Situated just five minutes from Southport's Floral Pavillion Theatre, the Royal Clifton Hotel makes an excellent base for a theatre break.
The hotel was once the grandest in the town and the public areas reflect this faded grandeur. The main reception has dark wood panelling, fabulous chandeliers and a wall of showcases reminiscent of Banff Springs Hotel in Canada, one of the great old hotels in the world.
Our room however was refreshingly up to date. No sea view, but perfectly adequate with a good walk in shower.
We didn't eat at all in the hotel, taking breakfast out in town, but reports from fellow guests were less than enthusiastic.
Bar service was a bit hit and miss, but drinks prices are reasonable. Free Wi-Fi is available in the bar and in the rooms.
One thing of note for the less mobile is that our room on the third floor was accessible by either the winding stairs or a very tiny lift which took four people maximum. Not a problem for us as we took the stairs, but as there was a turkey and tinsel break which coincided with our visit, there were queues for the lift.
We will definitely stay again in this lovely atmospheric hotel.
