The Gallivant Hotel Review: Affordable Seaside Luxury at The Gallivant Hotel in Camber

The Hotel

The Gallivant Hotel is as its website describes, a restaurant with rooms. But it’s so much more than that. Located across the road from the fabulous golden dunes and close by to the centre of Rye, the location is fabulous. Inspired by the coastal motels of California, this is a hotel made for stripping away the stresses of life – satisfying your cravings with fresh air, good wine and even better food. As you step inside, a fabulous team warmly welcome you and a roaring fire connects the reception room with the restaurant. It’s all very beach chic. The magic of Gallivant however really starts when you enter the rooms. A haven of luxury seaside living which can all be experienced at some very affordable prices. After all, we all need spoiling now and then.

The Grounds/What To Do

One of the main reasons you’ll most likely find yourself in the areas of Camber and Rye, is for the incredible beaches and sand dunes. Probably the finest, lightest and golden sand I’ve come across in Britain. It’s so fine that it doesn’t even cling to you shoes when passing through it. The hotel is set opposite the dunes across the road, and just a short walk from local restaurants and seaside seafood shacks. We enjoyed a lovely plate of juicy prawns at Dunes Bar & Restaurant. A little shabby inside, but the fresh seafood on offer was perfect for lunch. Close by you’ve got Biddenden Vineyards – Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard and the historic centre of Rye. For those feeling a little more active – visit the nearby golf club, walk through the never-ending dunes or take up wind surfing on the beach.

The Room

We checked into one of the hotels largest rooms – the Luxury Garden. Making up one of twenty bedrooms, each has been beautifully furnished and decorated with so much attention to detail – they’ve create something here which is not too dissimilar to a beach hut from the Hamptons. The beds here too are also legendary. Incredibly comfy Hypnos mattresses, plump duck down pillows and bedding with a sharp 300 linen count to them. Don’t even get me started on the bath spa products which go with it. While the hotel may not have a full-fledged spa, you can quite easily recreate the experience in you own room. I pulled out the laptop and enjoyed a good 80’s classic movie while soaking in the tub for an hour or two. Outside you’ll find your own immaculately kept private balcony and a coastal landscaped garden for enjoying a glass of bubbly or two. Inside you’ll also find a bar area with fully stocked fridge, larder and Nespresso machine.

The Spa

Technically this hotel didn’t have any spa facilities when we visited, but at the time of writing this they’ve since set up a fabulous small wooden hut, hidden away at the back of the property. This new treatment room and peaceful oasis, The Beach Hut is the perfect place to enjoy a massage or facial. The Gallivant is such a relaxing place already that this new offering will only compliment all that this hotel currently has to offer.

The Food & Drink

Arguably the food here at The Gallivant is its strongest point. It’s the best restaurant around, featuring some incredible produce – with the majority of it being sourced from within just a short 10 mile radius. Oliver Joyce is the man who runs the kitchen here and has created a modern British menu, housed in a relaxed dining room – complete with cosy Scandinavian vibes. Fur, washed wood, roaring fire – this place during the winter must be magical. Read all about my full dining experience at The Gallivant.

The Verdict

The Gallivant is a hotel to simply get away from it all. It has charm, coziness and a team of staff who simply couldn’t do enough for you. While this may not be a hotel you could spend your entire day in, you have the option of walking for miles, climbing the sand dunes, watching the wildlife go by on the terrace or visiting the old town of Rye – not to mention sinking yourself into a bed so comfy you won’t ever want to leave. The Gallivant is the perfect place for anyone wanting to get a break from city smog and inhaling some fresh, salty air. It’s an invigorating place to stay and I can’t wait to come back.

The Gallivant
New Lydd Road
Camber
Rye
TN31 7RB
Tel: 01797 225057

NB: I was invited to review and my stay was (mostly) complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.