Adventure Island has been granted permission by Southend-on-Sea City Council to open a seven bedroom hotel above the Sands by the Sea fish and chip shop at the entrance to the attraction, offering guests “entirely uninterrupted views out across the estuary.”
Adventure Island has been granted permission to convert disused office space above the Sands by the Sea restaurant into a seven-bedroom hotel, adding “a very unique offering” to Southend’s existing accommodation provision.
Designed by SKArchitects, the Western Esplanade hotel will see the existing first floor units reconfigured to give guests “entirely uninterrupted views” across the Thames Estuary via enlarged windows and private terraces.
“We’re delighted that the council has supported our proposals to bring further tourist accommodation to Southend’s central seafront,” said Stockvale MD Marc Miller. “This will be a unique destination for all, with immediate access to the excitement of Adventure Island and completely uninterrupted, panoramic views across the estuary to enjoy the most picturesque sunsets.
“With the seafront right on their doorstep, guests will have the perfect base to enjoy everything Southend has to offer. We’re looking forward to getting started on site and, in time, welcoming our first guests.”
Sands By The Sea will continue operating as normal during construction, with hotel guests sharing the existing ground-floor entrance to the restaurant when the hotel opens.
“The provision of hotels within this central area is key to encouraging a vibrant tourist industry and encouraging economic growth,” said a spokesperson for SKArchitects.
“There are a number of hotels in the area including the large offering of The Palace Hotel at the top of the hill, however a hotel as proposed would represent a very unique offering in the city.”
Approving the project, planners said the hotel supported local policies intended to encourage new visitor accommodation within the city’s tourist hotspots.
A room with a view
Marc Miller said… “This will be a unique destination for all, with immediate access to the excitement of Adventure Island and completely uninterrupted, panoramic views across the estuary to enjoy the most picturesque sunsets…
Originally published on Coinslot on August 24, 2026. Republished with permission.