When I revealed to friends and family that I'd be heading to the seaside for my 'unconventional' Christmas getaway, I was greeted with expressions of bewilderment and disbelief, with most asking 'why?' The holidayperiod has adopted fresh significance for my family, prompting my mum to whisk us away to her sanctuary: Folkestone.

With nine of us to accommodate, my mum booked us into the budget-friendly Grand Burstin Hotel. Yet to our astonishment (and alarm), this establishment proved spine-chilling for one crucial reason...it's reportedly haunted.

From the Victorian furnishings that resembled something straight out of Stephen King's The Shining, to the peculiar sounds echoing through the corridors, after spending four nights at this coastal accommodation, here's why I pledge never to set foot there again.

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Origins of The Grand Burstin Hotel

The Grand Burstin Hotel, erected in 1984, occupies the location where the former Royal Pavilion Hotel once stood. The original establishment, constructed in 1843, served as a favoured retreat for numerous distinguished Victorian personalities, including Charles Dickens, and purportedly Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, according to Kent Live.

Come the 20th century, the historic structure had become impractical for modern use. It was subsequently torn down, with the Grand Burstin rising from its foundations. The hotel has since gained notoriety for its resemblance to a stranded ocean liner, celebrated for its "top entertainment."

According to Britannia Hotels, The Burstin is home to "550 cosy bedrooms, many with spectacular sea views and private balconies. The hotel is renowned as one of the UK's top entertainment hotels, so guests can relax, dine in style and be magically entertained, all under one roof."

So, who is the ghost of the hotel?

The Grand Burstin Hotel is reportedly haunted by the spirit of Mary, a woman tragically killed after spurning the advances of a chef at her place of work. It's said that her ghost manifests in mirrors and glass.

She has been seen donning a white dress, her long, dark, curly hair flowing around her. A 2022 TripAdvisor reviewer recounted their experience at the hotel, sharing: "Fella 4 doors down said he saw what looked like a lady in Victorian dress pass him on the stairs.

"He said he was also awoken at 3 am by the same apparition standing at the foot of his bed, pointing at him. But to be fair, he did stink of booze." While I didn't encounter any overt paranormal activity myself, the hotel was indeed dreadful. Despite being built over 40 years ago, it certainly feels and appears as if no renovations have taken place since then.

If the hotel was aiming for a retro vibe and aesthetic, I could understand, but it's simply old and dilapidated. I was quite chuffed to see pool tables and arcade machines in the lobby (though they were shut over Christmas until 27 December). The old Victorian decor could have been charming if not for the subpar facilities.

The most disappointing feature of this hotel, in my opinion, was the plug sockets in the room. There were only two sockets, inconveniently located away from the beds, making it impossible to charge devices nearby. To make matters worse, you had to choose between the kettle, the heating, or the telly if you were sharing a room.

My niece and I shared a twin room at the far end of the hotel. We had to navigate four eerie corridors that felt like a scene straight out of The Shining before reaching our room. Oddly enough, these sensor-controlled corridor lights would sometimes flicker on without anyone present.

Adding to the spookiness was the rattling of the old curtain rod and the sudden, random loud noises emanating from the ancient bathroom. The hotel was freezing outside of your room, so you needed to don your coat when heading down to the bar or entertainment area.

In my view, this hotel is more suited to the older generation. The entertainment consisted of 70s and 80s classics, but there was nothing to cater to the younger crowd. Fortunately, I grew up listening to these tunes, but my younger family members were left feeling out of place and uninterested.

The hotel staff's attitude left much to be desired, though one could argue their long Christmas shifts were to blame. However, I won't be making a return visit, and with a mere 2.7 stars on TripAdvisor, it seems many share my sentiment.

Folkestone is a hidden gem of a seaside town.

Despite the hotel experience, Folkestone was a delight. The town exudes a serene beauty that I found utterly captivating. A highlight for me was a visit to the sandy stretch of beach, where dogs frolicked freely, their joyous energy adding to the charm of the place.

Yes, it was bitterly cold, and the wind was relentless, but sitting there in quiet contemplation, watching the waves crash against the shore, was worth every chilly moment. It provided a poignant setting to remember my brother on Christmas Day, marking the anniversary of his passing.

There's something almost mystical about the sea, particularly in Folkestone. Unlike bustling resorts like Brighton, Folkestone offers a sense of calm and tranquillity that's hard to find elsewhere.

Exploring the town was a pleasure, with its hilly landscape offering views reminiscent of the South of France, complete with palm trees and vibrant buildings. Yet, it retains a quintessentially British character, from its unique harbour resembling a long railway track, to its lively high street filled with independent shops, and a selection of traditional pubs and cafes.

The seaside town boasts a surprisingly artistic and eccentric character. I was captivated by the eclectic architecture set against the sweeping pebble shoreline. Yet it was delving into the local dining scene that truly won me over.

My top dining recommendation

As mentioned, Folkestone brims with independent shops and eateries, but the standout culinary gem has to be Blackmarket on Tontine Street. This neighbourhood bar dishes up mouth-watering burgers, wings and beverages, occasionally hosting live performances too.

The interior décor was absolutely stunning, showcasing an eclectic mix of photographs, art pieces, text, banners, and emblems. It radiates a distinctly edgy vibe whilst embracing patrons of every age and background. I tucked into a burger topped with blue cheese, chorizo and crispy onions - a creation that still haunts my dreams.

I also polished off the soy honey garlic-glazed wings in record time. During a chat with proprietor Nathan Roberts, he revealed they source locally, including from one of the town's final remaining butcher shops. The menu gets refreshed every few months, guaranteeing fresh surprises on each return visit.

Speaking about Folkestone's future, Nathan remarked: "It's definitely somewhere to watch, there's a lot going on, a lot of moves being made. I'd say in the next 10 years, Folkestone will be on the map, especially for people in the city. It's going to be somewhere to keep an eye on; it's only going to get better around here."