When you picture a seaside weekend, you probably imagine sun, sand and a stroll along the promenade. But the British weather rarely plays ball. A rainy weekend by the coast, however, can be every bit as enjoyable as a sunny one — provided you choose the right hotel. The trick is to pick a place that treats wet weather as an opportunity for cosiness rather than a reason to stay in your room. Here is how to find a seaside hotel that shines when the skies do not.

Put the lounge before the room

When the rain is lashing the windows, you will not want to spend the whole day in a standard bedroom. The communal lounge becomes the heart of your break. Look for hotels that describe their lounge as cosy, with open fires, deep sofas and plenty of blankets. A sea view from the lounge is a bonus: there is something deeply satisfying about watching grey waves crash while you are warm and dry inside.

Check the hotel's photos carefully. A few mismatched armchairs in a draughty conservatory is not the same as a proper snug with a log burner. Read recent reviews and search for phrases like "we stayed in the lounge all afternoon" or "board games by the fire". Those are the hotels that understand a rainy break.

Look for sea views that work in the rain

A sea view is lovely in sunshine, but in wet weather it becomes dramatic. Choose a hotel with large bay windows or a glass-fronted bar or restaurant. Storm watching — from a safe distance, with a hot drink in hand — is a genuine pleasure. Some hotels even provide binoculars in the room so you can spot passing gannets or distant fishing boats.

Ask about the aspect of your room. A room facing the sea might be windier and noisier, but it will offer the best show. If you are a light sleeper, request a side-facing room with a partial view and use the lounge for the full panorama. Also, check whether the hotel has a covered balcony or a sheltered terrace. Sitting outside with a blanket and a mug of tea, listening to the rain on the roof, can be surprisingly magical.

Check the indoor entertainment

A rainy weekend is the perfect excuse to unplug and play. The best seaside hotels for wet weather have a stash of board games, jigsaw puzzles and a well-stocked bookshelf. Look for mentions of backgammon, chess, playing cards or even a pool table. Some hotels have a small cinema room or a games console, though for many people the charm lies in traditional pursuits.

Here is what to look for in the hotel description or reviews:

• Games cupboard: A decent selection, not just a battered old board game with missing pieces.
• Books and magazines: Local history, crime novels and walking guides are a nice touch.
• Pool or snooker table: Great for groups and families with older children.
• Afternoon activities: Some hotels run craft sessions, wine tastings or film screenings on wet days.

If you are travelling with children, confirm that the games are suitable for their ages. A hotel that welcomes families will often have a dedicated playroom, which can save your sanity when the beach is a write-off.

Think about food and drink

You do not want to be trudging through puddles in search of dinner. A hotel with a good restaurant, a cosy bar and perhaps a lounge menu is worth its weight in gold. Look for menus that feature local seafood, hearty pies and puddings — comfort food that matches the weather. A cream tea by a roaring fire is a classic rainy-day treat.

Check whether the hotel offers room service, especially if you have young children or simply cannot face going out again. Also, ask about nearby pubs or cafés within easy walking distance. A five-minute dash to a welcoming inn with a decent pint is fine; a twenty-minute walk in horizontal rain is not.

Check the practical details

Rainy weekends expose a hotel's weaknesses. Before you book, look for these specifics:

• Drying facilities: A boot room, a heated towel rail or a drying cupboard for wet coats and shoes.
• Umbrellas: Good hotels lend them at reception.
• Heating: Check that the room has controllable heating, not just a single radiator that clanks.
• Parking: If you are driving, ensure there is on-site parking so you are not lugging bags through the rain.
• Entertainment in the room: A decent TV, a radio, or a docking station can help, though the lounge should be your main base.

Read reviews from autumn and winter, not just summer. A hotel that is lovely in July may be cold and damp in November. Look for comments about draughts, condensation and whether the heating actually works.

Ask the right questions before you book

It is always worth ringing or emailing the hotel directly. Ask specific questions: "Is the lounge fire lit on wet days?" "Do you have a good selection of board games?" "Can we borrow umbrellas?" "Is there a drying room?" The answers will tell you a lot about how much they cater to rainy-weekend guests.

Also, consider a hotel that is a short drive from indoor attractions — a museum, a gallery, a brewery tour or a cinema. That way, if the rain sets in for the whole weekend, you have a backup plan. But honestly, if the hotel is cosy enough, you may not want to leave.

Finally, pack accordingly: waterproofs, comfortable slippers, a good book and a sense of humour. A rainy weekend by the sea can be the most relaxing break of all — as long as you choose a hotel that embraces the weather rather than fighting it.