The Relais Cooden Beach and Spa

Hotels
Classic British Hotels
8.2 (1807 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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 1807 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
A
allisonhP3210VS Family
4
Poor value
Pros:

Took my Grand daughter for afternoon tea but I was not impressed .
For £30 each I was expecting a far better selection and presentation.
Told the cashier I have had better and had worse. £6 already on bill for service charge but feel awkward asking for it to be removed .
I Wanted another pot of tea but gave up trying to get the attention of any staff.
I’m sure the main menu is good but I would certainly not recommend afternoon tea.

2026-08-29 via Tripadvisor
H
Helen couple gb
10
Amazing location, lovely staff
Pros:

Beautiful location and really friendly staff. Food in restaurant was excellent and good choice at breakfast, including special diets. Lovely sitting out on terrace having a drink and great spot for enjoying a swim in the sea just outside. Stayed on ground floor which had loads of room and all facilities. Really enjoyed this, my second stay, so I’ll be back.

Cons:

Shame about all the workmen and machinery drilling on beach during g our stay, but I realise no fault of the hotel. Nothing g about the hotel to fault at all.

2026-08-28 via Nuitee
S
Sally family_with_children gb
10
Great
2026-08-28 via Nuitee
R
Robert couple gb
10
We enjoy the location of the hotel and its proximity to the station for trains into Bexhill, Brighton and Eastbourne .
Pros:

We liked the friendliness of the staff and the breakfasts and being beside the sea.

Cons:

The room was a bit small and the decor in the hotel is a bit tired .

2026-08-28 via Nuitee
M
Mycroft52 Couples Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England
6
Great location, disappointing food.
Pros:

We visited the hotel for coffee and a mid-afternoon snack. The hotel is beautifully situated adjacent to the beach, with a large terrace overlooking the sea. A really great place to sit in the sun, and ideal for just chatting and chilling. Those are the plus points. The food that we ordered, however, was a great disappointment and rather sad. An old wooden platter of rather dubious heritage and possibly risky hygiene. Four small pieces of stale and toasted bread, no butter, a small portion of cheddar, a few slices of salami-like meat, some random greenery, and eight grapes. Not really ideal for two people and a price tag of £20! To be fair they offered us a free coffee when we complained. What a shame - a lovely place, let down by very average food.

2026-08-27 via Tripadvisor
D
dspam13 Couples Funchal, Madeira, Madeira Islands
8
Lovely staff
Pros:

The staff here are lovely, efficient and friendly. We had a couple of issues with cold food and an extra item on the bill which wasn't ours, but both things were sorted efficiently.
We went on a Secret Escapes deal and we had what was described as a cosy double. In reality it is a single room. The very small double bed was up against the wall, so if one of us need to get out in the night, the other had to move. The bathroom door couldn't be opened fully as it banged into the bedside table.
The food was lovely, really enjoyed our stay, if we go again we wouldn't have a cosy double! Would have been 5 stars, but for the size of the bedroom.

2026-08-26 via Tripadvisor
S
simono1958 Friends getaway Hertfordshire, England
8
Really good location on the beach.
Pros:

Fabulous location on the beach. Great staff and good atmosphere. Clean. Very tasty good quality food. Includes a service charge.

2026-08-25 via Tripadvisor
B
Beverley couple gb
10
2026-08-25 via Nuitee
R
Rachelle couple gb
8
Fabulous stay right on the beach
Pros:

Fabulous location. Good food. Excellent staff.

Cons:

We had a great time

2026-08-24 via Nuitee
A
Adventure730583 Family
10
5 star Mini Break!
Pros:

Just had the most wonderful mini break at this hotel. We enjoyed the new outdoor spa experience offer (jacuzzi, sauna and chill bath) with a beautiful sea view. This was £45 which included a lunch or dinner and the food in the restaurant was amazing. The staff were polite and attentive everywhere we went, in the spa, the restaurant and in the outdoor eating area. The room was lovely with a beautiful refurbished bathroom. We would definitely recommend.

2026-08-22 via Tripadvisor
D
Desmond couple gb
8
Pros:

Very helpful staff

2026-08-22 via Nuitee
M
Marvkey couple gb
8
a comfortable and enjoyable stay
Pros:

Breakfasts were good with great selection of pastries or cooked breakfast -- restaurant area comfortable and airy with views to the sea. Beds were very comfortable. Parking easy .

Cons:

lack of tourist information , room service seems to be lacking.

2026-08-22 via Nuitee
C
Carol solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

The room exceeded my expectations. Breakfast was delicious

2026-08-20 via Nuitee
H
Hazel couple gb
9
Very pleasant hotel on the beach with good food
Pros:

Excellent location beachside. Good lunch in main restaurant. Nice room with good facilities

Cons:

The music at lunchtime was a bit loud

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
I
Ina solo_traveller de
8
2026-08-18 via Nuitee
S
Sonja extended_group be
7
2026-08-18 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple gb
7
Over all ok
Pros:

The beach and the breakfast was excellent

Cons:

No lift or A CON. The railway station was quiet busy but the nearest bus stop was 20 minutes away and the walk to the bus stop was all up hill and part of the walk was with out a foot path.

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
C
Clio couple gb
7
2026-08-16 via Nuitee
S
Sören couple se
9
2026-08-16 via Nuitee
V
VERONICA couple gb
6
2026-08-16 via Nuitee