The Royal Hotel

The hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its jacuzzi rooms and balconies with sea views, providing a luxurious and scenic experience for many guests. Its prime beachfront location places visitors directly opposite the pier and close to various attractions, making it an excellent choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway. The consistent praise for the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the exceptional friendliness of the staff contributes significantly to positive guest experiences. Many also highlight the delicious breakfast and the quality of the attached Greek restaurant. While the vibrant location offers convenience, guests should be aware of potential noise from nearby entertainment venues, especially for those seeking a very quiet retreat. To ensure a restful stay, it is advisable to request a room situated away from the nightclub side of the building, and consider bringing earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently comment on the hotel's facilities, noting both positive aspects and areas for improvement. The lift is often described as old, tired, and in need of modernization, with some reports of it being out of order or having broken elements, prompting many guests to opt for the stairs. While Wi-Fi is available, its quality can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing unreliable connections. Many rooms feature balconies, which are highly appreciated for their views, though some guests suggest they could benefit from refurbishment or the addition of handrails for safety. The presence of air conditioning in rooms is a welcome feature, especially during warmer periods, ensuring a comfortable temperature. However, the in-room entertainment system, particularly the TV, receives mixed feedback, with reports of broken units, sound issues, and the need to pay for older films rather than having smart TV capabilities. Some rooms boast a jacuzzi, which is a significant draw, offering a luxurious touch. Basic amenities like kettles or coffee makers are provided, but some guests noted issues such as limescale or splattering.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with guests frequently describing rooms, bathrooms, and public areas as spotless and well-maintained. Room decor is generally seen as fresh, modern, and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting recent refurbishments. Most guests find the beds comfortable, often highlighting their large size and the quality of the bedding, contributing to a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on pillows is mixed, with some guests wishing for more than one per person or preferring firmer options. While many rooms are described as spacious, some guests found their accommodations to be on the smaller side. The bathroom experience varies; while often clean with powerful showers and luxurious jacuzzi baths, common issues include dim lighting, broken fixtures, slippery floors, and concerns about hot water taking a long time to come through. A significant recurring theme is noise levels, particularly from external sources like nearby bars, nightclubs, and street activity, which can be disruptive until late hours, though some rooms are quieter.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options consistently receive high acclaim from guests. The breakfast is a particular highlight, frequently described as delicious, excellent, and among the best, with many praising the full English option for its quality and generous portions. Guests appreciate that breakfast is freshly cooked to order, though some noted instances of food being served lukewarm or experiencing delays in service. The attached Greek restaurant is a significant draw, lauded for its amazing food quality, lively atmosphere, and attractive decor. Many guests enjoy dining there for both dinner and breakfast, often commenting on the delicious meals and the availability of well-made cocktails. While the hotel itself does not have a dedicated bar, the restaurant effectively serves this purpose, providing a pleasant setting for drinks. The overall consensus is that the dining experience significantly enhances the stay, with attentive service and a wide array of tasty options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly desirable central location, placing guests directly on the beachfront and opposite the pier, offering immediate access to arcades, amusements, and the town center. This prime position is a major draw for visitors looking to explore the area on foot. While the location is convenient for attractions, it is also a source of significant noise due to its proximity to various entertainment venues, including a Wetherspoons pub and nightclubs, which can lead to disturbances until the early hours. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; the hotel does not have its own dedicated parking, relying on a public car park located behind the building. Guests consistently report that this parking is limited, often busy, and incurs a daily fee, which some find expensive. For those with mobility needs, while some rooms are described as accessible, guests have noted challenges with steps leading to rooms or balconies, and the lift has been described as small and difficult to navigate with mobility aids.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive outstanding praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their warm welcome, polite demeanor, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, though some guests noted occasional periods when the reception desk was unstaffed, requiring them to seek assistance from the restaurant. Housekeeping is commended for maintaining clean rooms and being responsive to requests for extra amenities. Staff are often noted for their ability to accommodate requests, such as providing extra pillows or assisting with room changes when possible. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported difficulties in resolving significant issues, such as noise complaints or refund requests, suggesting some inconsistencies in problem resolution at higher levels. Overall, the dedication of the team is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests frequently report specific operational details that impact their stay. A common concern is the hot water system, with multiple reviews indicating that guests must run the water for an extended period, sometimes up to 15 minutes, before hot water becomes available, which is seen as wasteful and inconvenient. Many rooms lack essential in-room amenities such as a mini-fridge or a telephone to contact reception, requiring guests to go downstairs for assistance. The entertainment system often features older films that require payment, and rooms are not equipped with smart TVs. Furthermore, some guests noted various maintenance issues within their rooms, including broken safes, non-functional electronic blinds, and issues with shower controls or bathroom fans. Despite some rooms being advertised as accessible, guests with mobility challenges have encountered difficulties due to unexpected steps within rooms or leading to balconies, and the lift being unsuitable for some mobility aids. The hotel also does not have its own dedicated bar, relying on the attached restaurant for drink service.