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Summary of reviewsRoyal Whitby consistently impresses with its prime location, making it a favored choice for visitors eager to explore the scenic coastal town. The hotel’s central position provides stunning views of the sea, harbor and Whitby Abbey, giving guests breathtaking vistas from many rooms. Its proximity to the town center and beach ensures easy access to local attractions, shops and historical sites, making it an excellent base for both short visits and extended stays. Free on-site parking adds further convenience for guests traveling by car.
Guests regard the breakfast offering highly, commending its quality, variety and ample portions. Though there were occasional issues with food being cold or not replenished, most found the breakfast delicious and well-cooked. Dinner experiences varied with some praising the food's presentation and quality, while others noted the limited menu options and occasional service issues.
The rooms receive praise for their spaciousness and cleanliness with many offering stunning sea views. Recently refurbished rooms are particularly appreciated for their modern amenities, though some older rooms could benefit from upgrades. While overall cleanliness is noted, certain areas, like carpets and windows, could use deeper cleaning.
The staff at The Royal Hotel are consistently described as friendly, helpful and professional, significantly enhancing the guest experience. The reception and bar staff are particularly highlighted for their warmth and efficiency, though there are occasional reports of inattentive staff in dining areas.
The hotel's free Wi-Fi receives mixed reviews with some guests experiencing reliable connectivity while others find it intermittent. Additionally, the hotel's close proximity to Whitby's famous beach and stunning coastal views make it an excellent choice for beach lovers.
Parking is generally favorable with on-site options appreciated, although securing a space during peak times can be challenging. The hotel is also noted for its family-friendly environment, offering spacious rooms and activities that keep younger guests entertained. Evening entertainment, including live music, adds to the charm, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy local nightlife while still having a quiet retreat.
In summary, Royal Whitby offers a memorable stay with its unbeatable location, stunning views and friendly staff. Minor areas for improvement include expanding the dinner menu, updating older rooms and improving Wi-Fi consistency. Despite these, the hotel’s advantageous location and welcoming atmosphere make it a favored choice for visitors to Whitby. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel near The Beach
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomOur Standard Double Room is 215 Square Ft and features a Double Bed that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Standard Twin RoomOur Standard Twin Room is 215 Square Ft and features 2 x Single Beds that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Standard Single Room with Sea ViewOur Standard Single Room with Sea View is 150 Square Ft and features a Single Bed that can accommodate 1 Adult. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Standard Double Room with Sea ViewOur Double Room with Sea View is 215 Square Ft and features a Double Bed that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Superior Twin Room with Sea ViewOur Superior Twin Room with Sea View is 235 Square Ft and features 2 x Single Beds that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Standard Twin Room with Sea ViewOur Standard Twin Room with Sea View is 215 Square Ft and features 2 x Single Beds that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Family RoomOur Family Room is 215 Square Ft and features 1 x Double Bed and 1 x Single Bed that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Standard Single RoomOur Single Room is 150 Square Ft and features a Single Bed that can accommodate 1 Adult. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Superior Double Room with Sea ViewOur Superior Double Room with a Landmark View is 235 Square Ft and features a Double Bed that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Shower, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Cosy Double RoomOur Small Double Room is 150 Square Ft and features a Double Bed that can accommodate 1-2 Adults. Featuring a Town View, Free WiFi, a Flat-Screen TV, an en suite with a Bath, Complimentary Toiletries and a Wardrobe.
Cosy Double Room with Sea ViewOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.1
Good
Location
The Royal Hotel in Whitby boasts an unbeatable location, making it a top choice for visitors looking to explore this charming coastal town. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's prime spot, perfect for immersing oneself in the local attractions. The central position offers stunning views of the sea, harbour and the iconic Whitby Abbey, frequently described as breathtaking and magnificent.
Its proximity to both the town centre and the beach ensures that everything is within easy walking distance, providing convenience for exploring shops, pubs and historical sites. The elevated setting of the hotel offers spectacular vistas from many of the rooms with some guests emphasizing that the sea view is worth paying a little extra for.
The hotel's situation on West Cliff provides a quiet yet accessible retreat, making it ideal for both relaxation and sightseeing. Additionally, having amenities like free parking enhances the stay for those traveling by car. Whether for a short visit or an extended stay, the blend of historic charm and stunning landscapes at The Royal Hotel ensures a memorable experience in Whitby.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Royal Whitby receives generally favorable remarks from guests, highlighted by its excellent quality and variety. Most guests enjoyed a very good or excellent breakfast with many commenting on the great range of options available, from hot buffet selections to continental choices. The breakfast was often described as delicious with ample portions that were well-cooked and tasty. Several guests also noted the good value for the price and the efficient, friendly service provided by the breakfast staff.
However, feedback was not uniformly positive. Some guests felt the breakfast variety was limited and noted issues such as food occasionally being cold or not fully replenished. There were criticisms about the breakfast being somewhat chaotic and haphazardly managed, especially on busy mornings. The dining room layout and crowded seating also detracted from the overall experience for some visitors.
Overall, while there were a few areas for improvement, the breakfast at Royal Whitby is generally well-received with many guests appreciating the quality and variety of the offerings.
Dinner
Guests at Royal Whitby had varied experiences with the dinner offerings at the hotel. Many praised the food as good, lovely and well-presented with some specifically highlighting excellent and delightful meals, including a memorable full Christmas Dinner. The evening entertainment in the bar also earned positive remarks for contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
However, several guests noted that the dinner menu was limited with a lack of variety, which resulted in reduced meal options. Portions were reported to be generous by some but considered small by others. Additionally, some meals were described as basic, adequate or only average. Specific issues such as understocked items, food not being warm and occasional poor quality were also mentioned.
Dining service received mixed reviews; while the staff were generally described as friendly and professional, there were instances of slow service and complaints about the officious attitude of a dining staff member. Despite these discrepancies, guests appreciated the good bar and restaurant facilities.
Considering the feedback, it appears that while Royal Whitby has the potential to offer enjoyable dining experiences, consistency and variety in the dinner menu, as well as attention to meal quality and service, may need improvement to fully satisfy its guests.
Rooms
Royal Whitby receives varied feedback about its rooms with several positive aspects standing out prominently. A consistent highlight is the spaciousness of many rooms, which guests repeatedly describe as large, airy and offering ample space for relaxation. Several rooms boast stunning views of the sea, harbor or abbey, which many guests found to be the highlight of their stay. Cleanliness is frequently noted with many rooms described as very clean, tidy and equipped with comfortable beds and good linen.
Some rooms have been recently refurbished and present a more modern and comfortable ambiance. The freshly decorated rooms, especially those with sea views and superior categories, receive praise for their updated decor and amenities. However, the charm of the historic building is maintained, providing an old-fashioned seaside hotel experience that some guests appreciate.
On the flip side, a number of rooms are described as dated or in need of renovation. Issues such as tired decor, insufficient power points, stained carpets and inadequate maintenance detracted from the experience for several guests. Basic amenities in some rooms, combined with occasional reports of non-functional radiators and minimalistic decorations, indicate a need for improvement.
Despite these inconsistencies, the hotel’s strategic location, stunning views and spacious rooms leave a lasting impression on many guests, contributing to an overall enjoyable stay at Royal Whitby.
Beds
Royal Whitby has garnered a mix of opinions when it comes to the comfort of its beds. Many guests have praised the hotel for providing comfy and clean beds with several describing them as very comfortable, comfortable with crisp clean bedding and top-notch comfy. The clean linens and well-maintained rooms have also been positively highlighted, contributing to an overall comfortable stay for many visitors.
However, some guests experienced issues with their beds, noting them as uncomfortable, hard or in need of replacing. There were mentions of broken bed springs and mattresses that needed upgrading. Despite these drawbacks, it seems the hotel generally provides an adequate sleeping experience for most visitors with clean and comfortable rooms being a recurrent theme in the reviews.
In summary, while there are some inconsistencies in bed comfort, the hotel's clean and spacious accommodations, along with its comfortable beds, make it a generally pleasant place to stay for many travelers.
Cleanliness
Royal Whitby has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness, but the positive feedback from guests is noteworthy. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, highlighting spotless and comfortable accommodations. The hotel's communal areas were frequently complimented for being lovely and clean with the hotel generally described as clean and comfortable. Guests appreciated the clean towels and bedding, as well as the overall cleanliness of the hotel.
However, some areas did require attention. Several guests mentioned the need for deep cleaning, particularly with carpets and windows. Certain rooms showed signs of wear and tear with dated décor and dusty or dirty surfaces. Issues such as blocked toilets and the lack of housekeeping services for some guests were noted but did not seem to be a widespread concern.
In summary, while there are areas that could benefit from more rigorous cleaning and updates, Royal Whitby mostly provided guests with a clean and pleasant stay with staff efforts in maintaining cleanliness being recognized.
Staff
The reviews for Royal Whitby paint a glowing picture of the staff's overall performance. Guests consistently praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, polite and professional. Many guests highlighted the exceptional service they experienced with terms like fantastic, amazing and excellent frequently used to describe their interactions with the hotel team. The reception and bar staff stood out, often mentioned for their warmth and efficiency.
While most feedback was highly positive, indicating a pleasant and accommodating atmosphere, there were occasional mentions of less favorable experiences. A few guests noted issues with specific staff members in the dining areas and some reception staff who appeared rude or inattentive. There were also mentions of management issues and occasional complaints regarding the number of staff available.
Overall, despite a few isolated incidents, the majority of guests felt well cared for and welcomed by the hotel's team, contributing significantly to their positive stay experience.
Wi-Fi
The wifi experience at Royal Whitby has received mixed feedback from guests. While several reviews highlight good Wi-Fi coverage and availability throughout the hotel, some guests noted that the wifi was intermittent with some areas experiencing very poor or non-existent connections. Despite these inconsistencies, others have mentioned the wifi worked well and was generally free of charge. Overall, it appears that while there are some connectivity issues, many guests still had positive experiences with the hotel's wifi.
Beach
Located in the heart of Whitby, Royal Whitby is just a short walk from the town's famous beach, offering guests unbeatable proximity to the sea. Nearly every aspect of the hotel capitalizes on its fantastic waterfront location. With rooms boasting stunning views of the sea, harbour and abbey, guests are treated to a visual feast right from their windows. This ideal positioning means that visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of coastal beauty and historic charm, all within walking distance.
The hotel's cozy and warm ambiance, along with its modern amenities, ensure a comfortable stay. Additional advantages include its accessibility to the town center and traditional large properties that harken back to Whitby's storied past. While dogs are not allowed on the beach from May to September, the hotel's superb location and scenic views more than make up for it. Those who stay in the sea view rooms can wake up to spectacular sunrises and relaxing sounds of the ocean, making Royal Whitby an excellent choice for beach lovers and sightseeing enthusiasts alike.
Parking
The parking situation at Royal Whitby is generally considered favorable by guests, offering a range of options and facilities that cater to various needs. Many reviewers highlight the convenience of having on-site parking with several noting that parking is available for a reasonable fee of £6 per night. The availability of pre-bookable parking spaces and designated spots adds to the ease, although it is sometimes essential to reserve in advance due to the busy nature of the car parks. Some guests have appreciated the free parking available on the road, particularly in the winter season.
For those who manage to secure a spot, the parking experience tends to be smooth and straightforward, contributing to an overall positive impression. The hotel also provides ample parking in some areas and additional overflow parking, which can get busier but still serves the purpose well. The ease of loading and unloading luggage due to the proximity of the parking area adds to the convenience.
However, there are occasional challenges. Some guests found the car park small and mentioned difficulty securing a space, particularly during peak times. A few encountered issues with reserved spots being occupied by others and some found the charged parking to be steep or felt it should be complimentary. Disabled guests sometimes faced specific difficulties due to the lack of designated disabled bays.
Overall, while there are minor hiccups and areas for improvement, the general consensus points to a good parking experience at Royal Whitby with many appreciating the various options and reasonable pricing.
Family
Royal Whitby is a popular choice for families seeking a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel offers spacious family rooms that are ideal for accommodating both large and small families. Guests particularly appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and the range of activities available for kids, ensuring that younger guests are entertained throughout their stay.
Parents have noted that it’s a good value for money option with many finding the buffet breakfast enjoyable and the rooms both comfortable and clean. The hotel's location also adds to its convenience for visiting families with views of the abbey and harbor adding a charming touch.
While some reviews mention that certain amenities could feel a bit dated or the bathroom facilities were abysmal, the general consensus is that the friendliness and efficiency of the staff greatly enhance the stay. Evening entertainment and the pool available for families are additional highlights that contribute to the overall positive experience.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the hotel’s commitment to providing a comfortable and engaging environment for families makes it a recommended option for those traveling with children.
Nightlife
Royal Whitby offers a pleasant experience for those seeking both relaxation and local nightlife. With its ideal location, guests find themselves conveniently close to the vibrant heart of Whitby, making it easy to explore local pubs and enjoy a great time. The hotel often hosts evening entertainment, including live music at the bar and a male singer with a great voice on Saturdays, creating memorable nights for guests. Additionally, the friendly and helpful staff enhance the overall experience.
While the hotel isn't situated in the town center, it ensures a peaceful evening ambiance for those wanting a quieter stay. It's worth noting that entertainment is usually available three nights a week, although some guests have found the material dated or the live dance band less impressive. Also, attendance at these events can be affected by ongoing restrictions. Despite these minor critiques, Royal Whitby remains a top choice for families and visitors looking to enjoy the best of Whitby's nightlife in a friendly and comfortable setting.
Accessible
The Royal Hotel Whitby offers a mixed experience for guests with disabilities. While the hotel is generally easily accessible and provides accessible rooms and parking, there are significant issues with the lift, which is described as small, outdated and often out of service. This has caused inconvenience, especially for elderly and disabled guests. The helpful reception staff are noted for assisting guests, but the small lift that only accommodates two people and luggage struggles to meet the needs of guests with limited mobility.
Guests appreciated the accessible bathrooms and ground-floor rooms tailored for limited mobility. However, there were concerns about the overall accessibility of the building due to broken lifts, floors on different levels and locked side doors that restricted entry for people with disabilities.
Despite the accessibility features, outdated facilities and recurring lift issues, some guests felt the hotel's accessibility needed significant improvement to cater adequately to disabled guests. The lift was frequently mentioned as insufficient for the hotel's size, often leading to long waits or the need to use stairs, which was frustrating for those with mobility issues.
Dog Friendly
Royal Whitby is recognized for its dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a welcoming option for families traveling with pets. Numerous positive remarks highlight the hotel's accommodating and inviting approach to dogs, including allowing pets in the bar area and providing specific rooms designated for pet owners. Guests appreciated the hotel's tolerance and acceptance of dogs with several mentioning their pets were made to feel welcome and even enjoyed their stay.
However, there are a few notable rules and limitations. Pets are not allowed in the restaurant area, though the staff made efforts to accommodate pet owners by providing alternative dining arrangements. Additionally, while the hotel's location is praised for its scenic views and proximity to dog-friendly beaches, there were isolated complaints regarding noise from dogs in neighboring rooms and the additional cleaning requirements due to the presence of pets.
Overall, Royal Whitby offers a pet-friendly experience that caters well to dog owners, ensuring a pleasant stay with designated amenities and considerate service for their furry friends.
No, Royal Whitby doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Royal Whitby.
Yes, Royal Whitby welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Royal Whitby.