Royal Hotel

The hotel offers a quintessential English seaside experience, with its prime beachfront location being its signature feature, providing many guests with stunning sea views and balconies. This historic establishment is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families needing spacious accommodations, and sightseers or explorers keen to discover the town's attractions, pier, and castle, all within easy walking distance. Dog owners will find the hotel exceptionally welcoming, as pets are allowed throughout the premises. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and attentive staff and the generally comfortable beds. While many appreciate the hotel's traditional charm, a recurring theme is that the property, being an older building, appears tired in some areas and could benefit from renovation. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a sea-facing balcony for breathtaking views, and be prepared for potential noise from creaky floors or road traffic due to the building's age.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently comment on the hotel's amenities, though feedback on Wi-Fi connectivity is mixed, often described as unreliable or weak in certain rooms. The hotel features a lift, but it only serves the first floor, which can be an inconvenience for guests staying on higher levels. There are cosy lounge areas and a bar area that provide a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation. A significant highlight for many is the hotel's dog-friendly policy, allowing pets in various areas, though a nightly fee applies. While specific recreational facilities like a fitness center or pool are not widely mentioned, the overall traditional charm and comfortable common spaces contribute to a pleasant stay. Some guests appreciate the provision of fresh milk in a flask for in-room tea and coffee, a thoughtful touch.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and condition is varied. Many guests find the rooms spacious and the beds very comfortable, often highlighting the large bathrooms and the provision of quality toiletries. Some rooms boast luxurious features like roll-top baths or balconies with excellent views. However, a notable number of reviews describe the rooms as tired, shabby, or in need of renovation, citing issues such as chipped paint, worn carpets, or mould in showers. Noise can be a concern for some, particularly from creaky floorboards in rooms above or road traffic due to single-glazed windows, which can disturb sleep. While coffee and tea making facilities are provided, some guests note the absence of a mini-fridge in the room.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives considerable attention, with breakfast consistently praised as excellent and delicious, offering a wide choice of freshly cooked options. Guests particularly enjoy the full English breakfast and the option for breakfast in the room or on a balcony with a sea view. While many find the evening meals to be very good and high-quality, some reviews indicate a mixed experience, describing the food as average, overcooked, or overpriced, with occasional concerns about portion sizes or ingredient quality. The bar is often commended for its good atmosphere and selection of local ales. Specific dishes like fish and chips, steak, and various specials receive both positive and negative comments, suggesting an inconsistent culinary experience for some.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw, situated directly on the beach and offering easy walking access to the town center, the pier, and nearby attractions like the castle. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the area and enjoying seaside activities. Parking is a frequently discussed topic, as the hotel does not have its own car park, relying instead on a council pay-and-display car park adjacent to the property. Guests often find this parking to be expensive and sometimes difficult to secure a space, with issues reported regarding payment machines or mobile apps. While some reviews mention the convenience of public parking nearby, the cost and availability are consistent points of feedback, often requiring daily payment. The hotel's position provides excellent views and convenient access to local amenities.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, frequently described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Many reviews highlight their willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay, from smooth check-in processes to accommodating specific requests, such as room changes or providing fans. Guests appreciate the attentive service provided by reception, bar, and restaurant staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. While the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention instances of slow service during busy periods or minor communication issues. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing excellent customer service is a recurring and highly valued aspect of the guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel's dog-friendly policy is a notable feature, allowing pets throughout the premises, including the restaurant, which is highly appreciated by dog owners. However, guests should be aware of a £20 per night fee for dogs, which some find to be on the expensive side. As a historic building, the hotel possesses unique charm and character, with many guests enjoying its traditional ambiance and links to the past. This historical nature also means some traditional features like single-glazed windows are present, which can contribute to noise or temperature variations. Guests have occasionally noted issues with booking discrepancies or cancellation policies, particularly regarding charges for no-shows at events, which has led to some dissatisfaction. The hotel's overall ambiance is often described as cosy and welcoming, with many appreciating its unique historical feel.