Redcliffe Hotel — Hotel in Great Britain

So The Redcliffe was never going to get five stars. I did debate giving it four stars, but its failings, which are all related to its structure, are just too significant to ignore.||Let’s start with the +ves. The place has superb grounds. The gardens overlook Paignton and Preston beaches. You have views across the whole of Torbay, from Torquay to Brixham. The rooms are clean, the beds comfortable, there is WiFi, an indoor pool, which is actually very good, and you do have everything you need. The on-suite is spacious and well appointed.||Now for the -ves.||First, it felt, and actually was, like walking back in time to the 1970s. No air conditioning anywhere. Now given that we landed in the middle of a heat wave, no air-con was a serious short coming. The reception is most definitely not inspiring, the hallway to our room was stifling hot, and our room, which apart from the twin beds, TV, and on-suite, was a perfect replica of my student accommodation in Brighton in the 1970s. The room was small, minimal furniture, no air -con (already mentioned) no mini- bar, so no where to keep bottled water. The water pressure from the ‘power shower’ amounted to a trickle, and the sink stopper was a rubber plug with a chain. When was the last time you saw sink rubber stopper with a chain? The bedside lights were too bright to keep reading without disturbing your partner, and you needed to have the windows, which were metal framed and single glazed, open at night to keep the room cool. That meant listening to traffic noise all night.||Finally, the restaurant. The tables were beautifully laid out. High quality table linen, 1950s cutlery, the windows cleaned daily, (which they needed to be, because of the seagulls), the staff fully attentive. Breakfast was OK, but I’ve had equivalent at motorway services. The evening menu was at best uninspired, and whilst non matching crockery is hardly life threatening, it is something you do expect. You really can do a lot better in the evening than eating in the hotel. (Try the Harbour Light)||Where the hotel does exceed is in its location. Paignton and Preston beaches, which are superb, are there at you finger tips. You have easy access to the whole of Torbay, the Devon South Hams, Dartington and Dartmoor, and an Aperol Spritz, in the late afternoon, on the terrace, overlooking the bay, is what evenings were made for.||In conclusion. When we first arrived I was sadly disappointed. The room was, sadly, a real disappointment, as was the evening menu in the restaurant. But, all that said, whilst the hotel doesn’t inspire, (and I think with sufficient investment, it could), it is a great base for exploring South Devon. The views from the terrace are spectacular, and a bit of nostalgia from the 1970’s...

We booked this hotel just for one night to take advantage of the nice weather. We came by train so if you are doing this hotel be aware it is a good 15 minute walk from the station. On the way back we cut through road to pier much shorter and more pleasant walk.

Our room wasn't ready on arrival, fair enough we were early. So we sat outside and had a drink and lunch. I had a coronation chicken sandwich with crisps and my husband had toast and pate he loved it. Both ample portions. It was £24 for the meal a pint of beer and half a pint cider which we thought was very reasonable. The view was spectacular and we were kept amused by the seagulls swooping on the sea. Our room was really lovely and we could see the sea. As you walked in you walked into a living room with good quality bedroom furniture. TV and teamaking facilities. Proceed through the arch into the bright bedroom with another tv and bedside cabinets Bed really comfy and comfy pillow too. Proceed through bedroom into a light airy bathroom with a lovely large shower cubicle. It was a good shower too, good water pressure.

We then went to indoor pool for a swim, it was a lovely pool and you could walk in from stairs rather than using those awful rails that most pools have. There was also a steam room, showers and nice loungers, a lovely pool, really nice.

We didn't eat dinner here but came back after we'd eaten and sat outside watching the fish jump out of the water and then a bonus we saw a seal who was catching the fish and eating them.

Breakfast was lovely buffet, then cooked breakfast if you want. Friendly staff and nice food.

If I had to have a negative it would be the outside pool was closed and it was full of seagulls swimming about. All that sea and they were in the pool. I did mention to nice girl on reception and she said it was going to be refurbished and would then be manned to keep away gulls.

We had a lovely stay and would strongly recommend this hotel and...

I’ve been here before and thought it pretty ordinary but, having heard they’ve got a new chef, decided to return and … wow! I don’t think I can recall a restaurant turned around so quickly. An extraordinary meal - quality ingredients, superbly prepared, with lovely staff. Had three courses for just £32! To begin, 3 lamb Koftas on a light yoghurt, with a cherry tomato salad and delicate garnish. Really tasty - and could almost be a main. Very pretty presentation. Then a sirloin steak: ordered it blue, which isn’t to everyone’s taste, and it actually came out blue, but with a fine griddled crust - cooked at just the right temperature. Delicious chips - maybe treble cooked - but light and crispy. Again - well presented. And struggled to a dessert: a decadent, rich chocolate tart with clotted cream and raspberries. Really tasty and a must for chocolate lovers. Had the NZ sav blanc and a glass of Rioja on the side; both were brilliant and so well priced. Beautiful views of Torbay and served in their rather fine Victorian/Edwardian little dining room, which is by far the best bit of the hotel. I can’t imagine finding a better value meal in Torbay. I mean, you could pay £20-25 for the steak alone. When you think this works out at about £10 a course… To give a sense of the improvement, back in June I was here - the bread roll was just a supermarket white bun and stock butter. Now? Fresh bread from a local bakery with farmhouse butter. Get here fast, because I can’t imagine this staying at 3-courses for £32 for long. Best...