Southend boasts of a number of fine hotels that are ideal for couples or for the whole family. Here's a short list of some of the best hotels in the city.

1. Malvern Lodge

Located at Seaforth Road, the Malvern Lodge is an impressive Victorian guesthouse that's nestled in a serene but accessible locale. The Westcliff station is a few meters down one end of the road while the seafront is on the other end of the same road. Moreover, popular destinations such as the Westcliff Casino, Palace Theatres and the Cliffs Pavilion are merely a short walk away, as are dozens of fine restaurants. A little further away are more attractive venues such as the pier, amusement halls, shopping centres and Southend College. Malvern Lodge provides free parking at the premises. All rooms are equipped with a television, tea and coffee-making facilities, telephone, an iron, desk and lamps.

2. Tower Hotel & Restaurant

The Tower Hotel is one of the best hotels in Southend and is an ideal location for a weekend holiday or a week-long vacation. Rooms are fully self-contained while the hotel's facilities are at par with any other hotel in town. It's location is excellent, right beside a prestigious conservation area and at the very heart of town, just a short walk away from Southend airport, the Kursaal, Southend pier and Westcliff casino. The Southend airport is a few minutes' drive away from the hotel and so are Keymed, Pier hill, Palace Theatre, Cliffs Pavilion, Southend hospital, Adventure Island, Southend Air Show, Southend Borough Council and the Southend United F.C. Being close to the sea certainly has its advantages, as there are plenty of opportunities to windsurf, sail or simply stroll along Southend Beach.

3. The Westcliff Hotel

For a hotel located right on the vibrant seaside resort that provides a breath-taking view of the Thames Estuary, The Westcliff Hotel on Westcliff Parade is the place to visit. At the Westcliff, you won't have to venture far to thoroughly enjoy your holiday, since everything you need is right at your fingertips or just a few short metres away. The Westcliff Hotel is a member of the Zola Hotels group, which also operates the Tophams Hotel in London Belgravia and The Kings Arms in Old Amersham.

4. Rose House Hotel

Located on Manor Road, the Rose House Hotel offers the height of professional and friendly service. Restored to its former glory as a Victorian hotel, this family-run venture boasts of impressive decor, many genuine antiques, impressive mirrors and chandeliers. The hotel has a TV lounge, licensed bar with accompanying piano, free private parking for guests and an outstanding dining room that can accommodate 50 guests at a time. All rooms are decorated in faux Victorian style and are equipped with colour/satellite television, en-suite facilities, tea and coffee making facilities and a radio intercom for listening to baby.

5. Rivington Hotel

Located on Marine Avenue, Rivington Hotel is close to the beach and a short 10-minute walk to the town centre. It's also quite near Cliffs Pavilion as well as both the Westcliff-on-Sea Railway Station and the Southend Central Railway Station. Facilities include a bar, pool table, Sky television and freshly cooked evening mills. Rooms come with bed and breakfast and shower en-suites.

6. Essex County Hotel

Designed as a distinctive Mediterranean style hotel, the Essex County Hotel caters to both leisure and corporate clients. Located on Aviation Way and right next to Southend Airport, the hotel stands on eight acres of land and has 76 en-suite bedrooms as well as parking for around 250 cars. It's a short drive from here to the Southend Pier, beautiful beaches, The Cliffs Pavillion, Sealife Centre, Adventure Island and the town centre. The Essex County Hotel boasts of a cosy Lounge, a well stocked bar and a constantly lit log fire from where you can enjoy a snack of sip your afternoon tea while watching Sky Sports on the Plasma TV. The in-house restaurant is known as The Vineyard and serves a la carte and set price menus along with some fine selections from their comprehensive wine list. Also situated on the premises is the Zero 6 nightclub, regarded as one of Southend's entertainment hotspots, where guests can dance or drink the night away. The Essex County Hotel is also a favourite venue for wedding, anniversaries and other special occasions as well as for corporate meetings and conventions.

7. Cobham Lodge Hotel

Located on Cobham Road, the Cobham Lodge Hotel is ideally situated in close proximity to the Westcliff railway station and near the main road links from London to Southend. As a family-run operation, this hotel has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. However, it still retains the period charm and Edwardian spaciousness of the early 1900s when it was constructed. Facilities include a cosy bar, TV lounge, dining room and game room with pool table. Function rooms are available at the basement. Rooms are equipped with colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities, en-suite facilities and an outstanding view of the sea.