The Best Hotel In Torquay | The Imperial Hotel

Oof, that's a pretty big statement, right?!  I'll hold my hands up right now and confess to having not actually stayed in every single hotel in Torquay.  However, having poked around and sussed out the competition, I remain confident in my statement - albeit a bold one!  As I mentioned in my recent Torquay travel diary, The Imperial Hotel was the accommodation for my time spent in the seaside resort town this season.  The hotel is currently undergoing a dramatic refurbishment and one that draws a stark difference between what was and what will be.  I experienced this first hand, having stayed in a deluxe room for the first night that was yet to receive the magic touch, and an incredible suite the second night that far more reflected the hotel's new vision.  Alongside a glimpse into the four-star hotel that you see in this post, are snippets of the spacious suite - complete with two bathrooms, dressing room, bedroom and corridor leading to joint living and dining room.  Oh, and not forgetting the two balconies!

Ultimately, luxury is relative.  And so with this in mind Torquay is not somewhere you go for the ultimate indulgent experience of opulence (in my opinion).  However, for a relaxed coastal break, the beauty lies in coming back to total comfort after a long day of exploring.  The view is also a massive draw.  The Imperial Hotel wins this battle hands down, over and over again.  The south-facing windows allow natural light to flood in and don't even get me started on how gorgeous the lighting is with regard to photography.

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Top - Hush Clothing   |   Bag - Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses - Chanel

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As I mentioned earlier, I experienced both sides of the hotel: that of which was yet to receive the 'magic touch', and then the refurbished.  Needless to say, the latter won me over completely!  If you plan on booking a stay at The Imperial Hotel anytime soon, I would absolutely recommend booking a suite for your stay.  You're guaranteed to receive the very best of the hotel, space and breathtakingly beautiful views included.  There's nothing so calming as watching the lights gradually turn off one by one across the bay, while you're sat on the balcony at midnight in your dressing gown.  Bliss. 

Oh and another of my favourite elements of the luxury hotel is undoubtedly the lobby and lounge areas.  They're both elegant and yet entirely inviting; the dress code is casual but the decor is certainly not.  It serves as the perfect taster of what's to come with this beautiful hotel's overhaul...

Ugh, pretty please take me back to waking up to the smell of delicious pastries and toast covered in raspberry jam!  Torquay well and truly grew on me throughout my time spent in Devon, it has a way of calming your pace and helping you to appreciate the smaller things in life.  The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks in the morning, enjoying an ice cream as you walk the length of the pier and even the forceful winds blowing your hair in every direction imaginable!  I miss the town already, for sure.

Psst!  I recently ran a poll on the above photo over on Instagram: pool or sea?  But, you don't actually have to choose... The Imperial Hotel has an outdoor pool with stunning views of the sea!

So, from the indulgent afternoon tea to the stunning sea views and from the newly refurbished dreamy lobby and lounge to the spacious suite - The Imperial Hotel has completely won me over.  Is it the best hotel in Torquay?  In my opinion, absolutely!  Truth be told, the parts I'm fond of are only those of which have been refurbished and received the magic treatment and so I'm hugely excited to return in the future to see what else has changed!  As always, I'm super excited to read your thoughts in the comments below.  Have you ever stayed in Torquay?  What do you think of this hotel?  

Liked this post?  You might also enjoy >> 48 Hours In Torquay | South East Staycation

With love,

Gabrielle x