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4- and 5-star hotels in Southend-On-Sea
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Southend-on-Sea, from sea-front guesthouses to serviced apartments in the town centre. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want a rated stay close to the pier, the seafront or the railway stations.
Staying in Southend-On-Sea
Southend-on-Sea offers a classic British seaside experience with modern comforts. The seafront stretches for miles, with sandy beaches and views across the estuary, while the town centre holds shops, restaurants and theatres, including the Cliffs Pavilion. The pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, and the town works as a base for the Essex coast and nearby countryside.
The hotels on this shortlist sit in three main parts of town. Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre, Seven Hotel and The Ilfracombe House Hotel are in the central seafront and town-centre area, between 0.2 km and 0.6 km from the centre. Suenos Guesthouse, Camelia Hotel and Waverley Guest House sit on Eastern Esplanade at Thorpe Bay, 2.1 km to 2.2 km out, and Roslin Beach Hotel is on Thorpe Esplande at 2.6 km. Holiday Inn Southend and Shoebury Nest lie further east, at 3.4 km and 5.8 km. Couples and short-break visitors tend to prefer the central addresses; families and those wanting quiet choose the esplanade hotels; business travellers have the chain hotel with a fitness centre and business centre.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Suenos Guesthouse
184 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 5-star guesthouse on Eastern Esplanade, 2.2 km from the centre, with a terrace and a bar. Free car parking and free wifi make it easy for drivers and anyone who wants to keep planning simple. Luggage storage helps if you arrive before your room is ready. Wheelchair accessible, it suits guests who prefer a quieter seafront address over the middle of town.
See Suenos GuesthousePier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments
5 Royal Terrace, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSelf-catering apartments on Royal Terrace, just 0.4 km from the centre, with sea views and a garden and terrace. Each apartment has a kitchen, so guests who want to cook for themselves are well served, and family rooms and cots cover those travelling with children. The beach is nearby, and free wifi keeps everyone connected. A 5-star base for longer stays in Southend-On-Sea.
See Pier View Self Catering Luxury ApartmentsElegant & Chic 1BR City Centre 3 mins to HIGH STREET by Luxiety Stays Serviced Accommodation
31 Clarence Street, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 5-star serviced apartment on Clarence Street, 0.2 km from the centre and 3 minutes from the High Street. Pets are allowed, and the central address puts shops and the seafront within easy reach. Suits couples or small families who want an apartment rather than a hotel room.
See Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre 3 mins to HIGH STREET by Luxiety Stays Serviced AccommodationEntire studio with private parking and balcony
25 Saint Vincent's Road, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereA 5-star studio on Saint Vincent's Road, 0.8 km from the centre, with its own balcony and private parking. The kitchen and kitchenette let guests cater for themselves, and the garden gives an outdoor spot to unwind. Express check-in speeds up arrival. Pets are allowed and the beach is nearby, making it a practical choice for couples or solo travellers who want space and a parking spot.
See Entire studio with private parking and balconyRoslin Beach Hotel
10 12 Thorpe Esplande, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereA 4-star hotel on Thorpe Esplanade, 2.6 km from the centre, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2,563 reviews. Sea views, a restaurant and a bar sit alongside massage and room service, so meals and downtime are covered without leaving the building. Free car parking and free wifi add convenience, and family rooms and cots welcome children. Best for guests who want full hotel service close to the beach.
See Roslin Beach HotelCamelia Hotel
178 Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereA 4-star hotel on Eastern Esplanade in Thorpe Bay, 2.1 km from the centre, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,010 reviews. It offers sea and river views, a restaurant and bar, and breakfast, with free car parking and free wifi. Family rooms, a garden and luggage storage cover longer stays. A good fit for guests who want coastal outlooks and dependable hotel dining on the eastern edge of town.
See Camelia HotelThe Ilfracombe House Hotel near Cliffs Pavilion
9 13 Wilson Road, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 4-star hotel on Wilson Road, 0.6 km from the centre and close to the Cliffs Pavilion. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 330 reviews, it has a restaurant, a bar and room service, plus free car parking and free wifi. Kitchen and kitchenette facilities in some accommodation suit guests who prefer to self-cater. A convenient base for theatre-goers and anyone wanting the town centre within walking distance.
See The Ilfracombe House Hotel near Cliffs PavilionHoliday Inn Southend by IHG
77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereA 4-star Holiday Inn on Eastwoodbury Crescent, 3.4 km from the centre, rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,610 reviews. A fitness centre and gymnasium, restaurant and bar, and business centre make it as useful for work trips as for leisure. Air conditioning, free wifi and free parking are included, and pets are allowed. Suits guests who want reliable chain-hotel facilities and easy road access.
See Holiday Inn Southend by IHGSeven Hotel
5 7 Clifton Terrace, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 4-star hotel on Clifton Terrace, 0.3 km from the centre and rated 4.1 out of 5 from 701 reviews. Sea views, a restaurant and a bar with room service and breakfast cover dining, while air conditioning and free wifi are standard. Family rooms and cots are available. A central choice for guests who want to be steps from the town centre and the seafront.
See Seven HotelShoebury Nest
59A Wakering Avenue Southend On Sea England Ss3 9Bd, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Beach nearby
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA 4-star property on Wakering Avenue, 5.8 km from the centre, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 reviews. It has a garden and terrace, free car parking and free wifi, with beach nearby. Lifts and wheelchair access help guests with mobility needs, and pets are not allowed, which keeps things quiet. Suits guests who want a calm, out-of-town base with parking on site.
See Shoebury NestWaverley Guest House
191 Eastern Esplanade Thorpe Bay Southend On Sea Ss1 3Aa, Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereA 4-star guest house on Eastern Esplanade in Thorpe Bay, 2.2 km from the centre. Sea views and a balcony, a garden and free car parking with free wifi make it straightforward for drivers and anyone wanting coastal outlooks. Family rooms, non-smoking rooms and room service are available. A simple seafront option for couples and families who prefer a smaller guest house.
See Waverley Guest House
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suenos Guesthouse | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 2.2 km |
| Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 0.4 km |
| Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre 3 mins to HIGH STREET by Luxiety Stays Serviced Accommodation | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.2 km |
| Entire studio with private parking and balcony | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 0.8 km |
| Roslin Beach Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.6 km |
| Camelia Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 2.1 km |
| The Ilfracombe House Hotel near Cliffs Pavilion | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 0.6 km |
| Holiday Inn Southend by IHG | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 3.4 km |
| Seven Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 0.3 km |
| Shoebury Nest | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 5.8 km |
| Waverley Guest House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 2.2 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Family rooms appear at Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Roslin Beach Hotel, Camelia Hotel, The Ilfracombe House Hotel, Holiday Inn Southend by IHG and Seven Hotel. The apartments add a kitchen, dishwasher and cot, and the esplanade hotels place you near the beach. Holiday Inn Southend adds a fitness centre, while The Ilfracombe House Hotel has a kitchenette and shuttle service.
Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments · Roslin Beach Hotel · Camelia Hotel · The Ilfracombe House Hotel near Cliffs Pavilion · Holiday Inn Southend by IHG · Seven Hotel
For couples
Suenos Guesthouse, Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Roslin Beach Hotel and Seven Hotel all pair sea or beach settings with quiet, adult-friendly facilities. Suenos Guesthouse has a terrace and bar, Roslin Beach Hotel adds massage and a restaurant, Seven Hotel has a balcony and sea views, and the apartments include a patio and garden. All four lie 0.3 km to 2.6 km from the centre.
Suenos Guesthouse · Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments · Roslin Beach Hotel · Seven Hotel
For city centre
Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre, Seven Hotel and The Ilfracombe House Hotel are 0.2 km to 0.6 km from the centre, handy for the shops, theatres and the pier. The Elegant & Chic apartment allows pets and has a washing machine and oven, and Seven Hotel and The Ilfracombe House Hotel both run restaurants.
Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments · Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre 3 mins to HIGH STREET by Luxiety Stays Serviced Accommodation · Seven Hotel · The Ilfracombe House Hotel near Cliffs Pavilion
For business
Holiday Inn Southend by IHG has a business centre, fitness centre, gymnasium and lifts, and sits 3.4 km from the centre with parking and air conditioning. Roslin Beach Hotel offers 24-hour front desk, express check-in and room service, and Seven Hotel adds a 24-hour front desk, lifts and air conditioning for working stays.
Holiday Inn Southend by IHG · Roslin Beach Hotel · Seven Hotel
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Southend is easily reached from London by train, with services from London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria and from Fenchurch Street to Southend Central. The journey takes under an hour. By road, the A13 and A127 connect the town to the M25 and London. Southend Airport has flights to several European destinations and has its own railway station. Once in Southend, local buses and trains link the town centre, seafront and suburbs. The pier is walkable from the centre, or you can take the pier train. Taxis and ride-sharing are also available. Several hotels here offer free car parking, and some provide a shuttle service.
When to go
The best time to visit Southend is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warmest and most attractions are open. This is also the busiest period, especially on weekends. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, ideal for walking and exploring. Winter can be cold and windy, but the town still has indoor attractions and a festive atmosphere in December.
Questions, answered
Which hotels have parking?
Free car parking is listed at Suenos Guesthouse, Entire studio with private parking and balcony, Roslin Beach Hotel, Camelia Hotel, The Ilfracombe House Hotel, Shoebury Nest and Waverley Guest House. Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre, Holiday Inn Southend by IHG and Seven Hotel also list parking.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre, Entire studio with private parking and balcony, Roslin Beach Hotel and Holiday Inn Southend by IHG. Shoebury Nest states pets are not allowed, and the other listed hotels make no mention of pets in their facilities.
Which hotel is closest to the centre?
Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre is 0.2 km from the centre, followed by Seven Hotel at 0.3 km. Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments is 0.4 km away and The Ilfracombe House Hotel is 0.6 km away, so all four sit within the central area.
Do any hotels have a spa or pool?
None of the hotels on this shortlist lists a pool or a spa. Roslin Beach Hotel does list massage among its facilities, and you can find seaweed treatments. For fitness, Holiday Inn Southend by IHG has a fitness centre and gymnasium.
Which hotels are best for families?
Family rooms are listed at Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Roslin Beach Hotel, Camelia Hotel, The Ilfracombe House Hotel, Holiday Inn Southend by IHG and Seven Hotel. The apartments and The Ilfracombe House Hotel also have kitchen facilities, and Roslin Beach Hotel and Holiday Inn Southend by IHG both have cots.
Which hotel is the top-rated pick?
Shoebury Nest has the highest guest rating, 4.9 out of 5, from 7 reviews, with free parking, a garden and wheelchair access. It is 5.8 km from the centre. Roslin Beach Hotel and Camelia Hotel follow at 4.6 from 2563 and 1010 reviews.
Which hotels are closest to the beach?
Suenos Guesthouse, Roslin Beach Hotel, Camelia Hotel, Waverley Guest House and Entire studio with private parking and balcony all list beach nearby. The first four sit on the Eastern Esplanade or Thorpe Esplande sea front, 2.1 km to 2.6 km from the centre.
Are the hotels suitable for a short break from London?
Trains from London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria and from Fenchurch Street to Southend Central take under an hour. Seven Hotel, Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments, Elegant & Chic 1BR City Centre and The Ilfracombe House Hotel are all 0.2 km to 0.6 km from the centre, so you can walk to the pier and seafront.