The Ship & Trades Hotel Chatham Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Maritime Way, Chatham Maritime, Chatham (Kent), ME4 3ER

Near the Historic Dockyard Chatham

Great

8.4

8.6

/10

4.0

3.8

"Our room had plenty of space for our two retrievers, supplied with two dog beds, two water bowls, and two food bowls with some tasty treats inside them."

MairDyer from United Kingdom

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"The location was fantastic and very handy as we were visiting the historic Chatham dockyard nearby."

Gillian from United Kingdom

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"Nice room (superior double) with a great view over the marina, in a good location for boaty types and area visitors."

Antonia

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Boutique Hotel with Panoramic Views of Chatham Marina

Location

The Ship & Trades is situated along the Chatham dockside, overlooking one of the yacht basins at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard. Guests enjoy panoramic views across the River Medway and can see the iconic Upnor Castle from the restaurant and outdoor seating areas. The hotel is within a short taxi ride from central Chatham and a 10-minute walk to key attractions such as Dickens World and The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Accommodation

The hotel boasts 15 boutique bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the area's nautical heritage. Many rooms offer spectacular marina views, with two featuring private waterfront balconies. En-suite bathrooms are standard, and all accommodations come equipped with contemporary facilities including flatscreen televisions.

Dining

The Ship & Trades showcases a dockside restaurant known for fresh, locally-sourced cuisine and a diverse menu. Guests can indulge in handmade stone-baked pizzas, pub classics, and gourmet burgers grilled to perfection. The bar offers a selection of local cask ales, unique wines, and international lagers, all hosted within impressive waterfront seating.

Special Offerings

Guests can participate in a newly introduced Afternoon Tea experience, featuring a variety of sweet and savoury creations paired with award-winning Birchall teas. The hotel is dog-friendly, allowing guests to enjoy their stay with their pets. Moreover, the establishment is equipped with electric car charging points, supporting sustainable travel.

Entertainment and Activities

Located close to various attractions, the hotel provides access to family-friendly activities. Excursions to historic sites, such as Rochester Castle and Fort Amherst are easy to arrange. Guests can also explore local shopping options at Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, just a brief distance away.

Highlights

Location: Chatham dockside, overlooking the yacht basin

Accommodation: 15 boutique bedrooms with marina views

Dining: Diverse menu including gourmet burgers and stone-baked pizzas

Special Offerings: Afternoon Tea and dog-friendly policy

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Bliss

The breakfast offered eggs benedict, pancakes with fruit and avocado on toast. The food was amazing!

Oliver Smith from Australia

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Guest ParkingParking included

Free and plentiful parking available. A supermarket is conveniently next door. They sign the car in for the stay.

Mei Ling from China

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Room FeaturesNautical Charm

The room decor reflects a nautical theme. Rooms are spacious, with balconies overlooking the harbour.

Carlos Ramirez from Spain

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BathroomBath Time

The room was very clean and spacious, with a big bath tub.

Priya Patel from India

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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Twin Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
No pets allowed
Lift

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Ship & Trades, the onsite dining experience combines stunning marina views with a menu inspired by both British and international cuisines. A vibrant atmosphere caters to everyone, featuring various dietary preferences, and a focus on seasonal ingredients ensures delightful meals at any time of day.

The Ship & Trades Hotel Chatham Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British and International

Ambiance

A family-friendly venue with a modern design and glass-panelled wrap-around architecture that offers breathtaking marina vistas.

Key Offerings

Delight in seasonal menus that accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking gluten-free or dairy-free options. Indulge in a complimentary full breakfast and enjoy the inviting terrace and garden.

Reservation

Recommended for dinner service.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday to Sunday, with extended hours on Saturdays.

The Ship & Trades Location

Maritime Way, Chatham Maritime, Chatham (Kent), ME4 3ER

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

3300 ft

Church

Rochester Cathedral

1.7 mi

Landmark

Medway Queen

4600 ft

Castle

Rochester Castle

1.7 mi

Landmark

HMS Cavalier

4100 ft

Stadium

Priestfield Stadium

1.6 mi

Museum

Royal Engineers Museum

1.2 mi

Landmark

Great Lines Heritage Park

1.4 mi

Castle

Fort Amherst

1.2 mi

Park

Medway Park

1.3 mi

Museum

Guildhall Museum

1.6 mi

Cemetery

Chatham Naval Memorial

1.3 mi

Landmark

Cockham Wood Fort

5100 ft

Church

Gillingham Spiritualist Church

1.3 mi

Landmark

Nucleus Arts Creative Riverside Hub

1.4 mi

Landmark

Sun Pier House Gallery

1.4 mi

Nearby

Shopping Area

Dockside Outlet Centre

1100 ft

Leviathan Way

Copper Rivet Distillery

1800 ft

Restaurants

Creams Cafe

900 ft

Jetty 5 Chatham Quays Dock Head Road Chatham Maritime

The Panini Brothers

600 ft

Dock Head Road Unit 61/62 Dockside Outlet Centre

Taco Bell

1000 ft

The Wharf Dock Head Road The Quays Unit 2

Pier Five

1100 ft

Dock Head Road

Fireaway Chatham

900 ft

Dock Head Road Jetty 5

Zippers Restaurant

800 ft

Restaurant

The Broadwick Chatham

900 ft

Dock Head Road Unit 8

Burger King

1200 ft

62 & 63 Dockside Outlet Centre Maritime Way

Explore Chatham (Kent)

Local Highlights

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

12-minute walk

A maritime museum showcasing Chatham's naval history with historic ships and interactive exhibits.

Royal Engineers Museum

25-minute walk

Dedicated to the Royal Engineers, featuring fascinating military artifacts and special exhibitions.

Medway Queen

15-minute walk

A historic passenger ferry, now a museum ship, that reflects the rich maritime heritage of the Medway.

Rochester Castle

30-minute walk

Impressive medieval castle with engaging history and stunning views from its tower.

Riverside Country Park

27-minute walk

A serene park featuring trails, wildlife, and stunning river views-ideal for walking and picnicking.

Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre

5-minute drive

Indoor skiing and snowboarding fun for thrill-seekers with rental shops for equipment and lessons available.

Dockside Outlet Centre

4-minute walk

Shopping destination with a variety of outlets, dining, and entertainment options, perfect for families.

Copper Rivet Distillery

7-minute walk

Local distillery offering tours and tastings of artisan spirits, a unique experience for adults.

The Panini Brothers

3-minute walk

A casual eatery with gourmet paninis and friendly service, catering to vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Pier Five

4-minute walk

Charming café known for its coffee and cakes, featuring a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for families.

Fireaway Chatham

4-minute walk

Offers delicious, customizable pizzas with quick service, ideal for casual meals after a day of activities.

Creams Cafe

4-minute walk

Dessert café known for its extravagant sundaes and milkshakes, perfect for a sweet treat after dinner.

Medway Park

25-minute walk

Community sports facility offering a range of activities and fitness classes for all ages and interests.

Gigabit Speed Night Club

6-minute drive

Popular nightlife venue featuring local DJs, themed nights, and a vibrant atmosphere for young adults.

Sun Pier House Gallery

25-minute walk

Art gallery hosting exhibitions and events, great for family-friendly outings and local cultural experiences.

The Brook Theatre

8-minute drive

Historic theater showcasing performances, including live music and community events for all ages.

Getting around town

City Centre
Chatham (Kent) 32 min · 1.6 mi
Airports
London City (LCY) 78 min · 32.3 mi
London Southend (SEN) 105 min · 43.3 mi
Train
Chatham Train Station 33 min · 1.7 mi
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-21:30

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Ship & Trades serves a full breakfast for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

8.1 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.7/10

Comfort

8.7/10

Facilities

8.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Location

9.2/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

8.2/10

based on 472 reviews

3.5/5

Elizabeth from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 19, 2025

9.3/10

Wonderful Quayside Stay

warm welcome clean room great breakfast convenient parking

I received a very warm welcome upon arrival. The staff was really lovely. My room was well-equipped and clean. The breakfast included beautiful food and a great view. Parking was very convenient and free for residents.

I did notice a broken paper holder in the bathroom.

Rooms

9/10

The Double Room included great decor and quiet surroundings. Bed linen felt very nice. I rested very well. This room had everything I needed.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel has a lovely bar and restaurant on the quayside. Sitting outside when the sun was out was pleasant. The building looked lovely. The interior was also beautiful.

Service

10/10

Staff provided fresh milk in a flask. It was a great touch. The receptionist explained everything clearly. The service was helpful and friendly. They were really inviting.

Location

9/10

The hotel sits in a great position with views of the marina. A grocery store and a fish-and-chips bar are nearby. Plenty of restaurants and shops are a little further. The location is relaxed.

0 Helpful

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 26, 2025

6/10

Acceptable Stay with Notable Issues

fridge noise no solution

The room had a coffee machine and water, it was a nice touch.

My room was near the CO-OP, I could hear the fridges downstairs all night. This noise made sleeping difficult. Staff mentioned there had been complaints before, but they offered no solutions. The food I ordered was fine, it didn't make up for the lack of sleep, however.

0 Helpful

Rowan from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 21, 2025

9/10