"The Esplanade's location is second to none, offering breathtaking views of both the South Bay and the castle."
angelabbooth from United Kingdom
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"The views to Scarborough harbour are amazing"
Townsley from United States
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Victorian seaside hotel overlooking Scarborough's South Bay
Location
The Esplanade Hotel sits on the cliffs above Scarborough's South Bay, offering panoramic views over the harbour and Scarborough Castle. Guests have access to limited free on-site parking, a rare amenity in this coastal area. The nearest beach is a 10-minute walk, and the town centre is 15 minutes away on foot.
Rooms
Each of the 76 rooms includes an en suite bathroom and a flat-screen TV. The hotel offers family rooms and superior sea view rooms, some with bay windows overlooking the coast. Room choices range from standard doubles to larger family accommodations with scenic cliff views.
Dining
The on-site restaurant serves meals with ocean views over the harbour and Scarborough Castle. A children's menu is available, and the hearty English breakfast includes locally sourced ingredients. Special diet menus and kids' meals are offered, along with a wine list and champagne by the glass.
Amenities
Evening entertainment features singers, bands, and comedians performing on most nights. The roof terrace provides a seating area overlooking the bay, and the hotel has a garden and a shared lounge with a TV. Packed lunches and daily housekeeping are also available for guests.
Family & Pet-Friendly Policies
The hotel welcomes small dogs, allowing guests to bring their pets along. Children's activities and entertainment are provided on-site, making the hotel suitable for families. Family rooms and superior sea view rooms accommodate groups of various sizes.
Highlights
Location: Cliff-top with South Bay and castle views
Rooms: Family rooms and superior sea view rooms available
Dining: Restaurant with ocean views and children's menu
Entertainment: Evening shows with singers, bands, comedians
Parking: Limited free on-site parking
Pets: Small dogs welcome
“There's a particular charm to be found here, perched as it is at the head of the hill overlooking South Bay and the castle. The views alone, especially from sea-view rooms with their French doors opening onto shared balconies, make a compelling case for a stay. It strikes me as a solid choice for those seeking a traditional seaside holiday, with the added convenience of being part of Daish's Holidays.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Single Room
2 persons
165 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
room details
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Very good
7.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Services
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At The Esplanade Hotel, delightful dining experiences await with an emphasis on traditional British cuisine. Guests can indulge in hearty breakfasts overlooking the serene bay and enjoy carefully crafted dinners featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in a warm, inviting setting.
Restaurant #1
Traditional British
Ambiance
Cozy indoor space with stunning views of the bay
Key Offerings
A hearty English breakfast in the morning; dinner service available with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Open for breakfast and dinner; breakfast available all day, dinner from 18:30 - 19:30
The Esplanade Hotel Location
Belmont Road, Scarborough, YO11 2AA,
Map view
City landmarks
Castle
Scarborough Castle
5200 ft
Park
Peasholm Park
1.1 mi
Gallery
Scarborough Art Gallery
2200 ft
Landmark
Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre
2500 ft
Landmark
Diving Belle statue Scarborough
2600 ft
Landmark
Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers
1.1 mi
Landmark
The Art Room
2600 ft
Landmark
Space Myth and Magic
2600 ft
Landmark
South Cliff Clock Tower
3200 ft
Landmark
Holbeck Putting Green
2300 ft
Landmark
South Cliff Italian Gardens
3800 ft
Casino
Opera House Casino
2900 ft
Landmark
Harbour View
2600 ft
Church
St Marys Church
4600 ft
Landmark
Hairy Bobs Cave
4800 ft
Amphitheatre
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
1.3 mi
Landmark
Butter Cross
2900 ft
Landmark
Dean and Manor Rd Cemetery Secret Garden
1.2 mi
Beach
South Bay Beach
2900 ft
Lighthouse
Scarborough Lighthouse
1.1 mi
Nearby
Event hall
The Spa Scarborough
1600 ft
Museum
Scarborough Museums Trust
1300 ft
Statue of Queen Victoria
1700 ft
Gallery
Tracy Savage Fine Art Gallery
1200 ft
Church
St Martin on the Hill
1100 ft
The Mere
1.8 mi
Albion Road Esplanade Crescent
Shuttleworth Gardens
1500 ft
Esplanade
300 ft
Broxa Forest
2700 ft
Beach
Scarborough Beach
1800 ft
Restaurants
Gala Coffee Bar
1500 ft
5-6 Museum Terrace
The Lord Rosebery
2800 ft
85-87 Westborough Town Centre
Scholars Bar
2100 ft
6 Somerset Terrace
Pepe Verde
1800 ft
35 Huntriss Row
Emjay's Coffee House
2400 ft
12A York Place
KFC
2000 ft
28 Huntriss Row
Pie Cafe
1900 ft
39 Bar Street
The Clock Cafe
2500 ft
The Spa
Walkers Of Bar Street
2000 ft
14 Bar Street
Scarborough Flyer
2100 ft
14 St. Nicholas Street
Coffee Cup
4000 ft
7 Ramshill Road
Explore Scarborough
Explore Scarborough
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Scarborough Art Gallery
7 minutes' walk
Art exhibitions and a charming café in a stunning Victorian building. Free admission on select days.
Peasholm Park
20 minutes' walk
Beautiful park with a boating lake, gardens, and open-air theatre. Perfect for family picnics and outdoor activities.
The Spa Scarborough
6 minutes' walk
Entertainment venue hosting concerts and events. Enjoy stunning sea views and a vibrant atmosphere year-round.
Scarborough Castle
19 minutes' walk
Historic castle with panoramic views and fascinating exhibitions. A great spot for history lovers and picturesque scenery.
North Bay Beach
25 minutes' walk
Relax on sandy shores or indulge in water sports. Lifeguard presence ensures safety during peak months.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
25 minutes' walk
Experience outdoor performances in Europe's largest open-air theatre. Book tickets in advance for popular shows.
Wild Encounters
10-minute drive
Wildlife park featuring exotic animals and interactive experiences. Family-friendly excitement awaits!
St Martin on the Hill
5 minutes' walk
Inviting church offering spiritual reflection. Attend peaceful services or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Pepe Verde
7 minutes' walk
Italian restaurant renowned for its fresh pasta and vibrant atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.
Scholars Bar
8 minutes' walk
Lively bar serving classic British dishes and a diverse beer selection. Perfect for casual dining with friends.
Gala Coffee Bar
6 minutes' walk
Cozy café offering specialty coffee and homemade treats. Ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon break.
The Lord Rosebery
11 minutes' walk
Traditional pub with a historic charm. Enjoy hearty meals and local ales in a friendly environment.
Opera House Casino
11 minutes' walk
Vibrant casino with gaming tables, slots, and live entertainment. Suitable for adults seeking nightlife excitement.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
25 minutes' walk
Hosts a variety of concerts and events. An iconic spot that offers a mix of music genres throughout the season.
Space Myth and Magic
10 minutes' walk
Interactive experience ideal for families. Engaging exhibits covering space exploration and science.
Tracy Savage Fine Art Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Local art gallery showcasing regional talents. A serene space to appreciate art and creativity.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Scarborough 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Humberside (HUY) 141 min · 58.4 mi
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 151 min · 62.5 mi
Train
Scarborough Train Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop 6 min · 1700 ft
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 10.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
76
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Esplanade Hotel is considered a great base for exploring, and many appreciate its good value for money, including bed, breakfast, and evening meals. Guests particularly enjoy the spectacular views from sea view rooms and find the bathrooms nice and modern. While some have noted noise from adjacent spaces, the hotel's warmth and cleanliness are frequently highlighted.
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Review score
Based on 4 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
100%
Recommend
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
8.7/10
Facilities
7.4/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Sea view
Friendly staff
Good location
Cons
Dated rooms
Guest reviews
based on 4 reviews
9.0/10
based on 193 reviews
7.5/10
william from united kingdom
Couple
double room sea view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 11, 2026
8.8/10
reliable stay near the coast
sea view fluffy towels coffee facilities
i appreciated the great location and sea views. my room featured new carpets and fluffy towels. tea and coffee facilities were available, a nice touch. the sunrise view from the room was amazing.
the wifi access was spotty at times, difficult to stay connected.
Service
9/10
the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the stay. the housekeeping was excellent as well, and the rooms were kept spotlessly clean. i really appreciated the attentiveness.
Rooms
8/10
my room had comfortable beds and a modern bathroom. it also had new carpets, a plus! i found the room very clean. the sea view was fine.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel offered a bar. Bar prices were reasonable. i also noticed there were comfortable surroundings for coffee and snacks. entertainment was o. k. with varied acts and bingo.
Location
10/10
The hotel's position near the bay was excellent. it was in an elegant quiet quarter. I enjoyed walking to nearby attractions. it was easy to access the spa and beach.
Dining
9/10
The meals were more than adequate. I found the choices good. i did note nice snacks available for purchase from the coffee bar. the bar offers good prices.
0 Helpful
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ava from australia
Single
double room sea view
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 27, 2025
9.0/10
coastal getaway!
sea view triple bay window available staff christmas decorations
my room had a sea view. the triple bay window was a nice touch, especially during the day. the staff were available when i needed them. the christmas decorations were beautiful and added to the holiday atmosphere.
the coffee wasn't very hot at breakfast.
Service
9/10
The manager offered a warm welcome. the restaurant staff were friendly and polite during meals. the reception staff were very helpful when i asked questions. the staff was friendly!
Location
10/10
the hotel overlooks the bay from south cliff. there were plenty of places to sit, even on the terrace. it is a 10-minute walk to the town itself. the view from the hotel room was excellent.
Dining
8/10
the meals had plenty of choice at both breakfast and dinner. the food was well served and piping hot. the cooked breakfast had no fat swimming on the plate. the food was really good!?
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Victoria from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room Sea View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
9.2/10
enjoyable short stay
ideal location fun entertainment cheerful staff comfy bed
i found the hotel location to be ideal. entertainment in the bar was very fun. the staff was cheerful and always ready to assist. my beautiful room on the third floor had a comfy bed.
the bathroom is slightly dated.
Dining
9/10
meals were hot and were served quickly. the restaurant offered plenty of choice at both breakfast and dinner. the waiting staff in the restaurant were polite. they seemed friendly too.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel has undergone recent upgrades. the hotel provided a warm and inviting atmosphere. i like the elegant lounge. there is very easy access to the beach and nearby attractions.
Service
10/10
the team members are greeted me with smiles. they anticipated our needs. the manager is very competent and helpful. any requests are handled swiftly. the service is excellent.
Rooms
9/10
my room was spotlessly clean and spacious. it had coastal hues. soft linens were supplied. blackout curtains guaranteed a restful night's sleep. i had a private balcony.
Location
10/10
this location has direct beach access. it has a short stroll to local attractions. easy links to the steam railway is provided. the hotel is in a very central spot.
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Richard from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Sea View
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: November 13, 2025
9/10
attentive staff convenient location meal variety
The hotel staff were very attentive to all requests. I found the location to be quite convenient to the town center. The restaurant offered a good variety of meal options.
The in-room Wi-Fi signal was occasionally weak.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About The Esplanade Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Esplanade Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Is there parking available at The Esplanade Hotel?
The hotel offers limited free on-site parking on a first-come, first-served basis.
How far is The Esplanade Hotel from Scarborough Beach?
The Esplanade Hotel is located just under a 10-minute walk from Scarborough Beach.
What dining options are available at The Esplanade Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site à la carte restaurant serving British cuisine and a 24-hour bar.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The Esplanade Hotel?
Each room includes an en suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.
What nearby attractions can be found close to The Esplanade Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Scarborough Castle (1 km), the Spa Scarborough (0.5 km), and Scarborough Art Gallery (0.5 km).
Is breakfast available at The Esplanade Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 10 GBP.
What entertainment options are provided at The Esplanade Hotel?
The hotel occasionally features evening entertainment with singers, bands, and comedians.
How far is The Esplanade Hotel from the town centre?
The hotel is approximately a 5-minute walk from Scarborough town centre.
Is Wi-Fi available at The Esplanade Hotel?
Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel.
What features make The Esplanade Hotel unique?
The hotel is known for its Victorian architectural style and enchanting views from the roof terrace overlooking the bay.