Saunton Sands Hotel

With its distinctive gleaming whitewashed facade, Saunton Sands Hotel has been a local landmark since its construction back in 1936. Hotelier Percy Brend bought the property in 1977 -- it still remains one of a handful of hotels belonging to the Brend chain -- and its charming Art Deco aesthetics have been maintained ever since. Ushered through the entrance by a top-hatted doorman, guests arrive at reception, a fine example of 1930s decor with plenty of polished brass and walnut-toned paneling. But as a firmly family-friendly hotel, the atmosphere is often busy and bustling -- specially in the summer and school holidays -- with plenty of kids playing and running about. It's also a popular property with older guests taking in the sea air and beautiful views of the iconic Saunton Sands beach from the hotel's manicured, cliff-top gardens. 

The hotel is perched on a cliff overlooking the north end of Saunton Sands -- a stunning stretch of sandy coastline on the northwest coast of Devon. A coastal path winds down the cliff to the wide golden sands that stretch three miles along the coast and besides Braunton Burrows, a 1,500-acre sand dune system and the largest in England. While there are plenty of blustery seafront footpaths in the area, there's not much in the way of bars and restaurants within walking distance. Also a few times a year this section of the beach is cordoned off and designated training area and air strip for military transport planes.

The hotel has 92 rooms, most of which are decorated in straightforward, traditional designs with beige carpeted floors, neutral textiles, and Art Deco-inspired wooden furnishings. While the majority of the rooms are well-maintained, there are some that are looking tired and in need of renovation. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (with Sky Sports and Freeview channels), and mini-fridges (with bottled water) all come standard, with higher room categories also providing bathrobes and slippers. Bathrooms are also generally clean though vary in quality depending on how recently they were renovated (and there have been some reports of poor water pressure). Most rooms, however, feature spectacular views of the beach, some from small balconies.  

A choice of full English or continental breakfast is served in the hotel's main restaurant, which opens to an outdoor terrace with spectacular views over the beach. The restaurant also serves decent menus based on local products for lunch and dinner in an Art Deco-style dining room lit by original cut-glass chandeliers. There's also the Sand on the Beach restaurant that, as its name suggests, offers a la carte dining practically on the beach. A bar and terrace lounge also provides plenty of space to unwind with a drink.

Aside from drinking and dining, the abundance of leisure facilities at the hotel is impressive. There's heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools -- both with shallow areas for children -- as well as sauna and a range massage treatments available in the spa. Sports activities are also plentiful, with table tennis, snooker, and even a squash court on-site -- golf and surfing can also be found right next to the hotel. As a family-friendly property, kids have their own facilities, with playrooms and nurseries. And two hours of free childcare are available for all guests. On-site parking is available and free of charge.