Where to stay in Dover before your cruise

Wondering where to stay before your cruise to Dover? Whether you’re arriving the evening before embarkation or turning the start of your holiday into a longer break, choosing the right accommodation can make your journey that little bit easier. From hotels close to Dover’s seafront to charming country house stays and hotels a little further afield, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and travel plans. In this guide, we take a closer look at some of the best places to stay in Dover before or after your cruise, along with a few alternatives elsewhere on the Kent coast. 

With its famous White Cliffs, iconic castle and centuries of maritime history, Dover is an exciting place to begin a cruise. Its location on the Kent coast also means there’s plenty to discover if you decide to arrive a day or two before setting sail. Before booking your pre-cruise accommodation, there are a few things worth considering:

1. Distance from the cruise terminal: If convenience is your priority, staying in Dover keeps you closer to the port. If you’re happy to travel a little further on embarkation day, nearby destinations such as Folkestone and Hythe give you even more choice. 
2. Transportation: It’s important to consider how you’ll get to your accommodation and then to Dover Cruise Terminal. If you’re planning to drive, check the hotel's parking arrangements beforehand. Those who prefer to travel by taxi or public transport may want to check how close these services are to your chosen accommodation. 
3. Duration: An overnight stay might be all you need before your cruise, but arriving earlier gives you the chance to explore and experience the best of Dover and the surrounding areas. 
4. Budget: You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options in Dover to suit different budgets, so think about how much you’d like to spend before booking. 

From seafront hotels to characterful guest houses, there are plenty of places to spend the night before you embark on your cruise. Similarly, there are plenty of options for those who want to extend their holiday with a post-cruise stay, too. Whether you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and convenient or want to make your pre-cruise stay part of your holiday, Dover offers accommodation to suit a range of budgets, travel plans and requirements. 

If you’d like to start your holiday with a little extra indulgence, Dover and the surrounding Kent coast offer several more luxurious places to stay. From a historic hotel overlooking Dover’s seafront to elegant properties in nearby Folkestone and Hythe, there are plenty of ways to make your pre-cruise stay feel like part of the holiday. Here are a few options you might like to consider: 

Waterloo Crescent, Dover, CT17 9BP

Set on Dover’s seafront, Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton could be exactly what you’re looking for. The hotel overlooks the beach and harbour, with views towards the famous White Cliffs, while Dover Marina, the town centre and Dover Priory railway station are all within easy reach. There’s plenty to help you unwind before embarkation day, too. The Waterfront Spa & Health Club offers treatments alongside a sauna, steam room, hot tub and gym, while the hotel also has two restaurants and a waterfront café. 

General information: Check-in is from 3 pm, and check-out is at 12 pm. Free Wi-Fi is available. On-site self-parking is available for a charge, and the hotel has a fitness centre, spa and restaurant. Dover Priory railway station is approximately 0.9 miles away. 

Canterbury Road, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6QX

If you’d prefer to make your pre-cruise stay a countryside escape, Broome Park Hotel offers something quite different to staying in central Dover. Set within a country estate near Canterbury, the hotel’s 17th-century mansion is home to 22 suites, while 14 woodland lodges are dotted around the grounds. There’s plenty to enjoy if you arrive with time to spare. Guests can make use of facilities including golf, tennis, squash and croquet, while the Peacock Restaurant serves dishes featuring ingredients sourced from the Kent countryside. Just remember that Broome Park is outside Dover, so factor the onward journey to the cruise terminal into your plans. 

General information: Check-in is from 3 pm, and check-out is by 10 am. Broome Park Hotel is located on Canterbury Road in Barham, between Canterbury and Dover. Dover Cruise Terminal is approximately a 20- to 25-minute drive away. However, it’s important to check the journey time before you leave, in case of traffic or diversions. 

Princes Parade, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6AE

Hythe Imperial Hotel is a four-star hotel overlooking the Kent coast in the seaside town of Hythe. With 92 individually designed rooms and suites, many with sea views, it offers a relaxing alternative for those who don’t mind staying outside of Dover itself. The hotel’s Health Club & Spa features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym, while its 18-hole golf course sits between the Royal Military Canal and the English Channel. For dinner, you can choose from options including the AA Rosette Coast Restaurant and Martello Bar. 

General information: On-site parking is available. The hotel is approximately 12.6 miles from Dover Western Docks Cruise Terminal, which can take around 25 to 30 minutes in a car depending on traffic, so you’ll need to allow additional travel time on embarkation day. 

1-6 Clifton Gardens, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2EB

Another option for those happy to stay a little further along the Kent coast is voco The Clifton Folkestone by IHG. Dating back to 1864, this historic Victorian hotel sits on a clifftop on The Leas, with views across the English Channel. Its Folkestone location also lets you explore somewhere different before making the short journey to Dover. You won’t need to venture far for dinner either. The hotel is home to the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, while the Coral Bar & Lounge provides a relaxed spot for a drink overlooking the sea. 

General information: Check-in is from 3 pm, and check-out is by 11 am. Wi-Fi is available, as is car parking, although spaces are subject to availability and restrictions, and charges may apply. Getting from Folkestone to the cruise terminal usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes by car, making this a practical alternative if you don’t need to stay right beside the cruise port. However, it’s important to check the journey time before you leave, in case of traffic or diversions. 

If location and convenience are higher priorities, Dover also has several familiar hotel brands to choose from. These can be particularly practical for a one-night stay when you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and cosy before heading to the cruise terminal. Staying in Dover can also be a great option if you’d like to spend some time exploring the town and its attractions without travelling too far before embarkation. 

Singledge Lane, Whitfield, Dover, CT16 3EL

Located in Whitfield, a little outside Dover town centre, Holiday Inn Dover could be a great choice for those travelling by car. Its location offers easy access to Dover while keeping you away from the busier town centre. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant and fitness centre, plus Wi-Fi and parking, giving you the essentials for a restful overnight stay before your cruise. 

General information: Check-in is from 2 pm, and check-out is by 11 am. On-site parking is available to registered hotel guests, subject to availability.

Unit 8, St James Street, Dover, CT16 1QD

If you’re searching for somewhere central, comfortable and convenient, Travelodge Dover is located on St James Street and is around five minutes by car, depending on traffic, from the Port of Dover. Its town-centre setting also puts you within easy reach of Dover’s shops and places to eat if you arrive with time to explore. The hotel has an on-site Bar Café serving breakfast and evening meals, as well as air-conditioned rooms and Wi-Fi. Dover Castle, the White Cliffs and Western Heights are all within two miles, making it a useful base if you’re planning a little sightseeing before you sail. 

General information: Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and charges may apply. Accessible rooms are available, and the hotel is staffed 24 hours a day. 

Marine Court, Marine Parade, Dover, CT16 1LW 

If staying close to the action is a priority, Premier Inn Dover (Eastern Ferry Terminal) is another convenient option. Set on Dover’s seafront, the hotel provides easy access to the town centre and local attractions, while some rooms offer sea views across the harbour. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and evening meals, alongside a choice of double, twin, family and accessible rooms. Although the hotel is named after Dover’s Eastern Ferry Terminal, cruise passengers usually embark from the Western Dock, so you’ll still need to make the short onward journey to the cruise terminal. 

General information: On-site car parking is available; charges may apply. Allow time for the journey to Dover Cruise Terminal on embarkation day, particularly during busy periods.