The Grotto0

The location is exceptional. Staff very friendly. Breakfast was included - pastries, jams, juices and toast. we were aware that there was no full English breakfast on site so we weren’t expecting anything. the continental style breakfast was more than sufficient and nicely laid out in the morning. We ate in the restaurant on both Friday and Saturday and the food was very good. The bar/food was very busy in the day with beach visitors.

We were in room 10. Our bed was comfy, nice clean sheets. Towels supplied, plenty of tea, coffee etc. The en-suite bathroom is very small but was adequate for the duration of our stay. It took 10 minutes for the water to run hot so be patient. I be suppose my only point would be that the cleanliness of the room could have been a bit better. I asked staff to mop the floor which they did happily. There are parts of the place that feel a bit run down and maybe could do with a bit of tlc. In our opinion this would make the property a 9/10. As it stands we have rated this stay an 8.

This is a destination in and of itself. The Grotto is going down in the books as one of our most memorable stays ever! Gorgeous location, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff.

The location is unique and beautiful. It is right on the beach and the childden loved it. The Grottos beach is rocky but has some rock pool and the beaches at South Sheilds and Seaburn are lovely. We luckily had a glimpse of dolphins. The view from my window was amazing. The restaurant is very good and we all enjoyed the food. Breakfast was just toast and cereal wirh lovely muffins and my son would have loved a cooked breakfast bht I was still fulk fro.m prevuous dinner so it was fine. The staff are really friendly and helpful. We would love to return and we were sad to leave.

We had a lovely stay and would go back so are not really bothered about the following points. Room 4 was very hot and needs a fan. The decor in room 9 was a giraffe on the wall and monkey lamps which I found bizarre in a sea location. The decor was not to my taste.

Location great and accommodation good and very clean. Staff all very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was basic like at home but fresh. We booked a room with a sea view which was incredible. However, the seagulls were very load at daybreak. Probably not a problem if in a room with no sea-view. I had a walk on the beach as up early due to this- the staff let me in 25mins for breakfast!! We also had dinner at the restaurant in the cave room and had a great dinner and service.

Probably could change to a Coffee pod machine instead of filter coffee as after a while the coffee became bitter - so we switched to tea instead

We had lunch and evening meal here as well as an overnight stay. The staff from greeting at check in to check out were so pleasant, helpful and really friendly. We were able to reserve a table of our choice in the cave restaurant too. Reasonably priced drinks and lovely fresh food. The Surf and Turf wrap and sticky toffee pudding was our favourite. Room 8 was a compact double-basic but clean with a great view. We would love to come back and try the deluxe rooms next time. The continental breakfast was all we needed and the muffins were delicious. Thanks for a great stay and exceptional service!

The mattress could do with a topper and a few upgrades to room 8 but it’s the view and food you come for!

Location is outstanding. Room was clean and comfortable, staff were all friendly. Exceeded our expectations. Loved the whole experience will definitely return for another visit.

We were part of a group celebrating the life of a friend and scattering of his ashes. The Grotto was the ideal place with easy access to the sea, great reception by the staff. Very good buffet meal and an excellent Irish band. All of the 60 people attending expressed how they had enjoyed the visit and the hotels unique cave rooms. Tea and coffee making facilities and two cups in the room. Lift access from the car park to rooms and to the bar reception and function rooms.

They need to provide a water glass in the room bathroom. T

The location, from the outside it doesn't look much but inside it is lovely. Built into the side of the cliff some of the rooms, corridors and the restaurant you have the rock walls and ceiling. The staff are all very friendly and food is excellent and reasonably priced. We have stayed twice the rooms are all different so check the photos to find the one you want. Last time we stayed in number 5 the Sandpiper which we loved and this time number 6 which is their penthouse, was worth paying the extra to sit on the sofa in front of the window watching the snow come down while the waves lapped on the shore. Will definitely be going back again

The showers are not too good.

Really beautiful location- spectacular views- the best in the hotel! Literally on the seafront. Nice big spacious room with lots of natural light and fresh sea air! Relaxing on a night listening to the waves. Very close to local amenities, walks, nightlife and of course the beautiful north east coast!

Cleanliness of the room could’ve been a little better- found a used dirty cotton bud when getting the hair dryer out of the drawer but that’s the only issue (a minor one at that!)

Stunning location – right on the beach. So relaxing to be able to lie in bed and listen to the sea. Amazing views of the beach and sea. Lovely, friendly staff who were helpful but not intrusive (they asked if we needed anything but didn't go into the room uninvited). Comfy bed. Lovely communal areas (bar and outside areas).

Tbh it was mostly the decor – it felt like everything had been done on a tight budget. For a place as fabulous and unique as this I would have invested in much higher quality fixtures and fittings. Also the interiors didn't match the story of the grotto – it was very kitsch and I would have much preferred an honest, natural, good quality style. The breakfast was OK but very basic. Fresh fruit would have been a nice option.