Well, what a surprise this gem of a hotel was!
I booked it because the hotel my friend was staying in was full, so I looked for a cheap single room and found this for £66 on booking dot com, including breakfast, while he paid £200 at the premier, plus £10 for breakfast.
From the quick look on booking dot com I honestly thought it was someone's house, converted to a B&B, and they were calling it a hotel due to delusions of grandeur.
Well, more fool me, because it turns out that the grandeur is real.
I walked in the back doors too reception (goohlemaps sends you around the back) to columns, vaulted ceilings with frescos painted on, a lovely bar, and a very friendly receptionist who may be forgiven for a little titter when I asked if there was 'another Royal Hotel' in Skegness.
My room was spotlessly clean, and spacious, with TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a HUGE balcony with a sea view and little bistro patio set to sit out and admire it from!
The history of this Victorian Spa Hotel is displayed on the walls, serving as. Convalescent hinge fitting WW1 and then as an RAF training establishment during WW2.
OK, it might be slightly 'decaying grandeur', with lino on the bathroom floor instead of tiles but it's clean and friendly and has everything you need, so for the price it really is a great deal.
Wi-fi connection was fast and during.
The breakfast was hot and cold, buffet style, full English, cereals, toast, tea and (instant) coffee (my only gripe is that the coffee was too weak), friendly and attentive staff, and a lovely atmosphere of tradition and gravitas that hints at the hotel's (and the town's) glory days.
Honestly, if you're staying in Skegness, look no further than The Royal Hotel.
I will DEFINITELY be back.