Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Wow, where to start. Rooms seemed to be decorated in a style that went out of fashion in the 30's - saying that, i did notice a couple of rooms as I walked past that looked more modern.

Views over the sea, assuming you have a room facing that way, are an option worth having since it takes your eye away from everything else.

As for the clientale, i kid you not, no one seemed to be under the age of about 80! I am sure a few were wearing slippers. Like the rooms, the decor in the foyer etc is ideally suited to the elderly.

With a captured audience, the restaurant charges a fortune for food; £27 for the cheapest poor quality evening meal i have ever had the misfortune to eat... i even had to dress smartly for it! I was so embarrassed by the food that i took all our guests out each night for the remainder of the week. See review for Ridgways Restaurant for a decent alternative.

So, expensive for what you get. Okay for a place to lie your head, but ask for a modernised room. Avoid eating meals there - bar breakfast which was okay.

Staff - generally pleasant. Bit cockey and over familiar at times. reception was a little unfriendly. Girl waitresses faultless.