Skegness's Savoy Hotel: Unveiling the UK's Best-Kept Secret!
Skegness Savoy: Not Exactly The Ritz, But Damn, I Love This Place! (A Seriously Unfiltered Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the… uh… charm that is the Savoy Hotel in Skegness. Forget the sterile, corporate reviews you're used to. This is the real deal. This is a review stained with seaside chips and a touch of begrudging affection. And let me tell you, for a place that isn't trying to be anything it isn't, it's surprisingly… well, good. Or, at least, memorably good.
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- Keywords: Savoy Hotel Skegness, Skegness Hotels, East Coast Hotels, Lincolnshire Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Seaside Hotels, Spa Hotels, Family-Friendly Hotels, Dog-Friendly Hotels, UK Staycation, Hotel Review, Wheelchair Accessible, Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Accessible Restaurants, Skegness Attractions.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Skegness's Savoy Hotel! From the surprisingly good spa to the… interesting decor. Find out if this classic seaside hotel is worth your time (and hard-earned cash). Includes accessibility info, dining details, and more!
Let's Start with the Basics (Because, Honestly, I Can't Help Myself):
Accessibility: Alright, this is important. The Savoy attempts to be accessible. Wheelchair accessible: Yes, with elevators and ramps in place. But… and there's always a but… some areas feel a little cramped. maneuvering around the reception desk was a bit like doing a tightrope walk with a shopping cart. Side eye But, hey, they tried!
Air conditioning in public areas: Yeah, there's some. Praise the lord! Though it could've done with more oomph during our visit!
Elevator: Check. Essential!
Facilities for disabled guests: This is where it gets a little hazy. Call ahead for specifics. I'd recommend speaking with someone to get a clear view since my own visit was a little bit blurry.
Internet Access:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!!: Glory hallelujah! Surprisingly strong signal, too! (Although, if you’re wanting to download that new movie…maybe do it before arriving. Just saying).
- Internet: Yes, available.
- Internet [LAN]: Haven't noticed it.
- Internet services: Standard stuff, nothing fancy.
The Good Stuff: Things That Actually Make You Smile (Eventually)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Okay, this is where the Savoy actually punches WAY above its weight class.
- Spa/sauna: This. This is where things got interesting. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. But the spa, albeit a little… rustic, was actually quite lovely. Forget the overly luxurious spa's. The sauna, in particular, was a sweaty, soul-cleansing experience. I spent a good hour contemplating the mysteries of life, or at least, wondering how many slices of pizza I could manage at dinner.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Not the biggest pool in the world, but perfect for splashing about. The pool offers a view, and is a lovely touch.
- Gym/Fitness: A little outdated, but with the essentials. (Don't expect state-of-the-art, but hey, it's there! And I am absolutely useless at exercise, but the wife, on our stay, loved it!).
- Massage: Didn't get around to this during our visit.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: These are offered too, but didn't venture deep into those offerings.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Pandemic Times):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They seem to be taking this seriously, which is reassuring. I certainly felt safe using the facilities and found everything clean.
- Cashless payment service: Easy peasy.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup: Fine. It's that 'new normal' you are used to, nothing too crazy.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop: Yep, they're all there.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Now, this is where things get… interesting. The buffet is a classic. Not Michelin Star quality, but plentiful, and the sausages… gasp were surprisingly good! I may have gone back for thirds. Okay, maybe fourths. (I was on vacation, alright?)
- Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant: You have options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Nice touch! Even if you're just ordering a pot of tea at 2 am.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant…
A Moment of Truth: My Dinner at the Restaurant
The dining experience? A mixed bag. The decor feels stuck in the 80s (in a charming, slightly faded way). The service? Friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. The food? Honestly, it's not going to win any awards, but it was satisfying. I had a perfectly acceptable steak. The chips were decent. And the atmosphere? Relaxed. No pretension. Just people enjoying a meal. One anecdote: I witnessed a couple of toddlers at the table behind me, and it made me smile.
A Little Bit of Everything Else (The Random Bits):
Services and Conveniences:
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage: Standard, efficient.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Smoking area: All present and accounted for.
- Hotel chain: Yep, part of a chain.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Very family-focused!
Access:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Safety is definitely a priority.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Quirks & Imperfections (Because, Let’s Be Real):
- The corridors slightly smell of… something. It's not unpleasant, just… distinctive. Maybe it's the sea air mixed with cleaning products? It definitely adds to the "authenticity" (a polite word for "slightly dated").
- The decor is… let's just say, eclectic. Imagine a seaside hotel from the 70s tastefully updated with a touch of modern… and a healthy dose of beige.
- The staff, despite being overworked, are incredibly friendly and accommodating. I witnessed a genuine sense of effort to make our stay enjoyable. They are, hands down, the best part of the experience.
My Emotional Reaction (Final Thoughts):
Look, the Savoy isn't perfect. It probably won't win any awards for architectural brilliance. But you know what? I loved it. It's got a certain scruffy charm. It’s unpretentious. It's welcoming (especially to families). And the spa, as I mentioned, offers a surprising oasis of relaxation.
Verdict:
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you're looking for a relaxed, family-friendly seaside break with a dash of character. Don’t go expecting five-star glitz, but if you're looking for genuine value and a bit of an adventure, it’s certainly worth a visit. And if you see me there, say hello – I'll be the one with the third plate of sausages.
**Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Escape to Tuscany: Podere La Branda's Unforgettable Italian Retreat
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, potentially disastrous, but utterly human adventure that is… The Savoy, Skegness! My trip isn’t for the faint of heart, or those who crave pure, unadulterated organization. This is more like a chaotic symphony played entirely on slightly-out-of-tune kazoos. Let's do this:
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, and the Great Chip Crisis
10:00 AM: Arrive at Skegness train station. Already, I'm convinced someone secretly swapped my luggage for a bag of bricks. Why does my backpack feel like I'm carrying a small, grumpy walrus?
- Anecdote: I swear, the train journey here was a test of endurance. Sat opposite a man who snored louder than a squadron of lawnmowers. Eventually, I just gave in and put my headphones on, pretending to listen to something zen. Anything to escape the rhythmic chainsaw of his nasal passages.
10:30 AM: Check-in at The Savoy. The website promised "quaint charm." What I got was "slightly-dated-but-clean" charm… with a receptionist sporting a permanently raised eyebrow that suggested she'd seen some things. Found the key, nearly dropped it, felt like I was in an action movie.
- Quirky Observation: The hallway carpet smells faintly of…my grandparents' house. A comforting mix of old books, mothballs, and a vague hint of Sunday roast. I kind of dig it.
11:00 AM: Room. Okay, it's small, but it's got a window that actually opens! Triumph! Discover I am facing a brick wall. Slightly less triumphant.
12:00 PM: Lunch – The Search for the Perfect Chip. This is critical. Skegness is built on chips (and amusement arcades, obviously). Walked past three chip shops. The first one looked like it was run by seagulls. The second had a queue stretching halfway to the North Pole. Settled on the third, called "Fry Hard." It had potential.
- Emotional Reaction: The chips. Oh, the chips. They were… soggy. Slightly undercooked. This is a tragedy on par with the fall of the Roman Empire. I felt a pang of disappointment, a crushing weight of unfulfilled chip-related expectations.
1:00 PM: Stroll along the beach. Ahhhhhh, the sea air! And the gulls. More gulls. They're basically the Mafia of the seaside. Noted.
- Opinionated Language: The beach is… fine. It's sandy. It has water. It has gulls. The sand felt a bit like walking on a very large, gritty cat litter box, but hey, it's a beach.
2:00 PM: Attempt to win something at an arcade. Failed. Badly. Spent far too much money on a claw machine that couldn't even grab a stuffed banana. Concluded that the machine was rigged. Obviously.
- Messy Structure/Rambles: Arcades are basically capitalist labyrinths, aren't they? Designed to lure you in with flashing lights and the siren song of "just one more go!" Then you walk out broke and clutching a plastic whistle. Why do I do this to myself?
6:00 PM: Dinner at, let's be honest, the least-grim-looking restaurant. Fish and chips again, because, well, Skegness. This time, the chips were… better. Small victories.
7:30 PM: Evening stroll. Skeggy at night! The lights, the sounds, the faint smell of fried things. Almost… magical.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: There's something undeniably nostalgic about Skegness at night. It's like stepping back in time to childhood holidays. A wave of warmth spreads over me. For a moment, I allow myself to feel a real, genuine sense of joy.
9:00 PM: Back to the Savoy. Possibly the worst mattress I've ever slept on, but hey, tomorrow is another day…and hopefully, a better chip!
Day 2: Dubious Delights and the Inevitable Ice Cream Melt
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Surprisingly decent. Toast, cereal, and a questionable sausage. I'm not sure what's in it, and frankly, I don't want to know.
10:00 AM: The Skegness Aquarium. Because why not? Turns out, it was surprisingly good! The jellyfish were mesmerizing. The piranhas looked hungry.
- Doubling Down on an Experience: Let's talk about the jellyfish! They were like ethereal space aliens, floating gracefully in the water. I could have watched them for hours, mesmerized by their pulsating bodies. The lighting was perfect, the music subtle, and for a moment, I forgot I was surrounded by screaming children and the relentless hum of the air conditioning. That was a moment.
12:00 PM: Ice cream. A double cone of… something. It was delicious. Until it started melting. Faster than anything I've ever experienced. Became a sticky, sugary mess.
- Humorous and Messy: Picture this: me, desperately trying to lick melted ice cream before it drips down my hand, onto my favorite t-shirt, and into the face of a small child. It was a close call. I'd say it was an Olympic-level feat of ice cream consumption under serious duress.
1:00 PM: Hired a pedalo. Never again. Turns out, I am appalling at pedaling. I basically went in circles for an hour, narrowly avoiding collisions with other pedalos and a very grumpy swan.
- Opinions: Pedalo-ing is NOT for the faint of heart. It's a workout, it tests your navigational skills (or lack there of), and it highlights your complete lack of coordination.
3:00 PM: More beach. This time, I brought a book. The gulls, however, had other ideas. They swooped down and attempted to steal my sandwich (I won! I survived!).
- More Opinions: Sand in a book is the bane of my existence. Seriously, are gulls that obsessed with sandwiches? I am never eating on the beach again!
5:00 PM: Afternoon tea and a Scone at a old fashioned coffee shop. I felt very fancy. The tea was good, the scone was not perfect but good enough.
- Opinionated Language: Afternoon tea is good, i'm glad i took the time.
7:00 PM: Dinner and some late night entertainment.
9:00 PM: Back to the room. Again, the mattress. It's a relationship of loathing.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Aftertaste of the Seaside
9:00 AM: One last breakfast. Another questionable sausage. A bittersweet feeling.
10:00 AM: Final wander through Skegness. Buying souvenirs. One plastic seagull later, I felt I am part of the city.
11:00 AM: Check-out. Said goodbye to the receptionist, I feel like we have a connection now.
12:00 PM: Train home. My luggage still feels incredibly heavy.
Emotional Reaction: Leaving Skegness. It’s a strange feeling. It’s not the most refined place in the world, but then again, neither am I. And despite the soggy chips, the screeching gulls, and the awful mattress, I'm going to miss it. It's a place of pure, unadulterated, seaside-y chaos. And sometimes, that's exactly what I need. Final word: a trip to Skegness is not about perfection; its about the experience. And i would recommend trying if you are looking for something simple, yet complex. Because, truly, life is all about the journey.
Skegness's Savoy Hotel: Is This REALLY the UK's Best-Kept Secret?! A Messy FAQ...
Okay, spill the tea! Why's everyone whispering about the Savoy? Is it REALLY a secret?
What's the vibe like? Think "The Grand Budapest Hotel"?
The rooms...are they decent or should I pack a hazmat suit?
Talk to me about the food! Is it edible?
Okay, let's talk about *that* bar. Is it legendary or just a bit…dodgy?
Is it kid-friendly? I have a small army…
The location. Is it near everything? Or am I going to be trudging for miles?
Let's get granular – what about parking? Crucial in Skeggy!
Bottom line: Should I book the Savoy?
