Royal Victoria Hotel

The hotel, a grand Victorian edifice, stands as a testament to its rich past, with its seafront location and stunning sea views serving as its signature feature. Guests are often drawn to its historical charm and architectural beauty, particularly the impressive staircase, which evokes a sense of bygone elegance. While many acknowledge its need for refurbishment, they appreciate the character it retains, often describing it as having "faded grandeur." The hotel is particularly well-suited for history enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers seeking spacious accommodations with a unique ambiance. Families can benefit from the generously sized rooms, and dog owners will find it a welcoming destination. The consistently friendly and helpful staff also contribute significantly to a positive experience. To make the most of your stay, consider requesting a sea view room to fully enjoy the coastal scenery, and be prepared for limited on-site parking by exploring nearby street options.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities reflect its historic nature, with many guests noting its dated decor and overall need for refurbishment, though some appreciate its traditional charm. The staircase is frequently highlighted as a beautiful and grand architectural feature. However, the lift is often described as old, creaky, and sometimes unreliable, with some guests noting a musty smell in its vicinity. The revolving door at the entrance can be challenging to navigate, especially with luggage. While there is a bar or piano bar available for drinks and food, some guests found it lacked atmosphere or was occasionally unattended. Parking is a significant concern for many, as on-site spaces are very limited and often full, requiring guests to seek street parking or use paid car parks nearby. Heating in rooms is typically provided by electric heaters, which some found effective, while others noted issues with their functionality or dust accumulation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed, with some guests finding their rooms clean and even spotlessly clean, while many others reported significant issues. Common complaints include dusty skirting boards, stains on carpets, and pervasive mould in bathrooms. Many rooms are described as having peeling paint, cracked windows, and general signs of wear and tear, reflecting the hotel's dated decor and need for updating. Damp patches were also noted in some areas. Regarding bed comfort, some guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, but a notable number described them as uncomfortable, with visible springs or excessive sagging. Noise levels vary; some rooms are quiet, while others experience disturbances from street noise, noisy doors, or rattling windows. Bathrooms, while often spacious, frequently receive criticism for faulty showers with low pressure, blocked sinks, and toilets that do not flush properly.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers various dining options, with breakfast being a frequent topic of discussion. Most guests found the breakfast to be good, plentiful, and well-cooked, with some appreciating the availability of vegetarian and vegan options upon request. However, a significant number of reviews mentioned issues such as food being cold, lacking variety, or of poor quality, with specific complaints about tasteless coffee, lack of pastries, or even mouldy bread. The main restaurant and dining area often boast sea views, though some guests noted a lack of atmosphere or that the space could be cold. Bar food generally received positive feedback for being tasty and good value. Afternoon tea also garnered mixed reviews; some found it delicious and well-presented, while others were disappointed by the portion sizes, dry sandwiches, soggy cakes, or weak tea, sometimes coupled with perceived unprofessional service. The carvery option, when available, was often praised for its quality and variety of meats and vegetables.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's seafront location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering uninterrupted sea views and placing guests directly across from the beach. Its central location provides easy walking distance to local amenities, shops, and restaurants, making it convenient for exploring the area. Guests appreciate being close to attractions and enjoying the coastal ambiance. However, parking is a recurring challenge. The hotel has very limited on-site spaces, which are often full, forcing guests to seek alternatives. Many reviews mention the difficulty of finding street parking nearby, and some had to use paid car parks, which can be expensive. Despite the convenience of its location, the parking situation often detracts from the overall experience for those traveling by car, requiring careful planning upon arrival.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend the reception staff for being welcoming, polite, and efficient during check-in and check-out, though some experienced unhelpful responses regarding early check-in requests. The waiting staff in the dining areas are often described as attentive and courteous, contributing positively to the dining experience, although some reviews noted inexperience or occasional lapses in hygiene. Housekeeping feedback is mixed; while some rooms are found to be clean and well-maintained, others reported issues such as rooms not being serviced or specific cleaning oversights. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing good service is a strong point, with many guests highlighting their efforts to resolve issues and make stays comfortable, despite the hotel's general condition.

Additional Information
The hotel is a popular wedding venue and event venue, with many guests praising the organization and helpfulness of the staff for such occasions, noting that everything was set up as requested and contributed to memorable gatherings. Its historical significance, including past visits from royalty and a visitor book on display, is a unique aspect that appeals to some visitors, offering a glimpse into its grand past. The hotel also maintains a dog-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their pets, though a charge applies for this service. Some guests reported issues with room keys not working, which required staff assistance. While the hotel's age and need for refurbishment are widely acknowledged, these specific aspects contribute to its distinct character and appeal for certain types of stays or events, providing a unique backdrop for celebrations and a welcoming environment for pet owners.