After speaking to Inigo and Gus Upcott in Whitstable, Strike books himself and Robin a room each at the Marine Hotel. ‘The long red-brick building, which had many gables and doors onto the street, had white timber balconies running along its length. Separated from the the pavement by a low, neat hedge it faced the beach across the road and looked smart and well-maintained.’ (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 79)

They park in the car park at the rear of the hotel.

They are informed on arrival that they have booked the last two available rooms, which are on the top floor and without balconies.

”Great,’ growled Strike as they climbed the first narrow staircase, which was covered in a seventies-style carpet patterned with orange and brown leaves.’ (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 79)

‘The third flight of stairs took them past a small alcove behind the banisters, in which stood a display of model yachts and earthenware pots.’ (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 79).

‘At last they reached a small landing where two doors stood side by side, evidently occupying two halves of a single eave.’ (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 79).

Robin gives room 30 to Strike, as it has the sea view and he has “that Cornish thing going on” (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 79).

Robin enters room 32. “She opened her door and entered a pleasant attic room which had a sloping white timber ceiling and a view over the car park to the rear of the building.  It contained both a double and a single bed, both with spotless white counterpanes” (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 79).

Strike’s room is described as a mirror image of Robin’s. It has a double bed with a brass bedstead, which is handy, along with the chest of drawers, in helping Strike hop to the door to let Robin in. She sits down in the wicker chair. (Ch 80)

Strike and Robin arrange to meet in the dining room “which had walls painted the colour of slate, with bow windows facing the sea and pieces of corrugated white coral displayed on the mantelpiece.” Robin sits down at a table for two, in the seat facing the sea and has a glass of rioja. She orders spaghetti with pesto “at random,” and orders Strike a steak with a salad in place of the chips (The Ink Black Heart, Chapter 80).

You can find out more information about the Marine Hotel on their website: www.marinewhitstable.co.uk.

Find the Marine’s location on the map below:

Address:  32-33 Marine Parade, Tankerton, Whitstable CT5 2BE