Royal Victoria Hotel - Saint Leonards-on-sea

812alexaj

We stayed at the royal Victoria for a friend’s birthday, the hotel is tiered and dated. However we did enjoy the history of the hotel and the staff were pleasant. I enjoyed my room which was clean and the sound of the sea and view were beautiful. However my friend had a different experience, the room smelt disgusting and we discovered an old room service tray in the wardrobe. The staff were apologetic. |Breakfast is inedible don’t waste your money, the tables were all filthy no one had brushed them down after each guest. Among the clean cutlery laid out on this dirty table was a used folk. The whole experience was just unpleasant. No staff to talk to or anybody checking on the guests. We did complain and the American man on reception was very nice and passed our complaint on. We received an email to say they’d investigate but since heard nothing. For one night it was amusing in a fawlty towers way but if you’re looking to treat someone avoid this hotel! With more effort it could be great but it appears no one cares and it shows in its poor standards. Such a shame.

Ben H.

The place is a bit tired and could do with a refurb.

The staff are lovely, honest and very helpful so top marks to them!

The upstairs bar area is nice and has a piano, I don't know if it's played.

The food in the restaurant was good - we were a large catered group.

There are lots of things to do in St Leonards and you are well placed on the front to go out and about so good for that, too.

ys0belh

It was ok, you can feel they are really trying but I wonder if it’s time for an injection of new energy. Our family stayed in four rooms and we saw all of them. The building is amazing, and the rooms that are being updated are really classy and timeless. The older rooms need some love. The rooms themselves are as clean as they can be considering some of the building needs some structural love. The hall ways and bar area could do with a spruce and clean, and while the staff were lovely and the service itself was good, the tidying seemed a little lax. It’s a shame the front of the building isn’t a little more inviting with the net curtains shut and disheveled, the building has so much potential! Couldn’t fault the staff, they were all lovely!

Peter C.

The hotel was so bad we left after one night of 2 night trip. I asked for a refund but unlikely we will get one.
The receptionist barely spoke when we checked in so we didn't feel welcome.
The hotel is in a filthy state with dirt, detritus and flecks of paint on all the carpets. There was a towel dumped in the middle of our corridor and it was still there the next day. I’m not surprised though, for the entire time we were there we didn’t see one cleaner, not even in the morning.
The bed mattress was lumpy and uncomfortable. The shower and bath controls were awkward to use and get water coming out of the shower. The final event that made us leave was when the large, metal shower head fell from its bracket and hit my partner on the head.
During the night the fire alarm went off, and having dressed and gone down to reception. The night person, said it was probably ok and we could go back to our rooms, although he didn’t understand why it had gone off. This is against all fire regulations.
The TV stopped working after a bit, and the hair drier was difficult to use as a short flex came out of a drawer connected to the mains with some dodgy looking wiring.
Breakfast options were meagre, and the coffee was cold.
On leaving we asked to see the manager, Dr Shin, who wasn’t available. But receptionist said he would try to get a refund. The other two couples checking out were also asking for refunds.
If you google Dr Shin, Royal Victoria Hotel you will discover some interesting stuff.

amandarR6457DI

Good points ||Staff are friendly and polite, couldn't fault them. |Sea Views|Not bad food at all. A good menu and well cooked. |Comfortable Beds||Bad Points |A way out from the main shops. |Building looks very unkempt needs an overhaul inside and out. Very run down.|Reception smells of damp and is very dark, the revolving door is filthy, couldn't believe the dirty finger prints on the glass. Just dirty and run down everywhere. Although have to say apart from a filthy balcony area with rotting windows that only opened a few inches, my room and bathroom were clean. Some of the furniture was broken though.||There is no atmosphere at all |in this hotel, I really wanted to go as soon as I arrived it was that bad. Breakfast is laid out in a separate room to the dining area ( dining area quite nice with sea view ) that room was really dark and messy looked like they were using half the room for ironing or storage.||Absolutely no facilities at this hotel and no outdoor area. Piano bar mostly unattended and when we went to order food about 6.30 we were told we may not get any as chefs were stock taking!! We did get some in the end but felt this was a ploy to get us to eat in the more expensive room.||It's such a shame that such a beautiful building with such lovely features is so run down. Surely the management must see this. ||Wouldn't go there again. Pictures are misleading.

Katie

I absolutely loved my stay here, the hotel is beautiful with attention to detail with plants and photos along every hall & in the rooms. I had a lovely sofa, an amazingly comfortable bed and fresh sheets. The bath was deep and the water was hot! I loved the sea view even though the window was small, the sound of the waves came through perfectly.

Only complaint is the radiator smells dusty when used but it goes away quickly. Lovely staff, friendly receptionist and concierge came to let me back in after hours. Nice location, with a lovely pizza place a few minutes walk

Martin C.

We stayed two nights and enjoyed our stay. The hotel is in great condition considering how old it is and very looked after. Rebecca on reception was exceptional and catered for our needs and we were very grateful. Room was large, warm and comfortable with great sea views. We would come back again.

gs_mr_mrs

All of Hastings, Bexhill, just feels a bit run down. All hotels included. It is a 3star and fine for the rating. With its prime location, history and building layout it could easily be transformed to 4star standard. Staying in a sea view room, perfect location and slept well with the sound of the waves crashing. I would stay again.