St. Margaret's Hotel is a highly favored destination nestled in the charming area of St. Margaret’s, offering guests an exceptional experience characterized by its location and welcoming ambiance. It is ideally positioned for travelers heading to or from the continent, being just a short drive from both the coast and ferry terminals, and close to the renowned White Cliffs of Dover. The hotel’s surroundings invite guests to enjoy leisurely walks and invigorating hikes, while nearby pubs, shops, and restaurants add to the convenience.
Guests consistently praise the hotel for its friendly and accommodating staff, who contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere from check-in through to departure. The team, including reception, bar, and restaurant personnel, is recognized for their cheerful demeanor and attentiveness, ensuring a pleasant stay. Moreover, the hotel provides comprehensive support, making visitors feel valued and cared for throughout their time at St. Margaret's.
The rooms at the hotel receive high marks for their spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort, offering good value for money. Equipped with thoughtful amenities, such as tea and coffee-making facilities, and featuring comfortable beds with high-quality bed linen, they promise a restful night’s sleep. While the decor may be somewhat dated, it does not impede the overall comfort and satisfaction experienced by guests.
Adding to the hotel’s appeal are its exceptional on-site facilities like the large indoor swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, which provide a perfect opportunity for relaxation after a long journey. The pool is frequently praised for its cleanliness and accessibility, although limited opening hours are noted as a slight inconvenience. Additionally, the hotel’s gym offers basic facilities for those looking to maintain their fitness routine despite being somewhat dated.
St. Margaret's Hotel caters well to families, offering amenities such as playgrounds, a soft play area, and a swimming pool suitable for children. The holiday park setting provides a lively base for family activities and exploration of nearby attractions, such as the chalk cliffs at Dover. The inclusion of practical and affordable accommodation options like connecting rooms enhances the appeal for family stays.
While the dining experiences at the hotel are generally complemented by excellent food quality, both breakfast and dinner services have some drawbacks, primarily in terms of limited menu options and delays in service. The breakfast menu, though tastily prepared and varied, could benefit from earlier service times to better accommodate guest schedules. Dinner at the Boathouse Bar is noted for its delicious offerings, although some guests report lengthy wait times.
With plentiful and easy parking options, including free video-monitored parking, guests appreciate the straightforward and secure access to their vehicles. This ease, along with a clean environment and attentive service, establishes St. Margaret's Hotel as a reliable and welcoming choice for both short stopovers and extended stays.
Overall, St. Margaret's Hotel offers a delightful blend of value, comfort, and convenience, making it an attractive choice for discerning travelers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable experience in a picturesque setting.
The Grand Burstin Hotel, situated along Folkestone’s picturesque seafront, offers an ideal location that appeals to travelers for its breathtaking harbour views and easy access to local eateries, bars and shops. The hotel’s proximity to the Eurotunnel and Dover ferry terminals also makes it a convenient stopover for Channel crossings. The ample parking options and beautiful coastal paths contribute to making it a memorable base for both relaxing breaks and adventurous explorations.
The breakfast service at The Grand Burstin Hotel receives a mix of feedback with guests appreciating the generous variety and good value for money. The breakfast buffet offers a wide selection, including fresh fruit, cereals and hot drinks, which are generally well-received despite some criticisms about food temperature and occasional chaotic conditions. Overall, it provides a satisfactory start to the day for many visitors.
Dinner experiences at the hotel also attract mixed reviews, although many guests find the meals to be hearty and sensible with notable mentions of the carvery and Sunday lunch. Despite some reports of inconsistent food quality and presentation, the attentive staff and the good value for money enhance the dining experience for a significant number of guests.
The hotel rooms offer spaciousness and often beautiful sea or harbour views, contributing to a comfortable stay for many guests. However, the need for refurbishment, maintenance issues and occasional noise disturbances detract from the overall impression. While some rooms are upgraded and well-equipped, others suffer from outdated decor and cleanliness concerns.
Cleanliness within the hotel does receive varied reviews with some guests noting clean and comfortable rooms while others highlight dirty public areas and worn decor. An overall call for better upkeep and more diligent housekeeping is evident with some areas, such as staircases and corridors, requiring significant attention.
A standout feature of The Grand Burstin Hotel is its friendly and efficient staff. Guests frequently commend the polite and helpful nature of the team across various departments, enhancing the overall positive experience. The reception staff, in particular, are noted for their professionalism and ability to handle issues smoothly.
Free WiFi is available in the lobby and public areas, but in-room WiFi comes at an additional cost and the service quality is inconsistent. Guests appreciate the functional WiFi in communal areas, though they should be prepared for variable service quality in rooms.
The hotel's gym and swimming facilities are appealing to many guests, especially families. The swimming pool and sauna are highlights, despite some areas needing better upkeep. The gym, although somewhat outdated, provides essential fitness amenities and is complemented by commendable gym staff.
Parking at the hotel is another mixed area with some guests finding it safe and reasonably priced, while others experience difficulties finding spots and navigating the limited space, especially during busy periods.
The Grand Burstin Hotel stands out as a family-friendly destination, offering numerous family rooms and a range of entertainment suitable for all ages. These features, coupled with its unbeatable location, make it a preferred choice for many seeking both convenience and a pleasant stay in Folkestone.