Kokova Magazine

If the mark of a great hotel could be measured in love and familiarity then the Walpole Bay Hotel would certainly be the winner in any category. For many, a hotel is a home from home, somewhere to relax and feel at ease, to dine on honest simple food and be treated as one of the family, without having to make the bed!

At the Walpole Bay Hotel, Cliftonville you will experience a bygone age; stepping back straight into a piece of history, complete with old-fashioned hospitality, manners and absolutely the highest level of customer service.

On a recent visit to Margate we checked into the Walpole Bay Hotel. Situated just a mile or so along from the main town and into Cliftonville, the hotel stands high on the cliff, overseeing the town and boasting sea views. Celebrating 100 years of history this magnificent hotel was build in 1914.

After being extended in 1927, a trellis-gated lift was installed to service all five floors and still in full working order today, this now makes up the centrepiece of the Walpole's 'living museum'. Eventually set to encompass the whole hotel, at present the majority of the museum is set across the hallways and corridors of the second floor.

Having grown from a small display of items that remained in the hotel when the current owners moved in, the museum is a growing collection of treasures that have been donated from far and wide, of local interest and fascinating beginnings, by the many visitors who come to stay, fall in love and want to leave behind a part of their own history at the Walpole Bay. Many items are left to the Walpole because the families no longer have a generation to pass down to, many because they are coming home; back to a place and time where they belong.

Also on display throughout the hotel is a large collection of table lining. This Napery is a collective work from past guest who have stayed and taken memories away and recorded them in art on the Walpole's very own linen napkins. These have been returned and framed and now gather on permanent display for all to see. Our very own napkin will soon be joining the collection, telling in pictures the story of our stay and what memories we too took away.

Much has been said about the hotel's museum collection, and while a lot of visitors come to reminisce, re-discover and learn about yesteryears, the Walpole Bay Hotel is more than a living museum. You may feel like you have just stepped through a time-warp as you enter the hotel and it is full to the brim with items from a bygone age. It is decorated to the time from whence it came and if you are looking for modern you may feel you have stepped out of the TARDIS at completely the wrong stop.

But if you are in need of a blanket away from modern life then allow Jane Bishop and her family, her team and hotel to wrap you in warmth, even on the hottest of days, and submerge yourself into the Walpole's heart and surrender your control for a while.

Considering the sizeable collection, the lack of dust throughout the hotel was evident and someone is certainly very proud and proficient in chasing any specks away. There is a mix of decades in the décor and artefacts dotted around the hotel and unless it is a special event or occasion the dress code is informal and not set in the period but guests are more than welcome to come in 1920's fashion whatever the day.

Our room was classic in style, exceptionally clean, and with a bed so comfortable we missed breakfast the next day. Actually we sheepishly emerged past 10am to find the whole breakfast selection still laid out and all the staff waiting for us to eat. I can assure you we were at our table by 8.30am the following day.

This is a dog friendly hotel and as long as you observe a few common-sense rules and don't take your dog into the restaurant then man's best friend has a place at the Walpole too.

Throughout our two-day stay we watched many people pass through the front doors of the Walpole Bay Hotel and all left smiling. In fact, everyone we met smiled throughout their stay. We saw numerous cream teas served in the dining room and out on the veranda, and found the dinner menu carried a solid home-cooked selection. Food is served straight down the line - real home-cooked meals, without fuss yet full of flavour.

Famous guest include Tracey Emin and the Marquess of Bath, and on the piano in the restaurant you will find an extensive collection of framed photographs that include Keith Chegwin, Larry Lamb and Chaz & Dave - to name a few. Everyone is welcomed and all are treated the same; from royalty to workers, with visitors from far and wide. Many people travel over from the continent specifically to come and stay, while others pop down for the day just to enjoy a cream tea.

While you are staying at The Walpole Bay Hotel you will also have access (as long as you book in advance) to the talents in hair and make-up of Jerome Hillion. Squirrelled away at the top of this magnificent building, Jerome has created a little salon oasis. A single seat salon where you can feel like a star.

The natural lighting combined with the theatrical bulbs that frame the large mirror give off a glow that makes self-reflection pleasant, while the experience of total privacy enhances the relaxing atmosphere that is created as Jerome works his magical flair on features and hair.

"Jerome Hillion hair and make up is a unique hairdressing and make up experience, giving you the perfect one to one professional service from start to finish in the most luxurious environment."

To book an appontment with Jerome and discuss your styling needs visit www.jeromehillionhairandmakeup.co.uk

For more information and to book your stay at The Walpole Bay Hotel visit www.walpolebayhotel.co.uk