The Esplanade Hotel

The gardens are well kept and face the beach, with lovely views. That was the only saving grace on an overnight stay in a basic, tired and dated hotel. The room floor sloped, the door was unlocked when we arrived, and there was trouble locking it. The meals were poor and the portions tiny. My soup was a small bowl, barely two tablespoons, and I’d have liked more so I could taste it. The lasagne was a very small portion and was more like ratatouille with one lasagne sheet, potatoes and a stodgy texture. The chef’s salad was wilted, just two or three leaves, and the rice pudding dessert was tea-cup sized with tinned fruit cocktail. I asked for decaf coffee but got bitter caffeinated coffee. We were given one little jug of water, no bigger than a tea cup. When I asked for another soup roll, the waitress seemed reluctant and took one from another table. Asking for extra milk got a face, then eventually the smallest jug I’ve ever seen. It felt like she’d rather be elsewhere. This hotel could do really well with that location if it were brought up to scratch, but it’s such a shame it’s so dated. I only have photos from outside, showing the beach views.

I had the misfortune of staying here on a Caledonian coach holiday. We’d requested vegan meals when booking, but my sister was told she was the only vegan guest, and it felt as if they couldn’t be bothered. The first night there was just one main dish, pasta, and it was so bad it wasn’t edible. They served the same thing again the second night. On the third night there was a vegan pie, with no other option or choice. She paid the same amount for the holiday, so I found this a disgusting way to treat someone.

I came on this Christmas tour after losing my son at Christmas 2024 and needing to get away this year. I’m so glad I chose it. I sat beside Bob on the coach, a very interesting man, and met some lovely cousins and a couple who live near me. Everyone was lovely. The staff at the Esplanade Hotel had such beautiful smiles, and that makes all the difference when your heart is breaking. Thank you so much to the hotel and the Christmas guests 2025.

We had a great four-night stay with Caledonian coach tours. Suzy the manager is a real credit to the hotel. She worked alongside everyone, serving breakfast and dinner each day and making us all feel welcome. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. The food was the best hotel food I’ve ever had, always piping hot. There were two coaches staying, and I only heard one woman complain about the service, though she complained about everything. Our room was warm and clean. My only issue was the shower water pressure, which wasn’t very good, but I managed and didn’t feel the need to complain. We’ll definitely be back.