The Imperial Hotel Exmouth

The hotel offers a distinctive seaside experience, primarily defined by its prime seafront location and expansive, well-maintained gardens, providing direct access to the promenade and beach. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples seeking a relaxing getaway with picturesque views, as well as families and dog owners who appreciate the ample outdoor space and pet-friendly policies. While many guests acknowledge the hotel's traditional charm and period character, often describing it as "tired" or "dated," they frequently balance this with appreciation for its unique ambiance. The staff consistently receives praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive stay. To fully enhance your visit, guests often recommend securing a room with a sea view, particularly those with a balcony, to fully immerse yourself in the coastal scenery. Additionally, be prepared for a hotel that embraces its history, as some areas retain an older aesthetic.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities that enhance the guest experience, starting with its extensive and beautifully maintained gardens and terraces, which provide inviting spaces for guests to relax, enjoy drinks, and take in the scenic views of the seafront. The comfortable bar and lounge area are frequently praised for their welcoming atmosphere and reasonable drink prices, serving as a popular spot for evening relaxation. Guests generally find the Wi-Fi to be reliable, allowing them to stay connected. In-room amenities typically include a kettle with tea and coffee sachets, and many rooms also feature a coffee machine, hairdryer, and ironing facilities, though some guests noted needing to request an iron. Many rooms boast a balcony, offering private outdoor space with excellent views. While a lift is available, some guests have reported it can be slow or that it may not provide direct access to all floors, sometimes requiring additional steps. The hotel is notably dog-friendly, providing specific facilities like water bowls in the bar area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally report a high standard of cleanliness throughout the hotel, with rooms often described as spotless and well-maintained upon arrival. However, the room condition and decor frequently receive mixed feedback; while some rooms are noted as newly refurbished, many are consistently described as tired, dated, or in need of a refresh, with mentions of scuffed furniture, worn carpets, and older aesthetics. Despite this, the room size is often praised as spacious. Bed comfort varies, with some guests finding the beds very comfortable, while others report issues such as lumpy mattresses, rickety frames, or beds that are either too soft or too firm. Noise levels can be a concern for some, with reports of sounds from neighboring rooms, dogs barking, or external car park noise, though many rooms are also described as quiet. Bathrooms are typically clean but often noted as dated, with some guests mentioning issues like low water pressure, faulty shower heads, or a need for updating. Housekeeping services are generally appreciated, though some guests experienced less frequent room servicing on certain days.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives considerable attention from guests. Breakfast is typically a buffet-style offering, generally described as good to excellent, featuring a selection of hot items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns, alongside continental choices such as cereals, fruits, and pastries. While many appreciate the variety, some guests note that the hot food can occasionally be lukewarm or that certain items like mushrooms or fried eggs are not consistently available, though poached eggs can often be ordered upon request. Evening meals are frequently highlighted for their excellent quality, presentation, and value, often served as a set three-course menu with a good choice of dishes. The restaurant itself is described as a grand, traditional space, though some find its ambiance a bit lacking. A notable feature is the dog-friendly dining area, a separate room where guests can enjoy meals with their pets, which is widely appreciated. The dining staff consistently receives praise for their friendly, efficient, and attentive service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for guests. It is situated directly on the seafront, offering immediate access to the beach and promenade, perfect for leisurely strolls. The hotel is also just a short walk from the town center, providing easy reach to various shops, bars, restaurants, and local attractions. For those utilizing public transport, the railway station is conveniently within walking distance. Parking is available on-site and is generally described as ample and secure, though guests should be aware that a daily fee is typically charged. While the location is ideal for exploring the area on foot, some guests have noted that accessibility from the car park to the reception involves steps, and the internal layout can sometimes present challenges for those with mobility concerns, as the lift may not serve all floors directly.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. From the moment of arrival, guests often commend the welcoming reception and the generally quick check-in process. The team across all departments, including restaurant and bar staff, are frequently described as attentive, professional, and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate requests. Many reviews highlight their proactive approach and pleasant demeanor, ensuring guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay. This dedication to service quality is a recurring theme, with staff members often noted for their efficiency and ability to handle various situations with a smile. While isolated instances of less helpful interactions were mentioned, the overwhelming majority of feedback points to a highly dedicated and guest-focused team.

Additional Information
The hotel is widely recognized for its comprehensive dog-friendly policy, allowing pets in guest rooms and designated public areas, including a separate dining room for owners and their canine companions. This commitment to accommodating pets is a significant draw for many travelers. Guests frequently comment on the hotel's distinct period character and old-fashioned charm, with many appreciating its historical ambiance and expressing a preference for it to retain its traditional feel rather than undergoing complete modernization. However, a consistent theme in reviews is the observation that the property is tired and in need of updating or investment in certain areas, particularly regarding decor and furnishings. Despite this, many guests feel the hotel offers good value for money, especially considering its prime location and the overall positive experience provided by the staff.