Staycation in Eastbourne @Port Hotel

With lifted restrictions, hotels have now re-opened for stay overs. We were looking for seaside towns or beach hotels that we haven’t been to when we came across the newly opened Port Hotel in Eastbourne.

When Mum called to ask if they’re dog-friendly, they inquired about us – long story short, one of the owners of Port Hotel have two cockapoos Grace and Harry – who used to come to our Hyde Park Doodle Meets! What a small world! The rest is history, as they say.

Mum was particularly drawn to the interiors of the hotel – always an important criteria for her.

Especially when she spotted a bathtub!

Our room had a seaview …

We can also see the famous Eastbourne Pier from our window.

It was forecasted rain but instead we had sunshine and clouds – and even a rainbow!

They had prepared for us, eco-friendly dog beds from ProjectBlu, treats and South Downs bottled water.

And what about the record player! Such a lovely touch.

After having checked into our lovely room with a seaview, we went on to see the sights that we have heard so much about. Watch this space for more of our adventures in Eastbourne.

And did we say, we had arranged to rendezvous with Dante and DeDe?

We had a good run on the pebble beach.

Of course Dante went into the water and stayed there! I dipped my paws – just once.

But a lot of zoomies from me and Jessie.

Where is the ball?

Stop throwing fake balls, DeDe was telling James off!

We were also welcomed to dine in their restaurant.

All in all it was such a fab place for a get together with friends.

May’s comment: One of the good things that came about with the restriction to travel abroad is our quest to find places within our shores to visit.

Before Darcy came along, whenever I think of going to a beach destination, it was automatically the Mediterranean or Asia. Partly because the English weather is not known for beach holidays, though of course with climate change all that is changing too. I forget the British Isle is an island and we have a lot of coastline. Over the years we have discovered a lot of beaches we can go to on our very shores. And Eastbourne is the latest of our discovery.

Eastbourne is a lively and sunny seaside resort town in the South East of England. The train from Victoria Station, London to Eastbourne was less than an hour and a half.  And then a short cab ride to the hotel.

And we also learnt that Eastbourne is the sunniest place in the UK, according to reports from previous years. We had expected downpour on the trip to Eastbourne but instead we had sunshine, cloudy skies and warm weather.

Port Hotel opened in December 2020, and was closed during the second lockdown. They reopened last Monday, the 17th May.

A lovingly restored Victorian Townhouse, its a contemporary boutique hotel boasting 19 modern bedrooms. Situated on the Royal Parade in Eastbourne with far-reaching sea views, it just a stone’s throw from the beach.

They have four dog-friendly rooms. We had one of them that has a view of sea – and the pier.

Dogs are welcomed to dine in their relaxed restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the best of Sussex and surrounds. There are also tables on the outdoor terrace. The staff is very conscious about placing guests with dogs apart from each other to avoid any territorial issues.

It’s location across from the pebbly beach makes it very convenient. From May-September dogs are allowed on the beach east of the Pier, where the hotel is located. Dogs are allowed on the beach rest of the year.

And don’t be offended if the staff asks what is your dog called before they ask for yours! Love it!

This was a gifted stay. As with all things that we write about, it was our choice to stay at Port because I loved the decor – the seaview rooms were inspired by the tones of the pebble beach and the town rooms were inspired by the Downs. And two thumbs-up for a getaway with your pooches.

Port Hotel Eastbourne is located 11-12 Royal Eastbourne Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AR