Ravilious Hotel
16 Blackwater Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JD England
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Avg. R 2,716 /night, 3/24 - 3/25
R 3,627
per night
R 3,099
per night
R 2,570
per night
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Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
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About
#1 of 8 inns in Eastbourne
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
Welcome to the Ravilious Hotel! We are a family run boutique hotel owned by Chris and Caroline. Whether you’re in town for business, culture or to simply relax, we offer an alternative to the corporate environment of typical hotels. We love hosting and provide a contemporary ’home away from home’ feel, focusing on providing our guests with the highest level of comfort and care. The Ravilious offers eight stylish bedrooms, all with en-suites in an extensively refurbished Victorian house. We offer a warm welcome, comfortable beds, immaculate bathrooms with rainfall showers, stunning décor and a hearty breakfast with plenty of choice which is included in all our prices. The hotel is conveniently situated in the seaside town of Eastbourne, close the the seafront, overlooking Devonshire Park and in the centre of the town’s cultural quarter. We are the perfect location for a seaside break or for exploring the South Downs Coast and Beachy Head. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Highchairs available
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Private check-in / check-out
Street parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Bottled water
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Private bathrooms
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 96 out of 100
96
121 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.9
1,209 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in an ideal location near the beach and town center, Ravilious Hotel garners high praise for its attentive service and well-appointed rooms. Guests appreciate the spacious, clean accommodations and the thoughtful touches that add comfort to their stay.
The hotel's breakfast experience comes highly recommended, and many note the exceptional value it offers, with reasonable prices for the quality provided. The emphasis on cleanliness and a cozy atmosphere is a recurrent theme in guest feedback, making it a popular choice among travelers.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Tasteful
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
Property's Favourite Review
This was the second time we have stayed at Ravilious while visiting from Australia - last time was 6 years ago and both Chris and Caroline remembered us and the circumstances of our first stay. That was a 5 star stay as well.
The hotel once again met every expectation - tastefully and comfortably presented, the rooms are large, beds are comfortable, showers are hot and all with very high standards of cleanliness.
The breakfast is outstanding. With selection of cereals, pastries and burcher muesli - and great choices for cooked breakfast all made individually to order. Beats the normal buffet style of larger hotels by a mile.
The clincher is the professional and friendly style of Chris and Caroline. Here's two people who clearly love what they do and their upbeat vibe is contagious. (Good banter too if you like that... )
When we come back to Eastbourne we will always put Ravilious first. 100%.
The hotel once again met every expectation - tastefully and comfortably presented, the rooms are large, beds are comfortable, showers are hot and all with very high standards of cleanliness.
The breakfast is outstanding. With selection of cereals, pastries and burcher muesli - and great choices for cooked breakfast all made individually to order. Beats the normal buffet style of larger hotels by a mile.
The clincher is the professional and friendly style of Chris and Caroline. Here's two people who clearly love what they do and their upbeat vibe is contagious. (Good banter too if you like that... )
When we come back to Eastbourne we will always put Ravilious first. 100%.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 13 Jan 2025
Thanks so much Brian. It was so lovely to see you both again after a few years, and such a lovely surprise. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to seeing you again in the future. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here recently (two night weekend break combined with a show [The Kilkenny's] at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre) and could not have been more pleased with Ravilious Hotel. We were met upon our arrival by the hosts with a friendly welcoming greeting, were able to park (£2/day ticket) directly on the road in front of the hotel and our bag was whisked up to our beautiful room (Suite 6).
The hotel is located in a quiet road about 10 mins walk to the town centre and 5 mins from the beach front - a perfect location. The hotel is spotless and has unique sublime calming decor throughout.
The hosts are both genuine, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with tips on the local area, recommendations for good pubs and restaurants. The breakfast couldn't have been better, perfectly cooked to order and very tasty. We didn't get to visit the bar. Maybe next time.
We can only sum up by saying that owners / hosts of other similar establishments (in Eastbourne and elsewhere) should visit here and stay a while - to really learn what it is like to run a professional, friendly and top rate (and TA rated) establishment with a real care and eye for the customer whilst offering amazing friendly very special service. We are fortunate to have stayed is some of the best hotels in the UK and abroad, and this hotel stands out as one of the very best. We hope to return very soon and would not hesitate to recommend the Ravilious Hotel (and hosts), and in fact, have already done so to our friends and family. We tried (desperately!) to come up with some constructive criticism / feedback for improvements, but couldn't. Everything was just perfect.
The hotel is located in a quiet road about 10 mins walk to the town centre and 5 mins from the beach front - a perfect location. The hotel is spotless and has unique sublime calming decor throughout.
The hosts are both genuine, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with tips on the local area, recommendations for good pubs and restaurants. The breakfast couldn't have been better, perfectly cooked to order and very tasty. We didn't get to visit the bar. Maybe next time.
We can only sum up by saying that owners / hosts of other similar establishments (in Eastbourne and elsewhere) should visit here and stay a while - to really learn what it is like to run a professional, friendly and top rate (and TA rated) establishment with a real care and eye for the customer whilst offering amazing friendly very special service. We are fortunate to have stayed is some of the best hotels in the UK and abroad, and this hotel stands out as one of the very best. We hope to return very soon and would not hesitate to recommend the Ravilious Hotel (and hosts), and in fact, have already done so to our friends and family. We tried (desperately!) to come up with some constructive criticism / feedback for improvements, but couldn't. Everything was just perfect.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Treat yourself to one of the suites.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from C Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 18 Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your very kind and detailed review of your stay with us. It was lovely to meet you both and our pleasure to welcome you at the Ravilious. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time here and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
The Ravilous Hotel is conveniently situated for both seafront and railway station. It is attractively decorated throughout and the room I stayed in (the attic room) was very clean and conveniently laid out with thoughtful design touches like a self-locking door and main light switches by both door and bed.
There were plenty of power points and a comfy sofa as well as a king sized bed. There were thoughtful touches such as complimentary toiletries and as selection of biscuits to have with your tea including Tunnocks marshmallow teacakes.
The en-suite bathroom was similarly well laid out with modern and stylish fixtures and fittings. The rainfall showerhead was just the thing the morning after a walk across the Seven Sisters.
The breakfast selection was excellent with all the staples you might expect and also some surprising alternatives, freshly cooked to order.
Chris and Caroline were perfect hosts: responsive to individual needs and being genuinely interested in making your stay as comfortable and leisurely as possible.
Having stayed in quite a few places over the years I would say that they are one of the few that I would return to without hesitation and I suspect that they are peerless in quality at their relatively modest price point in Eastbourne.
There were plenty of power points and a comfy sofa as well as a king sized bed. There were thoughtful touches such as complimentary toiletries and as selection of biscuits to have with your tea including Tunnocks marshmallow teacakes.
The en-suite bathroom was similarly well laid out with modern and stylish fixtures and fittings. The rainfall showerhead was just the thing the morning after a walk across the Seven Sisters.
The breakfast selection was excellent with all the staples you might expect and also some surprising alternatives, freshly cooked to order.
Chris and Caroline were perfect hosts: responsive to individual needs and being genuinely interested in making your stay as comfortable and leisurely as possible.
Having stayed in quite a few places over the years I would say that they are one of the few that I would return to without hesitation and I suspect that they are peerless in quality at their relatively modest price point in Eastbourne.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from C Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 23 Aug 2023
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review of your stay with us, at Ravilious. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and we very much hope to see you again in the future. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a wonderful hotel and owners! Nothing was too much trouble.
Sumptuous room with oodles of space and extremely tastefully decorated. So much space we could have used it as a ballroom! Convenient location close to the theatre nightlife and very helpful owners who were able to give us unbiased, helpful information on where to eat etc.
Lovely touch was the newly refurbished bar area which was welcome after a night out at the theatre with gracious hosts who were lovely to chat to.
We’ve travelled all over Europe and this is by far one of the best places we have stayed in the price range.
Keep doing what you are doing guys! Your place is awesome!
Sumptuous room with oodles of space and extremely tastefully decorated. So much space we could have used it as a ballroom! Convenient location close to the theatre nightlife and very helpful owners who were able to give us unbiased, helpful information on where to eat etc.
Lovely touch was the newly refurbished bar area which was welcome after a night out at the theatre with gracious hosts who were lovely to chat to.
We’ve travelled all over Europe and this is by far one of the best places we have stayed in the price range.
Keep doing what you are doing guys! Your place is awesome!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 11 Mar 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words, it’s really appreciated. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us @ Ravilious and hope to see you again. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel was absolutely amazing, from the friendly welcome, to the gentle checkout. Our room, number 8, had a bath and a shower, and the underfloor heating in the bathroom made it feel very cosy. The towels were large and fluffy, ideal to wrap yourself in, after a bath or shower. The Tunnocks marshmallow cakes were very welcome, and the tea tray was replenished daily. Our bed was a very comfortable king size, just right for us both to stretch out after a long day sightseeing. The room, and indeed the whole hotel, was spotless, nothing seemed too much trouble. The breakfast was perfect, with an excellent choice of cereals, pastries, your choice of freshly cooked hot breakfast, and as much toast and preserves as you could eat. Chris and Caroline are very professional in their appearance and the way they get and interact with their guests. We plan to return, probably next July, and will stay longer next time!
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The upper rooms have a lot of stairs, so if you have mobility problems, ask for a lower floor.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 14 Jul 2024
Thank you so much for your kind and thorough review of your stay with us at Ravilious. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and we look forward to seeing you next year. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Ravilious is located in a quiet and beautiful residential area with excellent access to the train station and the coast. The room I stayed in was a perfect expression for "Clean, Lovely and Simple" and I slept comfortably on a large, soft bed. The Owners (Chris and Caroline) were kind and helpful with bus service and restaurant information. Breakfast was also satisfying with a typical English hot menu. Our little golden wedding journey was accompanied by warm memories.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After looking for accommodation in Eastbourne we based our booking on reviews and pictures of the B+B. The first impressions of the venue was that the pictures are spot on. What you see is what you get. The host are amazing, welcoming, informative and for us made the stay so much more than just a bed for the night. The location of the venue is spot on for local restaurants, bars and of course the beach. Parking was straight forward with a permit that can be purchased from Chris and Caroline. We came away thinking that we had simply stayed with friends in their house. We will be back to have a cocktail in the Geo Dome.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 10 Jun 2024
Thanks so much for your lovely words. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and your visit to Eastbourne. We look forward to welcoming you next time… and for cocktails, of course 🍸 Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay was absolutely wonderful—truly one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. The hotel is in the perfect spot, just a short walk from both the city center and the coastline, so everything we needed was close by. Our room was beautiful, spotless, and thoughtfully prepared, with lovely little touches like desserts and a bath bomb.
The breakfast was delicious and made with care. But what made our stay really memorable were the people. Chris and Caroline were so warm and helpful, sharing great tips on hiking trails and fun things to do around town. You can feel the love and attention to detail they put into every part of the place.
The breakfast was delicious and made with care. But what made our stay really memorable were the people. Chris and Caroline were so warm and helpful, sharing great tips on hiking trails and fun things to do around town. You can feel the love and attention to detail they put into every part of the place.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 14 Nov 2024
Thanks so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased to hear that you had such a good experience with us at Ravilious and we hope to see you again in the future. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a great hotel. We stayed for 3 nights after family who live locally recommended it, definitely glad we booked. Chris and Caroline are very professional and welcoming hosts. Our room was perfect, very quiet, comfortable bed and good showers. Great breakfasts with great choices. Will definitely stay again when we return to Eastbourne. We recommend the espresso martini cocktails.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 15 May 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was so lovely to meet you and we are so pleased that you were able to use our outside space and enjoy our cocktails 🍸 Hope to see you both again when you return to Eastbourne Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris and Caroline made us feel very welcome in their hotel. It is situated a short walk away from the station, seafront and main shopping area. We slept very well. The breakfasts were freshly prepared, with options including eggs various ways (omelette, or benedict, or florentine, or scrambled), plus a vegetarian option for full english. The attic bedroom was spacious, and excellent value for money. The wifi was fast, and It was brilliant streaming our favourite movie to the room TV from our device.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Harwood, Owner at Ravilious Hotel
Responded 27 Aug 2024
Thanks so much for taking the time to review your stay with us. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit to Ravilious and we hope to see you again in the future. Kind regards Chris & Caroline
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am sorry I didn't answer this question when you asked. I was new to tripadvisor and hadn't got a clue about communicating with others until now! Sorry again
Hi there,
The parking is on the streets outside and surrounding the hotel. You will need a parking permit though.
As soon as you arrive and have parked, go into the hotel to check in, and mention that you have a car and are parked outside. They will then give you the parking permit and will let you know where you can park.
Hope this helps and enjoy your stay!
"Hotel is located a stones throw from the Towner and also within walking distance of many cafes and restaurants. Located on quiet road."Read full review
"If travelling by car, I recommend taking up the option of getting a parking permit for the street parking outside the hotel - get this when making your booking."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
R 2,406 - R 2,898 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Gladwyn Hotel
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandEast SussexEastbourne
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingRAVILIOUS HOTEL - UPDATED 2025 Inn Reviews & Price Comparison (Eastbourne, England)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ravilious Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Ravilious Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Locked Room (0.4 km), Nigel Greaves Gallery (0.3 km), and Eastbourne Bandstand (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Ravilious Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Ravilious Hotel?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, a desk, and a walk-in shower.
What food & drink options are available at Ravilious Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a lounge, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Ravilious Hotel?
Yes, free parking, paid public parking nearby, and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Ravilious Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Journeys, Cedarz Lebanese Restaurant, and Cru Eastbourne.
Is Ravilious Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Eastbourne.
Are there any historical sites close to Ravilious Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting East Dean War Memorial (5.4 km) and The Mint House (7.2 km).