The Royal Clarence Hotel on the Seafront

This hotel offers a memorable stay primarily due to its prime seafront location, providing guests with stunning views and direct access to the beach. Its signature feature is the enclosed veranda, a communal space where guests can relax and enjoy the sea vista regardless of the weather. The hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the friendly, helpful staff who go out of their way to assist guests. It is an ideal choice for sightseers and couples seeking a relaxing coastal getaway, as well as business travelers looking for convenient accommodation. Families also find the hotel suitable, with some rooms designed to accommodate multiple children. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a sea view and be prepared for limited on-site parking, though ample street options are available.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the hotel's communal veranda, which serves as a comfortable space to relax, enjoy the sea views, and consume takeaways. The availability of a communal fridge and microwave, along with cutlery and crockery, is a much-appreciated convenience, allowing guests to store and prepare their own food. While the hotel does not offer a swimming pool or fitness center, the focus on providing self-catering amenities is well-received. Most guests find the Wi-Fi generally functional, though some report occasional connectivity issues. The presence of vending machines for snacks and drinks adds to the convenience. It is important to note that as an older building, the hotel features numerous stairs and lacks a lift, which may pose a challenge for guests with mobility concerns.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless, fresh, and well-maintained. Most rooms are newly decorated or have undergone recent refurbishments, contributing to a pleasant aesthetic. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; many guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, while some describe them as very hard. The bathrooms are frequently highlighted for being clean, modern, and featuring good showers, with some even including a bath. However, some guests note that certain bathrooms are small or unusually shaped, and there are occasional reports of difficulty regulating hot water temperature. Noise levels can vary, with some guests experiencing disturbances from other rooms or the veranda, while others report quiet stays. In-room amenities typically include tea and coffee facilities, a television, and often fans for warmer weather.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel operates on a room-only basis, meaning there is no on-site dining or breakfast service. This is clearly communicated to guests, and most appreciate the transparency. Instead, the hotel encourages guests to explore the numerous nearby restaurants, cafes, and pubs, which are within easy walking distance and offer a wide variety of food options. To facilitate this, the hotel provides a takeaway-friendly environment, offering a communal microwave, fridge, and dining areas on the veranda where guests can enjoy their meals with a sea view. This approach allows guests flexibility and the opportunity to experience local culinary offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's seafront location is a significant draw, placing guests directly opposite the beach and offering excellent views. It is ideally situated within walking distance of the town center, providing easy access to shops, restaurants, pubs, and the pier. Public transport, including a bus stop for routes to nearby towns, is conveniently located just outside. While the hotel offers limited on-site parking, guests are often directed to ample street parking nearby, which can be paid for via an app or is free during certain hours. However, guests should be aware that the hotel is an older building with multiple stairs and no lift, making it less suitable for individuals with significant mobility challenges.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel, particularly the owners, are consistently described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Guests frequently commend their easy check-in process and the informative advice provided upon arrival, including maps and recommendations for local dining and parking. The staff's willingness to accommodate requests and their attentive approach contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. Rooms are generally refreshed daily by a diligent housekeeping team, ensuring a clean and tidy environment. While most interactions are highly positive, there was an isolated report of a negative encounter regarding a lost key fob, though this appears to be an anomaly compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on staff conduct.

Additional Information
The hotel is an old building with character, and guests often note the ongoing renovations and improvements that contribute to its modern yet charming ambiance. While this character includes quirky corners and multiple levels, it also means navigating numerous stairs. For guest peace of mind, CCTV cameras are installed throughout the premises, enhancing security. Guests should be aware that the standard check-out time is 10:00 AM. The hotel is generally considered to offer good value for money, especially given its prime location and the continuous efforts to enhance the guest experience through refurbishments.