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Summary of reviewsThe Royal Clifton Hotel, centrally located in the heart of Southport, consistently receives praise for its prime position on the promenade with beautiful sea and marine lake views. Its proximity to shops, bars, restaurants, parks and the beach makes it an ideal base for visitors. Additionally, its ease of parking is appreciated by those traveling by car. Guests frequently enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff, further enhancing the hotel's positive ambiance.
Breakfast at the Royal Clifton Hotel is generally well-received with many guests complimenting the excellent quality and variety of food offered in the buffet-style setup. The selection of both hot and cold items is well-cooked, plentiful and satisfying, contributing to a pleasant start to the day. The staff’s friendliness and efficiency further improve the breakfast experience.
The hotel dining experience, notably its evening meals, garners mixed reviews. While some guests appreciate the good value and self-service aspects, others find the food bland and the menu limited, particularly in vegetarian options. Nevertheless, the bar staff are frequently praised for their friendly service and bar prices are considered reasonable.
The rooms at the Royal Clifton Hotel are commonly highlighted for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Guests often mention the lovely layout, ample space and pleasant views from rooms, including partial sea views. Positive comments are given to the clean and spacious bathrooms with modern fixtures. While the hotel’s historic Victorian architecture adds charm, some rooms could benefit from modern updates and better temperature regulation.
The hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness overall with rooms and public areas frequently described as spotless and well-maintained. Guests appreciate the fresh towels and bed linens, as well as the friendly and efficient housekeeping staff. Despite occasional reports of inconsistencies, such as dusty surfaces, the general consensus remains positive regarding the hotel’s commitment to cleanliness.
The staff at Royal Clifton Hotel are consistently recognized for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The reception staff, in particular, are noted for their efficiency and pleasant demeanor, contributing to a warm and welcoming guest experience. This positive interaction extends to other areas of the hotel, reinforcing the hotel's reputation for excellent service.
While the hotel’s Wi-Fi service has its challenges with some guests finding it costly and occasionally unreliable, the available internet is generally adequate for basic browsing when functional. Connectivity in common areas like the reception is typically better compared to the rooms.
Regarding parking, the hotel offers ample spaces with on-site options reasonably priced at £5 per day. Though convenient, the number of available spaces can be limited during peak times, leading to occasional street parking or waits. Clearer communication regarding parking fees would benefit guests upon booking or check-in.
The Royal Clifton Hotel is also noted for being family-friendly, offering large family rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for children. On-site activities and the helpful staff contribute to a pleasant stay for families, despite occasional noise from children in hallways or minor inconveniences due to room location.
The hotel's proximity to nightlife is a double-edged sword, providing accessible entertainment options but also subjecting guests to potential noise disturbances from nearby nightclubs and street activity. While the hotel bar offers a quieter ambiance with reasonable prices, the limitations in service hours and lack of late-night food and drink options are points for improvement.
In summary, the Royal Clifton Hotel garners positive reviews for its prime location, comfortable and clean accommodations, commendable breakfast offerings and friendly staff. Areas for improvement include evening dining variety, Wi-Fi service and noise management. The hotel’s Victorian charm and overall welcoming atmosphere make it a favorable choice for many travelers visiting Southport. Show more
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Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
Located on the promenade in Southport, this hotel offers sea views and traditional seaside charm. The hotel has family rooms and is close to local attractions.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This magnificent Victorian building offers comfortable and spacious rooms, many of which are designated for pet owners. It features a dedicated dog-friendly area in the restaurant and easy access to scenic walks along the beach.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers overnight on-site parking for guests at a charge of £5 per night. Disabled parking bays and one electric charging point are available.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel boasts a grand Victorian façade, excellent facilities, and a prime location on the promenade with panoramic coastline views. It combines historical charm with modern amenities.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Single RoomOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The single room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Twin RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Double Room with ViewOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Twin Room with View Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family Room with Double and Two Single BedsOffering free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 3 beds.
Standard Triple RoomProviding free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The triple room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe SuiteThis suite comprises 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
6.8
Rated
Location
The Royal Clifton Hotel boasts a prime location that has garnered extensive praise from its guests. Positioned centrally in the heart of Southport, the hotel offers unparalleled proximity to amenities such as shops, bars, restaurants, parks and the beach. Visitors frequently highlight its ideal placement on the promenade, providing beautiful views of the sea and marine lake. This convenient locale means that guests can comfortably explore shopping areas, leisure spots and entertainment venues on foot without needing to use their cars.
In addition to its strategic location, travelers have commended the ease of parking available at the hotel, making it a practical choice for those driving into the area. The hotel stands out for being close to key attractions like Lord Street, the pier and popular event venues, ensuring that there is always something to do nearby. Whether staying for events or leisure, guests appreciate the blend of convenience and picturesque settings, further complemented by the hotel's welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff.
In conclusion, the Royal Clifton Hotel serves as a fantastic base for visitors looking to enjoy the best of Southport with its excellent location being repeatedly recognized as one of its standout features.
Breakfast
The breakfast offerings at Royal Clifton Hotel receive generally positive feedback from guests. Many guests describe the breakfast as excellent with plenty of choices and high quality. The buffet-style breakfast seems to be a hit for its variety and the ability to serve oneself. Common praises highlight the good selection of both hot and cold items, well-cooked dishes and friendly, efficient staff. Several reviews also note that the breakfast is plentiful and satisfying, contributing to an enjoyable start to their day.
However, a few guests expressed dissatisfaction, mentioning issues such as cold food, lack of choice and long waits for certain items. While many found the breakfast to be of good value, others felt it was overpriced or not up to their expectations. The breakfast environment is often described as busy, which might impact the experience for some guests.
Overall, the majority of guests appreciate the breakfast at Royal Clifton Hotel, noting its excellent quality, variety and the positive atmosphere created by the helpful staff. Despite some minor criticisms, the general consensus points to a commendable breakfast experience at the hotel.
Dinner
The dining experience at the Royal Clifton Hotel offers a mixed bag of reviews. On the positive side, many guests appreciate the good value and self-service aspect of the evening meals with food described as very good or brilliant. The chef's efforts and the presentation of food, especially the breakfast, have been generally praised. Additionally, the bar staff are noted for their friendly and helpful service and the bar prices are considered reasonable.
However, there are significant areas for improvement. Several guests mention that the food can be bland, overcooked or lukewarm with limited choices on the dinner menu and not always enough vegetarian options. Some found the buffet style lacking in variety and quality, saying it wasn't worth the price. Issues such as frozen vegetables not being cooked properly, poor salad choices and hard roast potatoes were particularly highlighted.
Moreover, the dining facilities' availability has been inconsistent with the restaurant frequently being closed or requiring guests to eat at a sister hotel. This lack of availability, coupled with the abruptness of some of the restaurant staff and basic dining options, detracted from the guests' overall experience. Organizational issues during busy times, particularly breakfast and the limited dining hours also posed challenges for some.
In summary, while the Royal Clifton Hotel's evening dining has its high points, there is room for substantial improvement in food quality, variety and service consistency to meet guests' expectations and dietary needs.
Rooms
The Royal Clifton Hotel offers a range of accommodations that have been praised for their cleanliness and spaciousness. Many guests found their rooms to be extremely clean, comfortable and well-maintained with some even highlighting the recently refurbished interiors. Rooms like 345 stood out as particularly delightful, offering a lovely layout, ample space and even a partial sea view in some cases.
A majority of the rooms are reportedly large and airy with comfortable beds and sufficient storage space. Many found the views from their rooms to be excellent, whether overlooking the promenade or the sea. The bathrooms also received positive comments for being clean and spacious with nice sized baths and modern fixtures.
Despite the positive feedback, some guests noted issues with room temperature, outdated decor and occasional maintenance problems such as poorly maintained windows and dated furniture. Some rooms were described as being far from the main entrance, which could be inconvenient.
Overall, the Royal Clifton Hotel benefits from its grand Victorian architecture and central location, making it a good value choice for those seeking a comfortable stay in a historic setting. The friendly and efficient staff further enhance the experience, though the hotel could benefit from some updating and better room allocation to fully meet guests' expectations.
Beds
The Royal Clifton Hotel offers a mixed bag when it comes to bed comfort with feedback veering towards both the positive and negative. Guests frequently commend the beds for being especially comfy and comfortable with mentions of large and extra-wide beds adding to the allure of the hotel rooms. Rooms are generally described as spacious, clean and quiet, which adds to the overall comfort.
However, there are reports of variability in bed comfort across different rooms. While many guests found their beds to be very comfortable, others described the beds as too firm, too small or hard with some even experiencing back pain from the mattresses. The quality of the mattresses, in particular, was highlighted as an area that needs attention with some being described as lumpy, old and creaky. Despite this, bedding and pillows were often found to be comfy and clean, though a few reviews mentioned issues like missing pillow cases or lack of pillow protectors.
In summary, while many patrons seem to have enjoyed a good night's sleep on the hotel's comfy beds, there are notable inconsistencies that suggest room for improvement in bed quality across different accommodations within the hotel.
Cleanliness
The Royal Clifton Hotel has garnered a reputation for its generally high standards of cleanliness, making it a preferred choice for many visitors. Reviews frequently highlight the hotel's overall clean and tidy environment with many describing it as immaculate, spotless and well-maintained. Guests have particularly praised the clean and comfortable rooms, noting the freshness of towels and bed linens. Daily room services and fresh towels further add to the hotel's appeal, ensuring a comfortable stay.
The hotel's public areas, including bars and lounging spaces, also receive positive mentions for cleanliness. Several reviews emphasize the cleanliness of the bathrooms, though a few note that some areas could benefit from modernization. The friendliness and efficiency of the housekeeping staff stand out, often dealing with concerns promptly and ensuring rooms are ready for new occupants.
Despite the overwhelming positive feedback, some guests have pointed out inconsistencies in room cleanliness with sporadic issues like dusty surfaces, cobwebs and stains being mentioned. Nevertheless, these are often exceptions rather than the rule. The hotel’s Victorian charm is noted with recent refurbishments enhancing the overall aesthetic.
In summary, while the Royal Clifton Hotel is occasionally described as dated, its dedication to cleanliness and guest comfort remains a strong point, making it a reliable and inviting option for travelers.
Staff
At the Royal Clifton Hotel, the staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor. Guests are greeted warmly upon arrival, often noting the reception staff's efficiency and pleasant attitudes. The receptionists stand out for their ability to resolve issues quickly, such as logging guests into the WiFi to solve connection problems. Many reviews highlight the politeness, supportiveness and overall engaging nature of the hotel staff.
The team at the front desk and in other areas of the hotel, such as the bar, work diligently to ensure that guests have everything they need, often going above and beyond to guarantee satisfaction. Whether it’s providing balanced advice, accommodating special requests or simply being available and approachable, the staff maintain a high level of service.
Guests mention specific staff members who impress them with their professionalism and friendliness, including the hotel's manager, who receives commendation for being amazing and hands-on. The hotel's pet-friendly policy is also appreciated by guests who travel with their four-legged companions.
In conclusion, the Royal Clifton Hotel's staff are frequently described as lovely, understanding and remarkably supportive, contributing to an overall welcoming and positive experience for their guests.
Wi-Fi
The Royal Clifton Hotel appears to have several challenges regarding its Wi-Fi service, as noted by guests. Many reviews highlight the fact that Wi-Fi is not free in the rooms and requires an additional fee, which some guests found to be quite high. While there is free Wi-Fi available with certain packages, several guests experienced issues even when it was provided, such as connectivity problems or failed login attempts.
The Wi-Fi signal strength seems better in common areas like the reception, where some guests could log in successfully, sometimes with the help of the receptionist. In contrast, the signal does not seem to reach some rooms effectively. Some guests were particularly displeased about being required to pay for Wi-Fi access per day, which they felt should be included in the room rate.
Despite these connectivity issues, a few guests noted that when Wi-Fi worked, it was adequate for basic internet browsing. However, the general consensus points to a need for improvement in the availability and reliability of the internet service at the hotel.
Parking
The parking situation at the Royal Clifton Hotel features both strengths and limitations. Guests can benefit from ample parking spaces with on-site parking being easily accessible and reasonably priced at £5 per day. The parking facilities are generally described as good with a large car park available. The convenience of having parking available close by and on the hotel premises is frequently mentioned, making it easy for most guests to park their vehicles.
However, there are a few challenges that guests have noted. The limited number of parking spaces can make finding a spot difficult during peak times and some guests have reported having to park on the street or wait for a space to become available. Additionally, the parking fees are an extra charge and not included in the room price, which some guests feel should be communicated more clearly upon booking or check-in. A few guests expressed frustration over receiving fines or finding the parking spaces too small.
Overall, while the Royal Clifton Hotel offers convenient and reasonably priced parking options, the availability of spaces and additional charges are factors to consider for prospective guests.
Family
The Royal Clifton Hotel stands out as a family-friendly destination, offering a welcoming atmosphere and large family rooms, perfect for accommodating both small and larger groups. Families have found it comfortable for short stays and have appreciated the spacious rooms, which are well-suited for children and family activities. The staff is exceptionally receptive, providing bedding and services tailored for kids, ensuring an enjoyable stay for younger guests.
While some reviews noted minor inconveniences such as the distance of family rooms from the main area or occasional noise from children in the hallways, these did not overshadow the overall positive experiences. Children particularly enjoyed the on-site activities, including rides and arcades, making it an ideal spot for a family break. Despite a few concerns about the lack of specific family amenities and room service lapses during longer stays, the hotel remains a favored choice for its family-centric focus and friendly environment.
Nightlife
The Royal Clifton Hotel is surrounded by an active nightlife, making it a suitable destination for those looking to enjoy entertainment options close by. The hotel's lounge boasts a great ambiance, contributing to the overall lively atmosphere. Nightclubs and bars are nearby, adding to the convenience for party-goers. Guests mentioned the vibrant nightlife with some staying at events like the Pleasureland rave.
However, the lively surroundings come with some drawbacks. Loud music and street noise, especially from the adjacent nightclub, can be an issue. Some guests reported being disturbed by loud music until the early hours, voices shouting and rowdy behavior from nightclub-goers. Incidents of noise in the corridors and backstreets were also noted.
The hotel's bar is appreciated for its quiet atmosphere and good prices, though there are some limitations in service hours. No food and drink are available after 3 pm and getting a drink past 11 pm can be challenging. Room service lacks clarity and was reportedly not mentioned during booking.
Despite these concerns, the hotel's position allows it to offer a nightlife experience of its own. It is far enough from the bars to provide some respite, though noise disturbances may still be an issue for light sleepers or those preferring a quieter environment.
3 Star
The Royal Clifton Hotel, undeniably rated as a three-star property, offers a blend of traditional design and historical charm, deeply rooted in its grand, old building. While the decor and overall ambiance may seem dated and the hotel might appear a bit tired, it maintains a clean environment with friendly and helpful staff. Positive impressions align with the standardized expectations of a three-star hotel, which seems justified given the reasonable pricing.
For those seeking value for money, the Royal Clifton Hotel stands out. Despite its age, ongoing work such as new carpet installations suggests efforts toward improvement. Guests recognize it as a fair option at a great price, particularly given its splendid seafront location.
However, it's notable that some areas require renovation, both externally and internally. Overall, the experience suits the expectations of a basic, budget-friendly stay without the aura of luxury but with a nostalgic, vintage charm that appeals to many.
Accessible
Guests with disabilities found both pros and cons when staying at the Royal Clifton Hotel. On the positive side, the hotel offers ground-floor rooms and accessible accommodations, making it suitable for many disabled guests. The hotel has proven to be good for those with walking difficulties with some guests specifically mentioning it as perfect for limited mobility. Additionally, access to upper floors is facilitated by lifts, which generally provide adequate service. The hotel also features accessible showers, though some reviews noted the need for additional grab rails.
However, there were notable concerns as well. While lift access is available, many guests found the lifts to be small or even out of service, which posed significant challenges, especially for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Some guests experienced difficulties due to the lift issues, including being stuck on higher floors. The layout of the hotel requires the use of stairs beyond the lift in certain areas, further complicating accessibility for some guests. Room sizes were also mentioned as being small and not always conducive to wheelchair maneuverability.
For those with disabilities, it's clear that the Royal Clifton Hotel offers a mix of accessible amenities. However, potential visitors should be aware of the limitations and prepare accordingly.
Dog Friendly
The Royal Clifton Hotel stands out as an ideal destination for travelers with pets, frequently praised for its dog-friendly policies. Guests appreciate the hotel's accommodating nature, allowing them to bring their furry companions on their visit. The hotel offers specific dog-friendly rooms, ensuring the comfort of pets and their owners. Many positive remarks highlight the accessibility to areas where dogs are welcome, such as communal spaces and even rooms that provide direct access to private patios.
However, it's important for future guests to be aware of certain rules and considerations, such as the policy that pets should not be left alone in the rooms. Occasional reports of barking and the lingering smell of dogs suggest that some guests may find these aspects less favorable.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that the Royal Clifton Hotel is exceptionally welcoming to dogs, making it a turn-right choice for pet owners looking to enjoy a getaway without leaving their four-legged friends behind. The hotel's perfect location and pet-friendly environment make it a top pick for those traveling with dogs.
No, Royal Clifton Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Royal Clifton Hotel.
Yes, Royal Clifton Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Royal Clifton Hotel.