Within very easy reach of London, Margate is a seaside resort town that’s popular with the cool kids of Shoreditch.  Fashionable in the 18th and 19th century, Margate took a dip in popularity with many of the UK’s other seaside resorts, but has come back strongly, with an ever increasing collection of cool bars, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and accommodation.  Some of the best places to stay in Margate are still Victorian guest house and B&B conversions, but hipped up, and Margate now has a number of glitzier options too, complete with rooftop cocktail bars and rock-star owners.

As well as hip places to stay, eat and drink, lively nightlife and a burgeoning arts scene, Margate has a long and lovely sandy beach!  And the nostalgic Dreamland amusement park - which opened in 1880 and now has a Grade II listed rollercoaster - cool.  The Turner Contemporary art gallery was one of the outriders for the cool-ification of Margate, and was built in a prominent, harbour-side spot, all the better to advertise its excellent programme of exhibitions and events.  Other galleries opened in the surrounding arcades and streets, and the food and drink scene, and boutique and vintage shopping scene developed from there too.  This area is now a wonderfully quirky place to explore, all tucked behind charming, Victorian facades.  

The best places to stay in Margate are still very popular with families - because this is still a fantastic seaside resort, idea for sandcastle-building and sunbathing.  Though now the best places to stay in Margate are also ideal for seeing the work of international artists, or for coaching in after you’ve been to a highly-anticipated club night.

The Best Places to Stay in Margate

For Cool Kids

• No 42 Margate is a chic new addition to Margate’s hospitality scene, a 21 room, boutique-feeling hotel converted from a Victorian seafront property.  The rooms are decorated in neutral colours, with memorable accents, like murals by local arts, the in-room tea and coffee station inside a tiny beach hut, and turntables.  No. 42 also has an open-access guest pantry, if you’re peckish, and the restaurant, The Pearly Cow, is excellent.  
• The Albion Rooms is a hotel owned by a band, The Libertines.  So it’s seven rooms and suites have to have a cool kids vibe.  Which in this case equals dark walls, lots of velvet, a touch of brass, and unique touches in each room.  Downstairs the restaurant serves modern British fare, and the bar is lively, of course.  

For Great Value

• The George & Heart is a Georgian era coaching inn in the oldest part of Margate.  The rooms are all uniquely decorated, with plenty of variety derived from the eclectic collection of furniture and art.  The rooms aren’t large, but they are old, charming and affordable.  Downstairs there’s a lively bar and restaurant, which is known for its Sunday roasts, and seasonally changing menus built around the best local produce.  

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re travelling via London, you can take the train from Kings Cross St. Pancras or Victoria to Margate direct, which takes around an hour and a half.  If you’re planning to fly towards Margate, London’s airports will be the most convenient.  
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Margate is most popular during the bucket-and-spade summer holiday season, with temperatures regularly reaching into the mid 20s between June and August.  If you don’t need to travel during the school holiday season you’ll find it easier, and cheaper, to book something in early September - when the sea is still warm, and everything is still open.  Margate is a pretty lively town, year round, but there are a few businesses that shut-up-shop over the coolest months of winter - usually after Christmas, though.  Margate hosts a jazz festival in June, and a vintage car event in September.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Kent?
• Or consider one of Margate’s neighbours? charming Whitstable? Deal? Ramsgate? or Dover?
• Or you could refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for? and consider just Kent’s best pubs-with-rooms? or Kent’s best B&Bs? or consult our Gurus’ recommendations for the most romantic hotels in Kent?
•  Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.