Whitstable Caledonia

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled into Alberta Holiday Park to find the Whitstable Caledonia, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into. The setting threw me off a bit (it’s actually within a holiday park, which sounds way more caravan-heavy than it actually is), but this place turned out to be one of those pleasant surprises that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special.

What strikes you immediately is how they’ve managed to create this boutique vibe without trying too hard, you know? The rooms have this eclectic, almost artistic feel – think carefully curated vintage pieces mixed with modern touches, but not in that overly Instagram-perfect way that makes you afraid to touch anything. I mean, my room had these gorgeous original features that you just don’t find in chain hotels, and honestly, the attention to detail was impressive. The beds are proper comfortable too, which matters more than people admit when they’re writing reviews. You can actually hear the sea from some rooms when the wind’s right, which is pretty magical when you’re drifting off at night.

The location grows on you once you realize what you’re working with here. Yes, you’re technically in a holiday park, but Whitstable town center is literally a short walk away – and I’m talking about proper Whitstable, with those famous oyster bars and the harbourside bustle that gets absolutely mental during summer weekends. The owners clearly know their stuff about the area and they’re genuinely helpful with recommendations, not just pointing you toward the obvious tourist traps. They sent me to this little seafood spot that I never would’ve found otherwise, tucked away from the main drag where the locals actually eat. Parking’s straightforward here too, which anyone who’s tried to drive into Whitstable proper on a sunny Saturday will appreciate – it’s like gold dust finding a spot near the beach normally. The whole place has this relaxed, slightly bohemian atmosphere that feels authentic rather than manufactured. It’s not trying to be London-fancy or countryside-twee; it’s just confidently doing its own thing. Check-in was refreshingly personal – actually felt like arriving at someone’s well-designed home rather than processing through a hotel machine. Sure, it doesn’t have a star rating or all the corporate polish some people expect, but that’s exactly what makes it work. If you’re after cookie-cutter luxury, this probably isn’t your place, but if you want somewhere with genuine character that puts you right in the heart of one of Kent’s most charming coastal towns, the Caledonia delivers.