Synopsis

From the wild coastline of Northumbria to the sunny Devon “English Riviera”, join me on a journey of trials, tribulations and glamorous successes of the Grand Hotels of the seaside.
We all love a seaside holiday and in Britain it has been a much-loved tradition for over 100 years. The 1970’s flirtation with the “Costas” of Spain was short lived and we are now looking nostalgically at our beloved seaside resorts. A bucket and spade, fish and chips and ice-cream all play their part, but where you stay is probably the most important aspect.  
In the mid 19th century there was a flurry of grand hotel building on the continent and in America.  Many were built in European seaside resorts, but  we in the British Isles were missing out. That is until 1865 when our first seaside grand hotel was finally completed. 
The Brighton Grand Hotel was applauded by the newspapers as being so luxurious it was a “palace by the sea”.  On its coat tails were others; Eastbourne, Torquay, Scarborough, Llandudno, Tynemouth and Grange Over Sands amongst many. Many were built by wealthy individuals others by companies and financed by the sale of shares.  All were sold and bought many times during their respective histories.  What they all have in common is that they are survivors. This book covers those surviving seven of many more “Grands” built in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  The ones that haven’t survived failed for many different reasons and three of these are investigated in the final chapter. 
Against the background of these hotels, strange, tragic or surprising stories have unfolded.  It is these stories that are told in my book.  The suicide of a music hall artiste, the connection to the London Ritz, the hotel with a landing strip for aircraft, the manager investigated by MI5, as well as other tales.  We also look at who built them, the managers who helped them to succeed as well as the notable guests and their incredible lives.  It is interesting to see the differing impact of two world wars on the hotels, their staff and guests then we look at the contribution each has made to our country’s history.
From their architects’ designs to the present day, this book brings to life the adventures of these hotels.