little hot, but we were in a heatwave, so happy to put up with that for the benefit of the good weather. Was also a fan in the room which helped.

2026-07-10 via Nuitee
D
Dougie solo_traveller gb
10
2026-07-09 via Nuitee
G
Garrod couple es
8
Great
Pros:

Great friendly staff

2026-07-07 via Nuitee
S
Samantha solo_traveller gb
9
Really friendly staff and excellent service
Pros:

Really enjoyed our stay - friendly staff made it that much more enjoyable - thank you.

Cons:

Nothing to dislike

2026-07-07 via Nuitee
I
Ian couple gb
10
My go to place to chill out
Pros:

Ideal relaxing location adjacent to the beach and channel. Welcoming and friendly staff and a lovely restaurant.
Bed was really comfortable and room was spotless

Cons:

Only minor thing was the need for a fan through the night due to the heat but not an issue as I would rather have it than not

2026-07-06 via Nuitee
A
Alan family_with_children gb
9
Nice hotel right by the beach
Pros:

Location was excellent. Perfect spot for visiting local towns and places of interest.

Cons:

The speed of service in the restaurant for both breakfast and evening meals could be improved. At breakfast it felt like we always had to be asking for something e.g fruit juices to be refilled, are there more bowls, are there more spoons. Staff did not seem to be very well co-ordinated and lack of someone in an oversight role.

Shame that our room did not have air conditioning

2026-07-06 via Nuitee
S
STEPHEN family_with_children gb
8
A good choice for a short break
Pros:

Comfortable room with excellent food offerings

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-06 via Nuitee
K
Kevin couple gb
8
Great location and comfortable accommodation.
Pros:

We loved the beach side location and the good sized room, with a sea view.

2026-07-05 via Nuitee
C
Christopher solo_traveller au
9
2026-07-05 via Nuitee
A
Amanda couple gb
7
Good stay at Cooden Beach Hotel
Pros:

Fab location. Vegetarian breakfasts were ok.

Cons:

Very warm rooms at this time of year.,

2026-07-05 via Nuitee
S
Susan couple gb
10
Lovely time. Great spacious room with sea views.
Pros:

Helpful staff. Excellent food at breakfast and evening meal.

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
S
Shaqib solo_traveller gb
10
A lovely place to relax
Pros:

Lovely room, the aroma therapy smells around the hotel. The location is great of depending on weather

Cons:

Floorboards were a bit creaky in the room

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
L
L solo_traveller gb
9
Amazing!
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
G
Global61243486222 Couples Birchington, Isle of Thanet, Kent, England
8
Relaxation personified!
Pros:

Just returned from a four night stay using the secret escape’s website. The hotel has a fantastic position directly on the beach front and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. The room was definitely on the small side with just half of a wardrobe available to hang clothes (bit of a challenge ) and no bedside table one side of the bed so pretty much lived out of a suitcase . The bar/restaurant area is bright and pleasing to the eye , the menu was small but everything we ate was of a fairly high standard. Without doubt the highlight of the stay was the staff. Every member of staff we came across were polite informative and very helpful. A special mention of Jacob in the restaurant a wonderful member of the waiting team !

2026-07-03 via Tripadvisor
H
Helen solo_traveller gb
10
Beautiful location
Pros:

Location, location, location! Perched on the beach, it’s in the most ideal location. Sitting outside on the terrace on a sunny evening, could not have been any better or have a better outlook. Staff very friendly and helpful. Food was amazing - loads of choice inc for special diets, waiting staff very attentive. Room was comfortable with all I needed. Only stayed on night for business but I’ll be back for leisure next time.

Cons:

Lots of stairs and long corridor to room and pillows very soft but that’s it - everything was lovely.

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
H
Helen extended_group gb
9
Amazing staff - very helpful
Pros:

Beautiful location

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
S
stephen couple gb
7
Good in part
Pros:

No air-conditioning .we were there during a heat wave. Otherwise the room was ok but small for the price. Breakfast good. Location excellent and it was very quiet.

Cons:

Price.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
M
Marilyn solo_traveller gb
5
Dissatisfaction room was around 8 feet by 12 feet . Never have I booked into a spa hotel that did not include use of spa
Pros:

Location was good

Cons:

My room was not as I expected. The booking .com price was valued at around £200 , my “cozy double” was indeed very cozy meaning small and in the eaves! On looking at the hotel website I find even at peak season the room would have cost max £165! It was a spa hotel and the price did not include use of spa! I will be making my feelings clear when I check out

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
H
Harry family_with_children gb
8
A lovely hotel, would visit again
Pros:

Hotel was better than i'd expected with a lovely outdoor drinking and dining area right next to the pebble beach, plenty of car parking, friendly and helpful staff and overall a very good feel to the place

Cons:

Rooms were absurdly hot. Now, this was when temperatures were 30°c+ so its not all their fault and i do not blame them for not having aircon, it happens in older hotels sometimes. The hotel provided a small fan but it wasn't really effective. The windows opened a couple of inches only due to the security wire, we did ask whether on this occasion they would remove the security wire so we could get more air in the room but they said they were unable to do so. Shame.

2026-06-30 via Nuitee