KENTSTAYCATION
ESCAPE TO THE SEASIDE AT THE VIEW HOTEL, FOLKESTONE
A ROOM WITH A VIEW? TRY EVERY ROOM. PERCHED ON THE LEAS WITH PANORAMIC SEA VISTAS STRETCHING ACROSS THE CHANNEL, THE VIEW HOTEL IN FOLKESTONE DELIVERS EXACTLY WHAT ITS NAME PROMISES. BUT BEYOND THE PICTURE-PERFECT SETTING, THIS RADISSON INDIVIDUALS HOTEL BRINGS AN EFFORTLESS BLEND OF CONTEMPORARY STYLE, WARM HOSPITALITY AND SUBTLE NODS TO FOLKESTONE’ S CREATIVE AND COASTAL HERITAGE. BY ADAM READY
From the moment you step inside, the lobby sets the tone – sleek yet inviting, with statement lighting, deep velvet seating and a calming colour palette that echoes the shoreline just beyond the windows. Check-in was swift and friendly, with staff genuinely interested in making our stay as smooth as possible, and a handwritten welcome note waiting in the room added a personal touch; something that instantly makes this hotel feel more than just a place to sleep.
While the clue here is in the hotel’ s name, nothing quite prepares you for the impact of stepping into a room and being met with an uninterrupted sweep of sea and sky. Floor-toceiling windows maximise the vista, while a cleverly positioned seating area invites you to soak it all in, whether with a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.
Rooms are styled with a cool, modern aesthetic, think soft greys, crisp white linens and pops of deep blue mirroring the coastal surroundings, while plush beds promise a solid night’ s sleep and thoughtful extras, like a Nespresso machine and locally sourced biscuits, elevate the stay experience. The rainfall showers were a dream, stocked with high-end toiletries that made me take my time and relish the relaxation.
Breakfast is a leisurely affair, with a wellcurated selection that caters for both full-English enthusiasts and those who lean towards a lighter, more continental start. Led with local ingredients with a hint of global inspiration, there’ s something for everyone, with flakey pastries, fresh fruit and Kentish yoghurts sitting alongside locally sourced bacon and sausages.
The hotel’ s restaurant, aptly named The Cliffe, is a destination in its own right. The menu champions local produce, with seafood playing a starring role, and dishes include perfectly seared scallops, day-boat fish and plump mussels cooked in Kentish cider. A particular highlight? The‘ Tapas’ selection of sharing small plates with delights such as tiger prawns with hits of chilli and garlic, halloumi with harissa mayo, and beef brisket bonbons with chilli and BBQ sauce. Service here is polished but relaxed, striking that ideal balance of attentiveness without intrusion.
Situated right on The Leas, The View is perfectly positioned for morning strolls along the clifftops- listed amongst Time
Out’ s‘ Best Places to Visit in 2025’- with paths leading down to the Harbour Arm, where Folkestone’ s thriving food and arts scene unfolds. Independent galleries, buzzy eateries and the town’ s renowned Creative Quarter are all within easy reach, making it an ideal base for a weekend getaway.
Returning to the hotel after a day of exploring, the bar beckoned with its impressive gin selection and expertly mixed cocktails. Inside, there was a comforting, laid-back hum of conversation, with a mix of locals and visitors unwinding as the sun dipped below the horizon.
The View is more than‘ just a place to stay’, it gets the details right; from the warm welcome to the unbeatable sea views and a genuine focus on showcasing the best of Kent. Whether you’ re in town for a romantic escape, a solo retreat, or a weekend by the coast with friends, this is the kind of place that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
viewhotelfolkestone. co. uk
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