Advert for the Castle Hotel & Restaurant, 1883 (print)

Carrying associations with aristocratic French residences, the use of the word 'hotel' was considered quite pretentious in Britain in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This began to change only in the mid-Victorian period, with the widespread establishment of resort hotels, particularly on the English south coast. Prior to this hotels had supplied their guests with private parlours in which to eat, but these newer hotels tended to have communal dining rooms, which were open alike to guests and casual members of the public. Decorated with large mirrors, ornate wall hangings and beautifully laid tables, resort hotels became very fashionable, influencing the design and cuisine in city hotels such as this.