The Beresford Hotel

This hotel is notably characterized by its prime beachfront location, offering many guests stunning sea views and easy access to the town and beaches. It stands out as a budget-friendly option, consistently praised for its exceptional staff friendliness and helpfulness, which often compensates for its dated appearance and ongoing need for renovation. The hotel is particularly well-suited for pet owners due to its welcoming dog policy and for budget-conscious travelers seeking good value. Its central position also makes it ideal for sightseers and short-stay guests looking to explore the area. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a sea view, and be prepared for a property that is actively undergoing or in need of significant refurbishment.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers essential facilities to its guests, including reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and in-room televisions, which are generally found to be satisfactory, though some guests have reported issues with reception or functionality. A significant point of feedback concerns the lift, which many guests describe as outdated, slow, and small, often accommodating only one or two people at a time, and frequently reported as being out of order or unable to be called from upper floors. Regarding climate control, while heating is available and generally effective, the absence of air conditioning can make rooms uncomfortably warm, especially during warmer periods, with some guests being provided with portable radiators. The overall decor and condition of the corridors and exterior are frequently noted as being tired, scruffy, and in need of substantial refurbishment, detracting from the hotel's overall appearance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While many reviews commend the rooms for being clean, tidy, and well-maintained, a significant number of guests have reported issues such as dirty carpets, stains, and a general lack of thorough cleaning, with some even mentioning hairs or unpleasant substances. The room condition is often described as basic and dated, with old furniture and signs of wear, though some guests appreciate the spacious rooms. Most guests find the beds to be comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few have noted them as old or lumpy. Noise levels can vary, with some rooms being quiet despite the central location, while others experience disturbances from thin walls, corridor activity, or doors slamming. The bathrooms are frequently cited as small and dated, with common complaints about showers having low pressure, inconsistent hot water, or drainage issues. Standard in-room amenities include tea and coffee making facilities and towels, though some guests note the absence of toiletries like shampoo.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining and food quality is quite varied, with a notable trend towards limited availability. Many guests express disappointment that the hotel's restaurant and bar facilities, which were previously available, are now often closed or non-existent, meaning no alcohol is served on site. This frequently leads guests to seek dining options elsewhere. When breakfast is offered, reviews are mixed; some guests praise it as outstanding with plenty of choice, while others describe it as basic, with limited options and issues like overcooked eggs. There are also reports of a 'snack type' breakfast or no breakfast being available at all. For those who experienced evening meals, the food quality was generally considered unsatisfactory, with repetitive and poorly prepared dishes, leading many to advise against dining in for dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, placing guests within easy walking distance of popular beaches, the town center, and the train station. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the area and accessing public transport. However, parking is a significant and frequently discussed issue. While some guests manage to find on-site parking, spaces are very limited and often come with an additional fee, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Many guests report difficulty securing a spot and resort to expensive local car parks or searching for street parking further away, which can be challenging to find, especially during busy periods. This lack of readily available and affordable parking is a common point of frustration for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently commend their attentive service, noting their willingness to assist with various requests, from providing extra amenities to addressing concerns promptly. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and smooth, with staff often going above and beyond, such as offering upgrades to sea view rooms or providing treats for pets, highlighting their dog-friendly service. However, feedback on housekeeping is highly inconsistent; while some guests find their rooms clean and well-maintained, a notable number report issues with rooms not being cleaned thoroughly, or needing to specifically request basic items like toilet paper, indicating a potential area for improvement in consistency.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a strong pet-friendly policy, warmly welcoming dogs and even offering amenities for them, which is a significant draw for many guests. A recurring theme in reviews is the hotel's ongoing renovation efforts or its general dated appearance, with many areas noted as being scruffy, unkept, or in need of substantial refurbishment. Guests have also reported various unpleasant smells within the hotel, including sewage, damp, or cigarette smoke, particularly in communal areas or specific rooms. Issues with water pressure in showers are also mentioned, with some finding it very low. The hotel operates a traditional key return policy, requiring guests to leave their room keys at reception when leaving the premises. Recent changes in new ownership have been noted, with some guests mentioning potential future changes to services, such as the discontinuation of alcohol or pork offerings. Additionally, there have been isolated reports of the fire alarm sounding unexpectedly.