British seaside hotels in the 19th century were known for their grandeur and lavishness, resembling the glamor of Vegas. These hotels competed fiercely, continually evolving in architectural styles to attract attention. From Georgian townhouses to French chateaux, Scottish castles, and more, they were eclectic structures of various styles stacked with luxurious amenities to please their guests. The Grand seaside hotels reached their peak in the 19th century, with Scarborough’s 10-storey French Second Empire-style Grand hotel standing as a testament to their opulence.
In the 20th century, seaside hotels took on an art deco style, but their decline was imminent with the impact of two world wars and the rise of air travel to warmer destinations. Many hotels were repurposed or demolished, while others fell into disrepair, leading to negative reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor.
Despite their issues, these seaside hotels are considered problematic heritage assets yet also magnificent creations. As the allure of the seaside remains, there may be potential for renewal and revitalization for these historic structures. Rowan Moore, architecture critic for the Observer, acknowledges the challenges faced by these once grand establishments but also sees the possibility of breathing new life into them for future generations to enjoy.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
