26 Croft Road, Torquay, United Kingdom | (888) 635-3814
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
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
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).
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.
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.
