The Carlton Hotel

This hotel is widely recognized for its excellent location directly on the seafront promenade, offering many guests sea views and easy access to the beach and town center. It is particularly well-suited for budget travelers and those needing a convenient stopover before or after using the Eurotunnel, as it offers a practical and affordable stay. While many guests appreciate the value for money it provides, it is important to manage expectations as the hotel is frequently described as tired and in need of significant renovation. The staff are often highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing positively to the overall experience. For those seeking a no-frills, well-located base, this hotel serves its purpose, especially for short stays.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several practical amenities, including a bar with a pool table, which many guests found to be a pleasant space for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some visitors reported connectivity issues, particularly on upper floors. A significant draw for many is the provision of free parking at the rear of the building, which is often described as secure, despite some comments about its muddy or bumpy gravel surface. However, a recurring and notable concern is the non-functional lift, requiring guests to use steep stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Some rooms also lack basic conveniences like a wardrobe or bedside table, and there are frequent mentions of issues with televisions and kettles.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed, with many guests noting that while the bed linen was clean, the overall condition of the rooms, including carpets, walls, and bathrooms, often appeared dirty, stained, or dusty, with instances of mould and dampness reported. Many rooms are described as having an unfresh air or stale smell. Noise levels are a significant concern, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, corridors, and even external music to disturb sleep. Shower facilities frequently receive criticism for a lack of hot water, low pressure, or being broken, with some bathrooms also lacking proper ventilation or having leaking fixtures. Many guests found the mattresses to be old, worn, or uncomfortable, leading to poor sleep, and some rooms featured noticeably sloping floors or broken windows.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel primarily offers a continental breakfast, which is consistently described as basic and limited. Guests often found the selection to be minimal, typically consisting of bread, yogurt, jam, and cereals, with no hot food options like eggs, bacon, or sausages. The quality of the coffee and tea water was also frequently criticized. Many guests felt the breakfast was not worth the additional cost, and some even noted issues such as flies around the food. While a bar is available, its stock is often reported as limited. There is generally no evidence of a full-service restaurant despite some advertising, leading guests to seek dining options elsewhere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, situated directly on the seafront promenade and offering easy access to the beach. It is conveniently within a short walking distance of the town center, local shops, and various amenities. For travelers utilizing the Eurotunnel, the hotel is highly convenient, being only 10 to 15 minutes away. The availability of free parking at the rear of the property is a significant advantage for many guests, although some have noted the parking area can be muddy or uneven. However, a major accessibility drawback is the consistent report of a non-functional lift, meaning guests must navigate steep stairs to reach their rooms, which can be particularly challenging for those with mobility limitations.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Many guests highlight their accommodating nature, noting instances where staff went out of their way to assist with requests, such as providing ground-floor rooms for those with mobility issues or allowing early parking. The check-in process is often described as efficient and welcoming. However, some reviews mention less positive interactions, including instances of unhelpful responses to complaints or difficulties in reaching staff at certain times. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment regarding the staff's dedication to providing a pleasant experience remains largely positive, with many guests appreciating their attentive approach.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing renovation, with many guests observing ongoing work and scaffolding around the building, which may explain some of the dated decor and occasional paint smells in rooms. Housekeeping services are noted to be inconsistent, with some guests reporting that their rooms were not cleaned or bins emptied during multi-night stays, and supplies like towels or coffee/tea sachets were not replenished daily. Noise from other guests, including parties and loud music, is a recurring issue, sometimes leading to disturbances late into the night. Some guests also mentioned a lack of basic in-room amenities such as toiletries or sufficient drinking water, suggesting it may be advisable to bring personal supplies for a more comfortable stay.