One of our favourite hotel collections, GuestHouse Hotels invited us to experience the delights of No. 42 Margate. This was our third experience with the brand, and we were excited to see how their signature hospitality would translate in this seaside town. And with it being our first visit to Margate, we couldn’t wait to discover what a dog-friendly staycation here could offer – and it quickly became clear that No. 42 Margate is the perfect base for both exploring the town and enjoying some well-earned seaside adventures.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
No. 42 Margate opened in June 2023 as the second hotel from the independent hospitality group, GuestHouse Hotels. Much like our stay at No. 124 Brighton, we somehow managed to pick one of the windiest weeks to visit. We arrived just as the sun was setting, driving through the town with vintage-style seaside shopfronts on our right and the ocean on our left, a first glimpse of where we’d be staying, right on the beach’s doorstep.
The moment we stepped through the front doors, we were welcomed by warm, cosy air – a comforting contrast after being out in the wind and instantly found ourselves in the hotel’s reception and lounge bar. I noticed myself looking around the room, taking everything in and every time, there was something new to notice – striking wall art, a miniature replica of the iconic Margate Ferris Wheel, plush lounge seating perfect for sinking into – all so beautiful. Similar to their properties we’ve experienced in Bath and Brighton, it’s very obvious that a lot of thought has gone into creating a space that’s effortlessly stylish for their guests, blending local charm with thoughtfully designed spaces.
The lounge leads through and opens up to the Pearly Cow, the hotel’s restaurant and part of an independent collection created by the same founders behind GuestHouse Hotels. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly out over the sea, it’s easy to see why it has become a hotspot for dining in Margate and we were looking forward to experiencing it for ourselves.
The team greeted us straight away and in true fashion Moose, stole the show. With a single flutter of his eyelashes, he had everyone’s attention. That dog knows how to work a room! But honestly, it’s clear GuestHouse really loves dogs, and it showed throughout our entire stay.
OUR ROOM
No. 42 Margate has 18 Guest Rooms and 3 Lookout Suites, several of which are dog-friendly. The rooms beautifully combine original features with modern design, and as they say, and I can confirm, are utterly swoon-worthy. We stayed in one of their Large Guest Rooms with a Sea View, and honestly, it felt more like a chic apartment than a hotel room – so much so that we didn’t want to leave.
Where to start? The room was stunning. As we entered, I let Moose off his lead and he immediately made a beeline for the goodies left for him. Our room had its own short corridor leading to the bedroom, with the bathroom on the right. I couldn’t help but notice the roll-top bath with antiqued brass fittings as I walked past – wondering, how many bubble baths could I squeeze into this trip? The corridor then opened into the main bedroom, framed by glass panelling on either side. The king-sized bed was inviting, but what stole the show was the view – stretching across the beach and sea, where we could see so many dogs and their owners enjoying a stroll along the shore.
True to GuestHouse’s reputation for attention to detail, it’s the little touches that make the room so special. Coffee was tucked into the iconic miniature beach hut, and a record player with vinyl’s awaited us on the vanity table. One of the coolest amenities we’ve ever seen was a Polaroid camera with film, left ready for us – a fun, unique way to capture the trip, and something any guest can add to their booking.
Waiting for Moose was a super comfy Ivy & Duke bed, personalised with No. 42 Margate, along with a few extra little surprises we’ll share later on in this blog. I love how much they spoil both their two and four-legged guests.
FOOD AND DRINK
If there’s anything that could have tempted us out of our room, it was the food. The bar, lounge, and Pearly Cow Restaurant as mentioned are all conveniently located on the ground floor, creating a really lovely, connected atmosphere.
We had a reservation for dinner on our first night. Dogs aren’t allowed in the main restaurant for dinner, so we had a table reserved in the lounge, which serves the exact same menu. Maybe it’s the dog-mum in me, but I actually love the calm vibe of the bar area – it’s relaxed, social, and the perfect spot to meet fellow dog parents. During our stay, there were a few other adorable dogs enjoying dinner with their humans which was lovely to see!
Breakfast, however, dogs are welcomed into the restaurant in the mornings, which meant Moose could join us without any fuss, though I’m not sure he fully appreciated the slow seaside breakfast and uninterrupted sea views as much as I did – he was far more interested in charming the team for attention.
As for the food itself? Everything we ate during our stay was genuinely delicious. The breakfast menu had a great mix of classics and lighter options. And the Pearly Cow dinner menu, it was difficult to choose, everything looked so enticing. I started with a selection of the chef’s tacos, made with locally sourced fish and ingredients, and followed it with a classic Sunday roast for my main. I skipped out on dessert (very unlike me), but only because my all-time favourite amenity was calling my name, and that is the guest pantry. Before I get to that, it’s worth mentioning No. 42 Margate also has a rooftop terrace bar. Currently closed for the season, it reopens in Summer ’26 – so I already have the perfect excuse to return!
THE PANTRY
I can’t quite believe I almost forgot to mention the penultimate highlight of our room – which is that its location was on the second floor. Why is that important? Because the second-floor rooms are conveniently just a few steps away from the complimentary, all-you-can-eat guest pantry.
And what is the guest pantry you ask? It’s a little slice of heaven for hotel guests, stocked with everything from pick ‘n’ mix sweets and home-baked treats to fresh fruit, ice cream, crisps, and soft drinks – available any time, day or night. And having it right outside our door? Honestly, it was dangerously easy to keep sneaking in a midnight treat or two (or three…).
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
GuestHouse have always gone above and beyond for dogs, and No. 42 Margate was no exception. They don’t just cater to dogs, they genuinely love them.
In our room, Moose had his own Ivy & Duke bed, fresh bowls, treats, and even a brand-new toy waiting for him – it was like Christmas came early! Every time we wandered around the hotel, or enjoyed a drink or meal in the lounge, the staff couldn’t resist giving him belly rubs and fussing over him. They also shared lots of recommendations for dog-friendly activities in Margate – so many that I wasn’t sure how we’d fit them all in!
Honestly, it makes me so happy to stay somewhere that treats dogs just as well as their human guests. No. 42 Margate really nails what it means to be a dog-friendly destination, making it one of the top choices for a dog-friendly staycation in Margate. And that, of course, brings us nicely to some of the dog-friendly activities and spots we enjoyed during our stay!
LOCATION
The hotel couldn’t be better located, sitting perfectly between the golden stretch of Margate Main Sands and the charm of the Old Town. Everything you could possibly want to see, do, eat, or explore is just a short wander from the front door.
Margate, surprisingly, is a place we’d somehow never visited before. Coming from the Dorset coast, it just wasn’t somewhere that naturally popped into our minds. But from the moment we arrived, I found myself wondering why on earth it had taken me so long. It offers a completely different kind of coastal experience: a blend of classic British seaside nostalgia and vibrant contemporary culture. It’s the kind of place that reminds you of childhood holidays. It feels relaxed, a little quirky, and completely welcoming.
Of course, we have to about Moose’s favourite part, the beach. The fact that we could leave the hotel and be on soft sand within two minutes felt like such a luxury And what really surprised me was how many beaches there are nearby. Within a short 10-minute drive, you’ve got Botany Bay, Joss Bay, Pegwell Bay, Viking Bay… all beautiful, all dog-friendly, and all offering something slightly different. Each one has its own charm, whether you’re after dramatic cliffs, quieter coves, or long stretches perfect for sandy pawprints (just be sure to check the tide times and depending on the time of year you go, it’s worth checking for any seasonal restrictions).
The Old Town was another highlight for us. It’s a wonderful maze of independent boutiques, vintage stores, galleries, and quirky cafés. We spent the afternoon wandering through its colourful streets, discovering little treasures that I didn’t know I needed, taking polaroid photos, and stopping for coffee in one of the many dog-friendly spots that welcomes four-legged visitors. Foodies are spoiled for choice here too. Margate’s food scene is thriving, offering everything from casual beachside bites to elevated dining experiences that showcase local produce.
Margate ended up being one of those places that surprised me in the best way, nostalgic but creative, seaside but stylish, relaxed yet full of personality. And with No. 42 Margate as our base, it all felt incredibly easy and enjoyable. Moose certainly thinks so, anyway.
After three stays with GuestHouse Hotels, I can confidently say they’ve mastered the art of thoughtful hospitality, the kind that feels personal, considered, and full of heart. No. 42 Margate carries that same signature charm we’ve loved in Bath and Brighton, but with its own coastal character woven through every detail. From the beautifully designed rooms and dreamy sea views to the warm, genuine welcome (for both humans and dogs), it’s a hotel that makes you feel instantly at home.
It’s a place we’ll absolutely return to – especially with that rooftop reopening in Summer ’26 (and Moose already planning his next sandy adventure). If you’re looking for a coastal getaway that’s equal parts stylish, welcoming, and wonderfully dog-friendly, No. 42 Margate is the one.