The place to Stay

We were looking forward to a relaxing stay, in nice quiet surroundings but close enough to all the action of Torquay when we wanted it. Both my partner and I agreed that the hotel ticked all the right boxes and made a fantastic base from which to explore the much-publicised English Riviera. The room we booked was an ‘Executive' overlooking the expansive gardens that also included a golf course. The views were superb and the gardeners have done a fantastic job in creating something almost sub-tropical! The French doors in our room opened out onto a patio, meaning we could take all this in whenever we wished. By night, it took on another dimension, lit up by lights and on a warm ‘Autumn' evening was absolutely perfect for an after dinner stroll. The food was a good combination of modern British cooking with some classical, European touches. Highlights for us were the Brixham lemon sole, a sirloin steak that just melted in the mouth and nearly all the deserts. Background music was supplied by an unobtrusive piano player and together with some very good wine recommendations set the scene for several very enjoyable evenings. The bed was comfy, the room clean and spacious and the setting was truly relaxing. Just beyond the hotel lies the sea at Anstey's Cove and several nice beaches. All in all I would definitely go back and would have no hesitation in recommending it to others. We also found the time to visit Cockington – a lovely chocolate box village, the superb Kent's Cavern (fascinating underground caves) and to take a ride on the Paignton to Dartmouth Steam railway.

john underhill - 01/12/2006 | report this review