“Commanding one of the best positions in Whitby, high on the West Cliff with views of the famed Abbey, this hotel is just as startling inside. An Aladdin’s cave of vintage-themed rooms, it charms and disarms. There are even afternoon tea parties. A whimsical British stay.”
“Commanding one of the best positions in Whitby, high on the West Cliff with views of the famed Abbey, this hotel is just as startling inside. An Aladdin’s cave of vintage-themed rooms, it charms and disarms. There are even afternoon tea parties. A whimsical British stay.”
Hotel Review
In prime position on West Cliff, this hotel is eye-level with the gaunt, Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey while the busy harbour is directly below. Possibly these views are what attracted Lewis Carroll, author of the children’s classic ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, to choose to stay in this terraced house in the 19th century. Today, there’s more than a touch of fantasy about the place. Staircases, sitting rooms and hallways are lavishly decorated with vintage ephemera from gilded mirrors and birdcages to bunting and chandeliers. A bit of a clue that the bedrooms have not gone for the uncluttered, pared-down look... Each of the eight rooms is dressed like a stage-set. La Rosa is a saucy nod to the Folies Bergère; cosy Little Red is all red and green with spinning wheels, stuffed rabbits and a lavish four-poster bed; Caravan is a cosy, Gypsy-caravan affair; and the top-floor Sacré Coeur has a Parisian feel and theatrical bathroom of drapes and tassels. Dracula fans should choose Stoker; while Arabesque has a hint of the Arabian Nights. While the clutter can mean it’s hard to find somewhere to put your suitcase, the rooms have huge charm. Breakfast arrives in a picnic basket outside your door, to eat in your room at leisure. Choose La Rosa or Stoker for those big views across the harbour, plus small stone balconies. Don’t expect TVs, but there are heaps of books dotted around. There’s also a basement ‘events’ space for gigs, films and theatrical events plus, at weekends, and daily in the summer, you can enjoy a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party afternoon tea (book ahead). It’s colourful and fun - but minimalists beware!
Written by Helen Pickles
Recommended For
- Writing a novel
- Lewis Carroll used to stay here during his many visits to Whitby meaning you are in good company for your next book
- Full of character
- Expect interiors that are eclectic, theatrical, and a little bit whimsical - a very British stay
- Families
- The third floor apartment which sleeps up to six is a comfortable stay for families
- Value chic
- Charming, reasonably priced with idiosyncratic rooms - an attractive stay
- Hotel Entertainment
- The afternoon tea at the hotel is a real must-try
- Museums
- Visit the nearby Captain Cook Memorial Museum
- Sights nearby
- Within walking distance of Whitby Abbey
- Owner managed
- Boutique
- Chic
- Inn
- Townhouse
- Retro/Vintage
- Child friendly
- Quirky
- Pet friendly
- Antiques
Facilities
- Views
- Spectacular views overlooking the harbour onto the ruins of Whitby Abbey
- Parking
- Bar
- Wifi
- Child friendly
- Pet friendly
Activities
- Hotel Entertainment
- The afternoon tea at the hotel is a real must-try
- Museums
- Visit the nearby Captain Cook Memorial Museum
- Sights nearby
- Within walking distance of Whitby Abbey
Map & Location
