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The Reading Rooms

Stay at The Reading Rooms, a 4.7-rated elegant B&B in Margate with period decor, free WiFi, LGBTQ+ friendly, near Turner Contemporary and Margate train station.

31 Hawley Square, Margate CT9 1PH, United Kingdom View on map
9.4/10
Exceptional Based on 53 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Room service Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Elegant comfort in a charming Georgian setting

Guests highlight the spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and luxurious bathrooms, complemented by exceptional breakfasts and welcoming, attentive hosts. The property’s peaceful location close to cultural attractions is equally appreciated.

Guests often praise

  • Spacious, tastefully decorated rooms with period features and large bathrooms.
  • Delicious, thoughtfully prepared breakfasts, often noted as a highlight.
  • Warm, accommodating hosts who balance friendliness with privacy.
  • Convenient location near Margate’s beach, galleries, and eateries.
  • Peaceful setting overlooking a leafy, residential square.

Worth knowing

  • The property is a small B&B rather than a hotel, reflecting a boutique, intimate atmosphere.
  • Breakfast is typically delivered to the room, adding to the relaxed experience.
  • Rooms like the Salon and attic room differ slightly in style and views.
  • Some guests mention the focus on understated luxury rather than modern high-tech amenities.

Best for

  • Couples and solo travelers seeking a quiet, charming base to explore Margate.
  • Guests who appreciate elegant period decor and boutique accommodations.
  • LGBTQ+ friendly travelers looking for welcoming and inclusive stays.
  • Art and culture enthusiasts visiting nearby attractions like Turner Contemporary.
  • Visitors who value personalized service and gourmet breakfast experiences.
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About this property

Welcome to The Reading Rooms

Situated in a Georgian townhouse overlooking a leafy square, The Reading Rooms offers an elegant bed and breakfast experience with a focus on period decor and a refined atmosphere. Guests can enjoy genteel rooms that feature original Georgian elements alongside modern amenities such as free WiFi. Reviews frequently highlight the spacious, tastefully designed interiors and large bathrooms equipped with quality toiletries, underlining the property's understated luxury.

The property is well placed for visitors keen to explore Margate’s cultural attractions. It is a short walk from the Turner Contemporary gallery and Margate train station, making it convenient for those arriving by public transport. Nearby points of interest include Dreamland Margate and the Shell Grotto, both within easy reach for guests looking to combine seaside charm with local history and entertainment.

The Reading Rooms is noted for its welcoming and thoughtful hosts, providing a high standard of hospitality without being intrusive. Breakfast, often praised in guest reviews for its variety and quality, is served to rooms, adding a level of comfort and privacy. This, combined with its LGBTQ+ friendly stance, makes it a suitable choice for travelers seeking a quiet, tasteful retreat in a central location.

Guests looking for accommodation options close by will find several alternatives within easy distance, including boutique guest houses and larger hotels, allowing for a variety of preferences and budgets. Overall, The Reading Rooms appeals to visitors who appreciate a blend of historical character, attentive service, and easy access to Margate’s attractions.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Room service
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Parking
Accessible
Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

MR
Matthew Roberts Apr 19, 2026
10

Thanks for a wonderful couple of days in Margate. Great location in a beautiful house. The attic room was spacious and immaculate. The breakfast was fantastic with a wide range on the menu. The bathroom was also huge with wonderful bathing products.

FK
Freya K Apr 01, 2026
10

We had a lovely weekend at the Reading Rooms - the Salon room where we stayed is so tastefully designed and comfortable. Louise and Liam were great hosts - very thoughtful and what a delicious breakfast. Such a treat.

HM
Helena Moss Mar 25, 2026
10

Just came back from a two night stay at the Reading rooms. The room was absolutely stunning, with beautiful interior. The bathroom was enormous with a fabulous shower and bath. We loved all the toiletries too, honestly felt like we were in a spa! The breakfast both days was amazing, in particular the cream cheese and smoked salmon. The location is great, on a residential square about a five/ten minute walk to the old town and beach. Couldn’t recommend enough and we will definitely be back!

NR
Natasha Renwick Mar 05, 2026
10

We just had a sublime one night stay at The Reading Rooms. Liam and Louise were truly excellent hosts, very welcoming and accommodating whilst also leaving us to our privacy. The Salon is a stunning light-filled Georgian room with peaceful views out onto the leafy square - the epitome of understated luxury and a gorgeous bathroom to boot. And breakfast was delicious! Highly recommend.

TR
Tomasz Rydzewski Feb 04, 2026
10

Lovely, boutique place to stay with spacious rooms. Walking distance from the beach and all the best food / coffee places. Breakfast server in the room and helpful hosts.

KJP
Kyle John Probert Jan 30, 2026
10

A fantastic option to explore Margate. A short walk to the coastline, art galleries, coffee etc etc. The breakfast is exceptional, the room is tasteful and spacious with sea views. Highly recommend, would happily book again.

LB
lou burrows Dec 31, 2025
10

Fabulous small guest house/hotel in beautiful central square. Wonderful hosts, beautiful bedroom and enormous bathroom and delicious breakfast delivered to our room in a basket just perfect.

SM
sam maud Dec 23, 2025
10

We had a two night stay in the Salon. From arrival to departure it was fabulous. The rooms are spacious, tastefully renovated with understated luxury. Original Georgian windows and shutters, with a small metal balcony looking over a London style square. Louise and Liam are great hosts and serve the most delightful breakfasts. Nothing is too much trouble.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Reading Rooms

Margate, United Kingdom

Set in a Georgian townhouse overlooking a tree-lined square, this polished bed-and-breakfast is a 9-minute walk from the Turner Contemporary gallery and a 14-minute walk from Margate train station.

  • Margate 14 min Walk
  • Mill Lane 2 min Walk
  • Cecil Street Council Offices (Stop M) 2 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 2 hr Car · 2 hr 54 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 1 hr 38 Car · 2 hr 57 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 1 hr 50 Car · 3 hr 6 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Margate. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Turner Contemporary 3,843 reviews

Turner Contemporary

Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG, United Kingdom

4.1 · Art Gallery
Dreamland Margate 7,071 reviews

Dreamland Margate

Hall by the Sea Rd, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ, United Kingdom

4.1 · Amusement Park
Shell Grotto 2,663 reviews

Shell Grotto

33 Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BU, United Kingdom

4.5 · Museum
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