Overview
Located on a private beach with stunning views across the English Channel and its ever-changing seascape, the dog-friendly Cooden Beach Hotel in Bexhill-on-Sea is a stylish beachside retreat, perfect for dog owners and their coastal-loving hounds. Your dog will enjoy frolicking in the surf and taking long, leisurely walks along the coast and the promenade. The surrounding area is equally appealing, with the historic towns of Hastings and Battle just a short drive away, offering plenty of dog-friendly attractions and scenic trails. The hotel is only two hours from London and is conveniently located near a railway station just five minutes away. It is also close to Seven Sisters on the South Downs, providing endless opportunities for adventurous walks with breathtaking views as well as country rambles.
The hotel itself is steeped in history. Once the home of the De La Warr family, it dates back to the late 1920s and features a mock Tudor facade. The hotel has welcomed famous guests such as King George VI and Winston Churchill, and the young Princess Elizabeth played on the beach here. Today, the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel beautifully blends its historical charm with a contemporary vibe and stylish interiors. The cozy decor reflects a sophisticated coastal theme, featuring soft blues and warm oranges that mirror the seaside right outside your window. The newly renovated dog-friendly bedrooms capture the essence of the sea with nautical stripes and are designed to ensure both you and your pet have a restful stay after a busy day on the beach and walks along the cliffs.
The hotel's two-acre beachfront garden is perfect for early morning strolls, offering plenty of intriguing spots for your pet to explore. For more active dogs, the beach provides a fantastic playground right on your doorstep. The Relais Retreat Spa offers guests a tranquil haven where they can escape into a serene ambiance and revitalize both mind and body. The spa features a vitality pool, Aroma Essence steam room, spa lounge, foot spas, heated loungers, a relaxation suite, and a fully equipped fitness suite. With dedicated treatment rooms, the spa provides a variety of services, including massages, facials, body scrubs, and wraps. Guests can enjoy the ultimate relaxation and wellness experience in this peaceful retreat.
Just steps from the beach, the Rally Bar and Restaurant, named in honour of its motor racing history, celebrates its seaside location by offering dishes with a focus on fish and seafood. The spacious terrace allows you to dine al fresco with your pet, or you can enjoy meals in the dog-friendly dining area of the restaurant.
What your dog can expect at this dog-friendly hotel
Relais Cooden Beach Hotel has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, treating dogs as valued guests. On arrival, your canine companion will receive a welcome pack that includes treats, a dog bowl, and a comfy bed in your room. There's even a paw station for cleaning sandy paws. The staff are always available to offer advice on the best local dog-friendly spots and walks. There are designated areas within the hotel where dogs can relax by their owners' sides after a busy day of beach walks.
Highlights
- Located on it's own private beach in Bexhill-on-Sea
- Sea Cottage Wellness Centre offering treatments
- Beach Terrace for alfresco drinks and dining
Pooch perks
- Easy access to the outdoors from dog-friendly rooms
- Dog beds, bowls, and goodie box provided
- Dine with your dog in the Lounge area from the Restaurant menu
Bow wow factor
The hotel's stunning location right on the beach, its lovely beachfront garden, cliff-top walks, and genuine dog-friendly welcome are sure to delight both you and your pet.
Each of the hotel's individual rooms and suites has been newly renovated with stylish interiors inspired by the waterside location. The decor features cool nautical stripes and colors inspired by the blues of the English Channel and the warm terracotta tones of the sun. Each room includes a luxurious bed and modern bathroom facilities, along with amenities carefully curated to enhance your waterfront experience in East Sussex.
Exclusive Offers
Dine with Your Dog
You can dine with your dog in the piano bar area of the Rally Bar and Restaurant, enjoying fresh and seasonal menus featuring the catch of the day sourced from local Sussex fishermen. The relaxed ambiance offers stunning views of the sea, and the menus change with the seasons to focus on fish and seafood. You can also dine with your dog on the terrace. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, and hosts a Sunday afternoon jazz session every week from 12:30.
Need to know
The Relais Cooden Beach Reviews
- 8 reviews
- Member since June 2023
Bexhill on Sea, TN39 4TT
Friendly Hotel
On arrival to hotel my husband and I were shown around the hotel, everything all good on the ground floor. There is no lift so quite a few narrow stairs to get on second floor with very strong fire doors to negotiate. My 79 year old husband struggled to get suitcase up to the room although the female receptionist would have taken them for us, but he was gentlemanly and declined her offer. Never anywhere have we paid 24 for two gin and tonics!! They were very nice although only Gordons gin. The outdoor terrace facing the beach/sea was delightful, although a presence of waiting staff would have been good as drinks had to be purchased inside and taken outside yourself.
Overall we enjoyed our two nights stay.
A short stay in arestful spot
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Relais. The staff were all very polite and helpful - nothing too much trouble. It's position on the edge of the beach gives an uninterrupted view of the bay. Our room was very comfortable and well furnished, My only quibble was the lack of heating. we were there during a very bright sunny but cold and windy period. Our room, facing east, was very cold. Reception provided a heater but we felt that the hotel should have been more aware of low temperatures during the 'shoulder ' holiday season.
This aside, we wll definitely be returning to The Relais
Disappointed
Slightly disappointed to be frank: tiny rooms, quite dated looking, no areas to stay inside to speak of, etc. Certainly not value for money.
Map & Directions
Address
Cooden Sea Road
Bexhill on Sea
TN39 4TT
How to get here
Enter your postcode to view approximate driving directions to The Relais Cooden Beach.
Location & Local Attractions
There are wonderful beachside walks from the hotel and beyond. The hotel staff are always on-hand to recommend the best dog walks for all seasons. The Beachy Head walk along the coastline, from Cooden Beach to the Bexhill Promenade cannot be missed. Alternatively, you can walk alongside the British Channel, along the inspiring beach towards Bexhill on Sea, following the historic route that made this local area a destination of choice for generations. On this route, visit the Bexhill promenade, built by the De La Warr family, who originally built this hotel. Another recommended walk nearby take you through The Battle of Hastings History Trail, exploring the route that circles one of Britain's most important battles in history. Enjoy a 4.5-mile circular walk taking in Battle Great Wood, Battle Abbey, the 1066 Battlefield, and Battle Museum. For those looking for more historic routes in the area, enjoy other highlights such as the 1066 Country Walk or Fuller's Follies. Also walk the Seven Sisters route which offers stunning views. Additionally, visit dog-friendly castles such as Pevensey and Herstmonceux Castle, with their lovely gardens and trails to explore. Other dog-friendly beaches nearby include the delightful Pevensey Beach, which is dog-friendly year-round.
Book with Confidence

We price match
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Concierge
When you make a reservation with us, our Canine Concierge are on hand pre and post trip.

Dogs Stay Free
You will never pay a dog charge when you book through PetsPyjamas.
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8 reviews, sorted by Date Rating