Is Whitby Offering the Cheapest Weekend Breaks?
We spotted this article on our social media feeds
Cheapest UK Cities for Weekend Break
Whitby was identified as ‘best value seaside town’ and as our family-run Riviera guesthouse is in this glorious location, we were intrigued.
It’s fair to say the article received mixed comments on social media.
Yet we thought we’d ‘dig a bit deeper’ into the claim of Trevor Baker at Which?, an article that has garnered so much attention.
We know that we have some stunning seaside locations nearby including Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington.
Yet as we know, people just LOVE Whitby and its quirky shops, its cobbled streets, the majestic abbey and of course its gothic connections.
Being such a popular place could, arguably, make it a more expensive place to stay.
Yet we ‘punch above our weight’ when you perhaps consider a seaside break in some well-known locations in Devon, for example.
You can see the full list here
For us at the Riviera, with our fifteen bedrooms, our freshly cooked breakfasts, and relaxed atmosphere.
We are in the perfect location is something we are blessed with and we also want others to share and enjoy our blessings.
We’ve run the guesthouse for 15 years this year (2026).
It’s been the love of our lives (oh, just to say, we have two school age children too!).
It also ensures we always work hard for our guests, repeating the Riviera experience each and every time.
Hopefully, we improve upon it if we can!
Of course, we run a hospitality business and a business has to ensure it makes a profit.
Yet for us, what is just as important is that we run it for YOU, our guests.
Our guests, whether they are new ones or returning ones, provide us with our ‘power source’.
We want all our guests to leave happy, relaxed, impressed by Whitby and, hopefully come back another time.
The pricing we use for the Riviera Guesthouse is based on several factors.
We consider affordability; the quality of the rooms (views, bedlinen, facilities) , and the quality of the breakfasts.
Other aspects include the location and of course our staff that run the ‘tight ship’ which is the Riviera.
You can read our blog here which explains that the Riviera Guests has been in our family for two generations (we took over in 2011).
So, for us, while the ‘cheapest weekend breaks’ headline caught our eye, cheap doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality.
For example, in order to get the best prices for your stay at the Riviera, then you need to book directly with us.
It’s so easy to book with a clear availability calendar and easy to understand pricing.
There is a clear description of each room (single, double, family, superior, king).
All our rooms are ensuite, beautifully decorated and some with sea views.
In fact, we can’t believe that it will soon be a year since we were in the process of refurbishing the Riviera.
This was truly a labour of love but so very, very worth it.
We have to admit there were times we thought our sanity was compromised.
Yet thanks to everyone going that extra mile, we opened again for Easter 2025.
How We Add Value
And while our bedroom tariffs are competitive, we also take great care with the information we provide our guests, both during their stay, and via our website.
On there you will find things to do, places to eat, a what’s on guide and our very own bespoke blog which highlights Whitby in all its glory.
The blog covers everything from parking to a pedestrian’s guide to Whitby and everything in between!
There is a phrase: ‘cheap and cheerful’ – we certainly hope we’re always cheerful, and as our article says, being ‘cheap’ is a relative term.
We all think it refers to pricing or costs: and while there is a financial element, we like to think that Whitby is priceless.
There is nowhere we would rather be.
While working in hospitality can be challenging (much like any other professions) overall it is extremely rewarding.
Seeing our guests arrive, enjoy their stay and then leave relaxed, happy and rested, is priceless.
