The Sands Hotel

The Sands Hotel descritpion

Just a 4-minute walk from Margate’s Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, The Sands Hotel has boutique-style accommodations and fine views of the Thanet coast. Just around the corner from the reinvigorated Old Town, this seafront hotel includes free Wi-Fi and high-quality dining at the elegant Bay Restaurant.
Each air-conditioned guest room has a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk and safe, and many have sea views. All have a stylish private bathroom, all with a bathtub and some with a walk-in shower.
The Sands Hotel serves a range of breakfasts, including full English and vegetarian. There is also a continental buffet with pastries, cereals, yogurt and cold meats and cheeses.
With a waterfront terrace and views of the beach, The Bay Restaurant features Kentish produce in its varied lunch and dinner menus. The hotel includes a bar serving wines, cocktails and local beers, and offers freshly made ice cream in its own ice cream parlor. You can also enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or in the restaurant.
The Sands Hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Winter Gardens Theatre, and Margate is also home to one of the UK’s oldest theaters, the Theatre Royal, and one of the smallest, the Tom Thumb. Historic Canterbury is around 16 miles away, and the characterful coastal town of Whitstable is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

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Facilities of The Sands Hotel

Outdoors ：Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Beachfront

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：No parking available.

Reviews for The Sands Hotel

Review 1：We couldn't get the free wifi to work but not really a big issue.

Review 2：The room was lovely with great soundproofing so had a very peaceful stay. Breakfast was good and all the staff we encountered were very helpful and friendly. Very pleasant hotel and would like to visit in the summer with a sea view room and be able to use the roof terrace.

Review 3：Bedside tables are far too small and there is nowhere to put a tray comfortably or to use a lap top. Tv did not work on the second evening of our stay and hotel unable to fix it.

Review 4：The staff were friendly and efficient

Review 5：The staff were very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Our room had a fantastic view. Everything about the room was of high quality from the towels and bedding to the hairdryer. We would definitely go back.

Review 6：Most of the staff were nice but the welcome on arrival was not the best and two or the five waitibg staff at afternoon tea were rude and false.This pretty much ruined the afternoon tea experience togethet with the tea coming too early resulting in cold and too strong tea by the time everything else came. Sandwiches were nice but the quantity was dissapointing consedering the price.

Review 7：Location and the caracter of the property

Review 8：Some of the restaurant staff were not very friendly getting in rude. That said the younger staff were brilliant. Afternoon tea was a disappointment with tea coming too early compared to the sandwiches and cakes.

Review 9：Lovely location with excellent views,

Review 10：Fantastic hotel.The rooms are a delight to stay in with great attention to detail. Breakfast excellent and not to be missed. I will definitely come back.

Review 11：Nothing at all to dislike. One of the best hotels I have stayed at in recent years. Can't wait for an excuse to go back!

Review 12：Nothing to dislike. Superbly located and furnished hotel, beautiful rooms tastefully decorated, excellent friendly staff, top quality restaurant, magnificent views from terraces and room. Breakfast in bed an unexpected bonus.

Review 13：Dreadful breakfast service - incompetent staff, poor quality food. Very bad lack of handshower in bathroom - women find it very hard to wash their hair under a rainfall shower head! Extremely disappointing as I worked for the company who designed the bathrooms and thought they would have known better. Big letdown.

Review 14：Beautiful quality of the room fittings.

Review 15：The service and quality of the breakfast was poor in relation to the hotel. It took over 35 minutes to deliver our hot dish which is too long. The food was served on cold plates and the toast was cold. The hotel wi-fi was somewhat troublesome.

Review 16：The bedroom and bathroom were both of a very high standard.

Review 17：Noise from Air Conditioning units on the roof.

Review 18：One of the few hotels that lives up to expectations. Finished to an extremely high standard. Excellent breakfast.

Review 19：The food is good quality and cooked perfectly. We ate in the restaurant in the evening too. Only complaint (from my partner only) the cooked breakfast was a little on the small side

Review 20：Amazingly beautiful hotel, every detail has been carefully considered. Don't know what else to say other than you must go!

Review 21：Slightly confused re the location of the car park for the hotel residents!! Had to ring the hotel before arrival to get directions.

Review 22：The elegance and comfort of hotel. No expense has been spared in renovating the exterior and interior of the building. A unique hotel Excellent food and service Friendly staff Good location

Review 23：That we had to leave!

Review 24：We ate in the hotel's restaurant. Excellent food with an even better view of the sea! All staff were so friendly and welcoming.

Review 25：The full english breakfast was too sparse for a man he had to fill up on croissants which isnt very healthy

Review 26：Lovely room ,fabulous view ,beautiful hotel inside

Review 27：Couldn't fault a single thing just wish we didn't have to leave so soon.

Review 28：We stayed just after getting matried as a little break away to destress and it was lovely. Our room was set out with rose petals and a wedding card from the staff the hotel was always lovely and quiet staff were very friendly and the food that we had for afternoon tea and breakfast was amazing. Would never believe we were in Margate from our pictures the sunset from the restaurant was beautiful.

Review 29：The premises are very smart and from the first moment we arrived it was obvious that a lot of care and attention ( and no doubt money ) had been lavished on The Sands. Everything was so clean and although the hotel has been open for 2 years it looks brand new. The staff were a delight and couldn't do enough for us. Food and service at both breakfast and dinner were superb. Our room , although not massive was beautifully appointed and very comfortable. The bathroom was spotless. We shall definitely be back and will book a sea-view room which was unavailable for the dates we needed this time.

Review 30：We got into our room after being out at about 11:30. Once getting into our room and getting ready for bed I tried to call reception to discus if breakfast in the room was an option and to ask whether there was a reason our room was scorching hot. After calling 6 times in a 30 mins time slot there was no answer. We managed to work the air conditioning but it wasn't enough for how hot the room was, in October. We tossed and turned all night. In the morning we were told by staff that many other rooms had complained about this to.

Review 31：The breakfast and staff at breakfast were great. They were helpful, smiley and welcoming.

Review 32：Some minor impracticalities eg the shower enclosure lacks a soap/gel holder, the bedroom needs a larger desk/dressing table.

Review 33：The warm, calming welcome after a stressful search for the hotel and its separate car park.The sea view room, spacious,pleasing design features,attractive bathroom. Excellent dinner,original dishes.

Review 34：Everything about this hotel is stylish. It is a haven of luxury and sophistication. Food, staff, location, decor and comfort all score 10/10. We cannot wait to return. This hotel is truly amazing and one of the best we have ever stayed in. One of the very few we have experienced that truly live up the the 'boutique' name. The views from the dining room are spectacular and the service is as good if not better than any top London hotel.

Review 35：There is a club in the proximity which we could here the bass of. Also the building isn't very well insulated noise wise. Furniture is very new but modern-tacky and completely characterless for Margate.

Review 36：Great Location and Great View from the balcony. Very clean and very modern . Breakfast was ok but nothing special . View from Breakfast is 10/10.

Review 37：Access to the car park was a little confusing and a map would have been useful.

Review 38：The hotel was very welcoming and the dining in the restaurant was of a high standard.

Review 39：Searching for something to grumble about, the best I can manage is that at breakfast our coffee order was forgotten at first - possibly they're slightly understaffed for the busiest times of day - but in any case hardly a big deal.

Review 40：Balcony of the bar: great to sip beer and gaze at the town and the sea. That's what sold the place to me. The location is perfect, assuming you're in Margate for fun: right on the seafront, halfway between Dreamland and the Turner gallery & the Winter Gardens. The whole place is fairly swank and moderately de luxe, without being over the top. Everything is spacious (well, the bathrooms are not quite that, but certainly bigger than in a lot of hotels) and light. The dining/breakfast room is very pleasant.

Review 41：Unfortunately during our whole stay (2nights) we weren't able to go up onto the roof terrence bar, which is a shame as one of the days we were there the weather was beautiful and this is one of the things which we liked the idea of when we booked it. Also I know this sounds a little petty but there weren't any teabags/biscuits in the room at all. We had a kettle and cups but that was it. When I called to request some they never came. I know, I know it is petty but when you had paid over £350 for 2 nights you would of expected some teabags and biscuits?

Review 42：We had a gorgeous big room with a beautiful sea view. The room its self was really clean and comfortable

Review 43：Not a bad experience - but it says on site parking. It is actually either on road or round corner in car park, albeit with permit.

Review 44：Amazingly bling hotel! Proper sized towels, comfortable bed, walk-in shower with water pressure - what is not to like?

Review 45：Nothing to dislike, apart from the weather when we stayed, poured with rain, so couldn't venture out of the hotel.

Review 46：Staff very helpful and our room was lovely, overlooking the sea.

Review 47：The only thing was service in the restaurant was a little slow, but the wait was worth it as the food was excellent.

Review 48：The room was stunning, spotless with a very comfortable bed. Friendly staff. The view from the roof terrace at night was lovely.

Review 49：We were not told about the parking charge and also when asked if we wanted a paper, we did not know there was a charge also.

Review 50：The friendly staff and beautiful views of Margate

Review 51：It's great that the hotel has taken on young local staff, but sometimes their lack of experience showed. At dinner on Saturday courses were very slow to come up from the kitchen. Restaurant staff should have kept us informed and made it clear to the kitchen that food was coming through too slow.

Review 52：The location with balcony view from bedroom over the Bay was fantastic, and the hotel has great character but with modern styling.

Review 53：we should have researched the car park location before we set off because the streets are narrow and some one-way. Once we located it we were very close to the hotel

Review 54：Loved the way the decor echoed the seaside in colours and textures and ambience of the place - and enjoyed reading the story of its restoration in the little book in our room. The roof terrace was such a tranquil spot- we had excellent afternoon tea there- the BEST scones with Lemon Curd-unusual and delicious. The sunsets from our balcony were very special.

Review 55：Room could do with an occasional table to rest glasses/cups upon The bar did not offer draught beer.

Review 56：Stunning view of bay Character and décor of hotel

Review 57：Difficult to find the parking area if you have never been to the Margate area before. We had to go back to the Hotel twice to get the help to find the parking The Local Council should help local hotels by putting up "good" signs on the front coming up to the sharp turn you need to make....

Review 58：The staff, & I mean all the staff we met were very helpful & really looked as if they enjoyed doing their job.It was a real pleasure to stay at The Sands.

Review 59：We had some concern about public car park but no problems experienced.

Review 60：Beautiful room with balcony overlooking the sea. Lovely modern decor, helpful staff, superb breakfast, comfortable bed, lovely bathroom, quiet ... altogether excellent. Good value.

Review 61：There was clearly an issue in the kitchen at breakfast as it took a long time for hot food to arrive and the staff didn't seem able to cope with it being busy. The staff seemed to be managing the situation by waiting a long time after seating people to take orders (15 mins), and then studiously avoiding eye contact.A slightly disappointing end to an otherwise great stay.

Review 62：a great little hotel for an indulgent break by the sea.

Review 63：Well designed, clean and comfortable rooms and the hotel is light and airy and in a great location. Staff were really helpful and friendly. Restaurant has a great view of the sea and has an excellent breakfast. We decided to have dinner there one evening and weren't disappointed. Again, the food was excellent and the service brilliant. Would definitely recommend and return.

Review 64：This place is AMAZING! Excellent location, a beautiful room with all facilities and so clean. The breakfast was so delicious and staff very friendly. I will definitely come back

Review 65：We were led to believe that we would have a room with a toilet and shower. However what we actually got was, a wet room. When you showered, you had to protect everything in the bathroom to stop it getting wet, and then you needed wellies to go into the room or the next 4 or 5 hours. It spoilt the stay. Also the cooked breakfast was a bit mean...

Review 66：The hotel has been completely remodeled to a very high standard.. First class...

Review 67：A little wait for breakfast but was very nice. Room was very hot, found it difficult to control the temp. However this is searching for something to not like.

Review 68：Staff were lovely, hotel is Beautiful and would come back again.

Review 69：young staff are friendly and try to do the best but - sometimes -some of them demonstrate a lack of training or awareness

Review 70：we were there to celebrate a big birthday for my husband - they filled all my requests, and even gave him a hand-written birthday card. Excellent food, exceedingly comfortable

Review 71：I had forwarned that 2 guests for dinner and breakfast were vegan. No soya milk for coffee after dinner and no kind of vegan spread for breakfast. Found the 1 small mushroom and small half tomato a bit meagre.

Review 72：Amazing refurbishment of a lovely old building to create a wonderful interior space. Our vegan dinner was just wonderful.

Review 73：The only thing wrong was the room was overheated - it was cold and rainy out but even so, far too hot inside, although cured with open window and/or a/c

Review 74：In contrast to the surroundings, the sense of luxury was apparent as soon as you walk in. We especially liked the amazing seascape views. And the excellent, freshly-cooked to order breakfasts. And the very, very thick white towels in plentiful supply in the bathroom.

Review 75：Our room was right next to a pub / night club which played loud music late into the night. The windows did not appear to be double glazed as they did not block the noise out at all and I slept very badly on both nights of our stay as a result. When I tried to speak to reception to complain on the second night of our stay the phone wasn't answered. Staff were lovely but food service was very slow and our orders were forgotten on a number of occasions. The cleaning staff and reception staff were great, very polite and helpful.

Review 76：The bathroom and terrace were lovely, superb views and clean rooms.

Review 77：We wouldn't recommend room 18 (or probably the adjacent 17 & 19 too) as they are on the top floor directly underneath the rooftop aircon fans. This generates a deep throbbing sound in the room all day and night which we found uncomfortable and asked to be moved for the remaining nights of our stay. We were given room 5 instead which was identical (town side) but 2 floors down so quiet. The back entrance to Morgans nightclub is virtually next door but this didn't seem to generate significant noise. The only other (very mild) complaint is that the waiting staff were on occasion not quite on top of their game.

Review 78：No expenses was spared on the recent £5m rebuild and reinvention of the derelict Terrace Hotel. The rooms and facilities are excellent, the decor, while a touch extravagant in places (Swarovski crystals on the light switches?) is pleasantly neutral and tasteful, while subtly luxurious and very comfortable. The rooftop terrace has fantastic views as does the Bay restaurant. Staff are pleasant and helpful. The location on the beachfront a few moments from the Turner Contemporary and old town couldn't be better and it's still only 10 minutes walk from the station and Dreamland.

Review 79：Didn't like the parking.....in relation to the location of the hotel. Roof terrace was plagued with insects (very hot day), so not useable.

Review 80：Great facilities in the room & the ensuite.

Review 81：The breakfast was a disaster. Terrible service and honestly one of the worst I have ever had. We left and paid for another. Cold hard porridge. Eggs With shell Left, poor bread. Waited at least 20mins for some tea.

Review 82：The location, rooms and staff were all good

Review 83：Our room at rear of hotel. View of town a tad depressing. Did use the roof terrace where views of the bay and sea were great.

Review 84：Great boutique hotel. Clean modern and luxurious. Breakfast excellent. This hotel is a great asset for Margate.

Review 85：all was excellent

Review 86：We had a 24 hour quality break as I have a broken leg, so have cancelled other holidays for now. Everything was perfect - cockles, sun, lovely meal on Sands terrace (see photos), friendly staff and the bonus of Turner Contemporary. No wonder Turner painted these skies!

Review 87：Breakfast was a bit of a disaster: We had to wait to be seated for 3 minutes which reminded me of a pizza hut! No bowls for cereal, poached egg was hard boiled and it took another 15 mins for a repacement. Toast came after hot breakfast having asked waitresses 3 times. The staff were trying, not their fault at all-organisation needs to be improved here especially when the price is high.

Review 88：Everything super apart from the breakfast. Dinner was superb although bar seats and tables were not regularly tidied.

Review 89：Bath/shower design not so good - felt like doing hurdles getting into it. Breakfast could be fresher - eggs & mushroom cold. Bacon hard

Review 90：Well designed comfortable hotter.

Review 91：Attention to detail was really good. Lovely design & beautiful layout of restaurant & bar area. Bedroom very comfortable with walk in power shower & bath.

Review 92：Nothing. They went above and beyond to do everything we asked - the same service you'd get in a much larger hotel.

Review 93：It was fantastic - the food was excellent, the staff very friendly.

Review 94：Service was a bit hit and miss. There needed to be more staff on at breakfast. We waited 20 minutes for coffee.

Review 95：Excellent rooms and good food in the restaurant.

Review 96：Only one thing not really a dislike but evening menu could have perhaps have been more varied,but only saying this as my partner dislikes fish,duck only other choice was pork or beef so not really a dislike?!

Review 97：Everything!!!! Can't really find anything to NOT like?! Staff amazing,helpful,friendly. Style decor of hotel beautiful,roof top terrace amazing views!

Review 98：Friendly, helpful staff; beautifully restored building with rooftop terrace overlooking the bay (with blankets provided if it's cold!). Lovely evening meal in the restaurant.

Review 99：The parking was a short walk away from the hotel and was £5 for 24hrs. The television in the room was a smart tv but couldn't connect to the wifi, and the wifi wasn't very good in general.

Review 100：I liked the decor, and the comfort of the room. The hotel is well located in Margate with views over the beach front, the sunsets were lovely whilst we were having our evening meal.

Review 101：We thought that instead of the settee in the room by the window was abit of a waste and would of been better use for a chest of drawers which there wasnt any to put underwear shorts and tops and more hangers , but that was all.

Review 102：The sea view and the luxury rooms with all the added extras, and excellent sound proofing , never hurd anything apart from if we had the window open which wasnt bad noise anyway. We have booked for next year already.we also thought that having the roof terrace was excellent that the hotel said it was only residents only!!! Well done sands as we loved it up there and had a jug of pimms and champagne and coffees.

Review 103：A very small point,terrace did not get cleared of lots of empty glasses the whole day and back rooms noisy(but it was soul weekend) first thing Sunday morning with street cleaners!!

Review 104：A fantastic location,high standard decoration,roof terrace great for sun bathing/social. Staff helpful. Would now not stay anywhere else!!

Review 105：The Hotel has been totally refurbished to the very highest standards, the staff bent over backwards and were always attentive, helpful and friendly, food was fantastic, dinner with sunsets overlooking the bay, the nicest hotel we've stayed for a very long time totally 5*

Review 106：the quality of the breakfast,the sausages were of poor quality and although I like streaky bacon you don't normally serve it in a Hotel of this quality,also the plain yoghurt was always running out!

Review 107：The room was superb,dinner was very good and afternoon tea was a good experience.

Review 108：Paid a lot extra for room with a balcony but it was full of bird poo, all over the cushions and chairs even - so ruined the enjoyment of the balcony.

Review 109：Excellent location, terrific view and interior decoration was sumptuous, breakfast was also excellent.

Review 110：It wasnt a bad experience but we found with our sat nav the entrance was hard to find

Review 111：It was a birthday treat it was a very enjoyable experience.the staff was excellent and the hotel was absolutly stunning.it wasnt

Review 112：Immediate local area rather seedy at back of hotel,particularly at night.

Review 113：Sea view spectacular, pleasant polite and helpful staff, drinks on the roof terrace, and style and standard of decorations and furnishings.

Review 114：I booked on the internet and it was an excellent choice. It is near the station and all facilities and has a magnificent sea view which is best from its comfortable roof terrace for residents only. We dined the first night and were pleased with both the food and the friendly service. Breakfast was generous too. The staff were helpful and the room comfortable and well equipped. Our aim was to visit the Turner Gallery which was very near. I would definitely return to the Sands..

Review 115：Noise of drunken behaviour outside at night, some of the surrounding buildings are unoccupied and run down

Review 116：Luxurious feel to the room, views from the terrace overlooking the bay, friendly and accommodating bar staff, cocktails, general ambience

Review 117：Everything was perfect, but for those who like to be picky we were surprised not to get a piece of lemon with either smoked salmon or kippers.

Review 118：It's not just the location that makes this hotel so special, but the friendliness of the staff, the amazing food, the fabulously well equipped rooms with great views over the harbour and the attention to detail. We felt we were on holiday from the moment we arrived.

Review 119：The only one small thing was that our first choice of wine was not available, which was a bit of a shame, but did not detract from a really fine evening meal with the family.

Review 120：Perfect location, wonderful views over the harbour, lovely decor, good food and drinks. We suspect it may be the only hotel like this in the area. A little expensive, but would be worth it for an occasional treat...

Review 121：The staff were great. Couldn't have done enough for us. Providing the baby monitor was fabulous and allowed us to have a great dinner in the restaurant. Thank you!

Review 122：came down at 9.00am for breakfast and everything was cold sausages,bacon the lot. did not even come down next day.

Review 123：really nice clean hotel,all the staff were great, and a great location

Review 124：Bed was to hard for us and we wanted to sit and have a drink in the bar in the evening but the smell of fish was over powering and we went to our room

Review 125：Friendly staff and the interior,the bathroom was fantastic breakfast was great x

Review 126：The dinning room was a little chilly for me. The lunchtime staff not as efficient as the evening staff.

Review 127：The dining was fabulous excellent food, a very comfortable hotel.

Review 128：Bugs from the beach which meant we couldnt go on the roof terrace.

Review 129：We had dinner in the evening and it was the best meal i have had in years. We are well travelled and i can't praise the food enough.

Review 130：Restaurant staff and reaction staff need more training. They weren't helpful as they should have been. Seemed to have a bit of an attitude.

Review 131：Roof terrace, bathroom, balcony.

Review 132：The service was exceptional. A staff member was leaving the building as we arrived but returned to welcome us and get us checked in. The whole design concept and decor are both fabulous - and what a view!

Review 133：The fact that through most of or stay the lift was out of order it did get fixed on the last night so our stay but talking to people that stay on a regular basis it is a reacuring thing.not a good thing for O.A.Ps on the third floor

Review 134：All interior design was exellent and also very handy for the shopping areas

Review 135：We were travelling throughout Ireland, England and Italy and can say this was the best Hotel we stayed in. Fabulous room with a sea view, air con & fridge. Bed was very comfortable. Meals were fabulous and staff were so friendly they made the stay very special

Review 136：Over looking the town meant that our room was also overlooking a closed Woolworths shop. Here the drunken and homeless sat and fought and shouted and swore. A good job we are heavy sleepers.

Review 137：The Hotel. What's not to like.

The Fine Print

Please note that this property does not accept American Express as a method of payment.Full payment is taken on booking although a full refund is available on cancellation subject to a two day prior cancellation policy.The Undercroft rooms are under the street level and will use filtered light from the street skylights. They have no view of the town or sea.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.