Review: The Rose, Deal

I set off for a solo road trip up the Kent coast, starting in Sandgate, making my way through Folkestone, Deal, Ramsgate, Botany Bay, Broadstairs and Margate. 

After a day exploring the delights of the Garden of England, I couldn’t wait to spent the night in Deal, staying at The Rose. This 200 year old building on the High Street has been reimagined by husband and wife team Christopher Hicks and Alex Bagner, with stunning interiors by Nicola Harding. She was also responsible for the lovely rooms and interiors at Hampton Court’s The Mitre Hotel (read my review here). 

Vintage furniture, modern artwork (much of it by local artists) and muted pops of colours dotted throughout this Deal hotel work so well together. Rooms are dark and cosy with record players and vinyl for your in-room entertainment. Beds and pillows are comfy and bathrooms boast cool retro wicker furniture, artwork inspired by the coast and potted plants. Tea, coffee and a decanter of brandy are kept in well-stocked communal areas outside the bedrooms, which is a nice touch for guests.

Eat, drink, sleep, repeat

There’s a buzzy bar and restaurant downstairs. Try the Walmer lager, made just down the road. It goes perfectly with the generous serving of Chicken Schnitzel on the evening menu. Complimentary tea and cake is served in the afternoon when you need a little pick me up after exploring the town. But take note, many of the shops don’t open at the beginning of the week so I had to make do with peering through the window of some gorgeous looking shops and restaurants.

If, like me, you’re a light sleeper, you may want to ask for a room at the front as a church backs on to the hotel and the clock chimes every hour, on the hour (I heard every chime). On the plus side, it meant I woke up early to catch sunrise on Deal beach.

I have a lot of love for Deal. There are lots of creatives who have moved down from London and you can certainly feel their influence as you walk around the town. But it still retains a charming traditional feel and is proud of its fishing heritage.

If you’re inspired to visit Kent and want to know all the best places to visit, just get in touch. Using my bespoke travel concierge service, I’ll tailor an itinerary designed just for you and share all the best off the beaten track places. Email: info@travelyoutopia.com.