The Royal Albion
The Royal Albion descritpion
With views out over Viking Bay, the Royal Albion has a magnificent location, on the seafront, yet also close to the heart of the town.
The Royal Albion was originally built in 1760 and Charles Dickens was a regular visitor. The famous Bleak House, Dickens’ home in Broadstairs, is within sight.
The rear gardens lead out onto the town’s seafront promenade, with direct access to the sandy beaches.
All of the 21 rooms have private bathrooms and each room has Sky satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has a view of the historic town or of the bay.
Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available in the entire hotel at an additional cost.
A generous and tasty full English breakfast is included in the price.
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The staff speaks English——The Royal Albion's staff speaks:English,Arabic
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Facilities of The Royal Albion
Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles)
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not possible).
Services ：Fax/Photocopying | Souvenir/Gift Shop
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages Spoken ：English | Arabic
Reviews for The Royal Albion
Review 1：the bed not very comfortable far to hard not the best of nights sleep. the windows our room had sash windoes which banged and rattled in the wind. needs to be sorted
Review 2：nice friendly staff room was very clean and warm breakfast was very good
Review 3：Bad breakfast experience on the second morning but it was addressed and dealt with
Review 4：Situation of the hotel, room was really good and for the most part the staff were excellent
Review 5：A nice experience throughout our stay. Great table service at breakfast (which isn't the norm in most hotels) with a perfectly cooked Full English. Nice to see that customers' breakfasts were cooked to order instead of a "hot" buffet.
Review 6：We liked our welcome and the parking voucher. Sunday lunch had perfectly cooked vegetables and a friendly,efficient waitress. Our room was clean and our large double bed was extremely comfortable. Good choice of food for breakfast. Loved the choice of sliced fresh fruit. History abounds.
Review 7：The hum of some machinery outside or extraction fan? I was on the top floor facing the high street, traffic wasn't an issue. climbing the stairs was a bit of a mission. Bed had a really firm mattress
Review 8：Clean bright bedroom, lovely bathroom, good breakfast. Friendly staff. Unused to travelling solo but did not feel intimidated.
Review 9：Location is great, loved the history connection with Charles Dickens, staff was polite & helpful, fab room & lovely breakfast. We will be back ?
Review 10：All the staff were very polite and helpful, especially Geraldine who was kind enough to show us several rooms( I know the roomI want for my next stay) The breakfast was enormous, and defeated me! I love Broadstairs, last visited over 35 years ago, and unlike Whitstable still has a charm, unspoilt. Hotel a good choice.
Review 11：the stairs to the top floor were abit of a struggle. will ask for a lower floor next time
Review 12：great 3 day stay. lovely location. the room was good and the meals were very nice. looking out to sea made it all seem sereen. will deffo book again.
Review 13：Dinner menu could have been a bit more interesting - we ate out instead.
Review 14：Wonderfully located and excellent, attentive staff. Receptionist particularly helpful.
Review 15：We enjoyed another brief stay for one night at the Albion, Our longest stay was three nights in April 1964 for our honeymoon. We have made return trips many times since. Good hotel and very friendly helpful staff.
Review 16：Nothing! Oh tes, that i didn't request Room 35 - Dickens room!!
Review 17：The hotel is a fitting tribute to the old world charm that has been an institution since 1776 in Broadstairs. Set in the grand, former residence of Charles Dickens, the Georgian-era charm of the hotel adds to it's cosiness, It's not the most up to date and swankiest hotel out there........there are plenty of 'fake bling' hotels with no history. Elegant rooms are tasteful and clean, and the magnificent breakfast is fresh and cooked to order - a nice touch! Service is impeccable, with Stuart and Adam in the restaurant deserving of special mention, as their attention to service was magnificent. Nothing was too much trouble, greeted with a polite smile - Make sure you keep these treasures Royal Albion! Yes, the public areas look well used and tired, and you can see why it is a 3 star. But to focus on that is missing the point of this magnificent hotel, steeped in history!
Review 18：Not much! Rooms overlooking the street can be a little noisier than those overlooking the sea.
Review 19：Beautiful location, right by the sea; in the heart of the town and easy to reach from the train station.
Review 20：It seems a pub like hotel and the hallways carpets are very dated. The toilets in the restaurant area were super smelly and therefore the rate of £140 per night was a bit steep!
Review 21：Location is great, room was lovely and the terrace with beergarden style garden area was lovely. Especially for breakfast.
Review 22：Room was extremely hot....a ceiling fan or similar might be nice. The room we had overlooked the main street which is quite noisy till quite late....some form of noise reduction maybe?
Review 23：Staff were very efficicient. Location of hotel is lovely. Nice quality breakfast.
Review 24：No lift we were right up in the roof and a lot of narrow stairs also in evening a lot of young people smoking can ibis at back of hotel by terrace that were quite intimidating and they were also using hotel toilets
Review 25：Staff were fantastic and helpful and friendly location was great room good and clean
Review 26：unfortunately our room was on a slant including the bed so it made it uncomfortable but i would definitely visit again just have a different room
Review 27：The staff were excellent the food very good
Review 28：noisy read behind hotel, on the front/sea side massive amount of people all the time, very busy spot. no air conditioning, no sound proof
Review 29：pleasant design
Review 30：The bed wasn't the most comfortable and I didn't think the food was quite up to the standard of the rest of the hotel.
Review 31：The hotel was in a great location and my room was lovely with a great balcony and sea view.
Review 32：Small rooms very hot,no lifts for luggage corridors need ugrading. tiling fumes down the corridors one day. noisy from street,drunks,dustbin wagons etc.
Review 33：The Breakfast was great.
Review 34：Personally didn't feel the room was worth £120 but probably paying more for the location.
Review 35：The location, would be great if you get a room facing the sea.
Review 36：49 steps to our room - needs a lift Food just didn't live up to reputation Young man behind bar was arrogant and cocky almost rude
Review 37：Good size bathroom Location next to beach
Review 38：The rooms were so hot, they need air con. I moved from my first room because of the heat, the second room was not that much better. The hotel is in need of a makeover, very scruffy but clean
Review 39：The location was great and food very good
Review 40：The hallways, stairs and landings public need attention. Clean but very tatty and not up to the standard of the rooms, lobby and restaurant/bar.
Review 41：Rooms are comfortable, clean and presented well. Restaurant/bar has a great verandah overlooking the sea. Good breakfast too.
Review 42：No really bad experience Evening meals were disappointing we only tried the once so may not be a fair criticism No air con so the room was warm I imagine in the height of summer could be uncomfortable
Review 43：The location Staff friendliness Room cleanliness The gardens Room with sea view excellent
Review 44：No parking, our room was sea facing but all the other sea facing rooms on the 1st floor shared the same balcony which meant no privacy, creaking floor boards in room above meant no lay in because of noise. No full length mirror available
Review 45：Breakfast and breakfast staff brilliant, location good
Review 46：Connecting to the wi-fi was a real rigamarole requiring all of your personal details. I never managed it, so felt slightly annoyed the whole time I was there.
Review 47：The balcony was great to sit out on.
Review 48：No ventilation and airconditioning in room and it gets really hot and humid. Didnt request for fan though
Review 49：Accommodating and friendly staff from receptionist to restaurant staff to housekeeping
Review 50：Were not to we could get a parking permit upon booking and it does note state this on the website so we had to drive around for 30 minutes and the. Pay £7.50 to park. Ceiling was very low meaning if you were taller than 5'8" showering meant having to duck. The bed although nicely dressed was really uncomfortable. Food in the restaurant was lovely but my pate starter was grey and I didn't eat it, when the waiter took it away he agreed and spoke to the manger to remove it from our bill, he was very nice. As it was very hot we had the window open at night and we were awoken at 5 am by the sound of someone jet washing the outside area! I don't know if it was hotel staff or council staff but it was so annoying! Luckily we needed to be up at 7 anyway so no need to set an alarm. We did mention this to the receptionist as we left but as you pay on arrival we could not dispute this on the bill and no discount or refund was offered. For the money it costs to stay here I would have expected a better experience than this!
Review 51：Room was clean and nicely decorated Nd the staff were lovely.
Review 52：We were on the top floor, and couldn't open a window. The secondary double glazing just wouldn't budge. The TV controls didn't work either!
Review 53：Best thing about our stay at the Albion was the breakfast. Must admit it was awesome, very freshly cooked to order. The breakfast made up for the rather long wait.
Review 54：Our bed and pillows were a bit hard so didn't sleep that well but that could be personal preference. Was very surprised they had no Prosecco at the bar since everywhere sells that nowadays. Not just unable to sell by the glass, they didn't even have a bottle to buy - missing out there!
Review 55：Location can't be beaten, staff are helpful, hard-working and cheerful. Nice complimentary toiletries and tea/coffee tray with biscuits in room.
Review 56：Location is great with lovely sea views. Staff welcoming & a lovely breakfast. We had a room overlooking town but quiet & spacious. Will definitely return.
Review 57：Breakfast ,although there is a good choice, after making your choice and your food arriving ,it was very poor ,my poached egg was tiny ,not much egg left after it had been cooked in water,bacon very fatty .
Review 58：Hotel is lovely, bedroom is well equipped for every need. Sea view is beautiful in the morning when the sun is over the beach.
Review 59：Hotel has no lift and if you have a room on the top floor pack your crampons and oxygen cylinder ! Request a lower floor on booking and they will endeavour to comply.
Review 60：The staff are all very friendly and helpful. The food is delicious and the rooms are quite comfortable. Perfect position for a break by the sea with wonderful walks and the town on your doorstep.
Review 61：Due to building restrictions sadly there is no lift and no ground floor bedrooms. The stairs are quite steep but reception staff do offer to have your bags taken up for you. Dickens was over done a bit.
Review 62：Well as lovely historic building set in the heart of Broadstairs. The 2nd floor room was very comfortable. Plenty of tea and coffee available as well as bottled waters. Really more 4stars than 3. The breakfast was superb and the choices excellent. The staff were quick and efficient. The view was great from the terrace despite the British weather. A genuine gem of a hotel with vintage good manners!
Review 63：Checking in is a pain. You cannot park outside so you have to drive 250 metres to the nearest council car park. You go back to the hotel and check in. You are given a car park voucher which you have to take back to the car. This takes a fair amount of time
Review 64：Having a drink overlooking the sea
Review 65：If I had to say anything probably would say waiting 30 minutes for our starter but then it's not really a complaint
Review 66：I stayed at the hotel with my husband for his 60th birthday which was a secret as 6 other family members arrived the staff were fantastic in keeping it all a secret our room 12 on the front was fantastic ,comfortable - the food in their restaurant was beautiful we will return
Review 67：The breakfast was awful .. We had to wait ages .. People were coming in after us and being served and getting their food before we had even ordered x the good was cold .. My kipper was meant to come with sliced brown bread it came with thick cold toast my husbands sausage was raw on one side and burnt on the other ... The bacon was cold and undercooked and the beans were tepid ... We were in a rush or we would have complained ... Such a shame as it let the stay down
Review 68：Our room was wonderful clean and comfy ... The bath was luxurious ... The views were stunning x
Review 69：The car parking was a little difficult as have to park in a nearby car park and get a permit from the hotel reception.
Review 70：The hotel was very well situated and our room had a beautiful sea view and pleasing decor.
Review 71：Could connect to the Wi-fi. Room a little cramped. Didn't need to chairs and a table!
Review 72：Everything is on your doorstep! Excellent choice of restaurants, pubs and the beach is fantastic
Review 73：The bed was rather soft for both my partner and myself (although I realise this is our personal preference). Room and hallway very hot.
Review 74：Good location with excellent views across the bay. Welcoming staff, excellent breakfast and very plentiful. Good powerful shower. Very good value.
Review 75：Noise from people leaving local pubs outside, went on till around 1.30am in the morning, which was a shame
Review 76：Staff very helpful and polite, decor was lovely, very clean. Food very good.
Review 77：They have 'The Cloud' wifi which never works well. Common areas like the staircases need some TLC.
Review 78：Excellent service throughout our stay. Particularly from the breakfast team. Great room (no 35), well equipped and at the top of the building looking straight over Viking bay.
Review 79：townview room that had windows that let in a hollowing freezing gale on a night that snowed. constant false firealarms. typical don't give a fcuk staff, especially the so called manager. what is wrong with these people? could be a great hotel, if only someone cared. the victorian building with cliff top location overlooking viking bay is incredible.
Review 80：seaview room
Review 81：Excellent location with friendly and helpful staff. The bathroom was well appointed though the shower was quite weak. Be aware there is no lift and lots of stairs. Lovely bar and restaurant overlooking the sea.
Review 82：All the staff were extremely helpful and friendly from the housekeeping staff to Reception and Bar/Dining staff. You should be extremely proud of your employees. The food was excellent as well as the service. We look forward to another stay at the Royal Albion Hotel. Thank you
Review 83：on arrival the toilet had not been cleaned although this was indeed remedied immediately. the water in the shower was hot but the water from the hot tap in the hand basin was cold. the mattress was a bit too firm.
Review 84：the location of the Albion is excellent and the staff are very friendly and helpful. breakfast was good.
Review 85：The communial carpets were a bit tired but I was informed that new carpets are being fitted this month.
Review 86：The rooms, both single & twin were new and excellent, (I stayed twice in the week)
Review 87：Located overlooking the beautiful sandy bay and harbour, staff friendly and helpfull, very comfortable with just the right balance between luxury and homeliness. Sea view room with balcony well worth paying extra for.
Review 88：The hotel is a little tierd in places but then it is a very old building.
Review 89：The location is excellant and christmas morning was lovely and sunny. Hotel was very comfortable with a nice breakfeast.
Review 90：Parts of the hotel, i.e. the stairs and carpet, could do with a bit of an update
Review 91：Superb location, very friendly and helpful staff, good food and great breakfast
Review 92：There was nothing not to like
Review 93：This hotel is situated in a perfect place the rooms are clean and just perfect !! To sit and eat my breakfast looking over at the sea was breath taking .
Review 94：The rim around the bath was mouldy. The toilet seat was broken. Upon checking out we were not asked if everything was ok just did we enjoy our stay. Fire door to room does not comply to regs. Window rotton, and the wind whistles in. We had to close the bathroom door as the noise from another room came through the bathroom fan, we could here everything they were talking about which was not nice but I did however pick up some new swear words from the Neanderthal that was staying in there. The bed was very hard with the end collapsed. Floors very uneven (yes I know its an old building. Too hot in the common ways. Overall very poor really and very disappointed. Parking is terrible.
Review 95：The man/waiter at breakfast was attentive and friendly.
Review 96：Shower didn't work properly, but there was a good bath. no wifi instructions in the room. bedroom light not working - sorted out on request.
Review 97：Cheerful, helpful staff despite working over the very busy Christmas period. Nice atmosphere. Fantastic views from the dining room and bar. Comfortable room
Review 98：We thought that the staircases could do with redecoration. I was not very happy to have to contact the reception from home to point out that I had been charged for three nights instead of two. The overpayment was promised to be returned and would show on my bank statement
Review 99：enjoyed being upgraded to a room with a sea view that had the bonus of hearing the sea as well! Lovely ,huge and comfortable bed.The room was warm, clean with adequate tea coffee soap etc.We enjoyed the breakfast and eating in at dinner time. We wondered why there so few other diners. It was ,however, good to see the bar area busy. Next time we come I think we eat there.The arrangement with the councill with free parking worked very well.Since we were both bought up in Broadstairs It is dificult to judge the locality of the hotel through the eyes of a tourist who may be visiting the area for the first time.
Review 100：Room was a little cold and noisy.
Review 101：The location was fantastic. Views at breakfast were marvels of the sea .Breakfast was generous and had friendly staff with good customer service all round.Reception was efficient and friendly.Lots of interesting shops and places nearby.Beach is 10 minute walk.
Review 102：nothing it was all great.
Review 103：really enjoyed our stay at The Royal Albion. It was a short walk from the Railway Station in a great location. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. Our town facing room was great -spacious, comfortable with plenty of storage space and a generous hospitality tray. The bathroom was clean and well equipped. The hotel provided an excellent breakfast with good service. Really enjoyed our stay. Great value for money at this time of year.
Review 104：The room is in need of repair and the space around the bed was tight. However, there are plans for reburshments. So look forward to returning to the Royal Albion.
Review 105：It was nice to know that there are late minute deals without compromising quality of service.
Review 106：Although the wireless Internet was usable, the signal was so weak. Couldn't use it at the end.
Review 107：Pretty warm in room and cozy. Staffs are so kind and helpful.
Review 108：Stairs and landings were shabby. A couple of coats of cream emulsion on brown paint would make a huge difference.
Review 109：Friendly and helpful staff. Excellent food in restaurant. Modern fittings in bedroom and bathroom. Fresh milk in bedroom. Other extra touches which you don t find in other hotels.
Review 110：My single room was on the town side and it was quite noisy from the street below. I could hear traffic noise early in the morning and some late night revellers at night. The room would benefit from secondary glazing to insulate against the noise and an air conditioning unit so the windows don't need opening for fresh air.
Review 111：Very friendly staff and a great location in the centre of town but also on the sea front. Really good breakfast that sets you up for the day. Overall I had a very enjoyable stay and would recommend it.
Review 112：Some street noise from late night revellers in the high Street. Parking was not ideal as it was a 5 minute walk in the rain. No lift.
Review 113：Great, historic Location, Good reasonably priced food served without undue waiting. Breakfast was very good. Pleasant, helpful staff. Strong signal on wifi. Beautiful sea view. Comfortable bed and room.
Review 114：A stunning sea view. Nicely furnished and spotless bedrooms. Lovely welcoming public rooms. The breakfast is 1st class + with excellent choice. If I had to single anything out though it would be the staff - warm, friendly and helpful. So glad to have found this hotel and will be returning.
Review 115：With a few very minor changes, the food could be so much better. I had one compliant / comment about the food - but not dealt with well
Review 116：Great bedroom, great location for my stay and great value.
Review 117：Early morning maintenance men 0500 who did not realise that they were working in a hotel where people...were.. sleeping. Understand more about lighting now and their personal investments. Monday the 27th Oct for any management staff taking note.
Review 118：Location good right in centre,Rooms lovely beds comfortable. Bathrooms lovely. Sea views outstanding and highly recommended. Staff helpful especially at breakfast and in room change- upgrade we requested not a problem with the room. Breakfast good. Parking voucher good, easy near to hotel.
Review 119：Car park not being on site, although I know that the age and location of the hotel precludes this possibility. Having said that, the complimentary ticket system works really well.
Review 120：Service from arrival to departure was great and so friendly. Some of the best I've experienced. Very clean and well decorated room, only gripe (slight) was that the shower was under powered.
Review 121：If your mobility is limited, the access to the upstairs rooms is via quite a steep staircase. It wasn't clear exactly what sort of food was available on a Sunday evening: the boards said "until 9:30" but didn't seem available.
Review 122：Location overlooking sea. Free upgrade to room with sea view. Very helpful staff. Very good breakfast which could be eaten outside during and unseasonly hot October!
Review 123：WiFi didn't appear to work, but no big deal really. Car park a bit of a trek from the hotel but cant really be helped due to the location. Very minor moans!
Review 124：Friendly efficient staff. Bar and restaurant menus very good and very reasonably priced. Lovely view if you book a sea view room. All in all a very pleasant hotel, we would most certainly return.
Review 125：Nothing
Review 126：Gorgeous room with balcony Fabulous sea views Very helpful and friendly staff both at the desk and in the restaurant Fantastic location Really great stay
Review 127：Toilet seat was broken on one side. One bedside lamp bulb out.
Review 128：Great location,good food, very attentive staff in the restaurant both at breakfast and dinner. Very clean room
Review 129：The room was beautifully decorated but on the small side. It was a warm day and even with windows open it was very hot. Possibly a ceiling fan or even air con would be good.
Review 130：Location of hotel was great. Sea view room was exactly as described. Easy to find and smooth check in. Good service in restaurant for breakfast which was well cooked and was served in a timely fashion.
Review 131：Low ceiling. cloustophobic. The bathroom had no ventilation and no windows. I reported that the extract system was not working. Very very hot in there. had to turn off the towel rail. Unable to move us as hotel was full. Did offer us the use of a single room to shower. Had to have a fan on all night to cool the room down. Very uncomfortable night. Had the window open all night. very noisy on the road outside.
Review 132：Great position of the actual hotel.Very helpful staff in the evening and at breakfast.
Review 133：I THOUGHT THE EVENING MEAL COULD HAVE BEEN SMALLER IT WAS VERY BIG AND QUITE OFF PUTTING TO A NICELY COOKED MEAL- MAYBE ASK WHEN TAKING MEAL ORDER
Review 134：ROOM WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED + MORE - COULD NOT FAULT THE HOTEL. EXCELLENT SERVICE + PLEASANT CLIENTELLE. REFRESHINGLY ENGLISH REMINDED ME OF SUNNY HAPPY DAYS IN YEARS GONE BYE !!
Review 135：did not like street view room too noisy in the morning. will stay again soon but only sea view.
Review 136：room nice and big as bathroom. breakfast very nice.good location.staff friendly.
Review 137：nothing. love to come and stay again
Review 138：we had room 12, lovely position nice big balcony was watching the world go by, sat outside with drink and snacks. the room was very comfortable loved the bathrobes in bathroom and towels were of a good quality, stayed in 4 different hotels over 2 week period Royal Albion by far the best, really good breakfast, asked if we wanted extra toast and tea nice touch
Review 139：The position of hotel couldn't be better. Staff friendly and helpful. We stayed in room with sea view and balcony and enjoyed sitting outside with a glass of wine and looking at the view. Very relaxing.