Royal Victoria Hotel in Hastings

The Royal Victoria Hotel in St Leonard’s on Sea is a bit of a blast from the past, but in the best way! Yes, it’s got that faded glamour look—think vintage charm with a few miles on the clock. But at £130 for a huge suite complete with living room, bedroom, and bathroom, I’d call it a first-class 3-star that’s well worth the ticket. Our suite was spacious enough to stretch out like a transatlantic long-haul, with views over the sea that could rival any business class window seat. The bed? Very comfortable, with all the essentials on hand—nothing over the top, but everything you need for a pleasant stay. The decor might be a bit tired, but that almost adds to the charm, giving you the feeling you’ve stepped into another era. And let’s face it, sometimes a bit of nostalgia makes the experience. For what you pay, this hotel is pure value. Sure, it’s not a five-star luxury spot, but it’s a comfy, no-fuss option for those who appreciate a bit of character with their seafront views. After a long day of exploring Hastings, it was the perfect place to come back and relax. If you’re after glamour, maybe look elsewhere—but if you want a spacious, comfortable stay with a touch of history, the Royal Victoria offers a memorable layover by the sea.

I only went here for afternoon tea with my parents , I would say the food it's self was really nice and so are the staff . I think the idea is the hotel is retro ,but it honestly just kinda looks run down . I am sorry

The hotel is very dated, it’s in need of urgent renovation and deep cleaning. I had to change rooms because the original room had hair in the carpet. I dropped a pen and when I picked it up I picked loads of hair together with the pen. The bed was not firm. The bed frame seemed broken and was sinking in the middle. They gave me an ocean view room when I asked to be moved but the new room, while better, still felt dirty. Location is about a 20 min walk from the train station. It’s right in front of the boardwalk. You have a nice pizza place and a nice South American food place close to it.

Hige rooms and nice views over the sea or the park. Its just a bit dated as a hotel and they were quite understaffed meaning the service was very slow. The food was quite nice.

Magnificent establishment, impeccable service and true British Breakfast. Perfect value for money.

Very good value and a great location on the seafront

This hotel is dated but staff and location make up for this. Breakfast was ok and I would stay again. The staircase is one to see, original victorian. Even though the decor is dated, for the price you pay to get a seafront location. Worth a visit

Roast carvery amazing food. Shame restaurant lacks any atmosphere, no music, plastic flowers on tables and dirty linen. Also noise of wind blowing through drafts windows. Could be so much nicer with some music and a tidy up. Food was above an average and a great variety, well done to the kitchen.

Lovely room. Friendly staff. Much better than other hotels for the same price. Plenty of cafes restaurants and takeaways nearby. Great location for exploring the area. Dog friendly. Free on street parking. Beach is opposite

We stayed here whilst visiting Hastings. It’s a pretty hotel with a lot of history however, it needs some improvements. The room was massive with drink making facilities, TV, free toiletries, towels and a nice clean bathroom. Downsides to the room include, stained headboard, peeling wallpaper, cracked window seal, burned out plug sockets, damp walls in the stairway and wear and tear throughout. Staff were helpful when we complained. The food in the piano bar is good and the breakfast was ok. The sea view from our room was pretty, just a shame about the current state of the building as this could be a really lovely hotel.

A great experience. Old style. Quite luxurious. Makes you dream. Could use a bit of renovation. Lovely old elevator.

The room I had was huge, overlooking the sea. The decor is slightly dated but it was all clean and tidy. The room had tea making facilities and use of towels. Breakfast in the morning was nice. Check in and out was easy, even arriving at 11.00pm to check in wasn't a problem.

Decent staff but very poor carvery. Dry meat under a lamp. Very tired decor,

On the sea front. A lot of character, with fantastic grade two listed wood and marble staircase, and stained glass window. The hotel needs some upkeep and attention, but is clean and functional. So it is a bit more worn than the photos on the booking site, but still good. There are only 6 parking spaces at the front, so you will probably end up on the road or in the car park opposite. Road parking is free. Staff looked a bit fed up, but were pleasant enough. The breakfast is a buffet. Not the greatest, but ok and choice of continental or cooked buffet. The bar snack werea lot better. The fish and chips was massive and really nicely cooked, one of the best I have ever had. Apparently Queen Victoria, the poet Tennison and others stayed here. The visitor book is on display with Victoria’s signature. We went in Late July and it was very quiet, just a few guests. I think they must limit the rooms they let out. It was like going back in time to the 1970’s , but in a nice way.We did enjoy it, and I would stay there again.

Afternoon tea... excellent and so was the coffee as I don't do tea. Really good and obliging staff. Have been a couple of times and will continue to pop in as appropriate.

Lovey hotel. Large rooms. Very original and quaint. Ideal for our one night stay.

Very nice hotel on the beach. Soft and comfortable beds. Very good breakfast.

bedbugs. checked out after 45 minutes. waiting for a refund

Staff are first class (especially waiting staff at breakfast) rooms a bit tired. It’s 200 years old & needs a refresh x

Great, old hotel by the beach promenade, view out to sea from the hotel room. Previously visited by many kings. Very good breakfast and dinner.

My son and daughter in law had their wedding reception here on 18 June 24. The food was outstanding. The wedding planner done us proud with how the tables were set out and all the decorations. The waiting staff were superb. The rooms that were booked were to a very high standard. I personally wish to thank all the staff for the hard work that was carried out to such a high standard and would highly recommend the hotel for a wonderful reception for your wedding. As mother of the groom l can honestly say l personally was extremely happy with the whole reception, from the food to staff it was perfect in every way. Thank you for your hard work. Highly recommended

I recently stayed at Royal Victoria Hotel, and while it has potential, it needs significant improvement. The hotel appears clean at first glance, but it desperately needs a renovation. The carpets are old and worn out, and the wallpaper in my room was peeling, making the space look neglected. The windows were another major concern. They are very old, allowing draughts, and I was afraid to open them as they seemed fragile. This impacts both comfort and safety. Additionally, the floors in the corridors and room creaked with every step, indicating their age and fragility. The breakfast was very carelessly prepared. They didn’t even clean the coffee splatters on the wall from the coffee machine. Overall, while Royal Victoria Hotel maintains basic cleanliness, an urgent renovation is needed to improve the guest experience. Despite its historical significance and convenient location, consider the condition of the interiors before deciding to stay here.

Very nice rooms, the staff are lovely and we had a great view.

The only thing was the location of the hotel, which is positive if you could even enjoy the view of the sea through the very dirty windows. Otherwise the hotel was disgusting, dirty, mold in the bathroom, not a hint of cleanliness. The carpet in the hallway is so disgusting. There wasn't always running, warm water. The crowning glory was the breakfast, the coffee was undrinkable, had probably been made that day, it was just bad. Luckily we only had one night, don't be fooled by the pictures on the website, they must be from a completely different time. I can only advise against booking this hotel

A midweek, low-season break. Didn't disappoint and in fact exceeded expections. They have obviously taken the decision to renovate, redecorate and update the room fittings in this traditional Victorian seaside hotel, rather than letting it fall into decline like many others, with money well spent on thick carpeting throughout, impeccably maintained and impressive entrance hall and public areas. The room (we actually had a suite) was really clean and everything worked just fine. Staff were very pleasant and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

My favourite Hotel in Hastings area

Loved the sea view room which looked directly on the coastline The vibes were quiet & royal But a stream of cold air was flowing through the room window

Hotel smells old and deffo needs a refurbishment. Do NOT stay at this hotel