Best Western Clifton Hotel

It’s not often I post a review of a hotel but this one is pretty bad I felt compelled. Arrived at the hotel at 8pm on a very wet and windy Sunday night. The hotel’s restaurant was a Marco Pierre-White Steakhouse so I enquired if I needed to book a table and I was assured it was not necessary. So off I went to my ‘Executive Room’ and unpacked. Room looked nice, if a little stuffy, but nothing an open sash window couldn’t fix as there’s the sea in front. Settled for a cup of tea (a little too basic with a couple Tetley teabags, 2 Nescafé and 2 sugar sachets with the customary UHT milk). I then decided to have a shower and it went downhill from there. The bathroom smelt awful as soon as I went in, and then I discovered the cleaner left unflushed poo festering in the toilet for hours. Flushed and sprayed perfume thinking I shouldn’t have unpacked but decided to let it pass. I then went to the Restaurant at 9pm and was greeted by a gentleman who abruptly told me that they are closed! I asked him if there’s anywhere else that serves food and he said most places closed at 9pm because it’s a Sunday. Irked, I pointed out that all their literature states the Restaurant serves food until 10pm and that I did ask Reception if I needed to book. He proceeded to tell me that it was quiet so they closed. He then ushered me to the bar and said that I should be able to get some bar food there. How rude! I then went to Reception asking to speak to a manager but they had no hotel manager on duty and the person covering was the Restaurant Manager who it appears was the one who was dismissive of me. So I went to the bar to get done good. Luckily the bar staff was nice and friendly and lifted my spirit a little. I should have really seen the signs. Check in was already amiss when I was not told where and what time breakfast was and if it was included in the room rate. Then there’s the dirty and smelly bathroom and restaurant fiasco. I can only hope it gets better because I’m stuck here for a week! less

Wonderful situation in a Georgian terrace with views from the bar out to sea and onto a private garden. Staff very friendly and helpful. Delicious English breakfast. Safe parking ( in a municipal park one minute"s walk away). Only minor point-the romm was too hot and the radiators could not be adjusted. Otherwise the room exceptionally large and comfortable for a single. less

I went for a couple of drinks with my dad for a catch up. I love this place beautiful inside with polite professional bar staff. The gentleman made me a few mocktails and they was delicious. I highly recommend and will be coming back soon. less

Today we have a lovely Winter afternoon tea with some friends. The food was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. The staff were very attentive, in particular Zaida, who served us with unlimited tea in cosy surroundings. A perfect way to spend a winters afternoon. less

2nd stay here and I am still in love ❤️ with it. So much character and charm. It was very windy during the night and the old sash windows really did rattle but didn’t worry us it just added to the atmosphere of being in this beautiful old building. We had a great dinner in the MPW restaurant and a fabulous breakfast in the conservatory. If you are looking for swanky modern rooms with rain showers etc this is probably not for you but if you like good old fashioned British coastal hotels with a warm and very hospitable charm, great food and wonderful staff then I would thoroughly recommend a stay here. I am returning again next month for my third stay and I’m sure it won’t be my last. Thank you all at The Clifton. ❤️ less