I Stay At an OLD Pontins Hotel!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ค. 2024
- I stay at an old Pontins Hotel in Weymouth that looks abandoned! but is VERY much open to the public. You won't believe what you are about to see in this video!
The Riviera Hotel is a hotel at Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth, Dorset, England. Opened in 1937, the hotel has been Grade II listed since January 1997 and is currently for sale for £6 MILLION POUNDS!
Have you stayed here? let me know in the comments & also tell me where I should go next. . .?
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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
We used to holiday in the caravan park next door in the late 80s/early 90s - It must've had a downward spiral REALLY quickly from 1984, as from what I remember as a kid - it was run down even then (I never stayed there, we were quite poor and caravans were all we could afford - But we used to walk past the back of it on the walk to the cliffs/etc - and it always seemed run down to me)..
Maybe my childhood memories are wrong?
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
I wasn't expecting that cute room either
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!
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
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
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
It's such a shame that a great land mark of Weymouth has fallen into such disrepair
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!
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 .
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
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
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
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!
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.
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 .
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 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
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'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
What a waste of an absolutely beautiful building/pool/view. So so sad to see places like this decaying right Infront of our eyes
You are so brave to stay in this hotel. Very Very Brave.
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 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 :-)
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
Know way is that at weymouth In dorset lol I've seen it so many times I thought it always looked bad from the outside but great video 👍
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 .
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😁❤
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
I absolutely loved the intro music in the beginning of the video! Please put more sounds like that in your videos makes it interesting for some reason. Also, the property of that place looked like something out of a horror film. The inside looked like a different hotel. Great video as well. 👍
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.
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 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.
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!
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
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.
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
Redrum Redrum Redrum Redrum Redrum.....what a grand old building, fantastic location, with money it could be fantastic.....a brave man to sleep there.
This was a great video Tim, absolutely one of your very best (and I enjoy them all!). Genuinely a fascinating place, albeit sad to see it in that state, and you covered it in such a thoughtful and engaging way. Hopefully one day it'll be returned to its former glory!
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.
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.
This place is very spooky & not worth the money. Thanks Tim for the tour ☺️
you are welcome sam
Even though it still needs some work, a lot has been done to the interior and the rooms as your showed, such amazing potential, especially those outdoor pools. I love the retro blue Pontins colours still a theme running throughout. Another great video, keep them coming. 👍👍
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
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
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 .
I am a SUCKER for art deco architecture 😍 the location is amazing and THAT BATHROOM!!!!! Oh my! I guess interiors are easier to do than exteriors
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
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!
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!!
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
Stayed in caravans for years a stone throw from here and always wondered what it was like inside. Thanks for this 👍
Let’s hope Britannia keep their hands off this , a good renovation and anyone would be happy to stay here 👍🏻 plus Weymouth is lovely , great beach .
Lol I was thinking this has Britannia written all over it... So they could wreck it.
Would be cheaper under brittania 😁
It is difficult for Britannia to keep their hands off it as long as they remain the owner of Pontins.
The only reason Britannia don't own this beautiful hotel is because it was sold off in 2000, before they got their grubby hands on the Pontins Estate in 2011.
It's a listed building as from 1997, well the front of it is, so will need around the same cost as the selling fee to update it all. Britannia won't spend a penny on their existing Listed status hotels so they wouldn't purchase this.
I have read that that a former Butlins hotel in Weymouth converted some of the rooms there to apartments, and they go for around £600k each, as Bowleaze Cove is a very desirable area!
My first job was working here as a lifeguard on the outdoor pool in the summer of 95. Great memories, thanks for sharing
This building reminded me of nurse ractched
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
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!
Thankyou for sharing.
I have lived in neighbouring Poole all my life and worked in Weymouth for 5 years but didn't have a clue this was here. Great video as always! What an odd hotel - ranging from really nice in the lobby and restaurant to abandoned my urban exploration in places. I think you would have to spend at least another 6 million to turn it around.
I love it……..and Weymouth is lovely too.
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
Hello Tim, great video on the Riviera hotel,the rooms look modern but it does seem quiet,the breakfast is definitely nice with coffee for the money,I would probably stay there just to see what it's like.
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!
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.
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
Love the reviews, keep them coming 👍
I really enjoy your videos. They are very down to earth and informative. I also like the fact that you don't look down your nose if things aren't quite up to scratch.
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.
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!
Amazing place, stunning news and so close to the beach. The inside pool is gorgeous. Yet so much of it looks abandoned.
Beautiful building 😍😍
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
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
The building looks amazing and great views, hopefully it will get tidied up and repaired on the outside.
Great vid as always Tim. There is a very compelling and poignant nature to that faded grandeur of such places (nicely captured by yourself). I'd love to stay there.
Absolutely
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!
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!
Thanks for video, looking forward to see more x
:-)
Wow. Wasnt expecting that when you walked into the lobby/restaurant area. We stay at waterside Park next to this and often wondered if the hotel is closed down . Would look amazing if it had a refurb xx definitely wouldn't stay there though 😂
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...? 🤣
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
Fantastic stuff, love your channel, straight to the point, expertly delivered and very entertaining. Keep up the good work!
thanks
Love your videos of the hotel ratings. They are are super great. Please continue.
Thank you! Will do!
A bit spooky tbh. I'd be lying in bed in the dark listening to the wind howling and waiting for heavy footsteps to come clunking down the corridor . I hope it didn't used to a psychiatric hospital for the criminaly insane 😱
🇬🇧🇬🇧
They don't make buildings like this any more. Stunning building, would love to see it given a full refurb on the exterior to restore it to its former glory.
You and me both!
I was in Weymouth in August great place saw this in the distance then drove past it. I thought it was shut but could be an amazing holiday destination
Wow amazing thanks Tim👍👍
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
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
i was not expecting that, wow that place could be amazing. thanks for another great video tim
me neither thanks for watching
That’s an awesome looking place… so much potential for someone with the right vision and deep pockets… great tour👍
12:03 Seemed like you were getting a little spooked there Tim, especially the Cove Room😅 But I don’t blame you. That did have a bit of “haunted hotel” vibe... Plus that bit at 14:45 looked like the set of The Walking Dead 😱
I think I would definitely stay here if I could apart from having a little bit of dirt on the walls and being a little dated in some parts its a really nice hotel with amazing views and its in very good condition for its date and size so I would stay here if I had the chance.
Stayed at haven in weymouth earlier in the year and have to admit I thought it was abandoned although we did approach it from the rear.
Very interesting to hear some of its history. 👍