Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel Golf & Spa

This hotel, set in a beautiful countryside location with a prominent golf course, offers a relaxing escape for various travelers. Its signature feature is the combination of extensive spa facilities and challenging golf, making it an ideal destination for golfers and spa-goers alike. Many couples and ladies' groups find it perfect for a tranquil break, while families appreciate the comfortable accommodations, though they should note specific pool timings. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and attentive staff as a major asset. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request daily room servicing upon arrival, as it is not standard, and consider having a car for easier exploration of the surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of leisure facilities that are a significant draw for guests. Most guests praise the swimming pool, which is heated and features water jets, along with the sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, providing ample opportunities for relaxation. A gym is also available, described as small but adequately equipped. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring guests can stay connected. Car parking is plentiful and convenient. However, some guests have noted that the spa facilities can appear tired or dated, with occasional issues such as a non-functional jacuzzi or concerns about cleanliness, including mold and rusty benches in some areas. The pool area can also become quite busy, especially during designated family swim times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed. Many guests find their rooms to be clean, comfortable, and spacious, often highlighting the good showers with powerful hot water. Some rooms feature modern bathrooms, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, a recurring theme is that many rooms appear dated and tired, with some mentioning peeling paint, worn carpets, or cracks in windows. Issues such as a damp smell or mould in bathrooms have been reported by some. While comfortable beds are frequently mentioned, a few guests found them to be too hard. Noise from neighboring rooms due to thin walls can occasionally disturb the peace, and some rooms are described as cold with insufficient heating. Daily room servicing is not standard and must be requested, which has led to some inconvenience for guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with many guests praising the hot buffet and the wide selection of good quality ingredients, including the availability of plant milks. The restaurant and bar areas are described as relaxed, with some guests enjoying the food quality for dinner, particularly the hanging kebabs and pizzas. However, a significant number of guests express disappointment with the dinner menu, finding it limited and repetitive, with some dishes being overpriced or poorly executed, such as dry meat or soggy accompaniments. Breakfast can sometimes suffer from items running out or being lukewarm, and the coffee quality has been a point of contention for some. Service in the dining areas can be slow, and some guests have noted issues with uncleared tables.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised for its beautiful setting and quiet atmosphere, nestled in the countryside with picturesque views over the golf course. It serves as an excellent base for exploring South Devon, being conveniently close to Dartmouth, typically a 10 to 15-minute drive away. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat while still having easy access to local attractions and the coast. The availability of plenty of car parking is a significant advantage for guests. However, its secluded nature means that a car is essential for getting around, as public transport options are limited, and mobile phone signal can be unreliable in some areas, though Wi-Fi is generally good.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming. Many guests highlight their professional and accommodating approach, noting that staff members often go "above and beyond" to assist with requests, from providing extra amenities to resolving issues promptly. The check-in process is generally smooth and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. Guests appreciate the willingness of the team, including reception and restaurant staff, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. While isolated instances of less satisfactory service have been mentioned, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff are a significant asset to the hotel, making guests feel valued and well-cared for.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that room cleaning policy requires a specific request for daily servicing, which is not automatically provided. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, offering thoughtful amenities like dog beds and bowls in designated rooms, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be a consideration. For golfers, golf buggies are available, and the courses are well-maintained. Some guests have experienced water issues, including cold showers or temporary interruptions to water supply in rooms, and occasional power cuts. The hotel's overall appearance suggests a need for refurbishment and investment, with some areas feeling more like a clubhouse than a traditional hotel. Despite these points, many guests find the overall experience to be good value.