Cambria Hotel

We had a good stay and will definitely book again. The hotel was very clean, the staff were friendly and happy to help, and our family room was lovely. It’s right by the seafront, and the funfair was there during our visit, which made it even better. Since we have younger children and the beds are a bit high, we would have liked the option of bed guards. I mentioned it to the manager, and he took it on board.

At first glance it seemed nice, but there were problems once we were there. The shower couldn’t be turned off. I switched off the room light when I went out, then found it on when I returned, so someone had been in the room. There were hardly any staff around, and when I needed help, the number I called didn’t ring. At checkout, a man rushed us along. My Nan has a bad leg and had fallen in the bathroom; when I told him, he said she should hold the rails and that we needed to leave. He also threatened to use force if we didn’t go. I’d choose somewhere else, though for a quick stop I’d go to the crimbia hotel.

Salomon at reception was the highlight for me: friendly, helpful, and seemingly the best-kept thing in the building. If the hotel ends up collapsing into the sea, which feels possible in the medium term, I expect Salomon will still be there handing out keys with a smile and a polite apology. The beds and towels were clean, but the rest had a strong lived-in feel. The sea view is there, though the windows look as if they haven’t been cleaned in geological ages. The gulls outside gave us quite the show, tapping, squawking and staring through the window. I’m pretty sure one judged my life choices. 10/10 for bird theatre. This seaside place is rustic, if you squint and lower your standards. I’d only return if the birds personally invited me back.

It was quiet apart from the gulls, and there are places to eat nearby. The pier is a short walk away. The room decor could use an update, and the bathroom was a tight squeeze.