I was looking forward to returning to my native north Yorkshire and the warmth of her people so what a shame that our first encounter was with the surley, taciturn man who seemed to resent being "hauled" up the stairs to attend reception. Having encountered a problem with a parking meter right outside I asked my wife to go in and ask advice. A man whom we suspect to be mine host barked that "parking was nothing to with them" ending by making it clear the communication was at an end. If I had been a southerner expecting the much held perception of a Yorkshireman that Southerners all too often have (a blunt and ignorant oaf) he couldn't have played it better.
Having resolved our problem we arrived at reception again. His mood had not lightened. No welcome, no conversation."just one night" he sulkily confirmed. Though tempted to say that if you resent people staying for one night (which was the clear impression) don't bloody well offer it, instead I merely confirmed. The rest of the transaction was executed with an admirable economy of conversation and a complete lack of even an atttempt at charm or customer service.
Feeling quite unwelcome we made our way to the lift which didn't work. He could see we were struggling with it but busied himself moving paper around then disappeared from whence he came. What an appalling start to our weekend.
The real shame is that the Hotel is fine with a nice reception and lounge area and the rooms are OK in a typical seaside boarding house kind of way though with a rather grubby and stained 1980's style carpet.
The Room had a nice sea view and the breakfast was absolutely fine, served by very polite and friendly staff a marked contrast to our earlier encounter. Alas all of this was by now to no avail, one only gets one chance to make a first impression and that was well and truly blown. i would say however that the girl in tesco, the Barman in the pub, the waitress in the restaurant and many other managed to resore my faith in the friendliness of yorkshire folk. What a pity about "Sulky Sam".

When we arrived in Scarborough we got slightly lost, so we phoned The Riviera and were given step by step directions on how to get there, very impressed. The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff continued throughout our stay. The room was cosy, warm and very comfortable. The food was excellent, and the waitresses were very polite and catered to all our needs. We were close to all the amenities, and a walk through the town took us right the way down to the coast. We had a very enjoyable stay, and would definately book a room at The Riviera Townhouse again, should we decide to visit Scarborough in the future.

We stayed there Sept in that heatwave, the breakfast had everything to suit everyone. The room was at the top 4th floor, clean & comfortable. The furniture was old but clean, shower could have been a bit bigger. Floorboards creaky & lift very old type , but we would go back again only next time ask for a room at the back as it was a bit noisy on a morning with binmen & seagulls ,dont know if it would make a difference. But it's in such a good place to get to town or down to the front

stayed in this hotel with a party of 8 and hotel staff were very helpful. lovely rooms good food and excellent spot. would stay again.