Fisherman's Cot, Tiverton by Marston's Inns

This hotel is celebrated for its picturesque riverside location, offering stunning views of the River Exe and an ancient bridge, making it a memorable destination. Its tranquil setting is a major draw for couples seeking a peaceful escape and sightseers exploring the local area. The friendly and attentive staff consistently receive high praise for their helpfulness and professionalism, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. While many guests commend the comfortable rooms and ample parking, feedback on food quality and room cleanliness is mixed. For families, the hotel offers spacious accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere. To enhance your stay, consider booking your dinner in advance due to the restaurant's popularity and potential for busy periods, and inquire about rooms with river views for an even more immersive experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently appreciate the convenience of ample and easy parking available on-site. The hotel offers inviting outdoor seating areas, particularly popular by the river, providing a beautiful setting for relaxation. The bar and pub areas are described as cosy and welcoming, offering a good selection of drinks. While Wi-Fi is generally available and functional, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies. Many reviews, however, point out that the overall exterior of the property, including the lodges and public areas, appears tired and in need of refurbishment or general maintenance, with mentions of peeling paint and a need for general upkeep. Despite these observations, the core facilities are seen as contributing positively to the guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the beds very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and often describe the rooms as spacious. The in-room amenities, such as a good selection of tea and coffee, are also appreciated. However, feedback on cleanliness and bathroom condition is notably mixed. While some reviews praise the rooms as sparklingly clean, a significant number highlight issues such as dusty surfaces, unhoovered carpets, mould, and general grime in bathrooms, with specific mentions of dirty toilet seats and shower areas. Many bathrooms are described as dated, needing updating, or having awkward layouts like low shower heads or poorly placed toilets. Noise levels are generally low, though some guests in chalets noted thin walls, and the sound of the river can be prominent.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast generally receives positive feedback, with guests describing it as tasty, well-cooked, and offering good value, often including both cooked and continental options. However, some guests found the filter coffee quality poor and the continental selection limited, especially for specific dietary needs. Dinner and restaurant experiences are more varied. Many guests praise the food quality as delicious, hot, and fresh, highlighting dishes like steak and ale pie and various desserts. Conversely, a considerable number of reviews express disappointment, citing food as average, overcooked, dry, or having small portions. Service speed in the restaurant is a recurring concern, with frequent mentions of long waits for food and drinks, often attributed to the staff being busy or understaffed.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's riverside location is overwhelmingly praised as its most significant asset, described as beautiful, stunning, and idyllic, situated right next to the River Exe with picturesque views of an ancient bridge. This setting makes it an ideal base for local walks and exploring the surrounding countryside. Ample and easy parking is consistently highlighted as a major convenience for guests. While the immediate area is charming, some guests note that the local roads can be narrow. The hotel's position is considered excellent for those wishing to visit nearby attractions like castles and mills, and it is also accessible via bus routes from larger towns.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently commend their attentive service, willingness to go the extra mile, and ability to make visitors feel welcome and valued. The check-in process is often described as quick and seamless. Despite numerous positive comments on staff attitude, a recurring theme is the slow service speed in the restaurant and bar, with guests often observing that staff are overworked or understaffed, leading to long waits for orders. However, staff are noted for their efforts in problem resolution, often offering solutions or compensation when issues arise, demonstrating a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs, which is a significant advantage for many travelers. Guests who book directly with the hotel can often benefit from a direct booking discount on their food bill, adding value to their stay. A common observation across reviews is that the overall property condition appears tired and in need of significant refurbishment and investment, with mentions of peeling paint, grubby public areas, and general wear and tear. Some guests have noted issues with the hotel's smoking policy on outdoor terraces, impacting the experience for non-smokers. There have also been isolated reports of water supply issues, such as lack of hot water, though staff typically attempt to resolve these promptly.