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'UK's worst hotel' with sewage smell from bathroom and surprising perk

A hotel branded the UKs worst has attracted criticism thanks to its dirty bedrooms and bathrooms, but one guest admitted there was an unexpected perk to their stay

[the Grand Hotel in Scarborough]

Would you stay in this hotel? (file)(Image: Peter Harbour - North Yorkshire Live)

Booking a room at the UK's 'worst' hotel is always going to be a risk. The Grand Hotel in Scarborough has made headlines in recent years thanks to its poor reviews, but one bold visitor refused to be put off and braved a night at the venue to see if it was really as bad as others claimed.

Following the visit they claimed they'd had to put up with a filthy bedroom, a dirty toilet that smelled like "sewage" and poor service, "dirty cutlery" and "stale" food at the hotel's restaurant. However, they did confess that there was an unexpected perk of spending the night at the establishment.

[the Grand Hotel in Scarborough]

The Grand Hotel in Scarborough may be among the country's worst, if reviewers are to be believed (file)(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Posting under the name Angiebarbara, the appalled traveller shared their thoughts on Tripadvisor, titling the review: The not so grand!. They had visited the beachfront hotel, which overlooks Scarboroughs harbour and South bay, in August this year.

"Unfortunately the many not so great reviews are true and I had to see it first hand to believe it," they wrote before sharing more details about their experience.

"The rooms are dirty with dust, holes and spills up the walls, creaky floors and filthy windows that don't open and have no air con or ventilation and are tiny and constricted. When you first walk in the smell really hits you and especially as you open the bathroom door. All I can describe the smell of is raw sewage and the stuffiness of the room makes it overbearing," they said, adding that the beds were "small with sunken mattresses and hard pillows".

They were so horrified by the "tiny" bathroom they didnt want to undress in it. They said: "[It] had ground dirt in the walls and flooring, rusty taps and mouldy shower and brown stains on the ceiling. The toilet was stained. The shower was missing a glass panel, not that I'd have attempted to undress in there, it was bad enough walking in with my shoes on."

Elsewhere in the hotel, they found unclean cutlery and glasses in the dining room at breakfast with staff unable to keep up with the clearing required, so the reviewer, "had to brush the seats before sitting down and dodge the debris on the floor". The food itself didnt fare any better with, "dry, stale bread and puddings" and "discoloured vegetables".

While the building is Grade II listed, the front of the premises has little "kerb appeal", according to the guest, who said it was littered with dustbins and "overflowing rubbish and bird excrement covering them and the paths".

They did, however, concede that the views were "magnificent". They concluded their review by advising the management to splash out to improve the visitor experience.

The property has been owned by Britannia Hotels since 2004. The company invested a staggering 7million to refurbish the hotel and in 2017 it was named by Historic Britain as one of the top 10 places, buildings and historical sites that tell the story of England and its impact on the world. When it was opened in 1867 it was the largest hotel and brick structure in Europe and was designed in a V shape to honour Queen Victoria. It was during this period that the hotel was a favourite among the elite in society.

Despite its history, however, it boasts a measly 2.4 Tripadvisor rating with 4,325 people rating it terrible. Others that have recently stayed there have shared similar thoughts to is disgruntled reviewer.

[Grand Hotel building viewed over the Spa bridge]

It's not all doom and gloom - the hotel does have some good qualities (file)(Image: Getty Images)

Not everyone is so horrified, however, with one person writing: "After reading the reviews I wasn't expecting much but everything was good. My room was spacious and clean. The bathroom looked newly fitted. I also had a sea view. The ground floor was beautifully decorated, where the reception, ballroom, bar etc are situated. The food was good. Breakfast and evening meals are self service. A spectacular building."

Other fans rave about the hotels seafront location and the building's nostalgic charm.

The General Manager often replies to the reviews. He told Angiebarbara he was "genuinely sorry" for the issues they had encountered.

"Cleanliness, comfort, and service are areas we take seriously, and it's clear from your comments that we fell short in several respects," they wrote addressing the complaints, adding: "Your observations regarding the condition of the room, the food quality, and the upkeep of the property have been noted and will be reviewed with our management and operational teams."

The Daily Star has contacted Britannia Hotels for comment.

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