Royal Victoria Hotel Hotel
Marina, St Leonards-On-Sea, Hastings, TN38 0BD
3-star (historic seafront hotel)
The Royal Victoria Hotel harbours a tragic tale of supernatural presence that has captivated guests and staff for generations. The primary spirit is known as the 'Man in Grey', believed to be the ghost of a former hotel manager who perished in a devastating fire that swept through part of the building in the late Victorian or early Edwardian period. This spectral figure, always appearing in a grey suit typical of the era, has been witnessed wandering the corridors where he once conducted his daily rounds, checking on guests and overseeing the hotel's operations. His loyal canine companion also died in the same tragic blaze, and the phantom dog has been reported running through the hallways, particularly on the upper floors where the manager's quarters would have been located. While sightings have become less frequent in recent years, the atmosphere of melancholy and dedication remains palpable in certain areas of the hotel. Modern guests have reported unexplained phenomena including lights turning on and off during the night, bathroom doors closing of their own accord despite no windows being present to create drafts, and the distinct sound of footsteps pacing the corridors during the small hours. Children seem particularly sensitive to the presence, with one young guest reportedly seeing a man in their room and asking why people walk around at night.
Spirits: The Man in Grey, The Phantom Dog