'An advertisement within the 'Pocket Guide to Cardiff, Penarth, and Environs' from the third edition which has been revised, enlarged and was published in 1897. It states 'Printed and published for the proprietor Mr. J. L. Kerpen, Penarth.'

Esplanade Hotel - 'Opposite the railway station, immediately opposite the Pier, is the majestic looking structure. Coming out of the railway station, the visitor turns into a quiet pathway right opposite, which leads through a picturesque dingle and across rustic bridges to the Esplanade Hotel. This Hotel is charmingly situated near to the sea, which it faces, and adjoining the pleasant Windsor Gardens, which are at all times free of access to the Hotel visitors, forming a pleasant resort and daily lounge.

The Hotel building as erected in 1887 ; it possesses a handsomely furnished Coffee Room of noble proportions (100 feet in length and 40 feet in width), opening upon an ornamental terrace, which commands an extensive view of the Bristol Channel with its ever changing scenes ; a well appointed Drawing Room and cosy Reading Room (also facing the sea and communicating with the Coffee Room), a comfortable Smoking Room, and a large and commodious Billiard Room.

On the Upper Floor are Sitting Rooms and Bed Rooms fitted up with every regard to comfort and elegance, while the Bath Rooms, Lavatories, and sanitary arrangements are deserving of unqualified praise.

The patrons of the "Esplanade" include many of the most influential families in Cardiff and the Principality, and as a resort for pleasure and for recruiting health it has no equal.' [001] [403]

The Pier - ' This handsome structure is one of the most recent additions to the fore shore of Penarth, having been opened to the public as late as last April.

Nearly all the excursion steamers take up and land passengers to and from Bristol, Clevedon, Weston super Mare, Burnham, Minehead, Lynmouth and Ilfracombe. The Penarth residents gratefully acknowledged the boon conferred upon them by patronising the Pier freely. A good band discourses Music several times a week.'

Public Baths - 'This is the handsome building, adjoining the Esplanade Hotel, erected at a cost of £8,000, £3,000 of which was given by Lord Windsor. The swimming baths are supplied with salt water, and fresh water baths, hot or cold, are provided. The baths are open daily.' [001] [403]

An enlargement of the photograph shows the proximity to the hotel of the slipway complete for boarding the ferry service to Cardiff Pier Head. Horse-drawn carriages await their passengers who are taking a brisk walk along the pier or those who prefer the morning coffee served in the Esplanade Hotel. This appears to be an out of season scene since there are no tables, chairs, patrons, waiters, spittoons or exotic plants to be seen on the 'ornamental terrace'. [001] [403]

The Cardiff Times reported in July 1893 that:- 'Lady Raglan and family have taken up their residence at the Esplanade Hotel, Penarth, where they propose to stay for a month.' [019] [361]

With regard to the Salt Water Baths adjacent to the 'Esp', The Builder magazine of May 1883 reported : - 'The Penarth Local Board have accepted the tender of Mr. Davies, Cathays, Cardiff, to construct sea baths at Penarth for £6,000. This was the lowest tender. Lord Windsor has contributed largely to the cost.' - The Builder [461] [499] 12th May 1883.