No 42
Warmly minimalist, contemporary-classic. Victorian bones dressed in cream-and-gold interiors, local artwork, vinyl libraries. Lively without being loud. Indie boutique energy with genuinely high standards.
The pantry gets restocked at around 11am daily — best selection if you time it right
Why It Matters
Listed in the Michelin Guide and ranked #2 in Margate on TripAdvisor. Only rooftop bar in Margate. Record players with a curated vinyl library in every room. Prime beachfront position in the Old Town, with the Turner Contemporary gallery a 5-minute walk away. Distinctive Lookout Suites with four-poster beds and copper bathtub couples experience.
No. 42 sits right on the beachfront of Margate's Old Town, in a Victorian building with iron balconies, original cornicing and stained-glass windows that the GuestHouse group has thoroughly overhauled. Opened July 2023 on the site of the former Sands Hotel, it's the go-to address in a town that has been on a creative upswing since the Turner Contemporary opened nearby. Think neutral, warm interiors, art by local illustrators on the walls, Crosley record players in every room, and a complimentary pantry stocked daily with ice cream, sweets and baked goods — it's that kind of place.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Guest Room
The smallest rooms in the hotel, but not cramped. Double beds, great showers, and views over the High Street rather than the sea. All the GuestHouse signatures — record player, Naturalmat mattress with Savoy topper, 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen, Wildsmith toiletries, Frette gowns — are included.
Double
Guest Room with Balcony and Sea View
Combines the smallest room footprint with the best prize: a private balcony looking straight out over Margate's golden bay. Some rooms have shower only (no bath). If the sea view is the priority and budget is a consideration, this is the sweet spot.
Double
Large Guest Room
More space than the standard Guest Room, with a roll-top bath as well as a shower. Views look over the High Street. One of these rooms has a Juliet balcony with French door-style windows. Good option if you want the bath but can live without the sea view.
Double or King
Large Guest Room with Balcony and Sea View
The flagship room in the main building: the largest footprint, a private balcony, separate bath and shower, and a super-king bed facing the sea. This is the one most guests are after on a sunny weekend. Book early.
Super-King
Large Guest Room with Sea View
Extra space plus direct views over the beach and sea — without a balcony. Comes with a roll-top bath alongside a shower. The heritage detailing is at its best in these larger rooms, and the sea views make up for the lack of outdoor space.
Double or King
Lookout Suite
Three suites accessed via a private entrance in an adjacent building, each with floor-to-ceiling picture windows taking in full sea views. Four-poster super-king beds, in-room rolltop baths, double rainfall showers, personal private pantries. Two of the three interconnect. Dog-friendly. This is the top end of what Margate has to offer.
Super-King Four-Poster · 26 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Staff will meet you off your train at Margate station and whisk your luggage back to the hotel on a cargo bike, so you can explore the town bag-free from the moment you arrive. Arrange in advance by emailing reservations.
Golden sand beach directly across the road from the hotel. Beach bags and blankets are provided in some rooms. Note: dogs are prohibited from Margate beach May 1–September 30.
Rolls of Polaroid film available to purchase at reception. Borrow a camera and shoot your way around Margate — prints are yours to keep.
Seasonal DJ sessions on the rooftop bar during summer months. No booking required; first come, first served.
Every room has a Crosley record player with a selection of records. Guests also have access to a curated vinyl library in the hotel to borrow from during their stay.
The hotel is licensed for ceremonies and can host up to 45 guests for a wedding day. The Rooftop Bar is also available for private hire.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A vintage ticket booth-style pantry on the second floor of the main building, stocked daily with pastries, homemade baked goods, ice cream, retro sweets, soft drinks, and fresh fruit. Available 24 hours. Free for all guests.
Cots available on request, some rooms have single sofa beds, and a selection of interconnecting rooms is available for families. Children up to 12 can stay free in certain configurations.
All 21 rooms have air conditioning.
British brand organic toiletries in all rooms. Bramley products in Lookout Suite bathrooms.
Ground-floor terrace at the front of the hotel for drinks and dining throughout the day.
10 private parking spaces on New Street, opposite the hotel entrance. £25 per car per night. Must be pre-booked. If full, Mill Lane multi-storey is a nearby alternative.
Dogs welcome in some rooms (all Lookout Suites are dog-friendly). Bespoke Ivy & Duke dog beds provided. Charge may apply. Dogs banned from Margate beach May 1–September 30.
BUILD YOUR NO 42 BY GUESTHOUSE, MARGATE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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