The Grotto

We stayed at The Grotto expecting a comfortable experience, but were left extremely disappointed. The room (Room 8) was tiny — more like a storage cupboard than a proper hotel room, and certainly not the one shown in the brochures. The bed was a very small double and incredibly uncomfortable — you could feel every spring. The shower had no hot water throughout our stay, and there were no shelves or storage, making it difficult to unpack or feel settled. The lighting was so poor, we couldn’t even see our reflection properly in the mirror. To make things worse, the room was unclean — the amount of dust and cobwebs was ridiculous, especially considering the price we paid. Check-in was another issue. The bar staff also serve as hotel staff, so we had to queue with regular pub visitors just to get help. The bar was extremely busy, and I waited 25 minutes just to register our car for parking. Yes, the room had a nice sea view, but that in no way made up for the state of the room or the hotel overall — especially not at £252 for two nights. Anyone would expect far better at that price. The windows didn’t close properly, so we heard every noise from the beer garden late into the night. The lift from the car park to the rooms shuts at 10pm, and after that, guests must use the steep, poorly lit stairs beside it. We had to use our phone lights to see where we were going — not exactly safe or comfortable. While the sheets were clean, the overall experience was uncomfortable, overpriced, and frustrating. If you are planning to stay here, avoid Room 8 at all costs — I can’t speak for the other rooms, but ours was a huge disappointment. We would have left, but had family engagements in the area and felt stuck. This hotel is severely overrated and did not meet even the most basic expectations. We definitely would not stay here again.

The food is nice, the staff are nice. But the venue itself is not very clean. Behind the bar door loo's are scruffy full of cobwebs. The outside has a lot of cigarette butt's, and litter. The tables need a good scrub and a lick of paint./varnish. Such a great venue, just lacking detail and investment.

After a visit for a coffee last year we decided to have an overnight stay here and we weren’t disappointed. We chose to stay in the Shanti room which has the large bay window where you can sit on a sofa looking out at the views. The room seemed to be recently decorated and the bed was very comfortable. The bathroom is small but adequate. We ate in the restaurant which isn’t cheap but the food was excellent so well worth it especially with the unique cave setting. Breakfast was continental and was nice with a good choice of cereals along with pastries and bread for toasting and juices/hot drinks. All the staff were really friendly and attentive, they are an asset to the business.

Visited tonight with a group of friends. Gorgeous seaside location with absolutely stunning views. Amazing food, drinks and service, also very friendly staff. Daisy our super smiley server went above and beyond to help us which made our evening run smoothly and more enjoyable. 😀

Lovely stay here, view is amazing. Staff are friendly and warm welcoming. Few issues with room, but they got sorted. If your a light sleeper, sound of the sea may keep you up or might actually help you sleep as was therapeutic. Light breakfast included which was nice touch. Only downside maybe for some, no signal at all, had to go halfway up the stairs, as the lift stops at 10pm.

The Grotto has gone very grotty. Outside not a single table was clear. Piled high with plates and cups and bottles. Inside was only marginally better. I had high hopes - it having changed ownership again that they would tidy up, pick up the rubbish and spruce it up. There was a time you could get a great coffee on a lovely deck looking out to sea. Sadly even basic standards are not on show here. This place has huge sentimental value to me, my nan worked here once upon a time. It’s the best setting earth with one of the most beautiful beaches you could wish for. Crying out for an owner to maximise its potential.