We are a family with two children(10 and 8 yrs old) and usually stay in caravans or tents in holiday resorts. This year I felt I would like a rest from the cooking and cleaning up after the family, so thought we would try a hotel. Well it was wonderful, not only clean but the owners are very friendly and helpful, and lovely to our children. We stayed in a family suite with sea views, which had a double bed and bunk beds, which had plenty of room for us. Had a hearty breakfast in the morning which sets you up for the day(well, if you have two hungry kids like mine!) It was our first trip to scarborough and we will go again. There was plenty to do and see, but to breathe in the sea air every morning did it for me.

We have just arrived back from a 2 night stay at the Rockside Hotel and could not fault it!!!!
The hotel was clean and very inviting the owners were very friendly and helpful and made an effort to talk to all their guests.
The room was clean and nicely decorated and well stocked with tea & coffee making facilities.
On the whole a wonderful experience run by fantastic people and would recomend to anyone!!!!

I have read the reviews on this Hotel since our return in July and felt compelled to write one. I stayed with my husband and 2 children for 5 nights in July in room 4 (first floor en suite family room) which looks to have been the subject of a couple of poor reviews.

Our experience in this room totally differs from the other people who have criticised it. We thought the room was absolutley gorgeous and a perfect family bedroom. We have stayed in some terrible B&B places in Scarborough and Rockside was a cut above the rest. The room looked absolutely brand new. The bed was comfortable with a modern leather headboard and warm coloured bedding, with throw and scatter cushions. The pine bunks for the kids were brand new. The tv in the room worked perfectly for us - but let's face it, who's bothered about the telly on holiday! The furniture and decor was all modern and co-ordinated, with lovely lighting, curtains etc - all 100% clean. The best part of the room was the en suite. A beautiful white luxury suite with curved glass shower screen, chome fittings etc. Yes - it is small, but how big does it need to be. It compares very favourably to some of the horrors we've seen in England and abroad!

There was ample tea and coffee left in the room for us each day and there was a basket on the reception desk every day that was filled with extras for you to help yourself to. As for fresh towels, we got clean towels every other day which was more than adequate for us.

The breakfast was delicious each day and the owner Sarah and staff went out of their way to meet our every need. She brought special things for our children to eat and left toys in the lounge for our children to play with. Nothing was too much trouble.

We knew that there was no bar at the Hotel, but were told we could bring our own drinks into the lounge. There was a little fridge and glasses in there and it was lovely sitting with a glass of wine in the lounge which has fabulous sea views. This suited us very well and we met other families doing the same thing - no expensive bar prices.

The owners Sarah and Darrel are a local couple who have 2 young boys of their own. They went out of their way to share their local knowledge with us. They gave us a map and told us about great family friendly restaurants (Florios) and things to do with the kids. Sarah gave us loads of discount vouchers for various places which saved us loads of money.

I can't think why people weren't happy with their stay here. WE had a really lovely family holiday. It is not a 5 star hotel - but who needs all that anyway. It's a family run B&B - perfect for families and couples - and great value for money.

We'll be back again next year - well done Rockside!

We stayed for 3 nights from 31st May 2007.

We read all the guest reviews; read the write up in a national quality newspaper about the hotel; and spoke to the proprietor who couldn't be more helpful while making the booking arrangements and decided that we had made a good choice for ourselves and our two young boys.

The greeting was luke warm, immediate payment of the balance of our 3 night payment was requested in cash while we stood in the hall. When I asked to see our room I was met with a look somewhere in between exasperation and incredulity. Things further deteroirated when we had the temerity to enquire politely about the major building works next door which was brushed off with a "it's not a problem" - reassuring!

On payment of the balance our room key and car parking permit were handed over and the proprietors shot out of the door to a dinner date. No introduction to the hotel facilities; safety procedures; no contact details left in case of enquiries or an emergency and there was no introductory pack in the room.

The family room itself was clean with neutral decor but not very under 5s friendly with no plug socket covers and the bathroom electrical cable to the heated towel rail was at toddler eye level! The bathroom / shower room was tiny and one had to exit the room to dry one self properly. The towels were not changed during our 3 night stay and the tea / coffee was not replenished. The TV in the room had poor reception, only the terrestrial channels are available (no Freeview or DVD / video) and the TV in the lounge was no better. The mini bar wasn't stacked or manned. Great sea views from the lounge though..

The breakfast cooking smells invaded our room, on the first floor, at 7.00am every morning and breakfast was served at 8:30am prompt. The menu choice was limited and the full English was adequate.

On leaving I had to request a receipt for the cash handed over on arrival and our departure was as on arrival minimal. No 'hope you had a good stay; no can we give you a hand with your bags or even have a safe trip home' from the proprietors. The parting words were "goodbye and leave the keys on reception" followed by another disappearing act while we struggled to pack the car with the bags and two young children in tow.

Good location, pleasant decor, clean room but we were lucky that the weather was good during our stay. Overall we were disappointed because we expected a great deal more from a top 10 TRipAdvisor B&B.