the sheldon hotel

REVIEW | Monticelli (May 2011)

the sheldon hotelThe Sheldon, situated a stone's throw from the picture postcard seafront, re-opened in May 2011 with a new look and feel to become genteel Eastbourne's latest boutique hotel.

Tennis-mad owner Simon Harris only came across the centrally-located establishment whilst visiting the 2010 AEGON International, and has transformed what was a bland run-of-the-mill hotel into a luxurious place to stay.

No parking problemSince parking is now at a premium since town centre parking charges came into force in 2009, the provision of on-site private parking for hotel guests at The Sheldon is a real advantage. Although a car is not really required with everything - the beach, bandstand, the pier, public transport, restaurants, shops and theatres - within only a short stroll.

The new, refined Sheldon is perfectly placed for the set of annual tennis events at nearby Devonshire Park as well as a beach holiday.

As it is so reasonably priced and neatly tucked away just behind the busy town centre, there is every opportunity to explore intriguing bars/cafes, exquisite restaurants and exciting shops.

The location of Burlington Road has always been a favourite for the influential Duke of Devonshire - who still owns most of the land in Eastbourne - and his friends, especially with the pretty train station just a five minute walk away.

Spacious and light roomsThe stylish Sheldon offers high quality bed and breakfast accommodation, with a choice of beautifully decorated classic single-, double-, twin- or family-rooms helping to create a perfect holiday in style. For those who will not compromise, the hotel has introduced a handful of luxury suites.

However, all of the bedrooms have been wonderfully thought out and designed with each boasting ensuite bathrooms or shower rooms and flat screen satellite television.

The smart Sheldon brands itself as "an unique experience with a personal approach". They certainly keep to their promise with top-class accommodation, stunning guest lounges as well as conference and meeting rooms. But if you find that you cannot get away from the modern world then use the razor-fast free wireless internet service to surf until your heart is content.

The impressive Sheldon ensures that all their guests are made to feel comfortable while they are enjoying their stay, and the breakfast room gives off an uplifting ambience due to the way that the light and sunshine streams in - aided by a really tasty breakfast.

thelocation

Burlington RoadJust off seafront | This boutique hotel is conveniently placed for everything the town has to offer, including the fashionable seafront - tempting to sneak off for a paddle, swim or stroll - and boasts extremely useful car parking spaces. This makes it a perfect base to visit Devonshire Park, Eastbourne Theatres and the Towner Art Gallery - each a five minute walk away - to make The Sheldon Hotel ideal to visit during the tennis events and/or for a beach holiday at Britain's sunniest town.

Near town centre | Less than a five minute walk to the heart of Eastbourne, The Sheldon Hotel offers excellent access to all points of interest - bars, cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops.

Away from the hustle and bustle there is the chance to stroll or jog along the beach during the day or visit the quaint seafront when the pier and decorations light up

thereception

Modern receptionEntrance | After entering the less than spectacular building, a few steps forward bring you to a narrow reception area where you greeted by efficient and friendly staff. The recently renovated comtemporary twist completes a welcoming entrance for guests.

Well thought-out | Guests are welcomed with a smile and made to feel at ease, handed keys and well informed about the facilities that the hotel offers - including the bonus of small lifts and on-site parking. Reception offers a range of useful products for guests to borrow - such as alarm clocks, fans, hot water bottles, hairdryers and ironing facilities.

thelounges

Sheldon oozes styleLicensed to thrill | Yet to be bustling - since the new-look boutique hotel is relatively unknown - there are a range of different licensed lounges (with free wi-fi) that will suit business people, couples and families alike with a sleek ambience.

Thinking person's place | The compact area boasts an array of books and board games so that guests will never be bored if there is the rare rainy day at the seaside town. This completely caters for the type of guests that are expected, which makes a wondrous place to recline and escape from the world by sinking into a good novel or challenging game for the more competitive visitors.

thebedrooms

Sheldon bedooms have styleTouch of luxury | Some rooms at the front boast an oblique sea view, albeit relatively small.

The types of room vary in size and style, getting more luxurious and comfortable as the rates increase.

All mod cons are catered for, assisted by beautiful bedding, fashionable furniture and textured wallpapers, including wall-mounted flatscreen televisions. Each room has a touch of luxury with an elegant ensuite bathroom or shower room.

thebathroom/shower room

Glitz & glamour | Compact designer bathrooms serve all the necessary functions with style, boasted by well-known bath products. The new colour-coded bathrooms often guests the chance to relax by getting clean and washing off all that excess sand from the nearby beach - or sweat of playing tennis.

The sleek and modern bathrooms are a joy to use, greatly assisted by the mounds of fluffy towels.

thebreakfast

Beautiful breakfast roomDrinks | Fruit juice, freshly-brewed coffee and an excellent selection of teas and infusions (Earl Grey, English breakfast tea, fruit tea and herbal infusions).

Continental style | Displayed by a stunning bay window buffet in the breakfast room with a choice of cereals, cheese, fresh fruit, ham, muffins, rolls and toast with honey and preserves.

Cooked to perfection | Among the cooked options are the traditional full English breakfast, the classic eggs Benedict, smoked kipper and the modern-day favourite of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon.

Room service | For those who prefer breakfast delivered to their bedroom, simply pre-order what you want from reception. However, there is an £5 surcharge for breakfast delivery service per room.

theinternet

Everybody's surfing | Free wireless Internet access on the ground floor of the new-look hotel is a real plus nowadays, especially for those with smartphones and netbooks.

Any print outs of emails can be arranged via the reception area.

thebottomline

Friendly welcome at the SheldonBoutique hotel | The perfectly placed location is excellent for the bandstand, beach, tennis courts, theatres and town centre. The new-look hotel has improved out of all recognition with an appealing irenic ambience courtesy of fashionable rooms throughout as well as friendly staff members.

The sophisticated Sheldon has a range of elegant and enchanting rooms to suit all budgets, with the flat screen satellite televisions not intrusive to the swanky bedrooms. The extremely spacious suites make the stay a much more enjoyable experience with enormous king-size beds and a widescreen television meaning that you may find yourself spending hours indulging yourself in opulence.

thegood

Best thing | Incredibly convenient for the everything in Eastbourne - bandstand, beach, pier, restaurants, shops, theatres, tennis, town centre and train station - with private on-site parking for all guests.

thebad

Worst thing | The front of the building fails to prepare you for the tasteful redecoration of the sophisticated and sumptuous Sheldon, so be surprised - pleasantly surprised - by the stylish interior.