The Royal Hotel

The breakfast buffet was fantastic, with a full English selection, cereals, juice, toast and jams. Staff were really friendly and helpful, and the seafront location was excellent. There's parking right outside, though spaces are limited. I thought it was incredible value and would happily visit again. My first room had no working heating, but reception moved me quickly and the next room was fine. Some renovation work was happening outside, though it didn't affect my stay. Previous reviews had left me unsure, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I paid in full for a room, then noticed nearer the arrival date that the hotel had mistakenly listed rooms on booking.com for £2 a night. I tried reaching them by email and through the app, but got no response for days. They eventually acknowledged the pricing error and cancelled my booking. There was no apology or thanks, and my £2 still hasn't been refunded. The way management handled this felt deeply discourteous. On principle, I could easily take the establishment to small claims court over that £2.

The bedrooms were on the small side, but comfortable, and every member of staff was friendly and helpful, especially reception. It's right on the seafront. I'd stay at the Royal Hotel again when I'm back in Whitley Bay.

My first room wasn't really suitable for a ten night stay, but they offered me another one that was bright and cosy. It meant going up one extra flight of stairs, and that was well worth it. Breakfast was excellent, the staff were friendly, and the location is good. The renovations made no difference to my stay. Really good value too, and I'd definitely come back to the Royal Hotel.