F-Lie Hotel is a Victorian seafront house in white stucco. It has bay windows on every floor, a pointed tower on the corner and a long view down the promenade towards the pier. Thirty-four rooms, one lift, a lobby with more mirrors than it needs.
Rooms
Most rooms look at the sea. The rest look at the sunset, which nobody has complained about. Beds are wide, curtains are heavy and the windows open.
The sea room
A brass bed, white panelling and a window on the water. Quiet after ten.
The suite
A sitting room with a marble fireplace and a bay window, the bedroom beyond. Made for people who plan to stay in bed until lunch.
Table and bar
Breakfast is the main meal of the house and it runs until half past eleven. Dinner is short and local, served in the tall room overlooking the front.
The bar
Pale oak, blue glass lamps and rattan stools. Open until the last person leaves, within reason.
The terrace
Breakfast moves outside when the weather agrees. It often does not, so there are blankets.
Every weekend starts here
The meeting point for all of our tours is the front door of the hotel. How to reach it.