With its special brand of relaxed professionalism, the Kelly family’s renowned beachside hotel sums up all that is best about the sunny south-east for many regular visitors.
Perhaps it’s because its history in the same family spans three centuries, so there’s not a lot they don’t know about keeping guests happy - quite simply, the hotel has everything, for both individuals and families.
Its special qualities are so wide-ranging that it’s hard to know where to begin - will it be with the stunning art collection they have built up over the years, the exceptional leisure and pampering facilities (constantly updated), or perhaps the unusual amount of ‘personal space’ offered in a series of comfortable lounging areas around the hotel; for some the highlight of the hotel is the two excellent restaurants.
Along with exceptional hospitality (and a no conference/event policy), its key appeal is that there is genuinely something for everybody, so people with different interests can do their own thing (or nothing at all) then meet up with friends and family over dinner to chat about their day.
In summer it’s the in-place for family holidays - there’s a crèche, playroom and a children’s playground - but people travelling without children will be glad to know that the number permitted at any one time is limited, to prevent creating an imbalance.
Many of the 118 bedrooms have sea views (the best have balconies), and even now, when so there is so much competition between hotels to offer the best leisure facilities, Kellys remains right up there at the top, with two indoor swimming pools, a ‘SeaSpa’ well-being centre (11 treatment rooms, seawater vitality pool, steam room, rock sauna and much else besides), indoor tennis, and - a bit of fun for Francophiles - boules.
Lots to do nearby too, including golf of course. Outside the summer holiday season (end June-early Sept), ask about special breaks (including special interest breaks), when rates are reduced.
Diners will enjoy quality meals where ingredients are carefully sourced, using local seasonal produce as much as possible and options include Beaches Restaurant and the 70 seater La Marine which is the informal restaurant with its own separate entrance.
