Royal Hotel, Deal

Positioned directly on the seafront, with nothing between the hotel and the promenade, The Royal Hotel is ideally placed for exploring Deal and the Kent coast. There are 18 bedrooms, which range from the magnificent feature rooms – complete with private sea-view balcony and roll-top baths – to the small, inexpensive single rooms and comfortable family rooms. There’s a contemporary coastal look to many of the bedrooms, while the building itself is old-fashioned with creaking carpeted stairs and is steeped in history. Indeed, Nelson and Lady Hamilton both stayed here, and there’s a nod to this, with Naval memorabilia on the walls and bedrooms named after Admirals. Hearty, traditional English breakfast is on offer and there’s a restaurant too, specialising in locally landed fresh seafood.