The Victoria Hotel

The hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its prime coastal location, providing direct access to the beach and sand dunes within minutes, and a short walk to the town center. This makes it an excellent choice for leisure travelers and families seeking a seaside escape, as well as dog owners due to its welcoming policy. Guests frequently commend the cleanliness of the accommodations, the comfortable beds, and the generally friendly staff who strive to be helpful and welcoming. While the hotel is undergoing a transition with new management, many appreciate the efforts to improve the guest experience and the overall value provided. For those planning a visit, it is advisable to confirm the current operational status of the on-site bar and restaurant, as availability has varied, and to be aware that some rooms are accessed via steep staircases.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note the presence of tea and coffee making facilities in their rooms, providing a convenient touch, though some mention that these are not consistently replenished during longer stays. A significant point of feedback revolves around Wi-Fi connectivity, with many guests reporting issues such as intermittent service or complete unavailability during their stay, which can hinder travel planning and communication. While some rooms feature shared bathrooms, these are generally reported as being exceptionally clean, despite sometimes being located on a different floor. However, a recurring concern is the presence of steep stairs leading to rooms and shared facilities, often without handrails, making the hotel less suitable for guests with mobility challenges. The on-site bar, when open, offers amenities like pool and darts, contributing to a social atmosphere, but some guests were disappointed by the lack of other common amenities like a hairdryer or sufficient mirrors in their rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with guests frequently describing rooms and bathrooms as spotless and well-maintained. Many reviewers highlight the comfortable beds and fresh linens, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The showers are also generally commended for their quality and good water pressure. While some rooms are noted for being spacious, a common concern is the room temperature, with some guests finding rooms either too hot and stuffy due to windows not opening or having broken latches, or too cold with heating issues. Noise from outside or squeaky fire doors can occasionally disturb guests. Furthermore, some bathrooms are described as small, lacking sufficient space for toiletries or towel hanging, and the overall decor in some areas is perceived as basic or tired, indicating a need for updates.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is notably mixed, primarily due to the inconsistent availability of on-site services. Most guests who had the opportunity to dine at the hotel's pub or restaurant praised the food quality, describing meals as great, excellent, tasty, and good value, often served piping hot. However, a significant number of guests expressed disappointment that the restaurant and bar were closed during their stay, often without prior notification, leading to a lack of expected dining options. Many also noted the absence of breakfast service, despite some online information suggesting its availability, requiring guests to seek meals elsewhere. This inconsistency in dining provisions is a recurring theme, impacting the overall guest experience for those anticipating on-site food and beverage services.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for many guests, offering exceptional proximity to the beach and sand dunes, often just a two-minute walk away. This makes it ideal for coastal walks and leisure activities. It is also conveniently situated within a short walking distance to the town center, providing easy access to local shops, pubs, and restaurants. For those traveling for work, the location is often described as handy and convenient. However, a significant and frequently mentioned drawback is the hotel's accessibility, particularly the presence of multiple flights of steep, narrow stairs to access rooms, with some lacking handrails. This makes the property challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Parking is available nearby, with some guests finding it easy to locate free street parking, while others note the presence of a reasonably priced pay-and-display option.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Many guests highlight their approachable nature and willingness to assist with requests, contributing positively to the overall experience. The new management is particularly commended for their enthusiasm and attentive service. However, a recurring theme in reviews is the experience of an unmanned reception, with many guests reporting that they did not see any staff on site during their stay, relying instead on self check-in via codes. While some found this process smooth, others encountered issues with receiving codes or accessing their rooms, necessitating phone calls for assistance. Communication regarding the closure of facilities also varied, leading to some guest frustration. Despite these operational challenges, the personal interactions with staff, when present, are overwhelmingly positive.

Additional Information
A key aspect of the hotel's current state is its new ownership and the ongoing renovations and improvements. This transition period explains some of the inconsistencies noted by guests, such as varying availability of facilities and updates to decor, with many acknowledging the management's active efforts to enhance the property. The hotel also operates a pet-friendly policy, welcoming guests traveling with their dogs, which is a significant advantage for animal owners seeking accommodation near the coast and its natural walking areas. While the hotel primarily utilizes a self check-in system with access codes, guests are advised to ensure they receive these details prior to arrival to facilitate a smooth entry, as there may not always be staff physically present at the reception. This independent access system offers flexibility but requires guests to be prepared.