Dramatic coastlines, charming towns, celebrated history and welcoming pubs are all to be found in the county of East Sussex. We’ve gone in search of the most lovely boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts for romantic stays in 1066 Country (excluding nearby Brighton which has its own guide here).

Boutique Hotels in Hastings

Boutique Hotels in the rest of East Sussex

Zanzibar International Hotel (*****), Hastings

Elegant five star boutique hotel in St Leonard’s On Sea, Hastings. All of the eight bedrooms are individually designed with luxurious aesthetics and features like floor to ceiling windows from which views over the English Channel can be enjoyed. Each of the beautiful rooms is themed around a particular country: ‘South America’ is a riot of opulence with a stunning interiors, amazing views from a Juliet balcony and an open plan bathroom with a tub that fits two. ‘Manhattan’ is a penthouse suite which is more like a cool New York loft style apartment.

  • 9 Eversfield Place, Hastings, TN37 6BY
  • Rooms: 8
  • Room Types: Superior Double with Garden View; Penthouse Apartment; Superior Deluxe Double with Bath & Sea View; Honeymoon Suite with Sea View; Standard Double with Garden View; Deluxe Double with Garden View; Double Room with Garden View.
  • Features: Free Wifi; Free Parking
  • Click here to check availability and to book

The Old Rectory (*****), Hastings

A ‘bed and breakfast grown ups’. The Old Rectory is a stylish, relaxing boutique B&B in Hastings in which to unwind and relax. Each of the eight rooms in the 15th century Old Rectory is individually designed and named after a street in Hastings. Guests can also enjoy the peaceful walled garden and gorgeous Grand Lounge.

  • Harold Road, Hastings, TN35 5ND
  • Rooms: 8
  • Room Types: Superior King Room; Luxury Double Room; Luxury Double Room with Garden View; Deluxe Double Room with Garden View
  • Features: Free Wifi; Free Parking
  • Click here to check availability and to book

Hastings House (*****), Hastings

Luxurious boutique bed and breakfast in St Leonards on Sea, Hastings. With views overlooking the sea from three of the hotels’s nine bedrooms, Hastings House has elegant, contemporary decor throughout with high quality furniture. Your welcoming hosts provide one of the most stylish stays in the area. They’ve got all the breakfast options covered, with superfood musli, delicious croissants or a hearty full English available.

  • 9 Warrior Square, Hastings, TN37 6BA
  • Rooms: 9
  • Room Types: Deluxe King Room; Small Double; Deluxe King; Small Basement Double; Superior King with Sea View
  • Features: Free Wifi; Free Parking
  • Click here to check availability and to book

Waterside Boutique Hotel (***), Eastbourne

Three star boutique hotel by the sea in Eastbourne with twenty stylish rooms and suites available, some of which have views of the sea. Each of the rooms is individually designed and features as standard include Egyptian cotton linen, an iPod dock, free WiFi and room service. For a romantic break or a business trip, this one of the most stylish options in Eastbourne.

  • 11-12 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AR
  • Rooms: 20
  • Room Types: Double Room with Hot Tub; Suite with Skyline View; Deluxe Double with Sea View; Standard Double Room; Superior Double;
  • Features: Free Wifi; Free Parking; Sea Views & Hot Tub in some rooms;
  • Click here to check availability and to book

The George at Rye (****), Rye

The George at Rye traces its history back to the 16th century and now offers a relaxing hideaway on a cobbled street in the popular and charming East Sussex town of Rye. With 34 rooms, The George is a stylish Grade II listed boutique hotel. Some of the rooms have freestanding baths are all are stocked with high quality toiletries.

  • 98 High Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7JT
  • Rooms: 34
  • Room Types: Queen Room; Junior Suite; Superior Twin Room; Superior Double Room; Luxury Double Room; Luxury Twin Room;
  • Features: Free Wifi; Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Click here to check availability and to book

The Gallivant (***), Rye

Chic award winning boutique hotel with 20 rooms by the beach in Rye. With a superb restaurant, the The Gallivant is a calming hideaway with super comfortable hypnos mattresses in each of the unique rooms. The luxurious Garden rooms boast Super King size beds, roll top baths and open out on to semi private decks. If the craving for a guilty pleasure strikes, the Gallivant has its own tuck shop stocked with treats from popcorn to Champagne. Other features at this gorgeous hotel include coastal gardens and a relaxing beach hut for massages and treatments.

  • New Lydd Road, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7RB
  • Rooms: 20
  • Room Types: Comfort Double Room; Double Room with Garden View; Deck Double Room; Garden Double Room; Small Double Room; Beach Double Room;
  • Features: Free Wifi; Free Parking; Restaurant; Pets Allowed; Coastal Gardens
  • Click here to check availability and to book

The Bell (****), Ticehurst

The Bell is a quirky hotel and pub in the charming village of Ticehurst which has been welcoming visitors for almost 400 years. Each gorgeous room here is individually named and designed. A range of in-room treatments and massages are available making this a perfect de-stress destination in the countryside.

  • High Street, Ticehurst, TN5 7AS
  • Rooms: 11
  • Room Types: Suite; Classic Double for 1; Small Double; Suite with Terrace; Standard Apartment; Classic Double Room
  • Features: Free Wifi; Free Parking; Restaurant; Pets Allowed; Massage and treatments available;
  • Click here to check availability and to book