The Imperial Torquay

“Good hotel”

Lovely location love the sea views and friendly staff

“Top class, with efficient and friendly staff.”

My second visit to the Imperial, the previous was two years ago and I was very impressed with the place. The last 18 months or so have not been too kind to me health wise and I was looking for a relaxing and comfortable stay and that is exactly what I got. I was given a room on the fourth floor wit… more

My second visit to the Imperial, the previous was two years ago and I was very impressed with the place. The last 18 months or so have not been too kind to me health wise and I was looking for a relaxing and comfortable stay and that is exactly what I got. I was given a room on the fourth floor with a balcony overlooking the pool area and bay.The room was perfect, clean, tidy and very well set out including an iron and ironing board which saved the hassle of asking for them. Had dinner in the restaurant twice and the menu was good, although not too extensive but good enough for my requirements.The service was quick, efficient and very friendly with excellent staff. The same can be said of breakfast service with buffet of Full English and Continental. There is also a coffee machine which provides a wide range of coffee types although you can ask for a pot of coffee or tea. Bar service was excellent with an extensive range of drinks available and bar snacks and food menu if you don’t want dinner in the restaurant but alas no cocktails.Again the staff here were excellent and very efficient, although I did have to explain how to make a real Pink Gin, lol. The front desk staff were also very efficient and friendly as were the cleaning and maintenance staff, nothing too much trouble. The balcony of my room was out of bounds as I believe all on that level are due to “structural concerns”. The swimming pool is out of action and has been for a while I believe, not that I would have used it but the poolside terrace and loungers were totally empty during the day but am sure would have been packed in the excellent weather we have had of late. Repairing of this facility would be expensive I’m sure but the positives of having it back in action would be boundless and bar takings would obviously go through the roof. This is what I call a traditional, old fashioned British hotel with charm, elegant style, exactly to my liking.One almost expects Hecule Poirot, Captain Hastings, Miss Marple and Dolly Bantry to walk in at any moment and partake in afternoon tea. This is a very large hotel and maintenance of it is a constant, yes there are areas here and there which need attention , the pool and some room balconies for example but overall this is a high class hotel with great standards, superb staff and comfortable rooms. My thanks to the General Manager and staff for looking after me and I look forward to my return.

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“Needs vast improvement”

Stayed for one night as my son had a golf tournament in Torquay. Booked a twin room which cost £260 - on arrival check in was swift, walked into the room and my son and I both looked at each other in dismay, it was tired, dirty (dirty pillows, dirty bath, coffee table was covered in sticky stains,… more

Stayed for one night as my son had a golf tournament in Torquay. Booked a twin room which cost £260 - on arrival check in was swift, walked into the room and my son and I both looked at each other in dismay, it was tired, dirty (dirty pillows, dirty bath, coffee table was covered in sticky stains, even the bathroom door was filthy. We went to reception who offered us another twin room option, smaller than the first. Looking at booking.com this room type had now dropped to £180 a night which was still a lot but more reasonable. The new option was not much better so we went to ask for other options. We enquired about a 2 bedroom suite which was on their website for £310 - we were offered this for the exact price on the website, no discount for being given a shabby, filthy room initially - I am too polite to protest so paid the £50 sadly but it would have been a nice gesture to be given a discount - the suite was ok, very large but furniture was all mismatched, and all very tired - there was nothing slightly classy or palacios about the room. There was a large balcony outside, but our room had no balcony access and to be fair that’s ok as it was literally covered in bird poo!! The bar staff are all ok, not overly friendly but the restaurant food was excellent and really lovely staff, total credit to the hotel. I’ve stayed in many many hotels….but this place is overpriced and shabby. It needs a huge overhaul inside and out and then has so much potential.

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