The Palace Hotel

Occupying an impressive grand mansion dating back to the 1920s -- once home to the Bishop of Exeter -- this upper-middle-range hotel offers a step back into the past with elegant, traditionally styled interiors and gorgeous sprawling green grounds. With 25 acres of landscaped gardens, the property is enveloped in greenery, and the pristine flower beds, large swathes of lawn, and clusters of blooming bushes and trees are a pleasure to stroll through or gaze down upon from a window. 

Inside, public spaces are bright and airy, with tall ceilings embellished with lovely molding, as well as plenty of ornate Old World details like patterned wallpaper, large columns, chandeliers, and marble fireplaces. Spaces adhere to tasteful color palettes, be it seafoam green and beige hues in the bar, rich crimsons in the restaurant, or brown leather and wood in the lobby. The overall experience is transportive, harking back to earlier times, but the property is shrouded in a faded glory; many find the spaces dated, tired, and neglected, noting threadbare carpets, worn furnishings, and other wear and tear. Some guests tend to look past this and deem the historic property delightful, though others are bothered by the outdated aspects. The hotel certainly has potential, but guests hoping for modern luxury should adjust their expectations.

The hotel sits on 25 acres of lovely, manicured grounds, near Torquay's Babbacombe district. This popular seaside resort town lies on the South Devon coast and offers beautiful beaches, coves, and a picturesque coastline. There's not much in the immediate area and it's a quiet place suited for travelers seeking a tranquil getaway. Redgate Beach is about a 10-minute walk away, and there are beautiful coastal paths that pass by the property and meander along the coastline. For those who like to walk, Torquay's center can be reached in about 25 minutes on foot, or it's a five-minute drive or 10-minute bus ride to the marina and its restaurants, bars, and shops. The nearest bus stop is a two-minute walk away, while the Torquay train station is a 12-minute drive or half-hour bus ride. 

Area attractions include the Babbacombe Model Village (seven-minute drive, 10-minute bus ride, or 22-minute walk), Living Coasts zoo (seven-minute drive or 17-minute bus ride), Torre Abbey (14-minute drive or 28-minute bus ride), and Dartmoor National Park (45-minute drive). The nearest airport in Exeter is between a 35- to 50-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Rooms are fairly simple and dated in style, and though some have been refurbished, others are tired and in need of updates. Guests often complain that the spaces are worn, and note uncomfortable beds and several issues in the bathrooms, ranging from poor water pressure to leaks. Nevertheless, the rooms are pleasant enough, featuring patterned carpets, curtains, and bedspreads paired with simple wooden furniture. Framed prints dot the light-colored walls here and there, and many rooms have lovely views of the gardens. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, telephones, electric kettles, and free Wi-FI -- though guests complain of spotty or nonexistent connections in some rooms. Bathrooms are simple and their all-white tiling looks a bit institutional. They're equipped with shower/tub combos, plus limited toiletries and old hairdryers are provided.

Suites are a step up, offering more space and decor that's a bit more polished, though still dated. Separate living rooms are furnished with couches and armchairs, while bedrooms have canopy beds. Deluxe Suites are on the first floor and have private balconies. Interconnecting Family Rooms are also available.

One of the top highlights here are the hotel's gorgeous grounds, a sprawling 25 acres of manicured green lawns and pretty gardens. The grounds include a nine-hole, par-3 golf course and putting green. There are two swimming pools as well -- both indoor and outdoor -- but guests complain that they are cold. Other wellness facilities include men's and women's saunas, and a sparsely equipped fitness room that could use an update. Guests can also make use of four outdoor tennis courts and two indoor ones, as well as two squash courts and a croquet lawn.

The restaurant serves English and French fare with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Kids' menus are available, as is room service. Breakfast is included in rates and guests tend to rave about the large spread.

The property is a popular venue for conferences, meetings, weddings, and other events, offering nine meeting rooms, a large conference space that can accommodate up to 350 people, and banqueting space for up to 800 people. Parking is available on-site. There's a guest laundry room, and dry cleaning is also available. There's free Wi-Fi, but guests complain of patchy connections or lack of a signal in some rooms.