Skegness Getaway: The Singlecote Hotel's Unbeatable Deals!
Skegness Getaway: The Singlecote Hotel - Unbeatable Deals? Hold My Bucket and Spade! A Review (and My Honest Thoughts)
Right, let's be real. Skegness. It's not exactly the Riviera, is it? But a Skegness getaway with unbeatable deals at The Singlecote Hotel? Now that's a concept I can sink my teeth into… or at least, attempt to, after a questionable portion of chips on the pier. I’ve just come back from a stay (yes, I took the plunge! For you, dear reader!), and I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, warts and all. Strap in, because this is gonna be a bumpy, but honest, ride!
First Impressions: Accessibility & Reaching The Singlecote…
Okay, let's be responsible, shall we? Accessibility is vital. The Singlecote does seem to have a decent effort at being (generally) accessible with elevator access, making it easier to reach the high floor rooms (bonus points for the potential for slightly better views, though let’s be honest, it's Skegness, not Santorini). They also have facilities for disabled guests, according to the spiel. Important note: I don’t personally require these services, but I did sniff around… and it looked like they’d made an effort. The car park [free of charge] and on-site is a massive win, especially if you're driving down from the north like me and need a break after that long-haul journey. Car power charging station - nice touch for you environmentally conscious travellers! The airport transfer availability is also great, obviously more useful if you're flying into Skegness… which, let’s be honest, is probably never happening. But hey! Options.
The Room: My Kingdom for Blackout Curtains!
The room, well, it was what you'd expect. Carpeting (which, honestly, you'd hope is clean after a seaside holiday), a comfortable bed (I’m a sucker for an extra long bed), and the all-important blackout curtains. Thank. God. Because, frankly, I'm not in my 20s anymore and the sun's a brutal wake-up call. The air conditioning was a blessing (it was a scorcher day!), and the free Wi-Fi in the room (thank the travel gods!) was a lifesaver for streaming some bad reality telly after a day of paddling in the (cold) sea. Speaking of which, the free bottled water was also brilliant.
I appreciated the little touches: the coffee/tea maker (essential), the slippers (nice!), and the bathrobes (I felt fancy for approximately 5 minutes). Daily housekeeping seemed to be on the mark.
Now, for a confession: I’m a sucker for a good telly. The satellite/cable channels… well, they existed. I can’t say I was blown away, but hey, at least I could escape the chaos of my own thoughts for a few minutes. And the in-room safe box? Well, it's there. I, for one, don't own any jewels that I need to keep locked up, but it's reassuring, I suppose.
The soundproofing was mostly effective, but I did hear some enthusiastic seagull chirping. I’m not sure whether to be impressed, or just annoyed. Still, as a minor point, it's worth noting.
Things to Do (and Places to Eat that Aren't Chip Shops):
Right. Skegness. The big question: what do you actually do there? Well, you can brave the beach (brrr!), roam the pier, or… well, that's about it, isn't it?
The Singlecote claims to have a few options. Let's be fair. Things like massage, the spa, the sauna, and the steam room (the classic Spa/Sauna set up) – fantastic for a bit of chill time after a day of dodging sandcastles. And the fitness center (aka 'the gym') might be useful for those more energetic than me. (I am not one of those people.) I didn't partake. I mostly napped. But it’s there! The pool with view seems a bit farcical, but I’m not going to lie, I’m curious. I did not go in and view it.
Dining and Drinking: The Good, The Bad, And A Questionable Buffet.
Right, let's talk food. The Singlecote boasts of having an array of dining options. Here's the lowdown:
- Restaurants: There's a restaurant on site, with happy hour (always a win!). They also offer an a la carte in restaurant. Whether this is worth the price of entry is up for debate. However, it caters to vegetarian options. This is important – I have to admit, a lot of the international cuisine in the restaurant that's advertised didn't seem very "international." The western cuisine in restaurant was… ok.
- The Breakfast Situation (Buffet Hell or Heaven?): Okay, the breakfast [buffet] was an experience. On the plus side, there were breakfast service, including Asian breakfast options. The buffet in restaurant had a decent variety, but quality can vary. If in doubt, go for the breakfast option. The breakfast in room option is the only safe bet.
- Other Eats: The snack bar and coffee shop were okay for a quick bite, but nothing to write home about. The poolside bar? Didn’t see it.
Safety and Cleanliness: Did I Get a Virus? (Kidding… Mostly)
Let's touch on the serious stuff, even if I am kidding around. In these times, safety is paramount. The Singlecote seems to take it seriously. There are signs of anti-viral cleaning products being used (I saw the cleaning staff, actually!), and the daily disinfection in common areas was evident. The hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocol, the cashless payment service and the room sanitization opt-out available are all good signs. The hygiene certification is something to be thankful for.
Services and Conveniences: From Ironing to… a Shrine?
Okay, so the Singlecote has a bunch of services. Here's the rundown:
- Essentials: The concierge was helpful. The daily housekeeping was efficient. Luggage storage – essential for the indecisive packer like me. They even have facilities for disabled guests (covered that earlier). The elevator is a blessing.
- Other Bits and Bobs: There's a convenience store for those last-minute essential purchases. Laundry service, dry cleaning, and ironing service? All available. Currency exchange? Probably not needed, but it's there.
- The Weird & Wonderful Apparently, there is even a Shrine. I did not come across this.
- Business Facilities (Sigh): They have business facilities, including the inevitable meeting/banquet facilities, projector/LED display, and xerox/fax in the business center (for those of you who are still into those things). There’s also the option for meetings, seminars and wi-fi for special events. All this is probably more useful for someone on a work trip, as I only do business of the "which ice-cream flavour should I eat?" variety.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts):
The Singlecote is family/child friendly, which makes sense for Skegness. They offer babysitting service (for those desperate for a couple's time) and, I presume, kids facilities and even a kids meal.
The Singlecote: Verdict!
Look, it's Skegness. Let's not pretend it's a luxury escape. But The Singlecote Hotel? It's decent. The unbeatable deals tagline is… well, it depends on the deal, doesn't it? But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable base with a few added extras, The Singlecote is a solid choice.
My Quirky Observation: I had my door decorated with a small drawing. I was convinced that someone would notice. That didn't happen.
My Emotional Reaction (Mostly Positive): I came, I saw, I conquered the buffet. I am pleased.
And now, the bit you've all been waiting for…
The Unbeatable Deal Offer (To Persuade You!):
Escape to Skegness with The Singlecote's Summer Splash Deal!
Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for a seaside escape where the only agenda is relaxation (and maybe a bit of pier-based madness)?
Here's what you get:
- Unbeatable Room Rates: Enjoy significant savings on our comfortable and well-equipped rooms!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Skegness, and we're going to do it wrong. Mostly. And probably gloriously. This is my attempt at a week at The Singlecote, and frankly, I'm already terrified and also, weirdly, excited. Hold onto your hats…
The Unofficial, Rambling, and Probably Slightly Chaotic Skegness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Or, The Singlecote Beckons)
- Morning (ish): Depart from… well, the actual depressing details of the journey aren't important. Let's just say it involved a train, a packed lunch that’s already looking suspect, and a level of optimism I can usually maintain for about 3 hours. Arrival at Skegness Station. Feeling immediately overwhelmed by the sheer, unadulterated holiday-ness of it all. Children screaming, seagulls squawking, the sickly sweet aroma of candy floss… it’s a sensory assault.
- Afternoon: Check into The Singlecote. Okay, deep breaths. The reviews were… mixed. Visions of lumpy mattresses danced in my head. Pray to god I don’t get the room next to the noisy elevator, I’ll be a gibbering wreck by Tuesday.
- Imperfection Alert: Finding the lobby was a bit of a challenge. Turns out, "turn left at the giant inflatable lobster" is actually surprisingly accurate as a landmark. Almost walked into a family of three wearing matching bucket hats and was ready for it, I hate bucket hats! Found the lobby, not sure how I feel about the single-use soap, but I’ll be alright.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: A wander along the seafront. First impressions? Colourful. Loud. Smelling strongly of fish and chips and a sea breeze that's somehow both invigorating and probably carrying microscopic levels of… everything.
- Anecdote: The arcade. Oh, the glorious, blinking, siren song of the arcade. Spent a concerning amount of time trying to win a giant, fluffy Minion that looked vaguely menacing. Lost. Horribly. Gave up when I saw a kid effortlessly rack up a score that suggested they’d been practicing since birth. I’m sure I’ll go back..
- Dinner: Fish and chips. Obvs. Ordered far too much, ended up slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of potatoes. Ate them anyway. Regret already beginning to set in.
- Quirky Observation: The seagulls. These are not your graceful, elegant seabirds of coastal documentaries. They're fluffy, opportunistic, and have a pathological obsession with chips. I saw one try to steal a whole hot dog from a startled child. Brutal.
- Emotional Reaction: I am, surprisingly, okay. Maybe even… happy? The chaos is almost… comforting.
- Night: Back to The Singlecote. Hoping for a quiet room. Praying for a mattress that doesn’t resemble a concrete slab. Also, wondering if I should invest in earplugs.
Day 2: The Beach and the Bite
- Morning: Breakfast at the Singlecote - the "full English" was advertised with such ferocity on booking.com. I was skeptical, and I was right. Greasy, and lukewarm. But hey, it's fuel, right? Needed fuel to deal with going to the beach.
- Late Morning: The beach! Sun, sand, screaming children (still). Found a spot (after a massive battle for prime real estate) and tried to relax.
- Imperfection Alert: Got sand everywhere. In my hair, in my underwear, in my sandwich. I’m pretty sure some of it's still there.
- Anecdote: Watched a toddler valiantly attempt to eat an entire sandcastle. Witnessed a dog (bless him) repeatedly bury his owner’s beach towel. The beach is a circus, but a glorious circus.
- Afternoon: The pier! The lights! The rides! I'm not sure what to feel about them – the whole thing is a bit run-down, but in a charming, endearingly desperate kind of way. Spent way too much money on the claw machines. Lost. Again.
- Emotional Reaction: My inner child is having a blast. My bank balance? Not so much.
- Evening: Dinner. Went full-on tourist mode and ate at a place that basically screamed "family-friendly" (plastic tables, screaming kids were there!) But, the food was surprisingly alright. And the staff were lovely.
- Night: Back to The Singlecote. Attempted to watch TV. The sound quality was… questionable. Eventually gave up and read a book. Bed was… well, let’s just say I might be sleeping in a slightly curved position.
Day 3: Nature Calls (And So Does My Stomach)
- Morning: Decided to be "cultured" and go and see the seals. So excited. The drive down was long and then I got there…. and the seals were just logs. I mean they were cute, but not like I was expecting.
- Opinionated Rambling: I honestly don't think I was built for nature. I’ve concluded that I’m happier among the flashing lights and the questionable fried food.
- Afternoon: Went back to the hotel. The rain hit while I was on the pier, I found my self going back to the arcade.
- Stream of Consciousness: claw machines… more claw machines… still no Minion. Starting to question my life choices. Is this really what I want? Am I just a sucker for flashing lights and cheap plastic prizes? Probably. Yes.
- Evening: Dinner. Found a lovely little pub away from the seafront chaos. The food was excellent. The beer cold. My faith in Skegness – and humanity – was partially restored.
- Night: Back to The Singlecote. I have a new problem. The elevator. It looks like it was going to be replaced in 1970. I am staying on the third floor. There is only one. It's a marathon not a sprint. I'm already dreading my fourth day.
Day 4: The Downward Spiral Continues. And I'm Okay With It.
- Morning: The elevator. The elevator. The elevator.
- Afternoon: What can I say? I'm back in the arcade. I'm hooked. I will win the Minion. This trip is now about redemption.
- Evening: Dinner. Fish and chips. Again. I have no regrets. Maybe some heartburn, but that's a small price to pay for potato perfection.
- Night: The Singlecote. The elevator. The bed. Actually managed a decent night of sleep. Victory! (Even if it was just a small one).
Day 5: Repeat. Rinse. Regret? Maybe.
- Morning: Arcade.
- Afternoon: Arcade.
- Evening: Arcade.
- Night: The Singlecote.
Day 6: The Minion Wars – Final Day!
- Morning: Arcade. I can feel the end drawing near, so lets go back, try it again, and see if I can catch him.
- Afternoon: I didn’t win. I am sad. Going to spend all my tokens.
- Evening: Fish and chips. Feeling very sad.
- Night: The Singlecote. This time the rain will hopefully lull me to sleep.
Day 7: Farewell (For Now?) Skegness!
- Morning: Sad to leave. Leaving earlier than I planned. Can't face the elevator.
- Afternoon: Train.
- Evening: Home.
Conclusion:
Skegness: It's chaos. It's loud. It's messy. It's probably not for everyone. But, against all odds, I actually enjoyed it. Sure, I'm probably slightly richer, but I have a few fluffy memories and I think that's the kind of trip that matters. Would I go back? Probably. In fact… I think I might even be planning a return trip… and I’ll try to conquer that Minion. Wish me luck, I’ll need it.
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Skegness Getaway: The Singlecote Hotel - FAQs (Because Honestly, You've Got Questions!)
Okay, Okay, The Singlecote... What's *Actually* The Deal With These "Unbeatable" Deals? Is It a Scam? (Because, Like, I'm Skeptical.)
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because I get this *a lot*. Look, the word "unbeatable" is thrown around like confetti these days, right? And yeah, initially, I thought the Singlecote deals were a bit... sus. My inner cynic, you know? But here's the thing: I actually *went*. And honestly? It wasn't a complete disaster.
They offer off-season rates that are ridiculously good, that's true. Think budget-friendly, not bargain basement (and yes, I initially pictured a damp, peeling-wallpaper situation). What they're banking on is you spending money *after* you arrive – maybe on the frankly delicious breakfast buffet (more on that later!), or the arcade games (which, let's be real, are irresistible at 3 AM after a few sherries). But no, it's not actively trying to trap you into bankruptcy.
My first trip, I'd booked a "Sea View" room. Let me tell you, the sea view was... well, let's just say "obstructed." I could *technically* see the sea if I leaned out the window and squinted. But hey, for the price, I wasn't expecting the Burj Khalifa. So, yeah, *maybe* the marketing is a touch hyperbolic, but it's not a flat-out lie either. Manage your expectations and you'll be fine.
The Rooms! What Are They *Really* Like? Should I Pack Hazmat Suit? (I Mean It.)
Okay, this is the big one, right? The rooms. The true test. Here's the brutally honest truth. They're... functional. Think "clean enough" (I brought my own antibacterial wipes, just in case. Guilty as charged). The décor hasn't been updated since, oh, I don't know, the Jurassic period? My first room had this floral wallpaper that *screamed* "Your Gran's Living Room." It's a *vibe*. Maybe a slightly depressing vibe, but a vibe nonetheless.
The beds? Surprisingly comfortable. Not the cloud-like, luxury-hotel-style, but perfectly adequate after a day building sandcastles (or, you know, losing spectacularly at bingo across the road). The bathrooms are... small. Very, very small. The shower pressure is often a bit weak, and sometimes the water gets a mind of its own, fluctuating between freezing and scalding. But hey, you're at the seaside! Embrace a bit of chaos, I say!
**Pro Tip:** Pay the extra for the "Superior" room if you can. It's still not the Ritz, but the extra space and possibly slightly less dated décor makes a world of difference. And bring earplugs! Skegness at night can be a symphony of seagulls, arcade noise, and drunken karaoke.
What's The Food *Actually* Like? That Buffet...Is My Colon Ready?
Ah, the buffet! This is where the Singlecote *actually* shines, in my opinion. Look, I’m a simple gal. I love a good fry-up. And the Singlecote's breakfast buffet? Glorious. I'm talking crispy bacon, sausages that actually taste like sausage (a rare thing, I've found), eggs cooked every way imaginable. They've got everything – cereals, toast, fruit (although the fruit selection can be a bit… sad. Stick with the tinned peaches, just trust me). And the coffee? It's not gourmet, but it gets the job done.
Now, the dinner buffet… that's where things get a little more hit-or-miss. They often do a roast dinner, which is usually pretty decent. But occasionally, you'll get something that looks like it’s been sitting under a heat lamp since lunchtime. So, my advice? Pace yourself. Go for the breakfast, load up at lunch elsewhere (there are tons of chippies!), and then maybe assess the dinner situation *before* fully committing.
Oh, and one more thing: be prepared for a *lot* of people. The buffet can get a bit… hectic. But hey, that's part of the charm, right?
Is There Anything *To Do* In Skegness? Besides Arcade Games And Seagulls Screeching?
Look, let's be honest. Skegness isn't exactly Cannes. But it's got a certain, scrappy, endearingly-grubby charm. Yes, there are arcade games. Lots and lots of them. And yes, the seagulls are relentless. But there's also the beach! Miles and miles of golden sand, perfect for a bracing walk (or a nap, if that's your thing).
Fantasy Island is right there, a huge amusement park, though I'm too old, I think, for rollercoasters, though. The pier is always worth a wander. There are plenty of ice cream shops (essential!), and a somewhat depressing but undeniably entertaining seal sanctuary. And if you're into a bit of nature, the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve is surprisingly beautiful.
Honestly, if you go with the right attitude – a willingness to embrace the slightly faded glamour and a sense of humor – you'll have a perfectly good time. Don't expect Michelin-star dining or designer boutiques, and you'll be golden.
**My Absolute Favorite Thing to Do:** One day I managed to lose a whole afternoon at the pier, playing those claw machines. It was intensely embarrassing, watching me get increasingly desperate as the robotic claw repeatedly failed to grasp the giant stuffed animal. But, it was the perfect level of ridiculousness for a Skegness trip.
What About Parking? Is It a Nightmare?
Yes. Yes, parking is a bit of a nightmare. The Singlecote has some limited parking, but it fills up fast. And the surrounding streets? Forget about it during peak season. You'll be circling for hours, getting increasingly grumpy (and possibly losing your mind).
**My Advice:** If you can, arrive early. Like, *really* early. Or, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, leave the car at home and take the train. It's less stressful. Alternatively, there are public car parks nearby, but be prepared to pay. And maybe pack a good book for the looooong wait at the car park.
Is It Kid-Friendly? I Have Little Monsters...
Absolutely! Skegness is *made* for kids. The beach, the arcades, the amusement parks – it's a paradise (or a chaotic circus, depending on your perspective). The Singlecote itself is generally kid-friendly, although the facilities aren't specifically geared towards little ones aside from the buffet! (And, let's be honest, kid-friendly doesn't necessarily mean relaxing for *you*).
Just keep the little monsters in sight, especially near the sea. And be prepared for endless requests for ice cream, arcade tokens, and "can we go on *that* ride?" It's all part of the experience, right? Right? (Deep breaths...)
