I was undecided watching the blog if I would stay there or not it wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be. But it was just abit too grim in places, the ceiling fallen in, & the state of the outside & that dirty pool. Definitely don't want to stay with dirty pillows & stains on walls & I bet those old radiators stink! And creepy being so empty. Think I'd rather check out Weymouth on Wednesday! Looking forward to that! Still think it's a fascinating building tho! Brilliant video Tim😊
I worked here as a Pontin's Bluecoat in 1984, alongside my old Pontins friend Marc (we had a re-union here in 2021). This beautiful art deco building was amazing in 1984 and the inside has since been modernised and a swimming pool added in later years. I fully agree, a lick of paint on the outside and the lawns manicured (like they were in 1984) and the buildings at the back upgraded then this beautiful Spanish style art deco building would be top notch again. The location is panoramic looking over Weymouth Bay. What a fantastic season that was and the hotel was fully booked all season. I hope a new owner will invest and bring it back to its former glory. Incidentally, this iconic hotel was a flagship hotel for Fred Pontin, alongside Barton Hall in Devon.
@@WalkWithMeTim it was a beautiful sunny place to stay when I was there.. entertainment being 1st Class.. I remember couple of celebs coming to stay.. was absolutely buzzing.. looks like something out the apocalypse now.. shame really.. especially now more people staying in the uk for holidays.. I remember it being sunny all the time too .. happy memories x
This hotel is a bit sad. It looks like it was really something when it was in full swing. Amazing view, beautiful countryside, perfectly positioned. If this was lovingly maintained, I'd absolutely enjoy a stay.
I worked there as a lifeguard on that outdoor pool in 1991, You're dead right it was the place to be in the summer, such a sun trap, I've never had a golden tan like it. Although it was aimed at an older clientele then, being Pontins there was still lots of fun and games activities. The lawn on the front had a putting green, skittles and petanque/boules where the little outdoor pool is there, Archery round the back, the ballroom had quizzes and games like short mat bowls through the day, and at a live resident band and cabaret acts every night. There was a couple of ramble walks the guests could go on, one day it was through that caravan park and towards a delightful Dorset pub, The Bridge. The other one was along the cliffs for a couple of miles to the other Pontins site at Osmington Bay, I worked there the year after, great memories and an interesting video for me to see how it looks now. Thanks!
It breaks my heart to see my beloved Riv like that. It was such a beautiful place to stay and to work. The ballroom was lovely. I had many happy holidays there with my mum and dad and went on to work there. A lot of the rooms behind the main building were staff accommodation along with the last house opposite the entrance drive. Pontins breakfast was way, WAY better.
Incredible its still there. We stayed two years running back in the 60s for a week at a time . Your vidio brings back very fond memories . Still got a number of family snaps taken during our stay .
Two old codger bluecoats ie myself and my old partner in entertainment crime recently visited the old place and had an absolute ball looking over our old home. We were given free run of everywhere by the manager even the old staff quarters. What a trip down memory lane it was. Thanks so much Tim for this video. We will be forever remembering this place. It was a magical time for us......So many happy, happy memories at Riviera Hotel, Weymouth.
Just calculated a stay at this place for mid week in October, for a family of 4 it will cost you £218 to stay here vs £66 at the local Premier in. If you add in breakfast then this place cost an EXTRA £182 over a Premier in stay with breakfast. It's no wonder why places like this are going down the pan when they charge so much. Aren't they better of trying to undercut the competition and packing them in?
They likely get quite a bit more busy during the summer, but it could definitely do with a price cut during the winter months. I think if they filled more rooms at a lower price, they would probably make more money overall, but then they would also need to hire extra staff and spend more on the facilities to accommodate the extra guests.
So much potential in this place! When you know how busy Weymouth gets, it’s ridiculous they haven’t done a few more basic things to sort out the exterior
So, I stayed here a number of times in 2011/12 while working at sailing events (this was just after the rooms got upgraded). My understanding is that some money got pumped into the hotel around this time so it could play host to those working at the olympics and Olympic preparatory events. Each time I stayed, the hotel was absolutely full, so it’s a shame to see it so empty now.
Incredibly fantastic old building. I hope someone buys it and breathes into it the life it needs! The building is already incredibly lovely and could be restored to some former glory or even better with some patience. Thanks for the tour, Tim!
The fact that they've spent a bit of money on the room interiors is reassuring - my fear with all of these resorts is that they slowly just rot away, then we're left with all these buildings empty. Great upload, as always!
I have never felt more braced for a jump scare watching your videos than I have with this one (all said with laughter, not a complaint). Those pitch black rooms and the elevator and the ominous music, I was READY. I hope they get the funds to fix the rest of the place up. The building looks amazing, and that view is GORGEOUS.
I actually thought this place was abandoned in the fist few mins of watching.. gosh this place has so much potential with the right investor. The outdoor pools looking over the bay would be stunning during the summer, and space for outdoor events or pop up refreshments poolside. It needs alot of love on the exterior and parts of the interior. Id like to visit this place just to explore, sceptical on staying but why not its got character. Its a stunning location and building, hope someone will give it the love it deserves one day .
This reminds me of one of those CGI "back rooms" videos on TH-cam, where the cameraman wanders around deserted rooms and corridors, giving a subtle creepy vibe
My mom worked here in the 1950,s . I used to help her in the stillroom washing dishes. I now live in the states since 1963. Bowleaze was the beach I walked to on a nice day.
Such a surreal place, it feels like exploring a mysterious video game. Gorgeous surroundings with brilliant ocean views, some very nice touches outside, but then lots of rubble and abandoned pieces. Then you go inside and it's like a normal functioning hotel but totally empty. Yet the indoor pool is stunning and looks fully kept. What a weird place
I have so much faith in this channel now in that it is going to give me great content that I click the 'thumbs up' before I start to watch.......and I've not been disappointed yet....Good lad Tim, you're doing great, and here's to the next 100k subscribers!
Wow, this could become a great hotel, with a real classic feel. It's like it's halfway there and I'm rooting for someone to buy it and take it over the goal line. I actually want to stay there now, when it's empty for a lovely, somewhat desolate seaside vacation!
Well, I've stayed in worse. Few years ago, my family went to Blackpool for the Illuminations. The 'hotel' we stayed in was a nightmare! The dining room had tressle tables, just like a workhouse and the beds had nylon sheets, which sparked. We were told that our room had the Fire Exit for our floor - it was literally 5 or 6 nylon sheets tied together and slung out of the back window!!! Absolute truth. I thought my mother was going to have coronary!!! At least we saw the funny side!
I walked past this hotel at the weekend. Now closed down and fenced off. There is scaffolding on part of it, so maybe some repairs being done or maybe it's to stop it falling down!
Wow, this was a blast from the past for me… it was the venue for my school leavers party in the 80’s (many years before Proms became something in this country). It was quite a surprise to find out the hotel is still open… especially judging from first impressions of the exterior. Despite the obvious need for a lot of repair/renovation you gave a really good review of the good as well as the not so great, and I hope this encourages people to stay somewhere that is, as you say, a piece of history and hopefully can get investment to also become part of the future of Weymouth too. There are lots of ‘haunted’ tales attached to this hotel, though I’m sure a lot are just from peoples impressions looking from the outside… and if you prefer not to know about them I won’t ruin any future stays for you! Like so much of Weymouth (and many other smaller towns) this is somewhere that needs money, time and large investment to bring it back to life- I hope that can happen without it becoming part of a huge chain that tries to turn it into a photocopy of all its other hotels. Hopefully the listed status will prevent that happening- but may also be the thing that stops the bigger investors from taking it on? Thank you for taking me back in time and giving such a lovely review of the place 😀
This was used as a Sanatorium for soldiers after WW2. You can imagine the restful benefits of a view like that. The building really deserves a new life, it is such an iconic landmark.
Hi Tim, just like to say I love your channel. I have something to add here - my friend and her husband lost their jobs due to Covid. Husband got a job as a pizza delivery driver to make some money. Their 3 kids hadn’t been on holiday in 3 years. They saved a bit of money and took them to Pontins Camber (got a cheap deal, £100 for 3 nights) Their accommodation was disgusting, mould, poo/wee mattresses, filthy kitchen, dirty sheets and stains everywhere. When they complained the next day, got told by a very disinterested ‘customer service employee’- “what do you expect for £33 a night for 4”. Outrageous, Tim. Honestly, they left - they need a kick up the proverbial
I saw online it’s closed for a year and it’s undergoing extensive refurbishment be interesting to see what it will look like when it’s finished it has sooo much potential
Most holiday camps/hotels will update the rooms first as accommodation is what usually draws people back , the outside of the building is usually done in late winter / early spring when there is usually less guests staying .
Hi Tim. I answered yes to your question as I love retro buildings and the room land the inside looks lovely. Just needs a paint and garden job on the outside to bring it up to date. Besides the rest of the work it needs.
Great video Tim! I fitted all the curtains and blinds at this hotel about 10 years ago! Have to say they are still in up! it didn’t look much better back then
Such a pity to see this place in disrepair. I can only image how good it must have been in it's heyday. Jam packed with families and children enjoying themselves. Don't think we will ever see those times again. I wish i could time travel. Great vid very nostalgic😁❤
Not sure if you'll see this comment but I'd be interested if in your future videos you could comment on the handicap accessibility of the places you stay/travel. Being in a wheelchair, my needs have increased in this regard. I'm sure there are others who would benefit from this information as well. Great video as always! Thank you!!
I've stayed in the caravan park next to that hotel and always wondered what that grand building was like inside. Would be fantastic if it was returned to it's former glory. Great Vlog Tim as ever.
Hi tim, speaking to the receptionist when we stayed alot of the roof and other damage was caused by storm eunice, lack of staff is a problem for keeping this listed building up to date. loved it tho 👍
Great review. I agree with the outside pools, I think if they cleaned them up they would be packed like you say on a hot summers day and it could bring more visitors.
@@WalkWithMeTim Never mind the outside pools, I'm more concerned with what on earth was going through the mind of the landscaper when he laid that rather unconventional path with the "bulbous" end seen @16:24 😳 In fact, did I hear a slight chuckle when you started wandering towards the bench, Tim...? 🤣
Hi Buddy, new to the channel. Loved this video. Crazy hotel. They surely need to block off all subpar rooms and make just enough rooms 100% perfect to service the current demand (they can't be running at above 50%, surely), and then open up/make perfect the rooms as they grow the business. Great content though!
I passed this every day and the road to Pontins Osmington Bay a little further on when I worked at AEE Winfrith nearby. Some staff at the Atomic Energy Establishment also had weekend and evening jobs here to supplement their income. I think it’s an iconic and unique building and would like to see more made of the site. Thanks for showing us the inside and chalets at the back Tim.
I remember seeing this place years ago when we stayed at Haven Chesil Beach and walked up to this area one day. Thought it looked quite impressive and like somewhere we couldn’t afford at the time! Hope it gets restored
Wow that was interesting! I live an hour away & frequent visitor to town but never been that end. It is closed now I just looked it up, locals got concerned when fencing went up round it in Aug of last year. Everyone seems to be hoping something wil be done so that it's saved from worse deterioration. Allegedly someone was interested in buying it but not for the asking price. £75 was deffo too much for that room but it could be so good there, Weymouth is such a popular tourist destination I'm sure it could make money if it was done up.
My family had a caravan on the site next door, and this hotel always looked abandoned, even though you could see people through the barbed wire fence. A beautiful location for a haunted holiday home though!
I've not stayed here, but been here many times before and have used the pools and facilities too. It did used to look amazing, however lockdown took a big toll on the building. Apparently it was used to house homeless people so that they weren't on the streets and quite a few of them mistrested the property. They kinda just trashed the place and storms also caused further damage. I believe a storm took off some of the roofing felt a while ago which explains the scaffolding
How sad to see it looking like it is now. Back in 83, I worked in the other Pontins camp (Osmington Bay) a couple of miles along the coast, maybe less, and I used to walk past the Riviera every Saturday as I walked along the cliffs (much of which has been lost to coastal erosion ) into Weymouth, before walking back for the tea time (dinner) shift.
Tim I just found your channel last night. I really enjoy your videos. I must say you are not afraid to go to some spooky hotels. I'm so glad I found your channel so I can get good information for my vacation in 2025. GOD Bless you
Great video thanks Tim. I’ve been to Weymouth so many times and always wondered what the story was behind that hotel. It looks so strange and out of place but I can imagine it was amazing during its peak.
There are some great walks starting from there - it’s right on the south-west coastal path, and well located for an easy stroll out to the Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills for lunch or an evening meal. You could also keep going to Lulworth Cove, via Durdle Dor, and take the bus back to Weymouth.
What a fabulous building, sadly looking worse for wear. I was not expecting that sleek, modern reception, your room was also a pleasant surprise and the bathroom, too. I agree that the price is a bit steep but I really hope someone can take this place and bring it back to its former glory.
Love your videos Tim and this is definitely one of my favourites. 100% I would stay there for that price. Somebody please buy it and transform it to it's former glory....
I've been to Weymouth and Portland 2 weeks ago for a day trip. Was shocked that it all seemed abandoned, not only the Riviera hotel. I went in a pub in Portland for lunch and was told off by the owner. He doesn't serve food anymore because of high energy prices and wages but I could get take away somewhere else and eat it in his pub!? Strange... I left.
I'm a Weymouth local, I know how run down the place looks from the outside. This is the first time I've seen inside and I'm surprised how nice it is. Maybe all is not lost for the place 👍 Like I said when you dropped the screenshot I hope they reinvest the Covid money back into the essential repairs.
Hi Tim. Excellent video, so interesting, can't believe what I've just watched. It could be a truly beautiful hotel. I'd stay there. Rooms look fine, breakfast looked lovely and wow a pool too. You never fail to disappoint, really really enjoy your videos. Thank you. Elaine
That bit with the sky dish was know as animal block, it was staff accommodation, the sky dish was mine! Lol. The extension was built i think 2001/2. The ball room regularly had entertainment in it every night! I was there from the takeover in 2000 until 2005!
Wow such a lovely setting & so huge, not a bad room too. Though £75 pn + breakfast a bit steep! It must have been wonderful in its time, I can’t help feel sad seeing another once fabulous hotel go down hill! Thx Tim always a great vlog 👏
This is one of your most interesting videos. It shows the things that Britannia hotels could do inside their hotels. And is an insight into how much the upkeep of hotels costs
Amazing hotel, the building is so unique, I would stay but only on a special offer, hope for the future of it, another amazing vlog, Ive got a few to catch up on, will do it today.
Great content as always, Tim. If they can include breakfast in the room price, I'd stay here. I really like the retro exterior and the location. It needs some TLC in places but it's clear to see the current owners have worked on improving the interior, it's a great shame they've not managed to carry out all improvements that I'm certain they had intended to complete, before presumably running out of money. I hope whoever takes the place on, will bring it back to its former glory.
Wow, all those years holidaying in Weymouth area and never noticed this! The inside general areas look fab and the room wasn't that bad. If they fix up the outside would be a great option.
Thanks so much for posting this. In the 1970s, as a kid, my parents would take us for a holiday in a caravan site just below this beautiful building. I always wondered what it looked liked inside.
I stay in Weymouth a lot with the family. We stay on the haven site just down the road so when we go to bowleaze cove you can see the hotel. From a distance it looks incredible. Very art Deco and also looks like something from Miami vice weirdly enough. Never seen it up close. But after watching this video I think it has a lot of potential. But in its current state not sure I'd wanna stay there.
I loved the look of the place. An interesting survivor of the Modernist period. I'm thinking it would actually be a great project to visit the faded splendour of these places, like you do, Tim, and document them for ourselves, before they disappear!
Ohh the hotel room is quite saddening. The building has a great potential. Room needs upgrade and should be expanded. With that ocean view, a lot of tourist would love to be there.
It was put on the market in 2020 for 5.5 million. It was then taken off the market in 2021. From understanding it’s still under the same ownership as when it was put on the market. At the beginning of the year 10 rooms were being used to house the homeless as part of a local scheme. There is also a PGL at Osmington Bay (almost directly along from the hotel) which was also Previously a Pontins Little fun fact at one point Billy Butlins was extremely interested in opening a Butlins in Weymouth, but for some reason or another didn’t.
During the pandemic and lockdown, lots of homeless people were housed there. From all over Dorset, I believe. I live in Weymouth. Only been inside there once, to watch wrestling. Thanks for showing us Tim. Very interesting.
I stayed here back in the summer of 2017 was nothing like it is now, the outdoor pool was lovely the indoor pool was brilliant room was extremely clean and well maintained didn’t go for food in the restaurant as I ate out but the hotel felt very empty back then all in all my stay was very nice and I enjoy my time there, Weymouth was always a place I visited as a child growing up. Lovely area Weymouth plenty to do for all ages
I’m interested to see what you thought of it Tim. I really didn’t think it was that bad when I stayed. Pool was clean the rooms were clean and tidy plus the evening meals were ok. 7 out of 10 for me. Always room for improvement .Keep up the good work, love the videos 👍
Looks an amazing place to do a ghost hunt or something! The pool looks nice, the sand is just a dodgy filter leaking sand into the pool, means its not been maintained properly unsurprisingly.
The place has SO much potential, but i just can't think of anyone who really has the money to take on such a project. A private owner wouldn't be able to buy, restore and then keep up with the maintenance of a building like that and a i bet a lot of the bigger hotel companies wouldn't want to go anywhere near it because of the risk being far too great. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. 😃👍
You need some rich person to buy it they would spend the money on it and preserve how good it used to be. They mainly made money from weddings , was a few going on week I stayed .
What a stunning building, I can only imagine how incredible it must have looked when first built & the feeling of staying there Such a shame it looks tired now
Hotel Chalet Riviera . Worked there early , mid 80s The day I arrived, there was a strong smell of fresh paint, and a sense of urgency. The first week they had slotted in the Red Cross being my first job at waitressing handling trays and getting round wheelchairs took a bit of getting use to, Second day i was chosen with three others to learn silver service and then was picked on day four to serve top table { where the coffee and tea was located} Princess Anne and the Police Commissioner of Dorset , Two hours before Princess Anne was due to arrive a herd of cattle ended up by the entrance and restaurant and were happily munching the flowers out of the hanging baskets. It was complete pandemonium, with cow manure everywhere and the head chef running around flapping his T towel Once the cows were removed and manure it was keep calm and carry on but my Red Cross guests were in hysterics , You are quite right , the place does have a few wandering spirits , At 10.30 when you are coming down those stairs I was actually there where the tables were and vacuuming under the table , i heard a man walk down those stairs and walk right past my table I was under, I saw his trousers and shiny boots I crawled out and no guest was there, my other friend whose station was close to the door told me infactedly no one had past her , we were the last two waitresses in there and let me tell you I was out there and straight to the bar down the road lol
It looks a nice hotel, I hope they find an investor to restore the whole building. I guess replacing the windows with something more modern may be difficult due to its grade 2 listed status. Thanks for another really enjoyable video, and I think one of your best hotel visits.
Fascinating to see inside this place, I've been walking past every summer for years, camping up the coast, and always assumed it was derelict. Would love to see it properly refurbished.
I'd be amazed if any hotel group takes that on, but it could be amazing! Iv'e never seen anything like that before! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Love going to Weymouth and often wondered what that building was up there on the hill. Thanks Tim. It was quite an eerie video at times, a bit like some of the abandoned urban TH-cam videos which are quite popular. Looks great at night though, fair play.
Wow its still there came here when I was 10 stayed in 2 rooms on Bowleave cove. Then at 17 my first job was here 2 weeks working as play leader in playroom downstairs as temp. I did wear my blue coat uniform briefly. I do hope there is some kind person who buys this beauty and updates all features. Lovely to see indoor pool as add on long live the Rivera good old pontius hotel ❤
Would YOU Stay HERE?
1st
I was undecided watching the blog if I would stay there or not it wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be.
But it was just abit too grim in places, the ceiling fallen in, & the state of the outside & that dirty pool.
Definitely don't want to stay with dirty pillows & stains on walls & I bet those old radiators stink!
And creepy being so empty.
Think I'd rather check out Weymouth on Wednesday!
Looking forward to that!
Still think it's a fascinating building tho!
Brilliant video Tim😊
As a local... Would I recommend it to my mum... Not in its current condition
I might
Yes definitely!
I worked here as a Pontin's Bluecoat in 1984, alongside my old Pontins friend Marc (we had a re-union here in 2021). This beautiful art deco building was amazing in 1984 and the inside has since been modernised and a swimming pool added in later years. I fully agree, a lick of paint on the outside and the lawns manicured (like they were in 1984) and the buildings at the back upgraded then this beautiful Spanish style art deco building would be top notch again. The location is panoramic looking over Weymouth Bay. What a fantastic season that was and the hotel was fully booked all season. I hope a new owner will invest and bring it back to its former glory. Incidentally, this iconic hotel was a flagship hotel for Fred Pontin, alongside Barton Hall in Devon.
I was a blue coat 82 ..
wow! I bet it used to look amazing
It was fantastic Tim. The outside swimming pool area was beautiful. Thank you for filming and uploading the video. Brilliant.
@@WalkWithMeTim it was a beautiful sunny place to stay when I was there.. entertainment being 1st Class.. I remember couple of celebs coming to stay.. was absolutely buzzing.. looks like something out the apocalypse now.. shame really.. especially now more people staying in the uk for holidays.. I remember it being sunny all the time too .. happy memories x
It is a beautiful building.
This hotel is a bit sad. It looks like it was really something when it was in full swing. Amazing view, beautiful countryside, perfectly positioned.
If this was lovingly maintained, I'd absolutely enjoy a stay.
I worked there as a lifeguard on that outdoor pool in 1991, You're dead right it was the place to be in the summer, such a sun trap, I've never had a golden tan like it.
Although it was aimed at an older clientele then, being Pontins there was still lots of fun and games activities. The lawn on the front had a putting green, skittles and petanque/boules where the little outdoor pool is there, Archery round the back, the ballroom had quizzes and games like short mat bowls through the day, and at a live resident band and cabaret acts every night. There was a couple of ramble walks the guests could go on, one day it was through that caravan park and towards a delightful Dorset pub, The Bridge. The other one was along the cliffs for a couple of miles to the other Pontins site at Osmington Bay, I worked there the year after, great memories and an interesting video for me to see how it looks now. Thanks!
It breaks my heart to see my beloved Riv like that. It was such a beautiful place to stay and to work. The ballroom was lovely. I had many happy holidays there with my mum and dad and went on to work there. A lot of the rooms behind the main building were staff accommodation along with the last house opposite the entrance drive.
Pontins breakfast was way, WAY better.
I know so sad
When you wander about its just like "The Shining"
Incredible its still there. We stayed two years running back in the 60s for a week at a time . Your vidio brings back very fond memories . Still got a number of family snaps taken during our stay .
Two old codger bluecoats ie myself and my old partner in entertainment crime recently visited the old place and had an absolute ball looking over our old home. We were given free run of everywhere by the manager even the old staff quarters. What a trip down memory lane it was. Thanks so much Tim for this video. We will be forever remembering this place. It was a magical time for us......So many happy, happy memories at Riviera Hotel, Weymouth.
wow! I bet
Just calculated a stay at this place for mid week in October, for a family of 4 it will cost you £218 to stay here vs £66 at the local Premier in.
If you add in breakfast then this place cost an EXTRA £182 over a Premier in stay with breakfast.
It's no wonder why places like this are going down the pan when they charge so much.
Aren't they better of trying to undercut the competition and packing them in?
They likely get quite a bit more busy during the summer, but it could definitely do with a price cut during the winter months. I think if they filled more rooms at a lower price, they would probably make more money overall, but then they would also need to hire extra staff and spend more on the facilities to accommodate the extra guests.
So much potential in this place! When you know how busy Weymouth gets, it’s ridiculous they haven’t done a few more basic things to sort out the exterior
So, I stayed here a number of times in 2011/12 while working at sailing events (this was just after the rooms got upgraded). My understanding is that some money got pumped into the hotel around this time so it could play host to those working at the olympics and Olympic preparatory events. Each time I stayed, the hotel was absolutely full, so it’s a shame to see it so empty now.
You're dead-on there, it was improved in time for the 2012 Olympics.
Incredibly fantastic old building. I hope someone buys it and breathes into it the life it needs! The building is already incredibly lovely and could be restored to some former glory or even better with some patience. Thanks for the tour, Tim!
I hope so too!
The fact that they've spent a bit of money on the room interiors is reassuring - my fear with all of these resorts is that they slowly just rot away, then we're left with all these buildings empty.
Great upload, as always!
thanks for watching
I have never felt more braced for a jump scare watching your videos than I have with this one (all said with laughter, not a complaint). Those pitch black rooms and the elevator and the ominous music, I was READY.
I hope they get the funds to fix the rest of the place up. The building looks amazing, and that view is GORGEOUS.
lol
I actually thought this place was abandoned in the fist few mins of watching.. gosh this place has so much potential with the right investor. The outdoor pools looking over the bay would be stunning during the summer, and space for outdoor events or pop up refreshments poolside. It needs alot of love on the exterior and parts of the interior. Id like to visit this place just to explore, sceptical on staying but why not its got character. Its a stunning location and building, hope someone will give it the love it deserves one day .
Even though it needs a bit of renovation, it still looks like a pretty good hotel . Loving the videos , they are amazing !
thanks bearably .. agree
This reminds me of one of those CGI "back rooms" videos on TH-cam, where the cameraman wanders around deserted rooms and corridors, giving a subtle creepy vibe
You are so brave to stay in this hotel. Very Very Brave.
My mom worked here in the 1950,s . I used to help her in the stillroom washing dishes. I now live in the states since 1963. Bowleaze was the beach I walked to on a nice day.
Such a surreal place, it feels like exploring a mysterious video game. Gorgeous surroundings with brilliant ocean views, some very nice touches outside, but then lots of rubble and abandoned pieces. Then you go inside and it's like a normal functioning hotel but totally empty. Yet the indoor pool is stunning and looks fully kept. What a weird place
My first job was working here as a lifeguard on the outdoor pool in the summer of 95. Great memories, thanks for sharing
I have so much faith in this channel now in that it is going to give me great content that I click the 'thumbs up' before I start to watch.......and I've not been disappointed yet....Good lad Tim, you're doing great, and here's to the next 100k subscribers!
Wow, thank you!
Wow, this could become a great hotel, with a real classic feel. It's like it's halfway there and I'm rooting for someone to buy it and take it over the goal line. I actually want to stay there now, when it's empty for a lovely, somewhat desolate seaside vacation!
Well, I've stayed in worse. Few years ago, my family went to Blackpool for the Illuminations. The 'hotel' we stayed in was a nightmare! The dining room had tressle tables, just like a workhouse and the beds had nylon sheets, which sparked. We were told that our room had the Fire Exit for our floor - it was literally 5 or 6 nylon sheets tied together and slung out of the back window!!! Absolute truth. I thought my mother was going to have coronary!!! At least we saw the funny side!
I walked past this hotel at the weekend. Now closed down and fenced off. There is scaffolding on part of it, so maybe some repairs being done or maybe it's to stop it falling down!
Wow, this was a blast from the past for me… it was the venue for my school leavers party in the 80’s (many years before Proms became something in this country). It was quite a surprise to find out the hotel is still open… especially judging from first impressions of the exterior. Despite the obvious need for a lot of repair/renovation you gave a really good review of the good as well as the not so great, and I hope this encourages people to stay somewhere that is, as you say, a piece of history and hopefully can get investment to also become part of the future of Weymouth too. There are lots of ‘haunted’ tales attached to this hotel, though I’m sure a lot are just from peoples impressions looking from the outside… and if you prefer not to know about them I won’t ruin any future stays for you! Like so much of Weymouth (and many other smaller towns) this is somewhere that needs money, time and large investment to bring it back to life- I hope that can happen without it becoming part of a huge chain that tries to turn it into a photocopy of all its other hotels. Hopefully the listed status will prevent that happening- but may also be the thing that stops the bigger investors from taking it on? Thank you for taking me back in time and giving such a lovely review of the place 😀
you are welcome Anna , thanks for sharing
This was used as a Sanatorium for soldiers after WW2. You can imagine the restful benefits of a view like that. The building really deserves a new life, it is such an iconic landmark.
Hi Tim, just like to say I love your channel. I have something to add here - my friend and her husband lost their jobs due to Covid. Husband got a job as a pizza delivery driver to make some money. Their 3 kids hadn’t been on holiday in 3 years. They saved a bit of money and took them to Pontins Camber (got a cheap deal, £100 for 3 nights) Their accommodation was disgusting, mould, poo/wee mattresses, filthy kitchen, dirty sheets and stains everywhere. When they complained the next day, got told by a very disinterested ‘customer service employee’- “what do you expect for £33 a night for 4”. Outrageous, Tim. Honestly, they left - they need a kick up the proverbial
wow thats awful and not on!
I saw online it’s closed for a year and it’s undergoing extensive refurbishment be interesting to see what it will look like when it’s finished it has sooo much potential
If it gets properly refurbished then it should go top of the list for one to do a return visit to
It's such a shame that a great land mark of Weymouth has fallen into such disrepair
Most holiday camps/hotels will update the rooms first as accommodation is what usually draws people back , the outside of the building is usually done in late winter / early spring when there is usually less guests staying .
Hi Tim. I answered yes to your question as I love retro buildings and the room land the inside looks lovely. Just needs a paint and garden job on the outside to bring it up to date. Besides the rest of the work it needs.
agree Marie
Amazing place, stunning news and so close to the beach. The inside pool is gorgeous. Yet so much of it looks abandoned.
Great video Tim!
I fitted all the curtains and blinds at this hotel about 10 years ago! Have to say they are still in up!
it didn’t look much better back then
wow!
Thanks
Thanks so much JH
Such a pity to see this place in disrepair. I can only image how good it must have been in it's heyday. Jam packed with families and children enjoying themselves. Don't think we will ever see those times again. I wish i could time travel. Great vid very nostalgic😁❤
It was a lovely place back in the 80s
Not sure if you'll see this comment but I'd be interested if in your future videos you could comment on the handicap accessibility of the places you stay/travel. Being in a wheelchair, my needs have increased in this regard. I'm sure there are others who would benefit from this information as well. Great video as always! Thank you!!
I've stayed in the caravan park next to that hotel and always wondered what that grand building was like inside. Would be fantastic if it was returned to it's former glory. Great Vlog Tim as ever.
yes would be great and the outside swimming pool wow
We stay at Waterside next door too.
Hi tim, speaking to the receptionist when we stayed alot of the roof and other damage was caused by storm eunice, lack of staff is a problem for keeping this listed building up to date. loved it tho 👍
oh yes I thought I heard someone say that
Great review. I agree with the outside pools, I think if they cleaned them up they would be packed like you say on a hot summers day and it could bring more visitors.
Definitely!
@@WalkWithMeTim
Never mind the outside pools, I'm more concerned with what on earth was going through the mind of the landscaper when he laid that rather unconventional path with the "bulbous" end seen @16:24 😳
In fact, did I hear a slight chuckle when you started wandering towards the bench, Tim...? 🤣
I stayed at the Riviara ever year from 1988 to 2010. Many happy memories of the pontins days. Its sad to see it is such a sad state.
Hi Buddy, new to the channel. Loved this video. Crazy hotel. They surely need to block off all subpar rooms and make just enough rooms 100% perfect to service the current demand (they can't be running at above 50%, surely), and then open up/make perfect the rooms as they grow the business. Great content though!
thanks for the sub :-)
I passed this every day and the road to Pontins Osmington Bay a little further on when I worked at AEE Winfrith nearby. Some staff at the Atomic Energy Establishment also had weekend and evening jobs here to supplement their income. I think it’s an iconic and unique building and would like to see more made of the site. Thanks for showing us the inside and chalets at the back Tim.
me too.. thanks for watching Neil
You're my favourite TH-camr at the moment! Hope Gaby and baby are doing well!
Thank you so much! At the moment.
I hope forever and ever and ever 😉
@@WalkWithMeTim well let's just say I'm binge watching your videos every day 🤣
Me too loved the Old Prison Hotel also e for the price x
The building looks amazing and great views, hopefully it will get tidied up and repaired on the outside.
I remember seeing this place years ago when we stayed at Haven Chesil Beach and walked up to this area one day. Thought it looked quite impressive and like somewhere we couldn’t afford at the time! Hope it gets restored
Wow that was interesting! I live an hour away & frequent visitor to town but never been that end. It is closed now I just looked it up, locals got concerned when fencing went up round it in Aug of last year. Everyone seems to be hoping something wil be done so that it's saved from worse deterioration. Allegedly someone was interested in buying it but not for the asking price. £75 was deffo too much for that room but it could be so good there, Weymouth is such a popular tourist destination I'm sure it could make money if it was done up.
What a waste of an absolutely beautiful building/pool/view. So so sad to see places like this decaying right Infront of our eyes
I got proper Shining vibes off this!! YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN THE CARETAKER HERE MR TORRANCE.
My family had a caravan on the site next door, and this hotel always looked abandoned, even though you could see people through the barbed wire fence.
A beautiful location for a haunted holiday home though!
I've not stayed here, but been here many times before and have used the pools and facilities too. It did used to look amazing, however lockdown took a big toll on the building. Apparently it was used to house homeless people so that they weren't on the streets and quite a few of them mistrested the property. They kinda just trashed the place and storms also caused further damage. I believe a storm took off some of the roofing felt a while ago which explains the scaffolding
How sad to see it looking like it is now. Back in 83, I worked in the other Pontins camp (Osmington Bay) a couple of miles along the coast, maybe less, and I used to walk past the Riviera every Saturday as I walked along the cliffs (much of which has been lost to coastal erosion ) into Weymouth, before walking back for the tea time (dinner) shift.
Tim I just found your channel last night. I really enjoy your videos. I must say you are not afraid to go to some spooky hotels. I'm so glad I found your channel so I can get good information for my vacation in 2025. GOD Bless you
Thanks and welcome
Great video thanks Tim. I’ve been to Weymouth so many times and always wondered what the story was behind that hotel. It looks so strange and out of place but I can imagine it was amazing during its peak.
Yes agree , thanks for watching matt
That’s an awesome looking place… so much potential for someone with the right vision and deep pockets… great tour👍
There are some great walks starting from there - it’s right on the south-west coastal path, and well located for an easy stroll out to the Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills for lunch or an evening meal. You could also keep going to Lulworth Cove, via Durdle Dor, and take the bus back to Weymouth.
What a fabulous building, sadly looking worse for wear. I was not expecting that sleek, modern reception, your room was also a pleasant surprise and the bathroom, too. I agree that the price is a bit steep but I really hope someone can take this place and bring it back to its former glory.
Love your videos Tim and this is definitely one of my favourites. 100% I would stay there for that price. Somebody please buy it and transform it to it's former glory....
thanks Mandy , let hope so
Redrum Redrum Redrum Redrum Redrum.....what a grand old building, fantastic location, with money it could be fantastic.....a brave man to sleep there.
I love it……..and Weymouth is lovely too.
I've been to Weymouth and Portland 2 weeks ago for a day trip. Was shocked that it all seemed abandoned, not only the Riviera hotel. I went in a pub in Portland for lunch and was told off by the owner. He doesn't serve food anymore because of high energy prices and wages but I could get take away somewhere else and eat it in his pub!? Strange... I left.
wow
I'm a Weymouth local, I know how run down the place looks from the outside. This is the first time I've seen inside and I'm surprised how nice it is. Maybe all is not lost for the place 👍 Like I said when you dropped the screenshot I hope they reinvest the Covid money back into the essential repairs.
yes I was so surprised
Hi Tim.
Excellent video, so interesting, can't believe what I've just watched. It could be a truly beautiful hotel. I'd stay there. Rooms look fine, breakfast looked lovely and wow a pool too.
You never fail to disappoint, really really enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Elaine
thanks Elaine
That bit with the sky dish was know as animal block, it was staff accommodation, the sky dish was mine! Lol. The extension was built i think 2001/2. The ball room regularly had entertainment in it every night! I was there from the takeover in 2000 until 2005!
Wow such a lovely setting & so huge, not a bad room too. Though £75 pn + breakfast a bit steep!
It must have been wonderful in its time, I can’t help feel sad seeing another once fabulous hotel go down hill!
Thx Tim always a great vlog 👏
I know shame
This place definitely has Hotel California vibes. It's a lovely building, shame it's not in a great state of repair but has lots of potential.
Looks like it was once an amazing hotel, and looks like it has the potential to be once again, if the funds were available. Lovely spot!
Its so sad to see such an amazing building goninto disrepair
This is one of your most interesting videos. It shows the things that Britannia hotels could do inside their hotels. And is an insight into how much the upkeep of hotels costs
Amazing hotel, the building is so unique, I would stay but only on a special offer, hope for the future of it, another amazing vlog, Ive got a few to catch up on, will do it today.
:-)
Great content as always, Tim.
If they can include breakfast in the room price, I'd stay here.
I really like the retro exterior and the location. It needs some TLC in places but it's clear to see the current owners have worked on improving the interior, it's a great shame they've not managed to carry out all improvements that I'm certain they had intended to complete, before presumably running out of money.
I hope whoever takes the place on, will bring it back to its former glory.
Let us pray it's not Britannia!
@@frankiefranklin9761 yes! Oh please don't let it be Britannia 🙏🏻
yes let's hope .. good idea about breakfast inc .. but reckon they need all the money they can get
wow wasn't expecting inside to look amazing like that,
me neither
I would love to have the money to buy and do the place up! it as it could be lovely the inside looks nice. looks a nice setting close to the beach
It really is!
The setting by the sea and history make this place cool, I like it.
Wow, all those years holidaying in Weymouth area and never noticed this! The inside general areas look fab and the room wasn't that bad. If they fix up the outside would be a great option.
Happy holidays!
I wasn't expecting that cute room either
Thanks so much for posting this. In the 1970s, as a kid, my parents would take us for a holiday in a caravan site just below this beautiful building. I always wondered what it looked liked inside.
The outside reminds me of the hotels in Wildwood, NJ. Retro, a bit rundown, but still beautiful.
I stay in Weymouth a lot with the family. We stay on the haven site just down the road so when we go to bowleaze cove you can see the hotel. From a distance it looks incredible. Very art Deco and also looks like something from Miami vice weirdly enough. Never seen it up close. But after watching this video I think it has a lot of potential. But in its current state not sure I'd wanna stay there.
I stayed there a few times yrs ago it was a lovely place entertainment was amazing as was the swimming pools in and out
I loved the look of the place. An interesting survivor of the Modernist period. I'm thinking it would actually be a great project to visit the faded splendour of these places, like you do, Tim, and document them for ourselves, before they disappear!
Amazing back in the day, looks like something out of the shining film ..the Stanley hotel lol
Stayed in caravans for years a stone throw from here and always wondered what it was like inside. Thanks for this 👍
Ohh the hotel room is quite saddening. The building has a great potential. Room needs upgrade and should be expanded. With that ocean view, a lot of tourist would love to be there.
It was put on the market in 2020 for 5.5 million. It was then taken off the market in 2021. From understanding it’s still under the same ownership as when it was put on the market.
At the beginning of the year 10 rooms were being used to house the homeless as part of a local scheme.
There is also a PGL at Osmington Bay (almost directly along from the hotel) which was also Previously a Pontins
Little fun fact at one point Billy Butlins was extremely interested in opening a Butlins in Weymouth, but for some reason or another didn’t.
During the pandemic and lockdown, lots of homeless people were housed there. From all over Dorset, I believe. I live in Weymouth. Only been inside there once, to watch wrestling. Thanks for showing us Tim. Very interesting.
thanks for watching Anna
I stayed here back in the summer of 2017 was nothing like it is now, the outdoor pool was lovely the indoor pool was brilliant room was extremely clean and well maintained didn’t go for food in the restaurant as I ate out but the hotel felt very empty back then all in all my stay was very nice and I enjoy my time there, Weymouth was always a place I visited as a child growing up. Lovely area Weymouth plenty to do for all ages
I’m interested to see what you thought of it Tim. I really didn’t think it was that bad when I stayed. Pool was clean the rooms were clean and tidy plus the evening meals were ok. 7 out of 10 for me. Always room for improvement .Keep up the good work, love the videos 👍
thanks CK when was it you stayed here?
@@WalkWithMeTim it was 2017 Tim
@@Ckay00 5 years is a long time 😂
@@monkeyboy7981 absolutely
It's lovely inside need to do the outside asap it's letting the hotel down
Looks an amazing place to do a ghost hunt or something! The pool looks nice, the sand is just a dodgy filter leaking sand into the pool, means its not been maintained properly unsurprisingly.
Worked there in the 90s. Rumour was it was haunted, it was used as a hospital in WW2 if I remember
A nice holiday park in the area is Warmwell which is owned by ParkDean resorts, its a few miles from weymouth but it is in beautiful woodlands
The place has SO much potential, but i just can't think of anyone who really has the money to take on such a project. A private owner wouldn't be able to buy, restore and then keep up with the maintenance of a building like that and a i bet a lot of the bigger hotel companies wouldn't want to go anywhere near it because of the risk being far too great. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. 😃👍
I know I do hope some will buy it but like others have said would they ever make there money back
You need some rich person to buy it they would spend the money on it and preserve how good it used to be. They mainly made money from weddings , was a few going on week I stayed .
We had the most amazing holidays there. We used to walk over bowlease cove along the cliff path to apub with the blue coats. What a shame
Wow sounds great
What a stunning building, I can only imagine how incredible it must have looked when first built & the feeling of staying there
Such a shame it looks tired now
Hotel Chalet Riviera . Worked there early , mid 80s The day I arrived, there was a strong smell of fresh paint, and a sense of urgency. The first week they had slotted in the Red Cross being my first job at waitressing handling trays and getting round wheelchairs took a bit of getting use to, Second day i was chosen with three others to learn silver service and then was picked on day four to serve top table { where the coffee and tea was located} Princess Anne and the Police Commissioner of Dorset , Two hours before Princess Anne was due to arrive a herd of cattle ended up by the entrance and restaurant and were happily munching the flowers out of the hanging baskets. It was complete pandemonium, with cow manure everywhere and the head chef running around flapping his T towel Once the cows were removed and manure it was keep calm and carry on but my Red Cross guests were in hysterics , You are quite right , the place does have a few wandering spirits , At 10.30 when you are coming down those stairs I was actually there where the tables were and vacuuming under the table , i heard a man walk down those stairs and walk right past my table I was under, I saw his trousers and shiny boots I crawled out and no guest was there, my other friend whose station was close to the door told me infactedly no one had past her , we were the last two waitresses in there and let me tell you I was out there and straight to the bar down the road lol
It looks a nice hotel, I hope they find an investor to restore the whole building. I guess replacing the windows with something more modern may be difficult due to its grade 2 listed status. Thanks for another really enjoyable video, and I think one of your best hotel visits.
thanks Simon!
My parents loved to holiday there, when pontins were in their heyday. Sad state to leave such an art deco building.
I know shame
Fascinating to see inside this place, I've been walking past every summer for years, camping up the coast, and always assumed it was derelict. Would love to see it properly refurbished.
so many people do lol
I'd be amazed if any hotel group takes that on, but it could be amazing! Iv'e never seen anything like that before! Thanks for sharing your experience.
same here .. thanks Simon
Love going to Weymouth and often wondered what that building was up there on the hill. Thanks Tim. It was quite an eerie video at times, a bit like some of the abandoned urban TH-cam videos which are quite popular. Looks great at night though, fair play.
Glad you enjoyed it Dave, Weymouth video coming up soon
@@WalkWithMeTim oh fantastic stuff Tim
Wow its still there came here when I was 10 stayed in 2 rooms on Bowleave cove. Then at 17 my first job was here 2 weeks working as play leader in playroom downstairs as temp. I did wear my blue coat uniform briefly. I do hope there is some kind person who buys this beauty and updates all features. Lovely to see indoor pool as add on long live the Rivera good old pontius hotel ❤