The Gallivant

It’s gentle atmosphere - great bar area - best if all the food!! Amazing!!

Liked it all !!

Great location right next to the beach

The interiors are cosy, good game selection

I thought this was a child free property however when we arrived they were kinds screaming and running around, we had cake at 4pm included during our stay however when we got there at 4.15 is was all gone no. The staff were not attentive we waited a while to be checked in and nothing was explained to us about the property or the daily yoga ect. There is a ceiling fan in the room however was still very warm. Although we still made the most of our trip this is not somewhere I’d stay again with this sort of price tag

Top la décoration, le petit déjeuner et l’accueil !

De mauvaises surprises sur l’addition finale et quelques erreurs malvenues… On a aussi eu beaucoup de mal à trouver. L’hôtel est très mal signalé !

The relaxed atmosphere and the lovely food

Nothing

Location for Camber Sands is excellent and the hotel provided beach gear for that. The bed was very comfortable and the room had style. Staff were pleasant. Cleanliness was good and the bar looks stylish. Outside the room is nice and plenty of coastal type plants - we were able to sit on cushioned benches.

The overall cost was quite high for 1 night- £429 via Booking.com + an extra £99 on check out. We only had a beer (£7 + service for 3/4 of a pint) and a glass of Rose (£14 + service) with the meal plus a couple of coffees. The meal was OK but not of a Michelin star quality. We thought we had paid for 3 courses in advance but were told on checkout that it was only 2. The bill was shown to us on a computer screen and so no printed copy to properly review. I asked that the detail was sent to me by email but not seen that yet. The breakfast was continental on a tray (diy boiled eggs only) but missed some quality touches like a fruit salad (you could make your own with grapefruit, a banana and bunch of grapes). Car park was very busy. The room was quite small and so any noise in the bathroom could be heard in the bedroom.

Overall we both really enjoyed our stay and would come back. Staff were realy helpful and friendly, I liked the small business family feel. Breakfast was much more enjoyable than I expected, whilst I do enjoy the usual English hotel food, this was a pleasant surprise and is closer to a high quality version of what I might want to have at home but rarely do. Plenty of eggs, nice yoghurt and good quality bread, fruit and jams. Proximity to the beach is great and we liked that you can they provide things for the beach such as towels. Showers and bed were very comfortable, rooms are smaller than sone might like but honestly that's expected in this location and they have been decorated really tastefully to suit. It would be a very relaxing place to work, so its something I might consider in the future.

I cant think of anything. Its a little expensive for the area, however the quality and facilities would unlikely be possible without considerable cuts to staffing and details.

Absolutely love how dog friendly the hotel is and the proximity to the beach.

At this price, I feel that there should be a cooked breakfast. Many people there brought their dogs and so after a morning walk/ swim, it would be great to have a cooked breakfast. Another thing I would recommend is having a coffee/ tea station that is set up in the morning, for guests to help themselves, without having to order it with a staff member at the early hours. Other hotels I have stayed at, offered this and it was a great value add. Oh, and a place to wash down your pets and feet outside the venue, maybe in the car park so that sand isn’t brought in.

Decor was brilliant, warm, inviting, trendy, calm and Beachy all at the same time

Coffee needs improving, needs some nice coffee beans and a proper coffee

Great location, Harry’s restaurant was excellent - one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.

Abendessen und Frühstück herausragend und von traumhafter Qualität. Alle Mitarbeiterden waren so freundlich und unterstütztend. Zimmer und Ausstattung perfekt!

Gar nichts.

Breakfast and garden

The TV didn’t work well

Pretty room & lounge

Restaurant - they forgot a call I had made to order a birthday desert . Service was very very slow .

Het hotel is zeer mooi ingericht. Met veel smaak en mooie materialen. Vooral de gemene delen (zithoek, restaurant, tuin). Alles was heel proper. Lekker ontbijt.

Veel te duur voor wat het is. Onze kamer (3) was echt krap. Geen frigo, geen airco, geen kast om je kleren in te hangen (geen plaats voor), en zelfs geen water op de kamer. Bij de check-in werd ons niets gezegd, enkel werd ons onze kamer aangewezen. Mooi hotel maar totaal de prijs niet waard. Voor een hotel zonder spa, gym etc.. aan die prijs verwacht je minstens excellente hospitality. Mensen waren vriendelijk zonder meer en je werd wat aan je lot overgelaten. Hetzelfde geldt voor het restaurant: lekker maar veel te duur voor wat het maar is. Dit hotel heeft duidelijk een zeer goed marketing team. Het gevolg daarvan is dat de werkelijkheid teleurstelt.

It was nice and the decor was Beachy and stylish as was the bar. The rooms were spacious and comfortable and the gardens (accessible from the rooms) were beautiful.

It was small, and did not have a reception or anywhere secure to store luggage. The hotel nor the rooms were very nice but did not justify such an enormous price. The breakfast was okay. Not worth £10 and took 20 mins just to bring filter coffee. If you wanted a croissant it came as a part of a massive tray with smoked salmon and meats. You couldn't just have a simple coffee and croissant. Dinner was good, but expensive. London prices. Good selection of local wines. The beach, which is notably a few hundred meters from the hotel is beautiful but is totally overrun with presumably people from a nearby holiday park. It was not an ambient experience. We won't be back to Camber Sands. Rooms+ food £1250 for one night stay, which is madness.

Very comfortable and beautifully decorated room

Loved the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful garden.

Not being able to eat outdoors on a beautiful warm evening, even when the restaurant was not full - a huge mistake.

Wonderful experience. One of the best hotels we’ve had the pleasure to stay in. We had a Garden room. Large, beautifully decorated in a very tasteful manner. Every member of staff was pleasant, helpful and efficient. Food at Harry’s was outstanding. After tasting almost every item on the menu we could find fault with only one item. The chicken liver pate! The public spaces were well decorated and comfortable. You could always find a quiet place to relax. Yes, all this is not inexpensive. But worth every penny. But there is one area of the Gallivant that doesn’t seem to get the credit it deserves. The gardens. The gardner responsible for them is Marigold, yes that really is her name! She is doing a wonderful job. There are many places to sit and enjoy the beauty and calmness. I do have one complaint. Please sharpen the knives in Harry’s!!

We stayed for one night, it’s a beautiful designed hotel but it felt like it was really missing something and the area it’s set in is very run down. Food was very pricey for what it was and timings on courses felt off. The staff tried their best and were friendly but we could sense tensions. Overall we wouldn’t return.

We have had a wonderful 2 day stay in a garden room. The room although small, looked out in to the very pretty garden which was a bonus. It was very pleasant to sit outside. Dogs are made very welcome, which a bed and food and drinking bowls. Lots of treats and staff who spoil them. The staff have all been wonderful, and ensure all needs are met. We liked the relaxed atmosphere. Dry robes for the beach great addition. The breakfast was excellent. We ate in Harry’s bar one evening. The menu was varied, we enjoyed the crab and prawns. Followed by chicken Kiev and Barnsley chop. All cooked very well. Afternoon tea cake was delicious. I enjoyed yoga very much on both mornings. The yoga teachers were very friendly, I haven’t done yoga for many years, I was made very welcome. The position to the beach is excellent, we have had some lovely beach walks. We enjoyed Rye harbour village and town. We visited the Dungeness snack shack for fish lunch which was delicious. Will definitely recommend the hotel. Thank you

Quirky building wonderful staff and great food.

Nothing

Just had dinner - very average cocktails . Ok food for the price. Smiley but slow service. Not sure the management even read these reviews?

Good location - 30 mins drive from my home. The quiet and peaceful bedroom with outside garden. Easy parking. The excellent breakfast - with the brilliant idea of a tray with the everything you could want on it. Excellent lunch an dinner menus - perfectly served and cooked.

I would prefer a larger shower - walk in - instead of a bath.

The Gallivant is truly special. The property itself is absolutely stunning - beautifully presented, incredibly comfortable, and finished with the kind of attention to detail that sets it apart from the rest. Every corner reflects real care and thoughtfulness, and it all adds up to a fabulous stay. What really elevates the experience, though, is the team. Their camaraderie is infectious - even on the hottest days of the year, every single member of staff brought fantastic energy. They were attentive, warm, and genuinely lovely people who make you feel like you're in the very best of hands. The location is a dream. The beach is breathtaking, and having it on your doorstep is a real treat. And the food and drinks - spectacular. The breakfast was perfect way to start the morning. If you're considering staying at Gallivant, don't hesitate. It's the full package: a stunning setting, incredible food, and a team that takes the whole experience to the next level. We can't wait to come back.

We last visited the Gallivant in 2022 and booked the complete Gallivant. It was overall expensive and a poor experience. Recently we were in Camber Sands for three days staying at an Air BandB. We had no options for food on the Bank Holiday Monday so went to the Gallivant. Food was excellent so much better than before and all the staff were really friendly and great that the bar area is dog friendly. Lindsay is outstanding and a real credit and we ended up going to the Gallivant every one of the three days! Would reconsider staying again in the future.

Fantastic team, food and location!

Gorgeous aesthetic, wonderful food and drink, great yoga classes and luxurious rooms and pubic spaces. What’s not to like?!

Having been quoted a price for a 2 night stay, when I went to confirm booking online the price was substantially increased. Dubious explanation provided by hotel for reason and so did not proceed with the booking. No wonder they seem to have rooms available! Not a good way to do business.

Stayed for two nights in this wonderful little hotel by Camber Sands with wife and two grown up family. Happy seaside vibe. All the staff were amazing, super helpful and friendly. Cool bar area, and the restaurant is superb, just great cooking. Thank you!

Service was friendly although seemed forced. Atmosphere wasn't the greatest and overall very disappointing given the michellin rating and the price tag. Presentation of food was very basic and lacked colour. Food itself was ok but again for the price tag you'd expect more.

Our stay at this hotel was truly wonderful. The property is incredibly stylish and elegant, with beautifully designed rooms that feel very cozy. The garden is absolutely stunning, and we spent some lovely time enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Both the restaurant and the bar are exceptionally beautiful, offering a great atmosphere and delicious food. The staff was very friendly and welcoming throughout our visit. This is a perfect place to stop and recharge while on the road. Highly recommended! =)

The Vibe is perfect . Owner has nailed it with this . Perfect little cool beach house ( Miami vibes ) . Good room with a garden perfect for dog . Excellent bed ; slept really well . Warm and airy and quiet . Staff at night super helpful and very accommodating . Highly reccomended .

Our first stay at the Gallivant. High room standard, very friendly and efficient staff, they went the extra mile with service/ information. Lindsay was absolutely first class. Food (breakfast and dinner) was very good, served in a lovely setting with a very pleasant atmosphere. There were also quite a few nice well thought out little touches (eg afternoon cake!). In summary, we had a great stay, and will come back again. Bill & Chris

The Gallivant is advertised as a luxury retreat with exceptional food and service. Does it meet these expectations? It is situated on a windswept part of the south coast in a rather nondescript area. The other side of the road is Camber sands and beach. However the dunes are high so there is no view of the sea from the hotel. There is not much to do here apart from walking although Rye is a 10 minute drive away (not allowing for parking). Check-in was easy and informal. The rooms are beautifully furbished and comfortable. We had a very good bed and what appeared to be a window sofa/settee and slept very well. However the room was tiny with just enough room to walk around the bed. Heating worked well but there is a peculiar arrangement where windows to the bathroom open into the bedroom. They are frosted but it gives a feeling of lack of privacy. Our bathroom was beautifully appointed with matching white marble and high quality liquid soaps. We had a bath with built in shower. There was a fixed glass shower screen at the tap end of the bath which severely limited access. The bathroom was relatively as equally small as the bedroom with a 2 door entrance where the door handles were difficult to pull out and this soon became annoying. Cleaning of the room was exemplary. Breakfast was included with a small selection of meats and tasty croissants but there was no wow factor. The bar and lounge area is homely, very comfortable chairs, with a good ambiance for drinks and chat. There is a log fire so it is a great social centre for the stay. The staff are friendly and willing to chat so if you are alone in the bar you will not be bored. The dining experience is very favourable with an extensive and interesting menu although the use of sauce is copious. This is good food but not Michelin Star standard. Overall I enjoyed the stay but felt that there was a considerable mismatch between the high price paid and the size of the bedroom together with the annoyances mentioned above.

We enjoyed our stay very much. The interior is thoughtfully designed and well maintained. Also appreciated the warm service provided by everyone on staff. Restaurant was good at breakfast, and dinner was excellent as well. Value on point for what was delivered.

Nothing

It’s a lovely concept, ideally located, and it really feels like a mini retreat. A great staycation option.

The room I stayed in walled the restaurant’s bathrooms and kitchen so I could hear absolutely everything that happened, which was a bit off putting. It was also at the start of the corridor so I could hear constant opening and slamming of doors.

Excellent service, from reception to the waiting team.

Absolutely no issues at all- a gorgeous place.

Comfortable bed, over the road from beach, great dinner

Expensive and would like a cooked breakfast considering the price

We stayed at The Gallivant for one night in February - it’s been on my bucket list for a while and I was excited to try it. All of the staff were very welcoming and friendly and the breakfast was lovely but in all honesty, we were underwhelmed. With dinner (and not a blow out as we don’t drink much and we’re not massive eaters), it was £600 for 1 night. This felt really pricey for the size of room. Our room was pretty cramped (a garden room). It was nicely decorated, with a good bathroom and the soundproofing was excellent so that even though the rooms were right next to each other, we didn’t hear the neighbours at all but for a cramped room in a hotel with no spa or gym, a fairly small restaurant and limited parking, it was disappointing.

I suggest that people who look into this hotel carefully read though the reviews below because if I had, I wouldn’t have stayed. Dinner is really good. The service of the f&b team are great. The only reason to come here is the evening food. Read below the reviews of the breakfast. You get a miserable breakfast tray. That’s it. The real issue is the rooms. They are simply not in any manner worth £350+ a night. Rooms are tiny and there is no storage space at all. None. You will not be able to unpack your bags and you will have to negotiate around them as you attempt to move around the remaining small space. The rooms are cute in the manner of a design show room, but if you intend on spending anytime at all in them, or want to unpack they are not tenable. The rooms are also not very well sound proofed and you will hear everything in the adjacent rooms. We had a disagreement with one of the staff members on our first night. My partner wanted to leave straight away, I wanted to leave. But hey 3 hours back to London on a Friday night would have been more painful than staying. It is, however, not a comfortable place to sleep or stay and the hotel staff don’t match the calibre of the f&b team. By all means come for the food. It’s great. But read through the multiple reviews pointing out its failures as an overpriced place to stay. They’re all true.

The Gallivant clearly puts a lot of thought into guest comfort, with many appreciated touches including a comfortable bed, quality tea and coffee, dressing gowns, bottled water, wellies, yoga, dog-friendly policies, on-site parking and excellent food. Unfortunately, the stay was undermined by a series of small but constant frustrations. Check-in was awkward and confusing due to a malfunctioning tablet. The room had several design quirks that made simple things difficult, including hard-to-open windows, limited bathroom privacy, a temperamental kettle, confusing light switches and a bedroom door that was difficult to unlock. Service in the bar was inconsistent, with no clear system in the evening. There were also comfort and safety issues, including very slippery bedside mats, awkward shower temperature controls, low water pressure in the toilet and taps, and noise from dogs and the corridor overnight. While the food was excellent and many details were thoughtful, the overall experience required too much effort to relax. We wouldn’t choose to stay again.

A brief January stay in a luxury garden suite was fantastic. The hotel was very dog friendly, Monty learned where the treat jar was very quickly… we had a fantastic deal on the visit as it was midweek and in January, but this included all the nice touches including cake at 4pm, oyster happy hour at 5pm. We ate at Harry’s, the hotel restaurant, twice and very much enjoyed both visits. All the staff were very accommodating, friendly and personable. Great location if you want visit the beach, although Camber Sands is only dog friendly in the winter. We were glad we brought the car so we could hop between surrounding villages easily. We spent evenings in the bar area reading or playing board games, a very cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Would highly recommend The Gallivant!

From arrival to departure, a truly memorable stay. The staff is exceptional - welcoming, friendly, helpful, courteous, professional. A low-key luxury, relaxed ambiance prevails throughout. It's the little things that make the difference: lending us dry robes for a chilly walk on the beach, wellies, a beach towel for the dog, 4pm cake and coffee, 5pm wine-tasting - all included. Delightful dinner. Charming room, albeit small, opening out onto a lovely natural, sea-grassed garden - the dog loved it. We will definitely return

Minor, minor gripes: the room (No 3) was a tad small for two adults and a large dog; no hot food at breakfast. Porridge for a chilly day would have been nice.

Everything. A really homely, professional and relaxing experience.

Friendly and very comfortable. Relaxing with exceptional service that isn’t overbearing. A perfect getaway

Visited late December for pre birthday meal with my wife and daughter . In simple terms service was poor based upon them apparently being busy .Forgot wine and when reminded they didn't have what we ordered , starters arrived before drinks. Food in general unexceptional based on exceptional prices .In my view another over hyped establishment with average food and service .

Christmas at the Gallivant was magical. An adults only occasion created the perfect setting to enjoy being thoroughly spoiled and cared for. The staff were without exception kind, caring and polite offering excellent customer service. The accommodation was it's usual superb standard, we had a luxury garden room that was exceptionally comfortable. With only 20 rooms the hotel is not huge but offered everything that we needed for a relaxing Christmas break. The food, well all I'll say is that their Michelin star is well deserved. Fabulous. The selection of wine by the glass included a Monratchet and a Gevry Chambertain, both were excellent. No down sides to report, the Christmas package was very reasonable and good value for money. Our expectations were exceeded at every step, that doesn't happen often!

Breakfast was lovely and the staff were very friendly. Really liked the added touches, like Wine hour and the free cake. Very cosy bar area by the fire. Food in Harry’s was delicious.

The room needed more amenities. It didn’t have any hanging space or proper storage. No fridge and no proper way to contact reception for room service as the QR codes provided didn’t work. Would have been helpful to have access to water closer to the bedrooms too. Service in the restaurant was a bit slow. We had to ask our waitress for a couple of things a few times.

The Service, calm ambience closeness to the beach

The Gallivant offers a cosy and relaxing vibe. Upon entering you are greeted by a dual sided log burner, which like the staff, radiates a warm welcome. The property is open plan with snug seating areas and an array of books and games on offer. Near the bar is an upright piano which the guests can freely play. The hotel offers complimentary cake between 4pm and 5pm , followed by a complimentary glass of wine at 6pm. The food is exquisite, the staff attentive and friendly, and throughout the hotel framed vintage swimming costumes can be found. The hotel is opposite the Camber sands, and for those who wish the hotel has a selection of Hunter Chelsea wellies that guests can borrow, along with waterproof coats. The town of Rye is only a 10 minute drive away.

There was nothing no to love!

The hotel was so beautifully decorated and cosy and clean. It’s a past our expectations and the food was amazing. You should definitely eat here and the rims were really beautiful and we loved our bath!

My daughter got married at The Gallivant at the end of November and WOW what an amazing experience. We booked the hotel for the weekend and every member of staff went above and beyond to make sure the whole experience went smoothly. The rooms were beautiful and the food amazing. I honestly can't recommend this hotel enough. The whole weekend from start to finish with absolute perfection. Thank you to Lindsay and all the staff for making it such a special weekend!!!!!

A peaceful boutique hotel near the beach, perfect for recharging. Thoughtful details, comfortable rooms and a great restaurant on site..

Lovely place ,warm and inviting .Nothing was too much trouble and the food was excellent .I took my little dog and everything was there for her comfort too

nothing really

This is a very quirky hotel in a location which has nothing going for it other than it is near Rye. For owners of English brogue shoes beware as no proper shoes were in evidence neither with the clients nor the staff. If you expect to dig in to a full English then think again. All that said, the owners have created a very individual experience in hotelerie which even brogue owners such as myself were very impressed with. Small bedrooms but cleverly designed as luggage needs here are minimal. The lounge, bar and restaurant all flow into each other and are very comfortable. At 4 o’clock there is free cake and at 5 a free glass of local English wine. Lots of games and books to read. Dogs welcome in parts of the lounge and a separate dining area. Food very good, breakfast odd but the marmalade is 11/10. The prune and Armagnac tart at dinner 12/10. Amazing olives. Overall worth the visit as it borders on unique.

Bedrooms a bit small. No full English

Beautiful decor, the most comfortable of beds and great food. Service was wonderful too.

Nothing - was all fantastic.

This was our second experience of TG - first time was just for Sunday lunch in the height of summer - this time was arriving on a Sunday afternoon for a 2 night stay. Travelling with our son and daughter in law, and large dog, so they had a garden room. Both rooms were very comfortable. Dinner is good without being fussy or overly pretentious - good food, well cooked. Good young team running the show. Breakfast is quirky but we like that. Everyone came away thoroughly having enjoyed themselves. We are in the camp of “we like TG”. No, it isn’t cheap.

Everything! Such a lovely hotel with amazing staff and interiors. Rooms are quiet with comfy beds and beautiful interiors. Our waitress from Portugal was fantastic as was all the staff. From the minute you step into the small foyer you feel completely relaxed. We also did Yogo which was included in our package which was an added bonus. We loved the breakfast it was perfect as was all the locally sourced food. Thank you we will be back!

Nothing!

Lovely hotel. Very comfortable.

Nothing close.

Just back from our corporate offsite at this absolute treat of a hotel. The Gallivant do everything well - the gardens, the snug, the fire, wellies and dry robes if you fancy a jaunt across the road to the beach. The rooms are gorgeous and impeccably clean. But what really made our stay exceptional was the service. The staff were genuinely outstanding – warm, discreet, and incredibly attentive. The answer to everything was "yes". It felt like we had a five-star team looking after us the entire time, without any fuss. Properly outstanding. Thanks in particular to Victoria and Lindsay who went above and beyond. The food was, as you would expect, really terrific and they were super accommodating flexing the menu to our group preference. Fabulous wine list with a great selection of English wines (thanks Fergus!). Drinks in the dunes were highlight. And thanks for arranging the sunset and supermoon! It was the perfect blend of business and boutique bliss. This place delivers in (buckets and) spades and I can't wait to return.

I am working on a project locally so have became a member of the Gallivant to occasionally drop in for breakfast, coffee and somewhere peaceful to work. I have visited The Gallivant on several occasions over the last few months and I am so impressed with the ambience and service. A small, single storey hotel which has been lovingly restored with a fantastic eye for detail. It's a 3 minute walk to Camber Sands over the dunes. After a 'blow-the-cobwebs-away' walk on the beach, it's very cosy indeed. The fire is lit at this time of the year and you can read the paper in peace. I've had breakfast on 3 occasions - simple menu but tasty (grapefruit, boiled eggs, sourdough toast etc.) with an extended continental option available which I've yet to try. Excellent coffee. Breakfast comes served with a smile. Because it's a small property and very close to Camber Sands, the hotel runs a membership system to maintain the peaceful atmosphere and ensure overnight guests take priority. This makes absolute sense, though I note from 1 or 2 reviews that some local people get a bit frustrated they can't just drop in for coffee. I'd encourage anyone spending a lot of time in Camber to become a member. The welcome from staff is always warm and genuine - everyone is unfailingly polite. There's an endless supply of tea and coffee for members and guests alike and the atmosphere is tranquil and very pleasant.

Disappointing stay despite lovely surroundings! I was really looking forward to my stay at The Gallivant in - the website made it seem like an exceptional, almost boutique-style retreat. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t live up to the expectation. I almost drove straight past it when I arrived, as the hotel’s curb appeal was definitely lacking and didn’t reflect the high-end image portrayed online. Inside, the hotel felt a little tired and in need of some care and attention. While a couple of the staff were genuinely lovely and tried their best, the majority came across as inexperienced, unaware that customers should come first and just plain rude! Everything seemed to be a bit of a chore for them, which made for quite a disappointing atmosphere. The dining experience was also underwhelming. The food was basic, and surprisingly, there wasn’t even a cooked breakfast option — not what you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre. When we asked for more wine during dinner (our glasses had been empty for quite a while), the waitress decided clearing the table for 14 people was more important. We had to ask three times before our glasses were finally refilled. The drinks selection was limited too. I ordered an Espresso Martini - the first one was freshly made and delicious, but the second was a pre-mix. I was told they couldn’t make it fresh again as they’d “run out of ingredients”! As a smoker, I was advised I couldn’t use the courtyard because the ash might “litter it,” which seemed unreasonable given that our party had hired the entire hotel for the night. When I asked where I could smoke, I overheard staff explaining that it was a “wellness location” - though with no spa, no swimming pool, and no gym, that felt like a stretch (apparently, there is a yoga room). Even more frustratingly, despite having booked the entire hotel, another party arrived at breakfast the next morning. They proceeded to block the hallway with their luggage and use the courtyard (members of our party who were using it at the time for work purposes had to leave because of the noise), even walking through the breakfast area - not what you expect when check-in isn’t until late afternoon. When we raised this with staff, they simply shrugged their shoulders. Lastly, despite the website’s suggestion, the hotel is not located “steps from Camber Sands”. It’s actually a fair walk over sand dunes to get there, which might not be ideal for everyone and something to bear in mind if mobility or practicality is a concern. Overall, The Gallivant could be a charming and relaxing spot with the right management focus and staff training, but as it stands, it falls well short of the premium experience it advertises.

A comfortable, cosy and luxurious stay. It felt like a home from home and the staff were superb.

Absolutely loved our stay at The Gallivant and our meal at Harry’s — beautiful setting, amazing food, and outstanding service. Huge thanks to Lindsay for her exceptional help throughout!

Lovely room of good size . It was a garden room which opened out onto its own little garden space Breakfast was a little different . There was no cooked option apart from boiloing your own egg . You were served a tray with granola muesli croisaants and selection of cold meats . There was no chef on duty for breakfast Staff were very pleasant and went out of their way to be helpful

There was no means of ventilating the room

We chose The Gallivant for our wedding in October and we can honestly say it was the best decision ever. From the moment we first visited, we were made to feel so special and looked after. The hospitality was incredible each time we visited in advance of the wedding day with all the staff making sure we were suitably catered for and helping with everything and anything we needed. What was amazing was that it just felt they were genuinely nice people who wanted us to have a great experience at the hotel, which we thoroughly did! All the run up to the day was efficiently organised by the team - they dealt with everything and had an answer for all queries, no matter what. It felt like such a smooth process with excellent attention to detail. The wedding day itself just exceeded our expectations. The venue is clearly stunning and the team had created the most friendly and welcoming space for all our guests. The food was devine - all the guests commented on the excellent quality which was a big win! And we loved the breakfast! But it was really all the staff who made the day for us - they could not have done more to help us and our guests and it was all done with smiles and care and I can honestly say all our family and friends were also blown away by The Gallivant and the team there. It's an absolute gem of a place and we can't wait to go back and stay again! Thank you so much Team Gallivant for being your wonderful selves, we will be forever grateful to you!

Absolutely dreadful service. Avoid. No idea why it was given a Michelin award. Staff were rude and unexperienced. Website’s images make it look better than real life.

What a great place. Brilliant staff with impecible attention to detail, and who genuienly enjoy thier jobs, and nothing is too much trouble. The food was exceptional.

Attended my friend's wedding and this is truly an exceptional venue for a wedding or event. The hotel is beautiful with very well thought out decor, the service was impeccable from all members of staff and the food and drink divine. I would very much recommend The Gallivant for a special event, company retreat or just for a lovely short getaway break. Thank you Gallivant Team!

Whilst the Galivant has a laid back, stylish beach vibe, priced at a luxury market, the service over our two day stay was truly abysmal. Our group of colleagues had hired the entire hotel, and were there to relax and have fun, and at every opportunity, our fairly simple requests were ignored, diminished or declined. Chilled wine with lunch? Apparently they hadn't anticipated that anyone would want wine with lunch. Another hand-made espresso martini? No, you can only have the watery, ready-made version. Actually getting served wine at the meals? No, they kept missing people out - and even when this was drawn to their attention, they were extremely tardy in rectifying the service - with a patronising instruction 'don't you worry'. Even when our concerns with these and other issues were raised with the manager, they were dismissed. The concept of customer service does not exist at the Gallivant. Avoid.

breakfast was especially good

We hired the Gallivant to host our daughter’s wedding. We were not disappointed and nor were the bride and groom. We had 24 hours where the staff were totally at our service and could not do enough for us. The food was delightful, this was echoed by many guests. Meat, fish and vegetarian dishes were served- simultaneously and to perfection. The breakfast is also something special. My room was perfect and I had a very good nights sleep- although of course the partying may have something to do with that! There was a truly International guest list and everyone was considered - I shall be back for the fish and chip lunch I noticed on the way out!

I decided I would pop into the Gallivant today for a comfy surrounding with a roaring fire on a grey miserable day! I wanted to sit with a coffee and my laptop and enjoy a few hours to myself. Credit to the lady who greeted me, extremely friendly and chatty, however she quickly informed me that I wasn’t allowed to use the bar area as I wasn’t a guest of the hotel. I was shocked to hear they would turn away a willing paying customer. We have visited the Gallivant in the past and it’s a gorgeous setting with beautiful ambiance, so I was extremely disappointed to head elsewhere! We live locally now and I would have loved the Gallivant to be somewhere I could have often visited to socialise and work. Where are we supposed to go for a nice quiet day time venue?

I found The Gallivant a place that is still trying to decide what it wants to be. On one hand it has the feel of a 'boho' beach retreat, but still takes on corporate bookings, which is what we were. Unfortunately they have ended up neither one nor the other. I loved the attention to detail and the quirkiness of the decoration, you can feel the love that has been invested into it. My bedroom was very comfortable, although neither the hand basin nor the shower drained properly and I'm not a fan of standing ankle-deep in soapy water. The food was excellent, great quality and beautifully-presented, so I ate very well. Breakfast was a bit weird because you have to eat what they want you to eat rather than what you want, and the lack of 'fried' breakfast items is just odd. You have to have a set tray of breakfast food, regardless of whether you want it or not. Coffee was very good! Where I was left disappointed was with the standard of service. They have a fantastic wine list, not a cheap one, but a very good one. But we were a large group and they hadn't chilled any additional bottles, so again we had to have what they had and not what we actually wanted. It did seem as if someone just hadn't put any thought into what we might want...............and also what they would make money selling. The bar staff didn't seem particularly bothered about this, and that was the pattern of service for the couple days we were there. Everything seemed to be an inconvenience for them, and despite the fact that we didn't ask for anything out of the ordinary, almost every request seemed to be met with an expression of irritation. If this were a three-star hotel and we were a stag or hen party, I would be able to get my mind around it. As it was, I just found it very disappointing as we are pretty nice people and weren't asking for anything too much. We just wanted to have an enjoyable time. I'm afraid I wouldn't go back and I wouldn't recommend it either, not for corporate events or for a seaside break.

The Gallivant didn’t live up to the impression created by its website or its Small Luxury Hotel listing. Credit where it’s due, the marketing is polished, but the reality was underwhelming. The hotel felt almost deserted, with little that could be described as “luxury” in either the service or the atmosphere, more reminiscent of a business in decline than a boutique retreat. Dinner was the highlight: tasty, freshly prepared, and enjoyable. Still, it was far from a luxury dining experience. It’s also important to note that there’s no genuine sea view; to glimpse the water you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes and climb over a sand dune. Overall, it was a perfectly adequate overnight stop, but forgettable, certainly not the memorable luxury stay the branding promises.

This was truly a very disappointing trip. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the gallivant on a business trip with 14 of my colleagues. The whole venue was hired for our stay. To say I was excited is an understatement as I have wanted to go for sometime. However, everything about our stay was disappointing and lack lustre ! Considering we were a small party and had the whole hotel I expected good service. Upon arrival I was greeted with a grunt and felt like I was an inconvenience from the get go. We all felt in the way and the ambience was awkward. Staff had no understanding of customer experience and were either not present or talking about us with no awareness that we could hear them. The hotel is tired as are its staff it seems! They had no wine cooled which may sound silly but everyone wants wine with their lunch and unfortunately our beach walk had to be cancelled due to heavy rain so we had to stay inside. Which also seemed to bother the staff. It was all the little things like wanted our cheese in the snug after dinner - too much trouble ! Asking for an express martini -To much trouble ! Opening a door for fresh air, the door would be slammed shut The smokers in party were treated like social outcasts too ! Asking for anything seemed to much trouble ! We were also invaded by other guests during our breakfast which was again terrible service considering we had hired the whole hotel ! Poor service again ! I also belief that they market their property in a way that isn’t transparent and misleading ! There is not outside area other than a small crt yard and a car park ! The Beach is a good ten minutes walk and over sand dunes which isn’t for the faint hearted . This should be illustrated more clearly . Overall a poor experience I will not be retuning

The breakfast was very good, a continental breakfast tray brought to the table. Dinner was excellent one night and not good at all the other. My food was cold and the fish very overcooked. The room was tiny but cleverly appointed and comfortable. The point of the Gallivant is it's proximity to the beach and cosy atmosphere when returning from a day outside.

Size of the room and inconsistency of food standard

Friendly staff and comfortable hotel.

We enjoyed pretty much everything about our 2-night stay at the Gallivant, with one glaring exception...breakfast! It's pretty extraordinary that a hotel of this supposed quality (and at those prices frankly!) doesn't offer a cooked breakfast. The staff did a pretty good job of selling the 'continental' breakfast, but sadly we won't be returning to the Gallivant until they start offering a 'proper' breakfast. The staff were great, some a bit inexperienced, but all friendly & helpful.

I had an absolutely fantastic stay at the Gallivant! First impressions are everything - being greeted at the front door of the hotel by the team (and not seeing them standing behind a desk) immediately made me feel welcome. Lindsay, Head of Rooms and Residents optimises the hotels theme of "happiness" with her infectious smile and eagerness to make your stay special. I could not fault the hotel itself, the rooms are beautifully designed (I stayed in the Luxury Garden Room) with all the little touches that you would expect and the open spaces are warm, well lit and again beautifully decorated. The themes of "cake time" and "wine at five" really encourage you to relax in the main bar area and are a fantastic opportunity to sample local English wine. The evening meal at Harry's was delicious, Sophie was so friendly and attentive. To top it all off, I enjoyed a very relaxing morning yoga session with India and a ginger shot to start my day, the perfect 24 hours! The Gallivant really is special, whether you're sitting by the fire hiding from the rain or returning after a long walk on the beach it is full of cosiness.

Our wedding at The Gallivant was unforgettable. Agnes, Victoria, Lindsay, Oscar, Naketa, Lorena, Matthew, Mariana, Fergus, and the whole team were warm, attentive, and made everything run seamlessly on the day. The venue was beautiful, the service flawless, and the food outstanding - many guests said it was the best wedding meal they’d ever had, with plentiful canapés and perfect timing around speeches. We’re so grateful to everyone for giving us the most incredible day.

The welcome, all staff were very welcoming and helpful. Breakfast was unique , a breakfast tray was presented with a brilliant selection. Wine tasting of English wine each evening. The ambiance was warm and stylish.Dry robes and wellies for use on the beach!

Small room, especially to accommodate a dog. Having to eat in bar area or small , separate room as we had our dog with us. Also banned from Snug