Port Lympne Hotel

A unique opportunity to stay in the heart of Port Lympne Animal Reserve; home to 700 rare and endangered animals. This Grade II*-listed grand mansion was built in the early 20th century for Sir Philip Sassoon and later purchased and restored by John Aspinall. Surrounded by 15 acres of landscaped gardens and offering never-ending views over the rolling Kent countryside and coast, Port Lympne Hotel features eight spacious rooms with traditional features such as sumptuous four-poster beds. The mansion is steeped in history (as host to an array of famous guests over the years, including Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin) and certainly doesn’t lack character. Highlights include the restaurant walls decorated in flamboyant colourful animal murals and the made-for-Instagram Moroccan Courtyard which is a special spot for afternoon tea. Dine in its restaurant which serves up fresh seasonal produce from the hotel’s vegetable and herb gardens or feel like a VIP as you whizz around the animal reserve on one of the complimentary golf buggies exclusive to hotel guests – even before or after visiting hours so it feels like you have the park all to yourself! Another reason to stay? Accommodation profits go towards the care of the reserve’s animals.

 

Written by Stephanie Reed

• Parking
• Views
• Shops
• Family Suites
• Bar
• Meeting Room
• Library

• Sit-out Terrace
• Wifi
• Disabled access
• Room service
• Child friendly
• Garden
• Restaurant

• Great walks
• Enjoy scenic walks with stunning views across the Kent coastline.
• Safari
• Take a jeep safari through the Port Lympne Reserve.

• Learning
• Take a tour through the Dinosaur Forest.

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Our guests love staying at the four star historic hotel, surrounded by Kent’s largest wild animal park. There’s so much exploring to do and of course, Kent’s only safari – where our guests can see amazing wild animals roaming freely including Kent’s only giraffe herd. Every room comes with its own golf buggy and guests can use their golf buggy to explore the walking routes both before and after visitor hours. We also include entrance to our sister park, Howletts near Canterbury, so guests can continue their wild adventures. What is there to do in the area? There’s loads to do in the area, we’re situated just above the pretty coastal town of Hythe and there’s even more to explore in Folkestone with it’s creative quarter, buzzing harbour arm and independent shops. What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer a full continental and cooked breakfast with incredible choices every day. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The Garden Room Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Babydoll’s serves delicious, authentic, Italian dishes, including a selection of wood-fired pizzas, for lunch and dinner daily. We also have a variety of cafes and kiosks onsite too. Which are your most popular room types, and why? All of our rooms at Port Lympne Hotel have unique touches and beautiful views. Our guests love the history of the building and the luxury touches we have added to enhance every stay. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We offer games for families to enjoy and children love our colouring in books and of course the adventures to be had in the Reserve itself, including our mini maze! Yes extra beds and cots can fit into the rooms. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? We look forward to welcoming you to Port Lympne hotel, where you can enjoy the beautiful views, explore our 600 acre wildlife park, sample our delicious food set in the stunning restaurant and even enjoy a cocktail (or two) on the terraces or Moroccan Courtyard.