Best Places to Stay in Margate 2025

Margate has redefined itself as one of Kent’s most exciting coastal towns - a creative hub where art, architecture, and seaside charm come together. With golden beaches, independent shops, and the Turner Contemporary gallery on the doorstep, this North Kent town makes the perfect base for a coastal escape.

Whether you’re planning a weekend by the sea, a romantic getaway, or a design-led stay with modern comforts, here’s our guide to the best places to stay in Margate.

1. No.42 by GuestHouse

No.42 is our favourite place to stay in Margate

Location: 42 High St, Margate CT9 1DS
Style: Boutique beachfront hotel
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Awards: Condé Nast Traveller “Readers’ Choice Awards 2024”, The Telegraph “Top 10 UK Coastal Hotels”

Why stay:
No.42 by GuestHouse has quickly become Margate’s go-to boutique hotel. Overlooking the Main Sands, it blends coastal calm with contemporary design - think neutral tones, tactile materials, and sea-view bathtubs. The hotel’s restaurant, Pearly Cow, celebrates Kent’s finest produce, while the rooftop bar serves local wines and festive cocktails. It’s the ideal base for a stylish seaside stay.

The Kent Tourist tip: Book a top-floor sea-view room and catch the iconic Margate sunset from your window — it’s one of the best in Britain.

2. Old Town House

Location: 9 Market Pl, Margate CT9 1EN
Style: Elegant townhouse guesthouse
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5
Awards: Visit Kent “Boutique Stay of the Year 2024”

Why stay:
Tucked away in Margate’s Old Town, this charming Georgian townhouse offers a boutique stay full of warmth and character. With just a handful of individually designed rooms, it feels personal and peaceful — the perfect home-from-home. Interiors mix period features with crisp modern details, and the seafront, Turner Contemporary, and cafés are all within a few minutes’ walk.

The Kent Tourist tip: Ask for the top-floor suite for views over the rooftops of Margate Old Town and the harbour beyond.

Fort Road Hotel in Margate

3. Fort Road Hotel

Location: Fort Road Hotel, 18 Fort Rd, Margate CT9 1HF
Style: Art-led boutique hotel and restaurant
Tripadvisor rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Awards: The Times “Best British Seaside Hotels 2024”, Guardian Travel “Coolest UK Stays”

Why stay:
The Fort Road Hotel is Margate’s chicest address, perfectly balancing style, history and art. Each room is individually decorated with bespoke furniture and curated artworks. Downstairs, the restaurant and bar have become local favourites for modern British dining with a focus on Kentish ingredients. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over Margate Main Sands — especially atmospheric in the winter light.

The Kent Tourist tip: Stop by the bar for a local gin and tonic before heading out to catch a show at the nearby Theatre Royal.

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