Enjoying 'one of the most perfect coastal situations in England', with sweeping sea views over subtropical gardens, the Royal started life as a coaching inn in 1832, and went on growing. When a hotel offers a farewell break weekend, as it did in May 2023, to celebrate a long-serving employee's retirement, and a young mixologist creates a cocktail in her name, it tells you all about its ethos. 'Our beloved Di', 79, had worked here for three decades, and some devotees have been coming here for longer. It's old-fashioned in many of the best ways, and does still accept coach parties at times. Bedrooms are classic and comfortable rather than boutique. One reader, who raved about the position, the gardens and the swimming pool, felt that his room (without a sea view) was 'gloomy and needed bringing up to date'. Another loved the 'great bedrooms'. Opinions were also divided over dinners, which might include dishes such as ribeye with truffled fries and seabass and gnochhi, served amid chandeliers and stripes in Geranium restaurant. One reader reported that dishes were 'well cooked and presented,' another that they were 'acceptable'. All agreed, though, that 'staff are very friendly and helpful'.