Old Town House

Margate’s Old Town is a quaint network of historic yet polished-looking lanes which are peppered with plenty of bookshops, vintage stores, cafés and pubs. It actually feels more like a countryside village than the whimsical core of the UK’s go-to seaside town – until the wind hits you, that is. 

Right in the middle is the Old Town House, a restored property comprising of just eight rooms, which is barely a five-minute walk from the beach, Margate’s Harbour Arm, as well as Turner Contemporary and plenty of top places to eat and drink. Here’s why, if you’re headed to Margate for the weekend, it’s one of our favourite places to stay.

What are the rooms like at the Old Town House Margate?

Despite its classy Georgian facade, this hotel feels surprisingly modern – firstly because there’s no lobby. Instead, before arriving you’ll be sent instructions on downloading an app that’ll give you a digital code, so you can tap in and out of both the entrance and your room as you please. 

The rooms all branch off from a freshly painted winding staircase, and we stayed right at the very top in a premium suite (where rates start from £190-350). Inside, the floors were lined with delightfully plump carpet, the walls with pretty, shimmery wallpaper and the room was furnished with ornamental antiques as well as handy amenities like a hairdryer and a tea, coffee and hot chocolate set up. There was a small wardrobe as well as storage under the stairs (we’ll get to that), plus ample surface space to prevent you living directly out of your suitcase.

A standout feature was the upholstered super king-sized bed (thanks to the Sealy mattress), cosily tucked away in a nook with a TV at the foot, which made it feel more like a den. But don’t get me wrong – this room is spacious. Follow the stairs up to a mezzanine floor and you’ll be greeted by a shining bathroom under ceiling beams which form an arch. It features a freestanding bath as well as a walk-in shower (which both have excellent water pressure), each with Burlington fixtures and some of the most delicious-smelling, fennel-scented toiletries I’ve ever used. (Founded in Margate in 2012, all of the bodywash, shampoo and conditioner is from local business Dulcie). 

What are the best things to eat and drink at the Old Town House Margate?

No lobby here also means no restaurant, but handily there are plenty of those on your doorstep. On Margate’s Harbour Arm – past the unassuming Tracey Emin neon sign which reads ‘I never stopped loving you’ – you’ll find Sargasso, an elegant, east London-coded small plate restaurant which is fresh seafood and natty wines galore. The George and Heart House is opposite the Old Town House and famously does a knockout roast dinner, but if you’re after a slap-up greasy breakfast, you’ll find no better than The Dalby Cafe. 

What’s the area like around the Old Town House Margate?

It’s pretty, compact, and has everything you need for a mini staycation. The Sea Scrub Sauna (which you’ll need to book in advance) is a mere 12-minute walk from the hotel, and other spots worth exploring nearby are the Carl Friedman Gallery, The Flamingo Arcade, and Fez – for cocktails in a bar that feels more like a vintage furniture shop. 

Why you should book a stay at the Old Town House Margate 

The question should really be ‘why not?’ – this hotel is nothing short of ideal for a quick seaside break. With Margate’s best restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and landmarks all within easy walking distance, and the train station less than 15 minutes away on foot, the Old Town House Margate’s convenient location and neighbourhood are just as much of a drawer as the cosy and thoughtfully restored rooms that you’ll find inside. 

DETAILS

Address: 9 Market Pl, Margate CT9 1EN

Price: From £98 in low season, and from £245 in high season. 

Closest Transport: Margate Train Station is between a 10 and 15 minute walk away from the hotel (depending on the wind). 

Book now: via Booking.com

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