The Esplanade Hotel

We've been to the Esplanade several times now with the last visit a couple of years ago so it was nice to see the improvements made in the time. We arrived on a GB Tours coach holiday after our long journey and from the first moment we were made to feel welcome by Suzy and her team. Our room was comfortable and clean with a comfortable bed/pillows. The condiments were fully loaded with plenty of tea/coffee/milk etc. so no need to eke out the tea and coffee which sometimes happens. The bathroom was clean and operational despite being in need of a little bit of tlc though nothing major. The lift always worked and with a limit of three persons was not overcrowded unless luggage accompanied them. The menu for breakfast had a good choice - I had porridge or bran flakes, scrambled eggs, tomatoes and beans followed by toast and marmalade/honey/jams with tea or coffee. Dinner was equally varied with starters, main and desert all presented nicely and cooked perfectly followed by tea or coffee. However, the service was quite poor this time as some staff were in the process of being trained. Whilst others around us were having their meals promptly we were regularly left waiting some time for ours. One particular morning we arrived for breakfast at 08.00 but didn't receive our first course until 08.50 by which time some of the other guests had finished and were leaving as our coach was due to leave at 09.30 for the day. This was in big contrast to our last visit which went smoothly. Entertainment was provided on some nights which people enjoyed if it was to their taste. Bar prices were in line with most other hotels (Heineken 0.0 at £4 a bottle) but it's down to personal choice, while the lounge area offered a nice place to relax and enjoy the view. The hotel is ideally situated on the front looking out to sea and the islands so a walk along the promenade is an easy option either to get to the town or simply take in the air and scenery. We were made to feel welcome from arrival to departure and, despite the trials of mealtimes, look forward to our next stay at the Esplanade.