Clifton Hotel

The hotel's stunning sea views and prime cliff-top location are a signature feature, offering guests a memorable coastal experience. This traditional Scarborough hotel has recently undergone significant refurbishment, blending its historic charm with modern comfort. It is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples seeking a tranquil getaway with picturesque vistas, as well as dog owners due to its accommodating pet policy. Guests consistently praise the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the attentive and friendly staff who contribute significantly to a positive stay. To maximize your visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for an even more breathtaking outlook, and be sure to inquire about the various parking solutions upon arrival to ensure a smooth experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of in-room amenities, including a TV, fridge, coffee machine, iron and board, fan, and heater, ensuring a comfortable stay. While some guests appreciate the convenience of these provisions, a few note that coffee pods for the machine may incur an extra charge. The hotel features a bar which, while serving good quality food, typically closes by 10 PM, and operates on a cashless basis. The lift is frequently mentioned as being outdated and small, sometimes posing a challenge for guests with wheelchairs or requiring manual door operation. Most guests find the Wi-Fi to be an issue, noting it is not free and often has poor signal strength within the rooms, which can be inconvenient for those needing to stay connected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests overwhelmingly commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, fresh, and well-maintained. Room comfort receives mixed feedback; while many find the beds comfortable and appreciate the high-quality linens, some describe beds as too firm or note issues with two single beds pushed together. Room sizes vary, with some guests finding them spacious and others describing them as small or narrow, though still comfortable for short stays. Bathrooms are generally reported as clean and often appear newly renovated, with good showers, though some are noted to be small or have design quirks. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a quiet stay, though occasional reports of squeaky floorboards, banging doors, or noise from upstairs are mentioned. Room temperature can be an issue, with some rooms being too hot and windows often painted shut or only opening slightly, though fans and heaters are provided.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives positive feedback, often described as delicious, plentiful, and offering excellent value. Guests appreciate the wide variety of choices available, noting that food is regularly replenished and served hot. While the overall quality is generally praised, some guests have expressed minor dissatisfaction with the quality of sausages or the taste of coffee from the coffee machine. The breakfast service style can vary, sometimes being table service and other times self-service. For evening meals, the hotel's bar provides substantial and good quality food options, though it primarily serves snacks rather than a full restaurant menu, which some guests find restrictive. Additionally, a few guests have commented that the prices for food and drinks at the bar can be on the higher side.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location, particularly for the North Bay area, offering stunning sea views and proximity to various attractions. It is conveniently situated within walking distance of the Open Air Theatre, Peasholm Park, and the Sealife Centre, making it ideal for sightseers and event-goers. While close to the North Bay beach, reaching the South Beach may require a bit more of a trek. The hotel is also well-connected to local bus services and is considered a quiet area. Parking is a significant topic; while on-site parking is available for a fee, spaces are limited. Guests are often advised to inquire about parking options upon arrival, as street parking with disc zones can offer free alternatives for shorter stays, though this requires careful timing.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews, described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming. Many guests highlight their efficiency and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with various requests, such as reserving parking, booking breakfast, or accommodating specific room needs like a bath or allergy considerations. The check-in process is frequently noted as quick and easy, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Guests appreciate the overall positive demeanor of the entire team, from reception to housekeeping, who are seen as a credit to the hotel. The commitment of the staff to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and eager to return, often citing their positive interactions as a key reason for a pleasant stay.

Additional Information
The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, though guests should be aware of an additional charge per night for dogs. Some pet owners noted challenges with finding suitable outdoor areas and reported a fusty smell in some allocated dog rooms, particularly where windows do not open fully. It is also important to note that dogs are not permitted in the main dining room. The hotel has undergone significant recent refurbishment, which has greatly improved its interior, though some guests still perceive the decor as dated, contributing to an "old-world charm" for others. The lift is frequently mentioned as being old-fashioned, small, and sometimes problematic, requiring manual door operation. Guests also noted a hotel policy of leaving keys at reception when leaving the hotel, and some found the presence of detailed hotel rules in the room to be somewhat off-putting. The bar operates on a cashless payment system.