Sea Views in Kent: A Luxury Haven at Dover Marina Hotel

Following a delightful weekend visit to the Kent Coast, and particularly the historic port town of Dover, I’m pleased to report that there has been significant investment in the impressive 120-room Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. This development is excellent news for visitors to this golf-rich region looking for quality accommodation.

A Coastal Gem Reimagined

The Dover Marina Hotel has long been known for its exceptional food offerings, but the recent refurbishment has elevated the entire experience to new heights. Situated directly on the seafront with uninterrupted views across Dover’s bustling harbour, the hotel combines Victorian elegance with contemporary luxury.

Upon arrival, we were fortunate to be upgraded to the Royal Suite, offering panoramic sea views that immediately set the tone for a memorable stay. The suite featured a spacious living area, luxurious king-sized bed, and a beautifully appointed bathroom with premium amenities. While not all guests will experience the Royal Suite, the hotel’s standard and superior rooms maintain the same attention to detail and comfort.

Accommodation That Impresses

The newly refurbished rooms offer visitors a choice between spacious standard accommodations or the larger Superior rooms. I cannot recommend the sea-facing Superior rooms highly enough. The modest increase in price delivers exceptional value, as each room features a private balcony overlooking the harbour, elegant furnishings, and beautifully appointed bathrooms with rainfall showers and luxury toiletries.

The rooms strike that perfect balance between classic charm and modern convenience, with comfortable beds, high-quality linens, effective climate control, and all the technology modern travellers expect. After a day exploring the region or playing one of Kent’s magnificent golf courses, returning to such comfortable surroundings would feel particularly rewarding.

Dining Excellence

The hotel has always maintained a high-quality food offering, and the Marco Pierre White Chophouse remains a popular destination for both hotel guests and local diners. Our dinner at the restaurant, now called “Whites,” was a highlight of the stay. The menu showcases locally sourced ingredients with a focus on prime cuts of meat and fresh seafood. The Dover sole was exceptional – appropriately enough given the location.

In addition to the fine dining experience, we enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea with champagne in the hotel’s elegant lounge. The selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries provided the perfect indulgent break between exploring the town and preparing for dinner.

Relaxation and Amenities

The hotel offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay. My partner thoroughly enjoyed her back and neck massage at the hotel’s spa, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. The spa offers a range of treatments using premium products, and while compact compared to dedicated spa resorts, provides a welcome opportunity for relaxation.

A roomy bar and accompanying seafront terrace, mere meters from the water’s edge, provide an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the coastal views and the coming and going of the ferries after a day of activities.

Gateway to World-Class Golf

For the golfing enthusiast, the Dover Marina Hotel’s location offers convenient access to some of England’s finest courses. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the legendary championship links of Royal St. Georges, Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s – three of the finest golf courses in England, with Royal St. Georges having hosted The Open Championship multiple times.

The hotel is also within easy reach of other gems in the area such as Canterbury Golf Club, North Foreland, and Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club, often referred to as “the club on the cliffs” due to its spectacular elevated position. This concentration of quality courses makes Dover an excellent base for exploring Kent’s golfing treasures.

Beyond the Fairways

Dover offers rich cultural and historical experiences that complement any visit to the region, whether you’re there for the golf or simply to explore the Kent coast. The iconic White Cliffs provide a backdrop of natural beauty that is quintessentially British, while the imposing Dover Castle – one of the largest in England – overlooks the town and harbours centuries of history within its walls.

The Secret Wartime Tunnels beneath the castle offer a fascinating glimpse into Dover’s strategic importance during World War II, when they served as both a command centre and hospital. A tour of these underground chambers provides a powerful historical perspective and is definitely worth the visit.

For those interested in exploring further afield, the charming towns of Deal, Sandwich, and Canterbury are all within easy driving distance, each offering their own unique character and attractions.

Final Thoughts

The Dover Marina Hotel has successfully positioned itself as an excellent option for visitors to Kent, offering comfortable, stylish accommodation with outstanding views and service that would appeal to all types of travellers.

What particularly impressed me was the way the hotel serves as both a practical base for exploring the region and a destination in its own right – equally suitable for couples seeking a romantic weekend, travellers wanting to experience Kent’s magnificent golf courses, or business visitors needing good connectivity and facilities.

As we reluctantly checked out and took one last look at those magnificent sea views, we were already planning our return. Whether you’re looking to experience some of England’s finest links courses or simply enjoy the natural beauty and history of the Kent coast, the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa should be high on your list of considerations.

Andrew Cooke is the CEO of Golf Tourism England.