8.2

647 reviews

The Grotto

The Grotto

Coast Road, South Shields, NE34 7BS, United Kingdom

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Bar

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Kids' meals

Bathtub

The Grotto

Welcome to The Grotto, an enchanting inn nestled in the charming coastal town of South Shields! Just a short 2.6mi from the bustling city center, you'll find yourself in a perfect location to explore local attractions while still enjoying a serene retreat by the ocean. With rooms starting at just $136, The Grotto is an affordable slice of paradise where adventure meets relaxation.

Picture this: sipping a refreshing drink at the bar while soaking in stunning ocean views that will make your fellow travelers envious. The Grotto features non-smoking rooms for your comfort and even treats the little ones to free kids' meals! Whether you're taking a leisurely soak in the bathtub after a day of exploration or heading up in the convenient elevator, every detail here is designed for your enjoyment.

With an impressive 647 reviews showcasing the exceptional hospitality of The Grotto, you can trust that this inn is the perfect home away from home. Dive into South Shields' beachy vibe while enjoying the cozy atmosphere that The Grotto offers. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure filled with maritime charm and delightful experiences!

At The Grotto, the adventure doesn’t stop at your room! As you step outside, the coastal magic of South Shields beckons. Spend sun-kissed days soaking up the sand at the nearby beach, just a quick stroll away. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely swim, building sandcastles, or hitting the trails along the stunning coastline, there's an outdoor experience waiting just for you. And after a day of fun, return to The Grotto to relax and share tales of your day with fellow travelers in the vibrant common areas.

Indulge your taste buds in delightful culinary experiences offered nearby! The town is renowned for its fresh seafood, and you’ll want to sample local delicacies at the charming eateries that line the shore. Fuel up for a day of adventure with a hearty breakfast to start your day on the right note. And if you’re in the mood for a night out, there’s no shortage of pubs and cafes where you can unwind with a drink in hand, all within walking distance from the inn. Seasonal festivals and events frequently pop up, making your stay that much more special and allowing you to dive into the local culture.

As evening descends, watch as the sun sets over the ocean, casting a magical glow over the horizon. It’s the perfect time to relax with a drink from the bar and savor the peaceful atmosphere of The Grotto. Let the sound of waves crashing soothe your soul while you cozy up in public lounging spaces or offer a friendly chat to fellow guests. With The Grotto serving as your home base, every moment of your stay is an opportunity for creating cherished memories in this beautiful seaside town. So pack your bags, grab your beach gear, and get ready for a trip that promises excitement, relaxation, and everything in between!

Closest airports

Newcastle International Airport

13.1mi

Durham Tees Valley Airport

32.4mi

Most popular amenities

Bar

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Kids' meals

Bathtub

Rooms

Triple Room with Shower in The Grotto

Show 6 photos

Triple Room with Shower

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

55 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

x3

More details

Experience breathtaking ocean views from this spacious Triple Room, complete with a Twin bed and a comfortable Double bed. Unwind and refresh in the modern shower or sip a soothing cup of tea or coffee while taking in the stunning vista.

Deluxe Double Room with Bath in The Grotto

Show 7 photos

Deluxe Double Room with Bath

1 Double Bed

55 sqft

Ocean view

Bathtub

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Indulge in our Deluxe Double Room with Bath, featuring a comfortable double bed and a mesmerizing ocean view. Pamper yourself in the bathtub, taste a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the convenience of amenities like an iron, TV, and a hairdryer. Maximum relaxation and breathtaking sights await you.

Superior King Room in The Grotto

Show 6 photos

Superior King Room

1 King Size Bed

270 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

More details

Relax in our spacious Superior King Room, offering a stunning ocean view and equipped with a king size bed. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the view, and unwind in the luxurious shower.

Standard Twin Room with Sea View in The Grotto

Show 5 photos

Standard Twin Room with Sea View

2 Twin Beds

45 sqft

Ocean view

Shower

More details

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea from our comfortable Standard Twin Room, equipped with two twin beds and accommodating up to two adults. Take advantage of our featured amenities including an ocean view and a refreshing shower, as well as additional conveniences such as ironing facilities and a hairdryer.

Superior Double Room in The Grotto

Show 5 photos

Superior Double Room

1 Queen Size Bed

130 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

More details

Indulge in the breathtaking ocean view from this cozy, smoke-free Superior Double Room, complete with a comfortable Queen size bed, a tea/coffee maker, and a refreshing shower. Enjoy the added convenience of amenities such as an iron, TV with cable and satellite channels, and a hairdryer.

Standard King Room in The Grotto

Show 4 photos

Standard King Room

1 King Size Bed

75 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Experience a luxurious stay in our Standard King Room, featuring a spacious 75 sqft of modern comfort with breathtaking ocean views. Indulge in a cup of tea or coffee using your own private maker while enjoying the convenience of amenities such as an iron, TV, and hairdryer.

Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Grotto

Show 4 photos

Double Room with Private Bathroom

1 Queen Size Bed

110 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

More details

Enjoy the stunning ocean view from this cozy Double Room with a private bathroom, complete with a Queen size bed, tea/coffee maker, and a refreshing shower. Perfect for a relaxing getaway for two.

Standard Twin Room with Sea View in The Grotto

Show 4 photos

Standard Twin Room with Sea View

2 Twin Beds

215 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

More details

Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from our spacious Standard Twin Room. Equipped with two comfortable twin beds and modern amenities such as an ocean view, tea/coffee maker, and a refreshing shower, this room is the perfect choice for a memorable stay.

Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Grotto

Show 2 photos

Double Room with Private Bathroom

1 Double Bed

85 sqft

Ocean view

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

More details

Enjoy the stunning ocean view from our Double Room with Private Bathroom, equipped with a cozy double bed and your own tea/coffee maker. Relax and unwind in this charming room, complete with all necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

King Room in The Grotto

King Room

1 King Size Bed

325 sqft

Bathtub

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Welcome to our spacious King Room, perfect for couples looking for a relaxing stay. Enjoy the luxurious king size bed, a bathtub for ultimate relaxation, and a cozy tea and coffee maker for your convenience.

Guest reviews

8.2

647 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

Featured reviews:

🇬🇧

Debbie

8.2

July 2022

The location is exceptional. Staff very friendly. Breakfast was included - pastries, jams, juices and toast. we were aware that there was no full English breakfast on site so we weren’t expecting anything. the continental style breakfast was more than sufficient and nicely laid out in the morning. We ate in the restaurant on both Friday and Saturday and the food was very good. The bar/food was very busy in the day with beach visitors.

We were in room 10. Our bed was comfy, nice clean sheets. Towels supplied, plenty of tea, coffee etc. The en-suite bathroom is very small but was adequate for the duration of our stay. It took 10 minutes for the water to run hot so be patient. I be suppose my only point would be that the cleanliness of the room could have been a bit better. I asked staff to mop the floor which they did happily. There are parts of the place that feel a bit run down and maybe could do with a bit of tlc. In our opinion this would make the property a 9/10. As it stands we have rated this stay an 8.

🇬🇧

Janice

9.1

August 2023

The location is unique and beautiful. It is right on the beach and the childden loved it. The Grottos beach is rocky but has some rock pool and the beaches at South Sheilds and Seaburn are lovely. We luckily had a glimpse of dolphins. The view from my window was amazing. The restaurant is very good and we all enjoyed the food. Breakfast was just toast and cereal wirh lovely muffins and my son would have loved a cooked breakfast bht I was still fulk fro.m prevuous dinner so it was fine. The staff are really friendly and helpful. We would love to return and we were sad to leave.

We had a lovely stay and would go back so are not really bothered about the following points. Room 4 was very hot and needs a fan. The decor in room 9 was a giraffe on the wall and monkey lamps which I found bizarre in a sea location. The decor was not to my taste.

🇬🇧

Andrew

9.1

August 2023

Location great and accommodation good and very clean. Staff all very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was basic like at home but fresh. We booked a room with a sea view which was incredible. However, the seagulls were very load at daybreak. Probably not a problem if in a room with no sea-view. I had a walk on the beach as up early due to this- the staff let me in 25mins for breakfast!! We also had dinner at the restaurant in the cave room and had a great dinner and service.

Probably could change to a Coffee pod machine instead of filter coffee as after a while the coffee became bitter - so we switched to tea instead

🇺🇸

Sharon

10

October 2022

This is a destination in and of itself. The Grotto is going down in the books as one of our most memorable stays ever! Gorgeous location, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff.

🇬🇧

Nicola

9.1

May 2023

We had lunch and evening meal here as well as an overnight stay. The staff from greeting at check in to check out were so pleasant, helpful and really friendly. We were able to reserve a table of our choice in the cave restaurant too. Reasonably priced drinks and lovely fresh food. The Surf and Turf wrap and sticky toffee pudding was our favourite. Room 8 was a compact double-basic but clean with a great view. We would love to come back and try the deluxe rooms next time. The continental breakfast was all we needed and the muffins were delicious. Thanks for a great stay and exceptional service!

The mattress could do with a topper and a few upgrades to room 8 but it’s the view and food you come for!

🇬🇧

David

10

June 2023

We were part of a group celebrating the life of a friend and scattering of his ashes. The Grotto was the ideal place with easy access to the sea, great reception by the staff. Very good buffet meal and an excellent Irish band. All of the 60 people attending expressed how they had enjoyed the visit and the hotels unique cave rooms. Tea and coffee making facilities and two cups in the room. Lift access from the car park to rooms and to the bar reception and function rooms.

They need to provide a water glass in the room bathroom. T

🇬🇧

David

10

August 2023

Really beautiful location- spectacular views- the best in the hotel! Literally on the seafront. Nice big spacious room with lots of natural light and fresh sea air! Relaxing on a night listening to the waves. Very close to local amenities, walks, nightlife and of course the beautiful north east coast!

Cleanliness of the room could’ve been a little better- found a used dirty cotton bud when getting the hair dryer out of the drawer but that’s the only issue (a minor one at that!)

🇬🇧

Debbie

10

June 2022

Location is outstanding. Room was clean and comfortable, staff were all friendly. Exceeded our expectations. Loved the whole experience will definitely return for another visit.

🇬🇧

Linda

10

December 2022

The location, from the outside it doesn't look much but inside it is lovely. Built into the side of the cliff some of the rooms, corridors and the restaurant you have the rock walls and ceiling. The staff are all very friendly and food is excellent and reasonably priced. We have stayed twice the rooms are all different so check the photos to find the one you want. Last time we stayed in number 5 the Sandpiper which we loved and this time number 6 which is their penthouse, was worth paying the extra to sit on the sofa in front of the window watching the snow come down while the waves lapped on the shore. Will definitely be going back again

The showers are not too good.

🇬🇧

Catherina

10

May 2023

What is there not to like about this very unusual hotel. Our room with a balcony looked over the sea. Absolutely stunning. Built into a cave this hotel is fantastic. The walls are part of the rock face. Seeing is believing and I would highly recommend you stay here for that experience it's self. Food is fantastic aswell. Eat in the restaurant or outside on the verander over looking the sea. Heaven ❤️

There's nothing not to like about The Grotto only that you have to leave eventually xx

Points of Interest Around The Grotto

Attractions

Newcastle Castle

9.3mi

Durham Castle

16.1mi

National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

20.9mi

Amenities of The Grotto

Bar

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Kids' meals

Bathtub

Stay rules - The Grotto

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - The Grotto

At what times are check-in and check-out at The Grotto?

While the stay at The Grotto offers a flexible check-in window between 02:00 PM and 09:00 PM, the check-out is fixed at 10:30 AM.

What are the rates at The Grotto?

The base price for The Grotto starts at $136. Do note, the cost might change depending on room preferences and dates. To see the actual prices, input your desired dates.

Which room categories can I book at The Grotto?

The Grotto hotel offers a variety of room options including standard twin rooms with sea view, triple rooms with shower, deluxe double rooms with bath, superior king rooms, and standard king rooms. All rooms are non-smoking and accommodate 2 adults. Bed sizes range from twin to king, and room sizes range from 43 sqft to 323 sqft.

What is there to do in The Grotto?

Restaurant, Swimming pool, Fitness center, Spa, Conference facilities, Free Wi-Fi, Room service, Concierge service, Laundry service, Parking

Guests at The Grotto hotel can spend their time enjoying a variety of leisure amenities. They can start their day with a refreshing swim in the hotel's swimming pool, followed by a workout at the fitness center. For those looking to relax and unwind, the hotel offers a spa where guests can indulge in massages and various other treatments.

In the evening, guests can head to the bar or the hotel's restaurant to enjoy delicious food and drinks. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected and take care of any work or personal matters. Additional services like room service, concierge service, laundry service, and parking are available for the convenience of the guests. With such a wide range of amenities, guests at The Grotto hotel can truly make the most of their time during their stay.

Does The Grotto accept credit cards and cash payments?

Yes, The Grotto accepts both credit cards (Mastercard, Visa) and cash payments.