It’s also got great food and drinks!
A popular Essex hotel has been recognised as one of the best places to stay in the UK. With its perfect views over Thorpe Bay near Southend-on-Sea, Roslin Beach Hotel is an unsurprisingly popular spot for celebs and locals alike. The hotel was the only Essex location named in The Times’ 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2025.
The Times said of the hotel: “It might lie on Thorpe Bay, just outside Southend’s city centre, but this off-white clapboard confection brings a touch of Miami glamour — from palm-print wallpaper and a warm-orange-toned dining room to vibes as bouncy as its patrons’ blow-dries.
“A seafront boutique stay, it’s also one of Essex’s most popular hangouts for brunch, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails at all hours in between. Some of the bedrooms, in shades of blue and green, have lovely views across the estuary towards the Isle of Sheppey in Kent — although they play second fiddle to the buzzy bar and restaurant.”
The Times highlighted that the rooms, especially the ones with balconies and sea views, are one of the hotel’s defining features. It also highlighted the hotel’s food menu.
It said: “Book ahead if you want to eat here, as it’s an extremely popular local spot. The menu changes regularly, but seafood takes centre stage: Roslin’s signature prawn cocktail, seafood linguine and skate wing are mainstays on the menu.
“Carnivores won’t want to miss the barbecued Essex lamb, while the array of sides hits the spot — from Tenderstem broccoli with soy and chilli to Red Leicester mac and cheese.”
The hotel has received some A-list celebrity visitors, too! It is loved by comedian Jack Whitehall, and even former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury thoroughly enjoyed his stay at the hotel in 2022.
The hotel is loved by people all over Essex. Keith J said on TripAdvisor: “It was the perfect choice for a special birthday weekend away and family meal. Overall, we were well looked after, and the food is excellent for both quality and variety.”
@mrsydurham added: “This hotel is a gem. The staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms are thoughtfully packed with extras, the beds are comfortable, and the food is out of this world!”
Some customers, however, said that they have had issues with noise in the hotel. On Tripadvisor, @Go589477 said: “We booked an expensive room for my fiancé’s birthday only to find on our return from a meal out that the room next door appeared to be having a party – loud music, shouting, swearing, constant stream of people coming and going.”
@alanjosiah added: “The room was over a refrigeration unit and impossible to sleep as so noise was constant. When I complained in the morning and said I can’t be the only person who has complained about this room, the receptionist just smiled, and so, oh well, I will pass that on.”
