Camelia Hotel, Southend-on-Sea ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Camelia Hotel Southend-on-Sea Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

178 Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom, SS1 3AA

Steps from the beach

Great

8.8

9.3

/10

4.6

4.8

Loved by Camelia Hotel guests

Sea views
Super clean rooms
Comfortable bed
Attentive staff
Delicious meals
Cute atmosphere

"The food in the restaurant was just outstanding, we had dinner included on the first night, and because it was so good, we chose to then dine at the hotel on the second night too."

M1002 from United Kingdom

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"We stayed in room 26 which was in the second part of the hotel and yes it was maybe a bit compact but it was absolutely fine for us."

Mandi B from United Kingdom

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"Excellent location, lovely view from room, wonderful staff and the food was some of the best I have tasted."

Trefor from United Kingdom

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Multi-Award Winning Boutique Hotel with Sea Views

Location

Camelia Hotel is situated on Thorpe Bay seafront in Southend-on-Sea, a 5-minute walk from the train station. It is less than 15 minutes from the airport and offers direct access to the beach. London is a 45-minute drive away, enhancing connectivity for travelers.

Dining

The hotel features an on-site restaurant known for its freshly cooked cuisine, holding a prestigious Rosette award. Guests can enjoy an extensive breakfast menu and local dishes, crafted by talented chefs with over a decade of experience. The cocktail bar offers a wide selection of wines and spirits, along with a stunning patio for drinks with sea views.

Guest Rooms

Each of the eight distinctive room types at Camelia Hotel has en-suite bathrooms and individual designs catered to various preferences. Rooms contain modern amenities, including televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. For guests seeking breathtaking views, rooms overlooking the Thames Estuary provide a picturesque setting.

Events and Celebrations

Camelia Hotel not only accommodates leisure guests but also serves as a venue for weddings, baby showers, and wakes. The experienced team provides comprehensive support to ensure successful events. The hotel can cater to dietary needs and hosts gathering spaces suitable for both small and large events.

Family Friendly

Camelia Hotel makes family gatherings special, offering high-chairs for younger guests and accommodating dietary preferences. The restaurant's menu includes options suitable for children and special meals for occasions like Mother's Day. Families can enjoy quality time with amenities designed for all ages.

Highlights

Location: Thorpe Bay seafront, 5-min walk from train station

Dining: On-site restaurant with Rosette award

Guest Rooms: Eight distinctive room types with sea views

Events: Venue for weddings, baby showers, and wakes

“This family-run boutique hotel provides a memorable stay, and its beachfront location ensures captivating views of the Thames Estuary. From what I gathered, the hotel's charm extends beyond its comfortable rooms to the dining experience, with a diverse menu available. Moreover, its multi-award winning status, particularly for breakfast, reflects a commitment to quality that stands out in Southend-on-Sea.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingStress-Free Parking

The spacious, free car park made arrival easy. I could see my car from the room which gave peace of mind.

David from Australia

Review on

DiningDelicious Beachfront

The restaurant boasts a modern decor. Sunday lunch was memorable. I would drive miles for the beef!

Isobel from United Kingdom

Review on

BedroomComfortable Nights

The bed was very comfortable, ensuring a quiet night's sleep. Blackout curtains were very helpful.

Nigel from Canada

Review on

BathroomSpotless Bathroom

The modern bathroom was spotless. I especially liked the walk-in shower. It felt luxurious!

Tioga from New Zealand

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Select your room type

Camelia Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Family Room

2 persons

230 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Executive Double Room Sea View

2 persons

240 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

King Room

2 persons

230 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Camelia Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Hiking
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At the Camelia Hotel, dining is a celebration of local flavors and comforting favorites. With a family-friendly atmosphere and stunning sea views, guests can savor seasonal dishes inspired by British and European cuisines while enjoying a relaxing and inviting setting.

Camelia Hotel Southend-on-Sea Restaurant photo

Cammidges

British and European

Ambiance

Family-friendly setting with beautiful sea views, featuring a spacious lounge and a charming patio for al fresco dining.

Key Offerings

Delight in a selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals, alongside a variety of fresh local dishes. Perfect for a leisurely Sunday lunch or a cozy afternoon tea.

Reservation

Not needed

Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 21:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00.

Camelia Hotel Location

178 Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom, SS1 3AA

Map view

178 Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom, SS1 3AA

City landmarks

Theme Park

Adventure Island

1.1 mi

Museum

Southend Pier

1.2 mi

Aquarium

Sea Life Adventure

3600 ft

Park

Southchurch Park

2000 ft

Landmark

Southchurch Hall

5000 ft

Landmark

Kursaal

5100 ft

Garden

Southchurch Hall Gardens

5000 ft

Landmark

Thorpe Hall Golf Club

4800 ft

Event hall

Christ Church Family Hub

2100 ft

Landmark

Church of the Holy Trinity

4200 ft

Landmark

Wonderland

3300 ft

Landmark

Sea Life Adventure Aquarium

3500 ft

Landmark

Southend Cliff Gardens

1.3 mi

Landmark

Leigh Heritage Centre

3600 ft

Beach

Thorpe Bay Beach

4600 ft

Landmark

St Augustine

4900 ft

Landmark

Ambleside Social Club

3700 ft

Casino

The Rendezvous Casino at the Kursaal

3800 ft

Landmark

Fahrenheit Bar

4000 ft

Landmark

Estuary Bicycle Trail

4100 ft

Landmark

School of Angling Essex

4100 ft

Landmark

Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre

4100 ft

Museum

Southend Central Museum and Planetarium

1.5 mi

Landmark

Mawson's Micro Pub

4200 ft

Landmark

The Beauty Shop

4200 ft

Church

St Gregory's RC Church

4200 ft

Nearby

Christ Church

1900 ft

Bar Vic

1000 ft

MFA Bowl

1200 ft

Restaurants

The Camelia Restaurant

100 ft

178 Eastern Esplanade Camelia Hotel

Ocean Beach

1.1 mi

Eastern Esplanade

Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas Restaurant

5200 ft

Unit 12 Eastern Esplanade Southend On Sea

Roslin Beach Hotel Restaurant

1700 ft

Thorpe Esplanade Thorpe Bay

Brewers Fayre

3400 ft

Esplanade House 60 Eastern Esplanade

Explore Southend-on-Sea

Explore the Surroundings

Sea Life Adventure

13 minutes walking

Aquarium featuring diverse marine life. Interactive exhibits suitable for all ages, with family-friendly events.

Southend Pier

25 minutes walking

Famous pier showcasing stunning sea views and leisure activities. Offers tram rides and fishing spots.

Southchurch Park

8 minutes walking

Scenic park with beautiful gardens, lakes, and play areas. Perfect for picnics or a leisurely stroll.

Adventure Island

20 minutes walking

Amusement park packed with thrilling rides and games. Great fun for families with kids of all ages.

Shoebury East Beach

4-minute drive

Relaxing beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Popular for kite surfing and beach volleyball.

Cycling in Gunners Park

8 minutes drive

Scenic routes perfect for cycling enthusiasts. Bike rentals available nearby to explore beautiful coastal views.

Wellness Spa Retreats

15 minutes walking

Local spas offering a range of treatments for relaxation. Perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.

The Kursaal Funfair

19 minutes walking

Outdoor fair with thrilling rides and games. Great for both kids and adults looking for excitement.

The Camelia Restaurant

1 minute walking

Cozy dining offering a fusion of local and international cuisines. Known for sumptuous seafood dishes.

Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas Restaurant

19 minutes walking

Charming eatery specializing in fresh seafood and tapas. Family-friendly and great for sharing dishes.

Ocean Beach

20 minutes walking

Vibrant beachfront restaurant with casual dining. Perfect for enjoying seafood with stunning ocean views.

Brewers Fayre

13 minutes walking

Family pub offering hearty meals and kids' menus. Relaxed atmosphere, perfect for casual dining.

The Rendezvous Casino

15 minutes walking

Casual casino with gaming options and dining. Hosts live events and entertainment for adults.

Leigh Heritage Centre

15 minutes walking

Engaging center showcasing local history with exhibits suitable for families. Regular events and workshops.

Church of the Holy Trinity

15 minutes walking

Historic church offering cultural events and community celebrations. Family-friendly atmosphere with activities.

Ambleside Social Club

15 minutes walking

Lively social club featuring music nights and community events. Welcoming space for socializing and entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre

Southend-on-Sea29 min · 1.5 mi

Airports

London Southend (SEN)10 min · 3.9 mi

London City (LCY)91 min · 37.4 mi

Train

Southend East Railway Station15 min · 4000 ft

Southend Victoria Railway Station30 min · 1.6 mi

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-21:00

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

All visitors are offered a continental breakfast for a fee.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Camelia Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Camelia Hotel enjoys a superb location right on the seafront, with some rooms offering stunning views of the estuary. Guests frequently praise the spacious and spotless rooms, some overlooking a lovely courtyard, and the convenience of free parking. Many rave about the delicious breakfast, particularly the Full English, and dining on the front terrace. A few guests have noted that the bar sometimes closes relatively early.

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Review score

Based on 626 verified reviews

9.2/10

Perfect

93%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.4/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Breakfast

8.0/10

Pros

Comfortable beds

Helpful staff

Good value

Cons

Dirty corridors

Maria from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 19, 2026

9.0/10

fabulous EXPERIENCE

efficient staffhigh cleanlinessclient accommodationhelpful support

the staff WERE efficient and met my requests. the cleanliness standards are certainly high. i found accommodation of all client needs. that really worked well. i appreciated the helpful support i received throughout my stay.

The bath i used was a little small. The shower was barely adequate, but nothing SERIOUS.

Location

9/10

the hotel IS near the seafront. It sits in an area that allows easy access. the hotel has public transportation links. These enable you to explore local attractions easily.

Dining

8/10

the restaurant provides options for different tastes. I was able to get a full English breakfast. I also noted good portion sizes. The individually cooked meals were definitely satisfying.

Facilities

9/10

free parking is available behind the hotel. This adds convenience . I did not have TO worry about finding a space. i definitely appreciated that facility.

Rooms

10/10

the room was nicely presented when i arrived. Cleanliness was very noticeable and everything felt fresh. i liked that the shower enclosure was a great size. the provided amenities were also good.

0 Helpful

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Frank from Germany

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 12, 2026

9/10

coffee selectiongreat menufree car park

The room featured a good selection of tea and coffee. The restaurant offered a great menu with good food. The hotel has a big free car park. Parking was no worry.

The shower gel dispenser in the shower was difficult to squeeze.

0 Helpful

dominic from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

9/10

a superb stay!

friendly staffconvenient locationbeautiful viewroom service

the staff were friendly and efficient. i found the location quite convenient, close to the sea. the hotel was clean, and the sea view from my window was beautiful. it.

I noted there was no room service available. It would enhance convenience.

Rooms

9/10

the double room featured stylish decor. it was clean, and well kept. the bed was large and quite comfortable, perfect after a long day.

0 Helpful

Peter from United Kingdom

Family with children

Executive Double Room Sea View

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: December 16, 2025

8.5/10

Amazing Hotel Experience!

friendly stafffree parkingroom soundproofing

This hotel, it was fabulous! The staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was lovely! I'd say breakfast was very delicious, and the parking was free! The hotel upgraded our room for free, and I saw the sea, yes!

The bar shut by 8.45pm. I had no option but to go to my room. I think the rooms needed more soundproofing because I heard tv from the next room. The shower water was not very hot at 9.30pm.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast was served with multiple options, I noticed. I got a full English breakfast including eggs, bacon, and sausage. The restaurant offers sea views. It's amazing to see the sea while I eat!

Rooms

8/10

The executive double room sea view had a king-sized bed. I watched the sea from the room, yes! The bathroom had toiletries and fresh towels. All was super tidy.

0 Helpful

Andrew from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 05, 2025

7/10

clean roomhelpful staffroad noisehot building

the room was very clean. the staff was always helpful and kind . i also found the included breakfast to be quite good.

i found the road noise to be quite noticeable. also, the building felt a bit too hot for my comfort. i had some difficulty adjusting the room temperature.

0 Helpful

Victor from United Kingdom

Family with children

Family Room

2 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 02, 2025

9.0/10

repeat stay satisfaction

spacious roomclean roomfriendly staffexcessive noise

The room was spacious and very clean. It had everything i needed. my sons had a room in the annex. It was very large, and they were very happy, especially with the huge shower heads. the staff are friendly, cute, and polite. it is a great atmosphere to sit outside, look at the sea, and eat or drink.

the room inside the building was too hot. excessive road noise and noise from the restaurant came from under our room. i only got two hours of sleep.

Dining

9/10

the dining room created a cute atmosphere for both breakfast and the evening meal. staff members were very accommodating when addressing any queries. facing the beachfront provided a bonus, as did the sea breeze.

Location

10/10

The location offers direct access to the seafront. the hotel is situated near a shop, which adds convenience. plenty of places to eat and drink surround the hotel. a free carpark is behind the building. This is very handy.

Service

9/10

the staff were courteous and friendly and were happy to help with special requests. check-in was smooth, and the staff were smiley and helpful. the staff was accommodating for any queries that i raised. a lady on reception received us very well.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel offers pleasant seating outside for coffee. there is a well-stocked bar available to guests. i found drinks prices to be reasonable for a hotel. the room contained everything needed for my stay.

0 Helpful

George from United Kingdom

Family with children

double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 02, 2025

6/10

mixed bag, i guess

clean roomdisorganized check-instreet noise

the room seemed clean enough, at least on the surface.

Check-in felt disorganized, with no clear direction given. the promised parking was a joke. It was full, and i drove around for ages. the noise from the street went on late, even with the windows shut. i think earplugs should come standard.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Camelia Hotel

Are there any ground floor rooms available for guests who have trouble with stairs?

20 November 2024

There are no lifts available, but several ground floor rooms are offered both in the main building and the annex. It's recommended to mention any specific requirements when booking to ensure accommodation needs can be met.

Is the parking area large enough to accommodate a van?

5 January 2025

Yes, the parking facility is spacious enough for van parking.

What does 'free public parking available on site' mean?

12 February 2025

The hotel features a large free car park at the rear, accessible to all. While spaces cannot be reserved, there is ample room for 80+ vehicles, ensuring there's usually availability.

Are there vegan breakfast options available?

23 March 2025

Yes, there are vegan breakfast choices. It's best to inform at the time of booking and again during check-in to ensure the requests are noted.

Will every room have a television?

15 April 2025

All rooms are equipped with a TV for guest enjoyment.

Can guests bring their small dog to stay at the hotel?

30 May 2025

Pets are allowed, but it's advisable to confirm this directly via phone bookings.

Is breakfast included in the room rate, and what is the price if it's not?

18 June 2025

Breakfast is not included in every room rate unless specifically selected at booking. If it is not included, the cost for breakfast is £14.95; further details can be obtained from reception.

Are there any amenities for early check-in?

29 July 2025

Early check-in can be arranged in advance but is subject to availability.

Is indoor swimming available at the hotel?

20 August 2024

There is no indoor swimming pool, but there is access to one of the world's largest outdoor pools nearby.

What dining options are available at the hotel?

15 September 2024

The hotel offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with breakfast served on weekdays from 07:00 to 10:00 and weekends from 08:00 to 10:00, featuring a varied menu including a Full English breakfast.