KENTSTAYCATION
Perched proudly along the Kent coast with sweeping views of the Channel, the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is one of those rare seaside spots that blends heritage charm with modern polish, and nowhere is that more evident than in the newly refurbished Royal Suite, where I recently had the absolute pleasure of checking in.
A grand yet welcoming four-star escape, the hotel has undergone a thoughtful transformation over recent years, with its newest chapter bringing a fresh sense of style and substance to the classic seafront retreat. And from the moment we stepped into our suite, it was clear this wasn’ t just a name, it really does feel regal.
With high ceilings, elegant mouldings and French doors opening out onto a sweeping private balcony overlooking the marina and port beyond, the Royal Suite makes an immediate impression. Inside, you’ ll find a living space that toes the line between old-school glamour and modern luxury; think plush furnishings, rich textures, a generous bedroom complete with crisp white sheets, stunning white marble bathroom with floorto-ceiling shuttered doors, and views that would make even a passing cruise ship jealous.
Joking with an Instagram post posing the question‘ Dubai or Dover?’, Mr R summed up the Dover Marina’ s refurbished style statement perfectly- the thoughtful renovation keeping absolute pace with contemporary, high-end hotel expectations, service from the textbook of how hospitality should be managed … And yes, it’ s right on our Dover doorstep.
Once we’ d peeled ourselves away from the sea view and slipped into the hotel robes( as one must), we made our way down to the Waterfront Spa, where I indulged in a tension-melting massage. Making the most of the basement space, the hotel offers a fully equipped gym, sauna and treatment rooms. Here, my skilled therapist Susannah expertly eased deadline tension with a signature oil blend that had me drifting off somewhere between Dover and dreamland.
Next stop, sips with a side of history in the newly unveiled Churchill Bar. Named in tribute to the hotel’ s past( Sir Winston himself is said to have frequented the property), this sleek space brings together rich jewel tones, a sleek gold bar and a cocktail list that more than holds its own. My pre-dinner Rhubarb and Elderflower Sour was spot on; fresh, floral and beautifully balanced, while Mr R’ s Sticky Toffee Old Fashioned hit just the right Eagle Rare Bourbon-induced warming note before dinner.
Dinner was, again, a masterclass in indulgence. Seated at Mr White’ s Chophouse, the on-site restaurant by Marco Pierre White, we began with the beef‘ tea’, an indulgent beef shin broth bursting with woodland mushrooms and hidden dumplings; rich, restorative and much lighter than the description suggests. While Mr R made light work of the quail’ s egg maintenon featuring crisp puff pastry and a rich hollandaise carefully drizzled over the perfectly set tiny eggs.
For mains, we went all in on the tomahawk steak sharer, a theatrical showpiece of perfectly seared beef, carved tableside and paired with crispy Parmesan fries and vibrant green beans topped with flaked almonds. Cooked just the right side of medium rare, with fat that melted into every slice, it was as flavour-packed as it was satisfying.
We finished with the signature blueberry cheesecake. Served layered in a glass, it was velvety and just sharp enough to cut through the richness of the steak. Paired with an after-dinner Espresso Martini for good measure and a final toast from our windowside table, it was the perfect end to an evening of good food, fine drinks and wonderful service.
What really makes the Dover Marina Hotel shine is its quiet confidence. It knows what it is: a proud grande dame of the coast that’ s found its sparkle again. With standout dining, stunning suites and views that turn even a cloudy day into something special, this is a place that lets you slow down, breathe in the sea air and feel a little bit spoiled.
And the Royal Suite? Let’ s just say it lives up to its name- and then some!
dovermarinahotel. co. uk
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www. insidekent. co. uk • 63