The Nines

The hotel offers a memorable stay, largely defined by its spectacular sea views and harbour views, which many guests describe as a major highlight. A significant refurbishment has transformed the property, blending modern aesthetics with its inherent charm. Guests consistently praise the exceptional food quality, the genuinely friendly and helpful staff, and the hotel's excellent central location. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic escape, families looking for spacious accommodations and good dining, friends gathering for social events, and sightseers eager to explore the area. To ensure the best experience, guests are advised to inquire about the room's renovation status, as some older rooms remain. Additionally, those with mobility concerns should note the absence of a lift.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a vibrant atmosphere with its well-regarded bar and restaurant areas, which are often described as having a great buzz and stylish decor. Many guests enjoy the selection of cocktails and the overall ambiance. A notable feature is the beer garden, which some find amazing. However, a significant and frequently mentioned point is the absence of a lift or elevator, which can pose a challenge for older guests or those with heavy luggage, especially for rooms on higher floors. While rooms generally include an ensuite bathroom and tea and coffee facilities, some guests have noted the lack of air conditioning, leading to warm rooms, and occasional issues with TV remotes or screen size.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed, largely depending on whether guests stayed in a recently renovated room. Many praise the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and modern decor of the updated accommodations, often highlighting the walk-in showers and complimentary toiletries. However, a significant number of reviews describe unrenovated rooms as dated and dirty, citing issues such as dusty surfaces, old carpets, missing bathroom tiles, cobwebs, stained pillowcases, and peeling paint. Some guests also reported noise from the bar or kitchen, and issues with ineffective blinds or no curtains, leading to early morning sunlight. Weak shower pressure and moldy bathrooms were also mentioned in some older rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience consistently receives high praise, with many guests describing the food quality as superb, delicious, and even 10/10. The breakfast is frequently highlighted as excellent, offering a great variety of options, including a highly recommended full fry. The Sunday roast is also a standout, with many considering it among the best. Guests appreciate the generous portions and the overall value for money. The cocktail selection is also a popular feature, often described as amazing. While the food itself is highly rated, some guests express disappointment that breakfast is not included in the room price, and a few found the menu somewhat limited or certain dishes overpriced. Service in the dining areas is generally positive, though some experienced slow service during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it a significant draw for guests. Situated directly on the seafront, it offers convenient access to the marina and provides stunning coastal views from many areas, enhancing the overall stay. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of various local attractions, restaurants, and shops, making exploration effortless and enjoyable. The hotel is also well-regarded for its accessibility, with ample free parking available directly opposite the property, which is a major convenience for those traveling by car. This prime position allows guests to enjoy scenic walks along the seafront and easily connect with the town's vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect base for exploring the area.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise, with guests frequently describing them as friendly, lovely, helpful, and welcoming. Many highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to accommodate requests, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The check-in process is generally smooth, and guests appreciate the genuine and professional demeanor of the team. However, despite the largely positive feedback, some guests reported isolated incidents of slow service in the bar or restaurant, and a few experienced what they perceived as an unhelpful or rude attitude from specific individuals, particularly during busy times or when addressing room issues. Overall, the dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
A crucial piece of information for prospective guests is the ongoing renovation status of the hotel. While many areas, particularly the ground floor and some rooms, have been beautifully refurbished to a high standard, a number of rooms remain unrenovated. This disparity directly contributes to the mixed feedback on room condition, with some guests encountering older, less updated accommodations. Guests should also be aware that the hotel is located in an older building and notably lacks a lift or elevator, which is a significant consideration for those with mobility challenges or heavy luggage, especially when assigned rooms on upper floors. Furthermore, some reviews indicate a recent change in the pet policy, suggesting it may no longer be as pet-friendly as it once was, which could impact guests traveling with animals.