The Grand Hotel

This hotel, a magnificent Victorian building with a distinct old-world charm, stands out for its elegant atmosphere and historical grandeur, offering a unique experience on the seafront. Its heated outdoor pool is a particular highlight, providing a relaxing escape. The hotel is an excellent fit for couples seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating special occasions, and also accommodates families well with its spacious rooms and amenities. Sightseers and explorers will appreciate its prime location, while those who value a traditional luxury experience over modern sleekness will find it particularly appealing. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a refurbished room for a more updated feel, and be sure to pre-book parking due to limited availability.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest feedback is mixed regarding their condition. The outdoor swimming pool is consistently praised as a heated, magical, and sheltered oasis, providing a delightful experience even in cooler weather. In contrast, the indoor pool and spa facilities are frequently described as dated, small, and in need of modernization, with some guests noting issues like decoration falling off or the steam room being out of order. The gym is generally considered well-equipped, though some areas appear tired. Guests appreciate the availability of a snooker room and the hotel's free Wi-Fi. The communal bar and lounge areas are widely enjoyed for their spaciousness, relaxing ambiance, and traditional quality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and spotless, contributing to a pleasant stay. The accommodations are often described as spacious and comfortable, reflecting the hotel's period style. However, many reviews indicate that the rooms, while grand, can feel dated, tired, or old-fashioned, with some mentioning worn carpets, cracked tiles, or a musty smell. While some guests praise the comfortable beds, others report them as too soft or note that two single beds are pushed together, creating a gap. In-room amenities like Molton Brown toiletries are appreciated, but the absence of a mini-fridge or air conditioning is a common complaint, leading to stuffy rooms or the need for noisy fans. Single-glazed windows can result in rattling and noise from outside, including pigeons or street sounds, impacting sleep quality for some.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is varied. Breakfast is frequently highlighted as excellent with a wide selection of both buffet and cooked-to-order options, often praised for its freshly prepared dishes. However, service can be slow and disorganized, with guests experiencing long waits for orders or finding buffet items not restocked. The Mirabelle Restaurant consistently receives high praise for its exquisite food and impeccable service, offering a truly memorable fine dining experience. The Garden Restaurant and Grill receive more mixed reviews, with some finding the food very good but others describing it as disappointing, bland, or having small portions, often coupled with slow service. Room service is generally efficient, though some guests desired more vegetarian options. Afternoon tea also garners mixed opinions, with some enjoying the experience while others found the food quality to be inconsistent or the service lacking.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime seafront location, making it ideal for guests who wish to enjoy the beach and promenade. Its central position allows for easy walking access to local attractions, including the Congress Theatre, and various shops and eateries. For those arriving by car, parking is available, and many guests appreciate the concierge assistance with parking, describing it as hassle-free. However, the parking area has limited space and can become full, especially during peak times, leading some to find it challenging or to park on nearby streets. While generally convenient, some guests noted the absence of specific disabled parking spaces. The hotel is also accessible via a good bus service from the train station, providing convenient public transport options.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, being described as superb, excellent, friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a special stay. The concierge and doormen are particularly commended for their warm welcome, efficiency in handling luggage and parking, and their knowledgeable assistance. While most interactions with reception are positive, some guests reported isolated instances of staff being less welcoming when addressing issues. Restaurant staff are often praised for their attentiveness, though some reviews mention slow service or a perceived lack of staff during busy periods. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing impeccable service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel, while retaining its historic grandeur, is an old building and some areas are noted as dated or in need of TLC, which can impact the overall impression for those expecting modern facilities. A unique and specific point mentioned by one guest is a policy regarding cash payments where change was reportedly not given. The hotel's pet-friendly policy is appreciated by many, though some guests found that pets are largely confined to rooms and that suitable dining areas for guests with dogs are limited. Many reviews frequently mention the cocktail prices as being notably high, often leading guests to seek drinks elsewhere. Some guests also experienced issues with room key deactivation during their stay.