Boutique Hotels in Kent: 10 Beautiful Places to Sleep

Looking for the best boutique hotels in Kent? The coastal county is home to some of my favourite hotels in the UK, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay.

Often dubbed the “Garden of England”, Kent is one of the most picturesque counties in the UK. With idyllic coastal towns, an array of independent shops, and plenty of great restaurants, it’s the perfect place to spend the weekend.

And when it comes to finding somewhere to spend the night, you’re spoilt for choice. There’s lots of boutique hotels in Kent, with more new openings planned this year.

For me, there’s nothing better than a boutique hotel. You benefit from a more personal experience, individually designed bedrooms, and thoughtful touches that are often missing in the larger chains.

So whether you’re looking to wake up with the waves, or escape from it all in the countryside, my guide to the best boutique hotels in Kent has got you covered.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

Best boutique hotels in Kent:

1. The Rose

Address:  91 High St, Deal CT14 6ED

A small town on the Kent coast, Deal is home to independent shops, a pebble beach and a castle. The Rose is undoubtedly the best place to spend the night, 2 minutes from the beach with incredible interiors.

The Telegraph listed it as one of Britain’s most romantic hotels, and Rooom Four was featured in The Times’ 30 most romantic hotel rooms in the UK.

The building has been around for over 200 years and is owned by Chris Hicks and his wife, Alex Bagner. Since buying it in 2016, The Rose has undergone an impressive renovation. It’s now home to 9 bedrooms, Wes Anderson style interiors and a restaurant.

The Rose does details well; expect toiletries from Norfolk-based brand Austin Austin, record players in the bedrooms, and whisky nightcaps alongside the tea and coffee stations.

If you’re looking for the best boutique hotels in Kent, The Rose should be top of your list.

2. Elmley Nature Reserve

Address:  1 Kings Hill Cottages, Elmley, Minster on Sea, Sheerness ME12 3RW

Elmley Nature Reserve is easily one of the best boutique hotels in Kent, and one of the most magical places I’ve ever stayed.

There are few places you visit and are able to truly relax, switch off from the world, and forget about your everyday stresses, but Elmley Nature Reserve is one of those few.

Found on the Isle of Sheppey, just over 40 miles from central London, yet you feel as though you’re on a completely different planet.

It’s set amongst 3,000 acres of wilderness, and is the only national nature reserve in the UK you can spend the night on. Choose to stay in the main farmhouse, or check into one of the shepherds huts with uninterrupted views across the reserve.

I’d recommend booking The Damson – a cosy shepherd’s hut with floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible views over the reserve, and a private outdoor hot tub.

3. Fort Road Hotel

Address:  Fort Road Hotel, 18 Fort Rd, Margate CT9 1HF

Margate has had a resurgence in recent years. Often dubbed “Shoreditch on Sea” it’s home to independent shops, buzzy bars, and plenty of new restaurant openings.

So it’s no surprise it’s also where you’ll find some of the best boutique hotels in Kent. And top of the list is Fort Road Hotel. Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, there’s 14 individually designed bedrooms, most with views of the coast.

There’s a brilliant restaurant at the hotel, serving up a seasonal menu. Expect dishes like buttermilk chicken, cuttlefish and oregano orzo, and whatever’s fresh from the sea that day! You can also choose to dine on the terrace if the sun is shining.

Separate to the restaurant, the hotel has a brilliant 60 person capacity bar which is open from Wednesday-Sunday and is the perfect place for after dinner drinks.

4. No 42 by GuestHouse

Address: 42 High St, Margate CT9 1DS

GuestHouse hotels were created by three brothers with a dedication to “creating “one-off, wonder-filled hotels”.

Their Margate location, No 42 by GuestHouse, is found in a Victorian beachfront building, with stunning views across the ocean.

There’s 21 bedrooms here, combining the original features of the building alongside modern touches. If you can, nab a room with a balcony and start your day with the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

There’s four spaces for eating and drinking here – a restaurant, café, lounge bar, and a rooftop cocktail bar, so you definitely won’t go hungry!

And on the lowest level, you’ll find their treatment rooms, the perfect place for switching off after a long day exploring.

5. The Reading Rooms

Address: 31 Hawley Square, Margate CT9 1PH

The Reading Rooms in Margate is an idyllic bed and breakfast, and one of the best boutique hotels in Kent. Located in a Grade II listed Georgian town house in Margate, there’s just 2 bedrooms, but both are exquisite.

The Salon Room on the 1st floor has 3 original floor to ceiling windows, a fireplace, antique chandelier, a super-king bed, a cast-iron roll top bath, walk-in shower and double basins.

The Attic Room on the top floor has 3 windows with views over the square and out to the sea, a super-king bed, antique chandelier, a cast-iron roll top bath, walk-in shower and double basins.

Breakfast is the only meal served here, so you’ll need to venture further afield for lunch and dinner. But the hosts come prepared with an extensive list of tried and tested recommendations.

6. Boys Hall

Address: Boys Hall Rd, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0LA

Boys Hall is a stunning 17th century house that’s undergone extensive refurbishment. It re-opened its doors in June 2022 and is easily one of the best boutique hotels in Kent.

There’s 10 individual bedrooms that vary in size, but each one is packed full of character and beautifully designed. All of the bedrooms feature drench showers, English linen on Hypnos beds, locally roasted coffee, and home-made treats.

There’s 3 different areas for eating and drinking at Boys Hall – the restaurant, pub and terrace. Everything is prepared with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the majority sourced within 25 miles of the hotel.

The restaurant offers a more formal dining experience, with dishes such as grilled Romney Marsh lamb, Pappardelle with tomato and courgette, and Charred cod with butter curry.

Over in the pub, there’s a more relaxed atmosphere, where you can choose from a bar snack menu.

7. The Pig at Bridge Place

Address: Bourne Park Rd, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5BH

The Pig hotels are one of my favourite UK hotel brands, and The Pig at Bridge Place is one of the best boutique hotels in Kent.

They place food at the heart of the hotel – their 25-mile menu means pretty much everything is sourced locally. So you can expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and hearty meals. They even have their very own kitchen garden – so you can see exactly where your dinner’s grown.

There’s a huge choice when it comes to rooms, ranging from the “extremely small room” perfect for shorter stays, to the spacious lodges ideal for families.

All of the bedrooms have a rustic, country feel, with some benefiting from log fires, free-standing baths, and private outdoor areas.

My favourites are the “hop pickers huts” – each with a log burner, a super-king bed, monsoon shower and a bath in the bedroom. They’re located in the water meadows and have a real cosy feel.

8. Updown Farmhouse

Address: Updown Farmhouse, Updown Rd, Betteshanger, Deal CT14 0EF

Updown Farmhouse is a stunning 17th century farmhouse located just outside Deal. It’s one of the best boutique hotels in Kent, and the perfect place to escape from it all.

There’s 5 individually designed bedrooms, all with a cosy and relaxed design, intended to feel as though you’re at a home from home. In the farmhouse, there’s a library with books, games and newspapers, an honesty bar where you can mix your own drinks, a drawing room, terrace, and the farmhouse kitchen.

The site is spread across 7 acres, and guests are encouraged to use the space as they please.

There’s a stunning conservatory restaurant open on select days, with a small, seasonal menu. Everything is cooked over wood – expect dishes such as aubergines with chickpeas, chilli & feta, sea bass with tomatoes and 1kg veal chop with sage butter.

9. Belvidere Place

Address: 43 Belvedere Rd, Broadstairs CT10 1PF

Located between Margate and Ramsgate in the charming seaside town of Broadstairs, Belvidere Place is a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse.

There’s 5 bedrooms here, all individually styled with one off pieces of furniture, clashing prints, and bold colours. Breakfast is included in your room rate, and most of the produce is sourced from the shops on Broadstairs high street.

The hotel occasionally hosts dinner evenings with local chefs, but most of the time, you’ll need to wander into Broadstairs for dinner. That shouldn’t be a problem though, this vibrant town has plenty of brilliant restaurants and bars. There’s seven sandy beaches in Broadstairs, so it’s a great choice if you enjoy trips to the seaside.

10. Albion House

Address: Albion House, Albion Pl, Ramsgate CT11 8HQ

Albion House is located in the seaside town of Ramsgate, known for its impressive Royal Harbour – a title awarded by King George IV thanks to the hospitality he received on his visit to the town.

Albion House was built in 1791, and has entertained royalty, politicians and actors – including Princess Victoria before she was Queen. It benefits from a clifftop location with stunning views over the beach and the harbour.

After undergoing a restoration in 2014, it became a 14 bedroom hotel, with many of the rooms offering impressive views over the sea.

There’s also a brilliant restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s a brilliant selection of food on offer, with a focus on seafood sourced fresh from the neighbouring Kent towns.

Boutique hotels in Kent: the wrap up

Finding the best boutique hotels in Kent isn’t a hard task, there’s plenty of beautiful places to stay in this stunning county!

Every place on this list is committed to providing an amazing experience for their guests, something that can often be forgotten about when you stay at a chain.

I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect place for you.