Astral Lodge

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its stunning sea views and prime seafront location, making it a signature feature that enhances the guest experience. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfort of its beds, and the consistently friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Its great location is frequently praised, placing guests within easy reach of local attractions and the beach. The hotel is an excellent choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway with picturesque vistas, families looking for spacious accommodations and pet-friendly options, and pet owners who appreciate the welcoming policy for their furry companions. Budget travelers will find it offers significant value for money, while sightseers benefit from its central position. To maximize your comfort, guests recommend requesting a room with a sea view for the best experience. Be mindful that the hotel has no lift, so prepare for stairs, and light sleepers might consider earplugs due to potential road noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the practical amenities provided within the rooms, which significantly enhance convenience during their stay. Many rooms include a mini-fridge, a highly valued feature for keeping drinks and perishable items cool, especially for longer stays. Each room is also equipped with a kettle and a selection of tea and coffee supplies, allowing guests to enjoy hot beverages at their leisure. Connectivity is well-addressed with reliable Wi-Fi access throughout the property, and the presence of Smart TVs with access to streaming services like Netflix provides entertainment options. Rooms often feature a comfortable seating area, offering a space to relax. A hairdryer is typically available for guest use. However, some guests noted the absence of a communal kitchen or microwave, which can be challenging for those with very young children or specific dietary needs. There was also mention of a vending machine that was often empty or out of service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its spotlessly clean rooms, which are frequently described as tidy, well-decorated, and modern, often benefiting from recent refurbishments. Guests generally find the beds to be very comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep, though there is mixed feedback on firmness, with some finding them soft and others firm. A common point of contention, however, is the pillows, which some guests found to be excessively thick and hard. The modern bathrooms are a highlight, particularly the showers, which are often noted for being clean and having good water pressure, though some are described as small or having inconsistent water temperature. While towels are provided, some guests found them to be on the smaller side. Noise levels can be a concern for some, with reports of street noise from the promenade, neighbor noise, and door slamming due to the building's older structure and single-glazed windows. Guests also noted occasional issues with heating and maintaining a comfortable room temperature, sometimes requiring additional heaters.

Dining & Food Quality
Guests should be aware that the hotel does not offer on-site dining facilities, including a dedicated restaurant or room service. This means that breakfast is not provided directly by the hotel. However, this is generally not seen as a significant drawback, as numerous guests highlight the convenience of many excellent nearby cafes and eateries. These establishments offer a variety of options for guests to enjoy their morning meals or other dining experiences just a short walk from the hotel. While the absence of in-house food service is a consistent point in reviews, the abundance of external choices ensures that guests have ample opportunities for dining without needing to travel far. This arrangement is often viewed as a practical solution, especially for those who prefer to explore local culinary offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, directly on the seafront and just across from the beach, making it incredibly convenient for guests. It is within easy walking distance to popular attractions such as the pier, the historic Old Town, and the bustling town center, offering a wide array of shops, cafes, and entertainment options. Its proximity to the train station and the White Rock Theatre is also frequently highlighted as a major advantage. Regarding parking, guests note that while there is no dedicated on-site parking, various options are available nearby. These include an underground car park conveniently located opposite the hotel, as well as street parking which can be managed via apps like RingGo. While parking can sometimes be expensive, its availability and proximity are appreciated. However, guests with mobility issues should be aware that the hotel features multiple flights of stairs and has no lift, which can be challenging for accessing higher floors.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff consistently receive high praise from guests, who frequently describe them as exceptionally helpful and attentive. Many reviews highlight the warm welcome and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to assist with various needs, from carrying bags up the stairs to providing local information. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient, with guests appreciating the flexibility for early check-in when possible, and the convenience of an easy check-out system. Staff are noted for being very accommodating to requests, such as providing extra amenities or addressing room issues promptly. Their proactive approach to resolving issues, like a temporary water supply problem or heating concerns, is also commended. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing excellent pet-friendly service and ensuring a positive guest experience is a recurring theme, making visitors feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
A significant and highly appreciated aspect of the hotel is its comprehensive pet-friendly policy, making it an ideal choice for guests traveling with their furry companions. Many reviews specifically commend the hotel for welcoming pets, with some even noting the staff's amusement and positive interaction with their animal guests. This policy extends to providing suitable accommodations, though guests with pets should be mindful of finding appropriate outdoor areas nearby. For security and convenience, the hotel utilizes a modern key fob entrance system, allowing guests easy and secure access to the building at any time. Additionally, some rooms offer unique features such as private balconies or patios, providing an outdoor space to relax and enjoy the surroundings, with some even offering direct sea views. These distinctive elements contribute to a more personalized and comfortable stay, particularly for those seeking specific room types or traveling with pets.