Hotel Victoria

Hotel review

With views out to sea one way, across the bay to the striking headland of Ravenscar in another direction, and inland to the North York Moors, this hotel, arguably, has prime position in Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. The only downside is that it’s a steep uphill climb back to the hotel from the harbour. But, then, that’s the charm of this former fishing – and, occasionally, smuggling – village that tumbles down the steep Yorkshire cliffs to its sheltered beach and harbour.

Built in 1897 by a former sea captain as an hotel for officer-rank sailors, the Victoria combines Victorian and maritime features – grand oak staircase and thick oak doors, decorative ship wall panels, traditional-style bar – with a light, contemporary style. Smart Osborne’s bar, with its pale green and peach velvet-upholstered sofas and armchairs, flows into the main Osborne’s conservatory-style restaurant with pale wood floor, vast windows and light, varnished-wood tables, all of which have a view over the terrace out to sea.

Choose either to eat here or in the Loxley Pub (the traditional Yorkshire bar) from a menu that mixes classics – fish and chips, burgers, Yorkshire ale-braised steak pie – with smarter dishes such as sea bass with roast garlic and sorrel mash, slow-braised maple-glazed belly pork with fennel seed, and a good choice of vegetarian options. There are also handsomely proportioned platters such as a Yorkshire ploughman’s, and a raft of desserts including delights such as a strawberry and elderflower cheesecake. While the cooking is classier than the average seaside hotel, the service is warm, chatty and friendly.

Bedrooms continue the pale green and soft pink-and-peach colour scheme in walls and soft furnishings, together with solid varnished-wood furniture that, although more practical than stylish, is nicely restrained so that rooms feel spacious, even though some entry-level rooms can be on the cosy side. Bathrooms, however, are generous and offer a good mix of bath and shower options. Several rooms have balconies or patios, and those in the adjacent large Victorian villas are dog-friendly.

Enjoy a handsome breakfast – the choice includes kippers, eggs Royale, and omelettes as well as the usual full grill – before checking the tide times and taking a walk along the beach. Or, more likely, picking a chair on the terrace and just being mesmerised by the view.

Helen Pickles