The Look Out

35 Customer Reviews

• "The property itself was in need of a good clean Cobwebs on the walls and the ..."

  The property itself was in need of a good clean Cobwebs on the walls and the floor was dirty the taps were loose in the bathroom Going up to the lookout was very dirty it smelt very damp I know it’s a cave but it was just so dirty and over all impression wasn’t good We didn’t realise that we had to go upstairs to the property The bar and grotto was lovely and so was all the staff ate there both nights and loved it but was cheap We didn’t feel safe in the lookoutas there was people on the beach lighting fires after the bar had shut We also thought the beach was a beach and not just big pebbles We won’t return here and glad it was only for 2 nights Sorry for moaning but this is a honest review of our experience We have used Sykes quite a lot and usually happy with the places we have stayed

  Reviewed by Bryan1.9★Aug 2024

• "We loved our stay, it was very relaxing"

  Reviewed by Heather4.4★Apr 2024

• "I stayed for 4 nights, with my dog, just for some peace and quiet and a change of scenery from land locked Leicestershire."

  We both had a wonderful stay. Its roomy enough for 2 people as a base. The staff at the Grotto Pub were friendly and the food was lovely there too... amazing views of the sea... it was exactly what we needed x

  Reviewed by Dawn5.0★Mar 2024

• "Amazing, beautiful, charming"

  Reviewed by Agnieszka4.1★Mar 2024

• "Everything was lovely ,only issue was the garden needed some tlc,but was early March ,can't wait to come back xxxx"

  Reviewed by Scott5.0★Feb 2024

• "We had a lovely stay and of course the view and location is stunning."

  .sitting watching the waves was just what we needed..The seating area in the bay window is perfect.. The place was lovely and warm ..the bed was super comfy.. However..I feel I need to comment on a few issues ..and they are actually so simple to rectify but I feel were important. The first impression and entrance /patio area looked like it hadn’t been swept or cleaned in months..We didn’t sit out at the front as it looked grubby.. The windows were filthy and also hadn’t been cleaned in a while. The floor in the apartment was slightly dirty and gritty too in places as if it had just had a quick superficial sweep.. Both taps in the bathroom are moving around every time you use them..and there is no hook to hang a towel on which would be useful. The bathroom was clean however. The blinds in the bedrooom are a problem ..they do not cut out the security light outside as they leave a gap and so you don’t know it’s dark outside as it’s so bright. There is a black out blind in the wardrobe to attach yourself..but it’s too small..Also the catch on one window is broken and the window doesn’t shut. We noticed in the fridge there was no ice box which would have been useful. The layout in the kitchen/living room area could have been better and a small bistro table and 2 chairs as we had to eat on our knees …we didn’t need 12 plates either..

  Reviewed by Jayne3.1★Jan 2024

• "The accommodation was fine but the window in the bay is broken and as the sea is very noisy it would have been helpful to mend it so it can be closed."

  People coming to this property would benefit from ear plugs to help them sleep. The black out curtain is helpful and the views are amazing. Shame about the car park fees and having the climb the stairs every morning to pay the fee . The staff were very friendly.

  Reviewed by Diana3.1★Jan 2024

• "It would be perfect if the bedroom window closed ( the handle was broken), if the black out blind fitted the whole window,( maybe get a 2nd one,) the kitchen drawer unit was fixed, and the window would have been nice to look out of if cleaned, I cleaned the inside due to a previous dog had left his/her nose art on it."

  A broom would be a good idea to have in there too, as sand was all over the floor. Apart from that I liked it.

  Reviewed by Debbie2.8★Dec 2023

• "Stayed for 3 nights, 19 - 22 Nov 23."

  Arrived after dark but checking in at the Grotto bar was ok. Paid for parking at the machine at top of lift shaft as explained by staff , £5 to cover whole stay although ticket stated only 24hrs. Had to make 3 trips up and down lift with luggage and dog etc, it is very slow but far better than the stairs. First impressions on entering the downstairs entrance way is that you are in a cave, plenty of space and coat rack for boots, wellies and wet dog stuff. Upstairs to apartment, quite roomy but kitchen area well worn, cutlery drawer front was off and all drawers dislodged in tracks. No towel to dry dishes or soap/shampoo in shower room. Taps in bathroom sink were loose and required both hands to turn on/off. Otherwise bedding and towels were all clean and fresh and property was very warm. Many thanks to the Grotto cleaner for providing a tea towel and sweeping brush to clean up sand in the entrance. Location on the (rocky) beach and views of Marsden Rock are unquestionably impressive in any weather. However, the Lookout and it's sister apartment have one significant and potentially dangerous issue that anyone should very seriously consider before booking. While the Sykes info clearly states that because of the property's location there is no Wi-Fi or cell phone signal it does not emphasise that during times when the Grotto bar is closed you may be totally on your own bearing in mind other guests, if any. I make this point as between the hours of 10.00pm and 08.00am your only means of communication is to climb the 100 or so stairs to the top of the cliff and hope to get a signal up there. This could be very critical in the event of a medical (or other) emergency as even calling 999 did not work from my mobile in the Grotto area, it may do on other service providers. Apparently the Grotto bar/hotel/restaurant does not have any responsibility, other than cleaning, for the Lookout. Nor did it have any night security staff. I don't want to deter anyone booking this property, only to highlight the communication issues that may be crucial in the event of an accident or emergency. We had a need to call the police/ ambulance in the middle of the night and found it extremely difficult, frustrating and alarming as to the potential consequences. Fortunately all was well in the end but perhaps the owners could consider some resolution to this problem.

  Reviewed by Alan2.8★Nov 2023

• "Another visit to the lookout and once again brilliant stay ."

  . coming back soon .

  Reviewed by Kathleen5.0★Nov 2023

• "The accommodation was absolutely incredible."

  The view from the bedroom and the location in general was wonderful and made for a fantastic and relaxing holiday. The accommodation & kitchen supplies are basic and could do with some TLC but we would definitely stay again.

  Reviewed by Lucy4.4★Oct 2023

• "Like others found the apartment tired."

  Needs a good spring clean to get rid of sandy floors, and maybe a coat of paint. All that said we had a brilliant stay. The most Important things were that the kitchen and bed were clean. Staff were very helpful and appeared happy in their work. The restaurant was excellent. Food good and tasty both in the bar and the grotto restaurant. More expensive than some but cheaper than others. The quality was amazing. Made issue for us was the car park charges. £15.00 for three days was a lot. Would recommend and will be back but might bring my own sweeping brush next time.

  Reviewed by Christine2.8★Sep 2023

• "We had a couple nights here, we had a lovely stay."

  The staff who work in the grotto was so lovely and helpful! The food and drink was good. The location is perfect and we had so much fun. Our shower was leaking and the next day someone came and fixed it! :)

  Reviewed by Emily4.1★Aug 2023

• "Unique property, the view was amazing"

  Reviewed by Margaret4.1★Aug 2023

• "Absolutely beautiful place staff fab Just like being abroad Definitely booking for September"

  Reviewed by Kathleen5.0★Jun 2023

• "Absolutly wonderful location is described as ground floor apartment but is first ..."

  Absolutly wonderful location is described as ground floor apartment but is first floor which actually for us was a bonus as views are superb,we ate on one night in the restraunt and the staff and food were lovely we will definatly be back and would recommend the lookout as a wonderful place to stay x

  Reviewed by Bernie4.4★Jun 2023

• "What a lovely place to stay and switch off."

  We loved the fact there was no WiFi or phone signal when in the property or the grotto itself next door. Listening to only the waves as you awake and fall asleep. I will most definitely be back.

  Reviewed by Ami4.4★May 2023

• "There was no freezer or heated towel rail, in fact no towel rail."

  The apartment wasn’t very clean, there was lots of dog hairs. Most things needed to be washed before you used them. There was no mattress protector and no information on anything. The bedroom desperately needs blackout curtains. It’s in a unique location but that’s only part of the holiday experience.

  Reviewed by Melvyn1.9★May 2023

• "Hi we have stayed here twice now we have contacted you to complain it wants a ..."

  Hi we have stayed here twice now we have contacted you to complain it wants a really good clean it's a beautiful place but the cleaning let's it down the first time we though it was a mistake we loved it and came back but no change i suffer from asthma so I do clean before I can stay I love it here and want to return please look in to this it's a gem of a place

  Reviewed by Stephen2.2★May 2023

• "Fantastic venue"

  Reviewed by Brian4.1★May 2023

• "Great facilities and best view in the North East by far, very friendly staff and clean apartment"

  Reviewed by David5.0★Apr 2023

• "While working in a local hospital I stayed here with my wife and have mixed views but the negative comments would be easy for the owners to correct."

  First the Bad, You have to pay for the parking and we did not realise this my wife dropped me at work but did not have any change on her and it was cash only, If this was clear in the advert we would have been more prepared, suggest* either add to the cost or at least make more clear. The lift only opens between 10AM and 10PM, like the parking issue we may have missed this on the advert but it needs to be more clear, I had to be on site by 6AM and had to take the steps (must be over 200 steps), and I was on Crutches at the time so not ideal, *just make it more clear. Final comment is just that it could do with a lick of paint and a bit of a tidy up (grease on blinds, dust in a few places, untidy cables in both rooms could). Now the good :- Lovely Friendly Staff. Easy access to beach All facilities for self catering. Easy access for a nice pint and decent bar meal. And the best bit, that view ! I just loved spending the cold evenings sat in the bay window looking out to sea, watching the waves and the ships go by. Would I go again ? for sure, next time I have an opportunity I would go in a flash, I already miss it.

  Reviewed by David3.4★Feb 2023

• "On arrival at The Grotto we had to pay for parking which we were lead to believe was free."

  We were able to check straight in to the accommodation which was great. the staff were lovely, but when we went to the accommodation we found the yard was unusable. It was dirty, full of tab ends, we think there might have been dog faeces there, the extractor fan for the restaurant went through the garden and smelt really strong, the table and chairs were dirty so this was disappointing. The accommodation itself was basically clean. the bedding smelt nice and the towels were clean but there was nowhere in the bathroom to hang a towel. There was no rail or hook. The taps on the sink swiveled round when you turned them on and off. At night, there was a flood light that shone straight into our window. This meant that at midnight it was lighter than at midday in our room, meaning we couldn’t sleep. We mentioned this to reception the next morning as we had been awake all night. They told us they had had a lot of complaints regarding the light but the owners had not yet done anything about it. They suggested we put up a blackout blind stored in the wardrobe up. We tried this but it was too small to be effective. The blinds on the window were poorly fitting and didn’t repel any light at all. We had 2 nights without sleep. We had booked a 3rd night at the accommodation but left at 10am on that day. We were too tired to stay and risk a night without sleep again. The accommodation was not as advertised. I appreciate it welcomed dogs but it was very bodged in every way. There is absolutely no way it is 4*+. We have never complained before but having no sleep whatsoever is unacceptable. We would like a refund for at least the night we couldn’t stay.

  Reviewed by Anthony2.5★Feb 2023

• "Amazing place and would go again, but was spoiled mainly by the floodlights being on all night."

  We found the black out blind after the first night but still not good enough and did not sleep well each night we were there. It was also quite dirty and untidy at the front of the property which let it down and would be easy to put right. The listing refers to parking for one car, but when we got there we were told we had to pay for parking as it wasn't owned by the Grotto. Disappointing as it was misleading.

  Reviewed by Steven2.8★Feb 2023

• "Perfect location for a peaceful restful holiday right on the beach."

  Perfect for our dog. The grotto staff very helpful and the food excellent. Will be back again soon

  Reviewed by Peter5.0★Oct 2022

• "Lovely place and great views The staff were friendly and very helpful."

  Reviewed by Janet4.4★Sep 2022

• "The property is beautifully done and we loved it."

  Some instructions for heating and the cooker would be a useful addition, as would a cafetière. If you could substitute a small circular table for the very low one in the dining area, that would be good for eating. Or put one in the bedroom window area. But minor points meant to be helpful, not criticisms. We had a brilliant time. It’s a magical place to be.

  Reviewed by Janet4.7★Sep 2022

• "Absolutely brilliant, we had to postpone our break because of a family emergency and all very helpful about this, then when we got there we were blown away how gorgeous the place was."

  Everyone friendly, flat is amazing, and the view is just perfect...sun rises and gorgeous moon reflections across the sea and the restaurant is fabulous and to dine in the cliff and be in a cave is just brilliant.Loved it and cannot thank everybody enough, thank you, would recommend to anyone and Bella our Lhasa Apso loved it too xx

  Reviewed by Andrea5.0★Sep 2022

• "We have been before, this could be a gem of a place if only more time was spent on the cleaning."

  No instructions for heating and water as the water was instantly red hot. A small freezer would be great and one empty cupboard for storage of food. I appreciate that the place is limited but some thoughts on the above would be good.

  Reviewed by Stephen3.1★Sep 2022

• "Location is amazing down on the beach hearing the waves crashing all day."

  Beautiful setting and facilities. The staff are friendly and helpful they couldn’t do enough for you and make you feel at home for your stay. We will definitely be back

  Reviewed by Kieran5.0★Aug 2022

• "Great stay right on beach front."

  Apartment good. Had an issue with the bedding but got sorted straight away. What a view. The dog loved it. Negative we didn't get the prosecco as promised on the booking and on all of the lookout pictures.

  Reviewed by Tony5.0★Jul 2022

• "Absolutely amazing place I will definitely be going back."

  Just a couple of things though, it was advertised as ground floor but it wasn't so if I had mobility issues this would have been a huge problem and secondly it would have been useful to have a few bits of information on how the shower worked, where to put your rubbish etc.

  Reviewed by Wendy3.8★Jul 2022

• "Great location great staff great accommodation would recommend to everyone."

  Reviewed by Kelvin4.7★Jun 2022

• "I booked over the phone and was forced into making a payment using the automatic system even though I had stated I did not have my reading glasses."

  In the end I thought you had said to get a Friday we would go on the first of July,but after you asking for feedback I notice you booked me for last weekend. I did question the amount because it did not match your site,but for a small amount I let it go It is the second time I have booked and both times I have corrected you on it being a first floor etc. At the moment I will hold publishing my feedback, until I give you chance to come back to me . And I would always out my full name on feedback on a site and on the hotel site. Regards. David Sykes.

  Reviewed by David1.3★Jun 2022

• "Fab location."

  Very clean. Helpful staff at the Marsden grotto.

  Reviewed by Peter John4.1★Jun 2022

• There are no reviews featuring this term Show all reviews