TLH Victoria Hotel

This hotel is a popular destination, particularly noted for its extensive leisure facilities and diverse entertainment program, which are part of a larger interconnected complex. Guests frequently praise the variety of activities available on-site, making it an ideal choice for families seeking engaging options for children, as well as couples and groups interested in active breaks or specialty holidays like dance weekends. The hotel also appeals to older patrons looking for a lively atmosphere with good food and entertainment. The staff consistently receive high marks for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. To make the most of your stay, guests recommend exploring all the facilities within the complex and considering booking directly to potentially avoid unexpected parking charges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities that are a major draw for guests. The swimming pools, including large indoor and outdoor options, are highly praised for their size and cleanliness, with many noting them as excellent for both adults and children. Complementing the pools are a relaxing spa, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. For active guests, a gym is available, and the extensive games room offers a variety of activities such as ten-pin bowling, snooker, pool tables, and arcade games. The hotel also features various bars and entertainment venues that host live shows and bingo. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests have noted that the elevators can be old, slow, or occasionally out of service, which can be inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While most guests find their rooms to be clean and tidy, there is consistent feedback regarding the dated decor and overall condition, with many suggesting that rooms are in need of refurbishment. Room sizes vary, with some guests enjoying spacious rooms while others find them small. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; many report hard mattresses and feeling springs, leading to uncomfortable nights, though some find the beds satisfactory, and mattress toppers are sometimes provided upon request. Room temperature can be an issue, with many rooms being excessively hot, even in cooler months, and the provided fans often proving insufficient. Bathrooms are frequently described as dated, and some guests have encountered issues with showers (pressure, mold) and rough towels. Noise from fire doors, neighboring rooms, and early morning deliveries can also impact sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives largely positive reviews, particularly the breakfast, which is consistently described as excellent. Guests appreciate the wide variety of options available, including a full English breakfast, cereals, fruits, and highly praised items like porridge and fried bread, all served hot and buffet-style. Dinner is also generally well-regarded, offering a good selection of hot dishes, a fresh salad bar, and various desserts. Specific dining venues like Albert's Bar and the Bistro are noted for their good food and value. While the overall food quality is considered high, some guests have noted occasional issues with specific items or the food not being hot enough. The restaurant staff are frequently commended for their politeness, efficiency, and attentiveness, including their willingness to accommodate dietary requests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous central location, placing guests within easy walking distance of the seafront, beach, harbour, and town centre. This makes it convenient for exploring local attractions and accessing various shops and restaurants. Public transport is readily available, with a bus stop directly outside the hotel offering regular services, and the railway station is also a short walk away. However, parking is a significant point of contention for many guests. It is frequently described as tight and difficult to find spaces, and many guests are surprised by an unexpected daily charge, especially if they booked through third-party websites where free parking was implied or not clearly stated. This has led to frustration and even parking fines for some. Additionally, guests with mobility issues may find accessibility challenging due to the presence of many stairs and limited, often unreliable, lifts.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise from guests, who describe them as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive across all departments. The reception team is commended for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency during check-in, as well as their willingness to assist with various requests, such as room changes or providing mattress toppers. Restaurant staff are highlighted for their politeness, hard work, and accommodating nature, particularly in handling dietary requirements. Housekeeping is also frequently mentioned for keeping rooms clean and tidy and being responsive to guest needs. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few isolated instances of less helpful or rude behavior have been reported in specific bar or dining areas, though these do not detract from the overall positive sentiment towards the staff's dedication to service.

Additional Information
The hotel is recognized as an older property, possessing a certain charm but also showing signs of age in its decor and infrastructure. It operates as part of a larger interconnected complex of hotels, allowing guests access to a wider range of shared facilities and amenities. This setup makes it particularly well-suited for specialty holidays, such as various dance weekends and bowls tournaments, which are frequently hosted. Guests should be aware that key cards for rooms can sometimes malfunction, requiring multiple trips to reception for re-activation. Furthermore, while most areas are well-maintained, some self-catering units may not receive daily housekeeping or towel changes unless specifically requested.