Hotel Riviera
Sidmouth, Devon
Good Hotel Guide Review
With its white-stucco, bow-windowed façade and fluttering umbrellas, this regency hotel has long been a jolly presence on Sidmouth's esplanade. From grapefruit segments on the breakfast menu to the boast of ‘colour TV’ in room specs, it is old-fashioned in a way that appeals greatly to some more than others. ‘No smart TV, no minibar, no fridge’, a disappointed reader complained – and no duvet, just ‘a heavy eiderdown and blanket’. Well, yes, the decor and furnishings are somewhat 20th-century. But the Riviera doesn’t promise to be boutique or cutting edge, and it does not fall short of the high standards of hospitality that it sets for itself. It’s either your sort of place or it isn’t. In the restaurant you’ll find dishes such as rack of lamb with thyme jus and ratatouille; Dover sole with lemon and chive butter sauce; wild mushroom, spinach and ricotta parcel. Should you fancy something lighter and cheaper, a Lyme Bay crab salad on the terrace suggests itself. Although the hotel now has new owners, they say no changes are to be expected in the imminent future – this is a hotel that moves at its own gentle pace.
Hotel details
Address
The Esplanade
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8AY
England
Telephone
01395 515201
Bedrooms
26. None on ground floor.
Open
all year.
Facilities
small lift, foyer, lounge, bar, restaurant, function rooms, in-room TV (Freeview), terrace, parking (£8.50 a day), public rooms wheelchair accessible.
Background music
in bar and restaurant, occasional pianist in bar.
Children
all ages welcomed, under-3s free, extra bed 25%–75% of per-person adult rate.
Dogs
small dogs allowed in some bedrooms (£17.50 a night, by arrangement), not in public rooms.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £272, singles from £136. Set-price dinner £50–£54 (3/5 courses), à la carte £65, vegetarian £44, bar and terrace £40.
Other reviews
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AA Four Star Hotel with Two AA Rosettes
Good Hotel Guide articles about
Hotel Riviera
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- Visit South Devon: Five South Devon hotels for foodies
My room was clean, comfortable and well appointed. The food was well cooked, attractively presented and of top quality. Everything was brought to the table at breakfast;. there was a good choice of cooked dish, and the service was friendly and attentive. Most of the staff addressed me by name and, without exception, they gave the impression of being committed to providing first class service to all their guests.
- Ian Marshall - November 2020
Just a brief not to confirm that this hotel really does deserve its entry in the Guide. Hard to imagine how a (relatively) small hotel could be bettered in present (or most other) circumstances. Very helpful, cheerful and well-trained staff; consistently imaginative but unpretentious cooking to very high standards. Our room was spacious, with the best planned bathroom we have met for many years. A real treat, right down to valet parking, which was a wholly unexpected bonus in a hotel of this size.
- Michael Lewis - October 2020
This hotel, has a wonderful feel about it, and very attentive and well trained staff. The food is first class; the five-course dinner each night was delicious and well thought out. Full cooked English breakfast was superb. We also had a table in one of the bay windows which was much appreciated. The rooms are excellent - all the normal services with plenty of storage space and two chairs to sit in the bay window looking out to sea.
- Richard Bright - January 2020
We again booked a sea view room, comfortable and well appointed in every respect. We again emphasise the outstanding quality of the service in all areas. Dinner is an event to look forward to. The main courses were imaginative without being excessively elaborate. One can be entirely confident of tasty, interesting, well -cooked food, a relaxed atmosphere and service which ensures that the meal proceeds at a steady pace. Breakfast was excellent.
- John Charnley - June 2019
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