This is a big hotel with many rooms but this can't be an excuse for not paying attention to important detail. The toilet pan had not been cleaned properly. One of the bath taps was very loose almost to the point of falling off ( a screw needed tightening). At certain times the hot water was not hot enough. The curtain pelmet was very dusty. The sash windows were loose and rattled in the wind affecting our sleep on the first night. The tile grout in the leisure centre male changing room was grubby.

These aren't expensive defects to correct.

On the positive side all the staff we met were helpful and polite

Have just returned from a weekend at the Royal Clifton where we had planned a family gathering for about 30 people aged from 3 - 90!!

We got an excellent package for Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal and were a little wary of the quality of food and accomodation we would receive for the price. However, we REALLY didnt need to worry - everything about the stay was lovely. Large, clean bedrooms, excellent food and friendly staff! The location of the hotel is excellent - close to the beach, the shops, restaurants, entertainment etc etc.

We will definitely be returning in the future!

We chose the Royal Clifton Hotel for a 'Penny Royal Tea' when my partner's Grandmother visited us in our new hometown. She wanted to treat us to an afternoon tea and this hotel appeared a nice environment for a special meal. The website describes 'an exceptional tea served with style and choice'.

Pictures on the afternoon tea menu looked like what we were after - dainty sandwiches, exquisite little cakes served on a tiered stand. What we were served started with 2 rounds of giant doorstep sandwiches each, on crusty bread, and a slice each of an unidentifiable slice of 'Iceland'-style sponge cake. When we asked after (quote menu) 'a small selection of mini cakes' the waitress went back to the kitchen and returned with 5 enormous lumps of flap jack and 5 glazed strawberry tarts.

Basically we were served a huge amount of totally unrefined food - so much that we had to pull three tables together and felt embarrassed when anyone walked past. The youngster with us had an unfortunate spillage which could be attributed to the ridiculous amount of plates on the table - and despite asking no one helped us to clear it up - just nodded us towards a pile of paper napkins.

There was clearly something very wrong with this entire experience - staff seemed oblivious to any problem, served all of this food at once, which made us very uncomfortable and made no attempt to clear any of the wreckage as we tried to plough through.

We were totally embarrassed that we had chosen this hotel to represent to our family what lovely, genteel Southport had to offer. Would never recommend it to anyone

The location of this hotel is great, handy for all the attractions and the Shopping on Lord street, with the added bonus of having see views. There is plenty of free parking on site. Our room was lovely, it has recently been refurbished, room number 125. We had a large modern 4 poster bed, there was a walk in wardrobe with so much storage, also a leather sofa and arm chair. Everywhere was very clean and comfortable. The hotel offered free Wifi . We had lunch in the bar and that was fine. The package was let down by the so called entertainment, The quizzes were hosted by one of the waiters who unfortunately had a very broad local accent which we found hard to understand and were a little chaotic and ill prepared. The cocktail party was just a table of drinks, I think a MC would have been a nice touch. which might have brought a party feel. The food was adequate but the staff could have benefited from extra training. I think this hotel is ok for travellers wanting an a la carte stay, but struggles with the four day packages.