By Lyn Funnell
As soon as we step inside the front doors, our eyes are greeted by a feast of interesting sights.
No bare magnolia hotel walls in the Gallivant!
In the Reception are beach towels, wellington boots, back rests, and warm robes for the beach which is across the road. They’re all for the use of the guests. The tide times are on the notice board outside.
The hotel is dog friendly and there’s a bowl of dog biscuits.
To the right, the downstairs area is split into small rooms, all decorated differently.
I fell in love with one area which had sofas with comfy cushions, and interesting books and games everywhere.
The cabin next to it is used by dogs and their owners, and for businesses.
All the chairs in the area around the bar are different, all with comfy cushions.
Small rugs cover the floor.
On the walls are framed old swimsuits, and paintings by local artists, which are for sale.
One of the things I thought was a great idea was the three public loos, which were labelled Ladies, Gents and Anyone’s. So simple!
Outside, the gardens are planted with beach-friendly plants and there are lots of peaceful seating areas.
Our bedroom was separate from the main building. Doors open onto the gardens, but high plants hide our room and make it private.
Of course I had to test the bed! It was so comfortable that I lay there and I didn’t want to get up!
There were more framed old swimsuits on the walls, a shelf of books and books piled on a small table – my idea of Heaven!
Harry Cragoe owns the hotel. His wife Sigrid is an interior designer, and a very good one. She’s thought of everything, and I mean everything. The whole hotel is interesting to look at.
The hotel is deservedly 4-star, but there’s no dress code. It’s for the use of guests who want to use the beach.
Camber Sands is a peaceful area with a beach which is five miles of clean golden sand, unusual in the area as most beaches are pebbles.
There are a lot of plants and wildlife to seek out and enjoy, and interesting towns like Rye and Hastings a few miles away.
You leave Sussex and enter Kent, the Garden of England, just along the road. Lydd Airport is a few miles away.
Marshy fields are full of grazing sheep that produce some of the tastiest lamb in the UK.
Camber is a lovely place to relax and unwind. And The Gallivant is an excellent hotel to stay in.
I highly recommend it. And you’ll sleep like a log!
The Gallivant
enquiries@thegallivant.co.uk
01797 225 057
The Gallivant
Camber
East Sussex
TN31 7RB
thegallivant.co.uk
