The Royal Hotel

The food was tasty, hot and very palatable, despite some complaints I heard from one particularly hard-to-please diner behind me. Dinner service was a bit slow, but two staff serving 30-40 people was bound to be a challenge. More staff arrived for the tribute night and eased things. I understand the pressure hospitality staff are under, and you can’t fault them. This was our third stay, but the least pleasing so far. Room 202 was dated and cold. Wallpaper was coming away, the wardrobe leaned, and the mattress was so thin I could feel the wooden base against my bones when lying on my side. We only had one pillow each, the heating didn’t work, and the bed squeaked badly. Once we were under the covers it was alright, but outside noise was loud. Would I come a fourth time? Yes, though I’d probably ask for an upgraded room at the back.

There was some good early evening entertainment in one of the bars, with a singer who got a few people, including my wife, up dancing. Weekend checkout is extended to 11 am, which was a nice touch. We were here for one night for a birthday weekend, and the location was excellent for both town and the beach. The room was spacious and warm, and the bed was comfortable, though extra pillows would’ve been welcome. Cleanliness, especially in the bathroom, wasn’t as good as expected. We didn’t use the leisure centre this time, but if we stay again we’ll definitely try the pool. It was a pleasant weekend.

The bedrooms are a bit tired, the floors slope, which you have to expect in an old building, and the mattresses could do with replacing, though they had toppers. Still, my friend and I really enjoyed our stay at The Royal. We were there for two nights for a music event held at the hotel. The Victorian building is ornate and full of character, with lovely communal areas. The staff were super friendly and professional. Reception and bar staff made us feel welcome and were helpful throughout the day. Food was really good, and we had breakfast and dinner both days. The dining room service was fast and efficient, and I’ve never seen tables cleared so quickly. Buffet meals had lots of choice, including vegetarian options, and they catered for allergies. My only food suggestion would be fresh fruit or frozen berries at breakfast instead of tinned.

The location is great, and the staff were helpful and friendly. Breakfast was good, with a full English, pastries, tea, coffee, tinned juices and fruit, yoghurt, cereal and toast. The restaurant and bar were generally well decorated. But I felt conned by the prices, £110 a night with breakfast for two, then £12 to swim in what was more like a heated paddling pool, £4 for towels, and other extra charges. I wouldn’t recommend the place or return. It has a lot of potential, but this run-down hotel didn’t feel worth the cost. The website pictures make the hotel look grander than it is. It’s dated, which could’ve been fine, but the rooms were in poor condition, especially those facing away from the sea. One bathroom had a terrible drain smell. After reception first said there were no other rooms, the manager moved us. Our original view looked onto a dumping site with furniture, carpets and wood, and the replacement room didn’t bring an apology or discount. The manager and reception staff didn’t seem particularly bothered. There was mould in places, cracked ceiling tiles, cracked paint and restaurant frames, and smelly corridor carpets. The pool area was run down. Swimming cost £6 per adult aged 12 and over, or £4 for children under 12, with sauna and steam room included, and towels cost £2 each. There’s no hotel parking. Daily permits from reception cost £10, or the nearby NCP car park was £6.50 a day. Check-in was at 3 pm, checkout at 10 am, and even an extra hour cost £15.