Royal Victoria Hotel

Hotel. Original building in the style of Haycock, of 3 storeys and basement with 3-window return, then later C19 extensions to rear. C20 two-storey link to right attaching it to very large C20 extension. Stuccoed brick or stone; shallow hipped slate roof with deep eaves. Entrance front of 1:3:1 bays, centre 3 slightly recessed; glazing bar sashes with slate cills throughout, some original, others horned replacements, 24-paned to first floor and to ground floor on either side of central entrance, 16-paned to second floor with tripartite sash windows to outer bays on ground floor. Shallow loggia with 6 plain Doric columns, coupled to centre, across 3 centre bays; C20 glazed double doors to middle, retaining original radiating fanlight, are approached by C20 steps. Left return of 4:2:3 bays, comprising 3-bays of the original building, then the addition of 1868: 2 central bays with quoins continuing up to form slightly projecting pedimented break with prominent canted bay projection to ground and first floors; this has 6 plate-glass sashes to the first floor and 6 sashes to the ground floor, the upper leaves (as to the right 3 bays on the ground floor) with glazing bars, the lower of plate glass. To the left of the canted bay projection is a first-floor conservatory. Slate hanging to right return.

Although parts have been considerably altered, especially on the ground floor, several historic features and much of the C19 plan-form remain intact. The staircase hall (present reception area) has 2 square-headed arches to a central pier with fluted pilasters, medallions and carved console brackets. Remains of plaster cornice in room (bar) to right. Straight-flight staircase to first floor looks to be of c1868 and has plain pilastered newels, carved splat balusters and moulded handrail; stained glass window to top on right with apples, blossom, birds etc. Staircase to second floor has stick balusters, 2 to each tread, open carved string and plain moulded handrail. The main room on the first floor is the Padarn Room (almost certainly the coffee lounge of 1868), a large rectangular space with high ceiling and 3 round-headed arches with stained glass panels above leading out to the conservatory. At the time of inspection a number of modifications were being carried out, including lowering the ceiling in the Padarn Room.