Tenby's BEST Surf Deck: Breathtaking Ocean Views!
Tenby's BEST Surf Deck: Breathtaking Ocean Views! - A Messy Review (Prepare for Spillage!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Tenby's "BEST Surf Deck: Breathtaking Ocean Views!" and, well, let's just say it was… an experience. Forget the carefully curated brochures, this is the real, messy, sometimes delightful, sometimes infuriating truth. And trust me, there's a lot to unpack.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Glitch (Sound the Alarm!)
Okay, so "Breathtaking Ocean Views," they weren't kidding. The second you step out, BAM! Waves crashing, seagulls squawking their opinions, the whole shebang. Absolutely stunning. I'm a sucker for a good view, and this one delivered. But here's where things got… complicated.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. Listed as a feature, and I'm assuming they try. But the entrance? A bit of a gauntlet with some steps and narrow passages. Not ideal, that's for sure. Then there's the elevator… well, they have one (yay!), but the buttons are a bit temperamental, like a grumpy old sea captain. Getting lost in the elevator, again, a common experience for a few of us. More work is needed if they actually want to claim this.
The Rooms: Where the Real Drama Unfolds
I splurged on a room with a view (because, well, the views are kinda the whole point, right?). The Air Conditioning was a godsend - thank you, glorious AC. The Bathroom was clean, but the Bathtub was a bit… tiny. Like, I’m not particularly tall, and I'm not sure I’d get in there, but in all fairness, I didn't actually try. The Bed, though? Oh, the bed. It was comfortable enough, but those Blackout Curtains were truly something! I mean, you could sleep through a tsunami with those things. Seriously, they're like a portal to another dimension of sleep. So, thumbs up for that.
Now, let's talk about the Internet. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they do… but it was like wrestling a particularly stubborn octopus. The connection would drop at the most inopportune moments – right when I was about to send a witty email, or trying to upload a selfie for the ‘gram. Ugh! Internet [LAN] was listed, but I could not find a single cable to save my life. And on a side note, Room decorations? Minimalist is an understatement. It was like they'd furnished the room with whatever was left over from a seaside flea market. Could use a bit more… oomph.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where My Wallet Wept)
Okay, the Restaurants. They're there. And let's be honest, the Poolside Bar beckoned me like a siren. But the prices… woof. Expect your wallet to feel a little lighter after each visit.
The Breakfast Buffet (Breakfast [buffet])**: It wasn’t terrible, the *Buffet in restaurant* offered the usual suspects. The Asian breakfast choices were an interesting touch, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant could definitely use some improvement. The service was, well, let’s call it “leisurely.” I’m pretty sure I could have grown a bonsai tree waiting for a refill of my coffee.
The Main Restaurant: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine and Western cuisine in restaurant options are available., but, again, the prices were a bit of a shocker. I had the Salad in restaurant, and it was decent. The Soup in restaurant was forgettable. They do offer Happy hour for a reason, and if you’re looking for a bargain, that is probably the best option.
Rambling Thought (because why not?): This is where the "messiness" really hit me. The Bottle of water was included (thank God, because the tap water tasted like… well, the ocean, which is not a compliment). But the whole dining experience felt a bit… pretentious. It just didn't quite match the overall vibe of the place.
The Snack Bar - I spent far too much time here. A lifesaver when hunger struck and the thought of another pricey meal made me shudder.
Things to Do & Ways to (Attempt to) Relax
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The Swimming pool [outdoor]: Fantastic! Pool with view? Yes! But! The sun loungers were like gold dust. Be prepared to wage war for prime real estate. The Fitness center? I ventured in once, and it wasn’t awful, but it wasn't exactly state-of-the-art. Spa/sauna and Spa were on the menu, but I'll be honest, I didn't make it in. They did seem to have Massage, Body scrub and Body wrap options. I needed them.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Pandemic Edition)
They are trying, I'll give them that. There were Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and the staff seemed fairly diligent about the Daily disinfection in common areas. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave everything a slightly clinical scent, but hey, at least they’re trying to keep us safe, right? The Room sanitization opt-out available is a good option.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Crazy)
- The Front desk [24-hour] was useful, and the staff were generally helpful, even when my Wi-Fi was down for the count.
- Concierge: Was useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Did a great job.
- Food delivery: Great option!
- Cash withdrawal: They have it.
- Luggage storage: Yes, needed that.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Ironing service: They offer them. Expensive, but efficient.
I also saw some Facilities for disabled guests, which is appreciated. I did not actually use them.
For the Kids (Because Someone Has to Think About them)
Okay, so I don't have kids, but I noticed there were some Kids facilities. They seemed to have a Babysitting service listed. Overall, Family/child friendly? Maybe.
Overall & The Final Verdict (Brace Yourselves)
Okay, so here's the truth: “Tenby's BEST Surf Deck” is a bit of a mixed bag. The views are genuinely breathtaking, the location is great, and the staff are generally lovely. But some of the amenities feel a tiny bit overpriced, and the accessibility could definitely be improved.
Would I recommend it? Hmm, that’s where it gets tricky. If you're looking for a luxurious, flawlessly polished experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're after a place with a stunning view, a relaxed vibe, and don't mind a few quirks and imperfections, then yeah, give it a shot. Just be prepared for a few hiccups along the way. And bring your own Wi-Fi!
SEO & Meta Data (Because, you know, the internet)
- Title Tag: Tenby's BEST Surf Deck Review: Ocean Views & Honest Takeaways!
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Tenby's "BEST Surf Deck" hotel in Wales. Read about the breathtaking views, the quirky details, the accessibility (or lack thereof), the dining, and more! Prepare for a messy, funny, and real experience.
- Keywords: Tenby Surf Deck, Tenby hotel review, ocean view hotel, accessible hotel, Wales, things to do Tenby, best hotels Tenby, Tripadvisor review, hotel review, spa hotel Wales, beachfront hotel, free Wi-Fi, hotel with pool, Tenby dining, travel review.
- H1: Tenby's BEST Surf Deck: A Messy Review (Brace Yourself!)
- Image Alt Tags: "Stunning ocean view from Tenby hotel," "Accessible hotel entrance," "Breakfast buffet at Tenby Surf Deck," "The pool with a view", "The view from the room."
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a SURF DECK SURVIVAL GUIDE – Tenby Edition. We’re talking spectacular views, potential sunburns, and enough fish and chips to sink a bloody battleship. Prepare for chaos. Prepare for glory. Prepare for… well, let's just say, "itinerary" is a loose term here.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Tenby Orientation… AKA, Getting Utterly Lost (And Loving It!)
- 1:00 PM – Arrival: Arrrgh, finally! After a train journey that felt like three lifetimes, we arrived in Tenby. The air… smells like salty heaven! Found the Surf Deck (thank god for that GPS, even if I did end up in a farmer's field first). Place is stunning. Deck? Views? Check and check. Already plotting to live out here, maybe grow a beard, start a fishing blog…
- 1:30 PM - The Unpacking Debacle: Okay, so the suitcase exploded. Literally. The zip just… gave up. Now I'm facing a mountain of swimwear and a rogue sock. This is gonna be a look.
- 2:00 PM - Tenby Town Reconnaissance: The Initial Assault (and immediate retreat for comfort): Time to explore! Except, um… I immediately got lost. Like, properly lost. Wandered down a cobbled street, got accosted by a seagull (rude), and ended up staring at a particularly grumpy-looking cat judging my life choices. Ended up deciding to find a pub. Priorities, people.
- 3:00 PM - Pub Stop - The "First Pint of Gloriousness": Found "The Hope & Anchor." Ordered a pint of something Welsh and amber. Seriously, the best beer I've tasted in weeks. This is what life is all about. (Side note: the pub dog is judging my life choices as well). Let's just soak in the atmosphere, and maybe order some crisps… This is peak relaxation!
- 5:00 PM - Beach Bliss (and Battle Against the Cold): Okay, brave the bracing wind and descend to the golden sands. Found North beach. Now, let's build some sandcastles! Tried to build a sandcastle, it crumbled, which is a metaphor for my life. Still, the views… chef's kiss. Got hit with that chilly wind. Decided to retreat to the Surf Deck. Put me inside, the sea can stay out there where it belongs lol!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (but in a good way): Okay, so I tried to cook. Keyword: tried. Burnt the garlic bread to a crisp (my smoke alarm's now my nemesis). Ended up ordering fish and chips from Fecci's (classic!). The most scrumptious fish and chips. Even the seagulls gave it a second glance. Ate them on the balcony, watching the sunset. Divine.
Day 2: Conquering the Sea & Other Foolhardy Adventures
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (and regrets): Woke up feeling the effects of that glorious pint. Scarfed down some cereal (I probably should have eaten more).
- 10:00 AM - Surfing Shenanigans (or, the Great Wipeout): Time for lessons! Booked a surfing session. I'm not particularly coordinated, but hey, YOLO, right? Turns out, YOLO translates to "wipeout after wipeout." I spent more time underwater than on the board. Swallowed half the Atlantic. Had to walk in and go on foot to the beach (again!). Still, the sheer fun of it! The instructor was a legend too, laughing at my total ineptitude. And when I did stand up, it was for like, two glorious seconds! It was totally worth it.
- 1:00 PM - Post-Surfing Refuelling: After my surfing disaster, my friends and I decided to get a burger to feel better. Then back to the beach for more activities!
- 2:00 PM - Island Exploration: Took the boat to Caldey Island – a little bit of history with the beautiful landscape!
- 4:00 PM - Sundown Stroll & Sea Shanty Dreams: Chilled out, watched the sunset
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: A Culinary Triumph (Maybe): Pasta with pesto, a proper chef.
Day 3: Seaside Secrets & Emotional Overload (the good kind!)
- 9:00 AM - Beach Combing for Treasures (and a hangover cure): Walked alongside the shore, looking for treasures (shells). The sea air is the best thing, I swear. Found some amazing sea glass, it's the little things.
- 11:00 AM – The Harbour Experience: Enjoyed a lovely stroll along the Tenby harbour
- 1:00 PM - The "Perfect" Ice Cream (and the reality check): Ice cream is essential on holiday. Found this little shop. Ordered a double scoop of something amazing. And then… dropped it. On the pavement. Gutted. Proceeded to eat it anyway.
- 2:00 PM - Beachside Rambles & Contemplation: Spent the afternoon just sitting on the sand, staring at the sea. This is where the soul gets a reset.
- 4:00 PM - Shopping Spree (and inevitable overspending): Visited a local shopping center to check out some of the local stores. Ended up buying a souvenir t-shirt that says "I survived Tenby!" (ironic, considering my surfing skills).
- 7:00 PM - Farewell Feast with Fireworks: Dinner at a slightly fancy restaurant, overlooking the beach. Had to say goodbye to this amazing place.
- 8:00 PM - Fireworks display: To end the trip! Absolutely beautiful.
Day 4: The Sad Departure & Rambling Thoughts
- 9:00 AM - The Mess That is Packing: The suitcase is still a mess. And I keep buying things. And I still have to check out. I'm gonna be late!
- 10:00 AM - Goodbye Hugs with Tenby: One last walk around town to soak it all in. This place is special. It's the perfect blend of beauty, adventure, and sheer, glorious chaos.
- 11:00 AM - Train to Reality (and maybe a few tears): The train pulls out of the station. I'll miss the sea, the sand, the seagulls, and the sheer feeling of being utterly, wonderfully present. Until next time, Tenby. You magnificent, messy beast.
Important Considerations:
- Weather: Expect rain. Embrace it. Invest in a good waterproof jacket (and maybe a poncho for your emotional breakdowns).
- Seagulls: They're thieves. Guard your fish and chips. And your sanity.
- Pubs: Explore them. All of them. (For research purposes, obviously).
- The Surf Deck: Enjoy. It's your own little slice of paradise.
- Have Fun: The most important thing. Lose yourself in the moment. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself (you'll be doing it a lot). And remember… It's all an adventure!
Tenby's BEST Surf Deck: Breathtaking Ocean Views! (FAQ - Because Seriously, Things Get Messy!)
Okay, so is the view *really* worth it? Like, REALLY really?
Ugh, look, I'm gonna be brutally honest. I went there expecting, you know, "breathtaking." And… it was. Actually, it was borderline offensive how beautiful it was. Like, the kind of view that makes you want to punch someone (in a good way, obviously… mostly). Remember that time I tried to take a panoramic photo with my phone? Disaster. The sea was shimmering, the sky was… well, sky-colored, and the details were… *chefs kiss*. And honestly, I had this moment of pure, unadulterated contentment. Like, I could’ve just sat there, with a slightly overpriced pint, for hours. Which, I probably did, actually...
But, and this is a big but (pun intended, I’m a child), the weather. Welsh weather, am I right? One minute you’re basking in sunshine, the next you're dodging a rogue seagull and wondering if your hair will ever recover from the wind. So, pack layers. And a rain jacket. And maybe a spare umbrella. Trust me.
What's the food like? Because, let's be real, views only get you so far…
Okay, so the food... Okay, so the food. It's… serviceable. Look, this isn't Michelin-star dining, alright? It's pub grub. Fish and chips, burgers, the usual suspects. I’d say it's slightly better than your average pub fare. Now, I’m not saying it was *bad*, but I’m also not going to write home about it. I did, however, have these onion rings at one point, and honestly, they were pretty damn delightful. Slightly greasy, perfectly crispy… I might have ordered a second plate. Don't judge me!
My best anecdote about food here is that I once tried to order a burger, but they were out of the buns. Out of the buns! At a place called "Surf Deck!" I was so hungry and slightly hungover (don't ask!), I almost actually cried. I ended up getting the fish and chips and it was… fine. Definitely fine. So, maybe call ahead if you're fussy about bread.
The drinks situation. Can I bring my own? (Kidding... mostly)
Bringing your own? Nah, that's a no-go. They've got a bar, and, you know, they need to make a living. But the selection? It's decent. Beers, wines, cocktails, the usual stuff. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the view… and the slightly above-average pub food. And the prices? Well, it's Tenby, darling. Be prepared to pay a little more than you would back home. Let's just say my wallet and I had a long chat after my last visit. A rather heated chat.
I spent a good long time in a single afternoon working my way through the cocktail list. Don’t ask me which ones. Everything's a blur. But I remember the sky getting prettier and prettier… or maybe that was the cocktails.
Is it kid-friendly? Because, let’s face it, kids can ruin anything.
Ugh. Kids. Okay, so, yes, I *think* it's kid-friendly. I've seen them there. But, and this is a big but (again!), it depends on *your* kids. If they're the type to run wild, scream, and generally wreak havoc, maybe stick to a takeaway picnic on the beach. The Surf Deck is meant to be… well, relaxing. Trying to relax with small humans running around is like trying to herd cats. Possibly more stressful.
Honestly, I have really mixed feelings. I mean, I do love a good child. If I'm honest, I got into a rather long conversation with a small, sticky-fingered person about the merits of sandcastles versus rock pools. I'm still not entirely sure what the difference is, but it kept the kid entertained. Just be prepared for the possibility of a bit of chaos. Bring snacks. Lots of snacks. And maybe earplugs. Just in case.
Is it crowded? I hate crowds.
Oh, honey, yes. Especially in the summer. Tenby is a popular tourist spot. The Surf Deck is known for its view (did I mention the view? Seriously), so expect a crowd. During peak season, you might have to queue for ages for a table. Or, even worse, sit *inside*. I *shudder*. My blood pressure is rising just thinking about it.
My best tip is to go off-season, or go on a weekday. Or, if you *must* go in peak season, go early. Get there before the masses and grab yourself a spot by the sea. Then, order a pint. You'll deserve it after squeezing through the crowd.
Accessibility? Is it accessible?
Okay, so, I'm not an expert on accessibility, but I'm pretty sure there are ramps. There's an outdoor deck, and I can't imagine that's particularly friendly to wheelchairs. It's all a bit of a walk. So let me put out a disclaimer: *check their website for specifics*. Don’t just take my word for it. Seriously, I am no accessibility guru. I'm just a person who likes a view.
I once saw a poor person struggle to get to their table. I felt awful, and it sort of ruined the whole "breathtaking" vibe. Check ahead. Don't be like me.
Parking situation? Because parking.
Parking in Tenby? It's a battle. A full-blown, Hunger Games-esque battle for a space. The Surf Deck itself probably doesn't have *loads* of parking, so plan accordingly. Either arrive early, or be prepared to walk. And by "walk," I mean, possibly a mile or so. Depending on your luck.
The *worst* parking experience I’ve ever had. I spent a good hour circling round and round and round, getting more and more hangry, before eventually giving up and parking, well, a ways away. I thought I'd cleverly avoid the traffic. I did not. It added to the stress. The view did eventually make up for it, but not the parking. Never the parking.
Final verdict? Would you go back? (Be honest!)
