The Royal Britannia Hotel, located right on the harbor in Ilfracombe, enjoys a prime and scenic setting that guests frequently praise. Its waterfront position provides convenient access to nearby shops, restaurants and attractions, offering breathtaking harbor views from many rooms. The hotel's central location appeals particularly to those looking to explore the local area or engage in activities like fishing trips.
In terms of breakfast, many guests find it to be excellent, delicious and varied with highlights like the vegetarian English breakfast and kippers for a Sunday morning. Dining with a harbor view adds a pleasant touch and the service is generally commended. However, there are mixed reviews about the overall quality and presentation of the breakfast with some describing it as basic or overpriced.
Dinner at the Royal Britannia Hotel also receives mixed feedback. Many guests enjoy the well-prepared, plentiful meals and appreciate the child- and dog-friendly atmosphere. The Sunday carvery is a standout feature, although some diners found the menu to consist mostly of basic pub fare. Instances of microwaved dishes detract from the overall dining experience for some.
The hotel rooms are predominantly clean, comfortable and spacious, often with stunning harbor views, adding to the charming historical ambiance. Many guests find the rooms well-furnished with ample amenities and comfortable beds. Despite some reports of outdated decor and occasional cleanliness issues, the majority of reviews point to a positive experience, especially for those seeking budget-friendly accommodations.
Cleanliness is generally lauded with rooms often described as clean and tidy and bathrooms well-maintained. While there are occasional mentions of unclean carpets or bathrooms, the hotel largely maintains a good standard of cleanliness complemented by friendly and polite housekeeping staff.
The staff at the Royal Britannia Hotel are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. Efficient and polite, they often go above and beyond to accommodate guests' needs, which greatly enhances the overall experience.
Free WiFi at the hotel has received mixed reviews, working well for some guests but inconsistent for others, particularly in certain rooms.
Family accommodations are spacious and well-suited for larger groups with rooms capable of fitting families comfortably. Dog owners also appreciate the hotel's pet-friendly policy, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with furry companions.
Beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them super comfy while others report issues like lumpy mattresses or squeaky frames, indicating a need for some upgrades.
Overall, the Royal Britannia Hotel offers a picturesque, well-situated base with friendly staff, decent dining options and comfortable accommodations, making it a solid choice for visitors, especially those with families or pets.
The Imperial Hotel is lauded for its prime seafront location, providing easy access to the town center, theatre, shops, bars and numerous attractions. Guests often appreciate the stunning coastal views and convenient access to local landmarks. The presence of a private car park adds to its appeal as a practical base for exploring the area.
The breakfast experience is mostly positive, characterized by a variety of options and friendly, hardworking staff. While there are occasional gripes about food temperature and limited choices in the cold buffet, the breakfast generally meets guests' expectations, particularly for those who enjoy traditional English fry-ups.
Dinner at the hotel receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights the availability of vegan options, a well-managed dining room and occasional entertainment. However, some guests find the menu uninspiring and the food lacking in flavor. Despite these issues, staff interactions during dinner are often praised.
The rooms are noted for their spaciousness, cleanliness and, in some cases, stunning sea views. Guests appreciate the functional amenities and comfortable beds, although many mention the dated décor and ventilation issues. Cleanliness is generally highly regarded with daily room service and regular replenishment of fresh towels enhancing the overall experience.
The staff at the Imperial Hotel are frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. Guests consistently describe positive interactions with various staff members, who contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant stay. However, some concerns about the management's attitude present a contrast to the otherwise outstanding service.
For families, the hotel offers comfortable and well-maintained rooms with ample space but lacks activities tailored to children and teenagers. The focus seems to be more on providing a calm and comfortable environment rather than engaging younger guests.
Beds at the hotel are generally comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep for most guests. Despite some sporadic issues such as overly hot duvets or hard mattresses, the overall consensus is that the beds contribute to a restful experience.
As a three-star hotel, the Imperial Hotel meets the basic expectations for cleanliness and amenities. However, many guests note that the decor is outdated, suggesting that a refresh could enhance its ambiance. Despite this, it remains a standard and affordable option for travelers.
Overall, the Imperial Hotel garners positive reviews for its exceptional location, friendly staff and comfortable rooms, while also having areas identified for improvement, particularly in terms of modernizing its decor and expanding dining options.