Pros
- Nicely restored former 19th-century summer retreat
- 10-minute walk from Torquay's main stretch of beach
- Spotlessly clean rooms with Egyptian cotton linens
- Decent breakfast selection included in rate
- Heated outdoor pool and spacious hot tub
- Friendly and helpful hosts
- Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking
Cons
- Some rooms are small and have tiny bathrooms
- Steep uphill walk back to hotel from beach/town
- Swimming pool is small
- Dining room feels old-fashioned
Bottom Line
The Riviera Lodge Hotel is a 19-room, mid-range property housed in a former 19th-century private holiday home. Its a peaceful location with easy access on foot to Torquay's main beach and town center, though the walk back is nearly all uphill. Rooms are spotlessly presented with decent amenities, though some rooms are small with tiny bathrooms. An outdoor pool and spacious hot tub are certainly plus points, as is the free breakfast. Overall, it's a strong choice in a crowded market, though for a little more finesse, travelers should consider the Somerville, which has similar rates, but more impressive decor (though no pool).
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Pool
- Spa
Scene
Former mid-19th century summer retreat with spotless interiors and friendly hosts
Built as a holiday home for a high-ranking naval officer, the Riviera Lodge Hotel's original building dates back to the 1850s. While the outside still bares evidence of its mid-19th century origins with plenty of charming period architectural touches, the inside fell foul of some clumsy '70s conversions. Owners Carsten and Lee took over in 2007 and aimed to restore the interiors to their former glory -- with varying degrees of success. The hotel is pleasant and traditionally styled with the ambience you'd expect from mid-range seaside lodgings and friendly and helpful hosts, as well as spotlessly clean interiors. For a small hotel, the lounge bar and dining room are spacious while the rear garden also provides a peaceful spot with tidy lawns, sub-tropical plants, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests are almost exclusively vacationing couples from around the U.K. with an occasional family with kids.
Location
Pleasant and peaceful setting under a 10-minute walk from Torquay's main beach
The hotel is located on a pleasant and peaceful road that winds down to the Torquay waterfront and its main beach, Torre Abby Sands, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. The town's harbor, marina, and bustling center with numerous restaurants, pubs, and shops is around 12 to 15 minutes away on foot, while Torquay railway station is around the same distance in the other direction. The walk back up to the hotel from town might be a struggle for some as it's a fairly steep hill.
Rooms
Spotlessly clean and simply decorated rooms with quality linens and toiletries
The hotel has 19 rooms, all of which are simply decorated in airy neutral tones, modern furnishings, and carpeted floors. Bed linen is Egyptian cotton and amenities include tea/coffee facilities, flat-screen TVs (with Freeview), and free high-speed Wi-Fi connections; Superior Rooms also include CD/DVD players, fully-stocked minibars, and bathrobes. Bathrooms are clean and feel freshly renovated with heated towel racks, good quality toiletries, and either shower/tub combos or tubs with separate step-in showers. While most rooms are spacious, a few of the lower-tier rooms are small and have tiny bathrooms. The suites are particularly roomy, however, and have either private entrances and terraces or views over the pool and garden.
Features
Heated outdoor swimming pool and spacious hot tub, plus freebies including breakfast and Wi-Fi throughout
Although it feels a little old-fashioned with its carpeted floors and dark wood furniture, the hotel's dining room is bright and spacious and serves a good selection of cooked-to-order and continental buffet breakfasts (all included in the rate). There's also a lunch menu which can be enjoyed from tables in the conservatory overlooking the garden and pool. The outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally), while not huge, is heated and surrounded by sun loungers. Next to the pool is also an impressively modern and roomy hot tub with plenty of multi-directional hydro-jets. Free and fast Wi-Fi is also available throughout and there's ample off-road parking for guests.
Related Hotels
Scene
Former mid-19th century summer retreat with spotless interiors and friendly hosts
Built as a holiday home for a high-ranking naval officer, the Riviera Lodge Hotel's original building dates back to the 1850s. While the outside still bares evidence of its mid-19th century origins with plenty of charming period architectural touches, the inside fell foul of some clumsy '70s conversions. Owners Carsten and Lee took over in 2007 and aimed to restore the interiors to their former glory -- with varying degrees of success. The hotel is pleasant and traditionally styled with the ambience you'd expect from mid-range seaside lodgings and friendly and helpful hosts, as well as spotlessly clean interiors. For a small hotel, the lounge bar and dining room are spacious while the rear garden also provides a peaceful spot with tidy lawns, sub-tropical plants, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests are almost exclusively vacationing couples from around the U.K. with an occasional family with kids.
Location
Pleasant and peaceful setting under a 10-minute walk from Torquay's main beach
The hotel is located on a pleasant and peaceful road that winds down to the Torquay waterfront and its main beach, Torre Abby Sands, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. The town's harbor, marina, and bustling center with numerous restaurants, pubs, and shops is around 12 to 15 minutes away on foot, while Torquay railway station is around the same distance in the other direction. The walk back up to the hotel from town might be a struggle for some as it's a fairly steep hill.
Rooms
Spotlessly clean and simply decorated rooms with quality linens and toiletries
The hotel has 19 rooms, all of which are simply decorated in airy neutral tones, modern furnishings, and carpeted floors. Bed linen is Egyptian cotton and amenities include tea/coffee facilities, flat-screen TVs (with Freeview), and free high-speed Wi-Fi connections; Superior Rooms also include CD/DVD players, fully-stocked minibars, and bathrobes. Bathrooms are clean and feel freshly renovated with heated towel racks, good quality toiletries, and either shower/tub combos or tubs with separate step-in showers. While most rooms are spacious, a few of the lower-tier rooms are small and have tiny bathrooms. The suites are particularly roomy, however, and have either private entrances and terraces or views over the pool and garden.
Features
Heated outdoor swimming pool and spacious hot tub, plus freebies including breakfast and Wi-Fi throughout
Although it feels a little old-fashioned with its carpeted floors and dark wood furniture, the hotel's dining room is bright and spacious and serves a good selection of cooked-to-order and continental buffet breakfasts (all included in the rate). There's also a lunch menu which can be enjoyed from tables in the conservatory overlooking the garden and pool. The outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally), while not huge, is heated and surrounded by sun loungers. Next to the pool is also an impressively modern and roomy hot tub with plenty of multi-directional hydro-jets. Free and fast Wi-Fi is also available throughout and there's ample off-road parking for guests.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Beach
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Cable
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Concierge
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Dry Cleaning
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Free Breakfast
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Internet
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Jacuzzi
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Kids Allowed
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Laundry
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Mini Bar (with liquor)
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Pool
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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Spa
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
