Gara Rock
East Portlemouth, Devon
Good Hotel Guide Review
High on the south Devon coast, Gara Rock re-enters the Guide following a stylish revamp, and a relaunch as a ‘well-being retreat’. Once a row of remote coastguard cottages, more recently a smaller hotel, this gleaming construction of glass, steel and white paint is commended by inspectors for its position overlooking the sea, ‘lovely’ beach below, and direct access to the South West Coastal Path – walkers and their dogs can enjoy refreshments on the large terrace with panoramic views. Recent additions include a contemporary lounge area with soothing vintage tones, simple driftwood walls and sisal rugs, and a cinema. There are new loft bedrooms, ‘well-appointed’ junior suites, plus cottages and apartments. Head chef Chris Warwick (ex English House by Marco Pierre White, Soneva Fushi, Coworth Park) joined in 2019. The refurbished restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows offering ‘stunning views’, and ‘a good choice of food and wine’. Though not fully finished at the time of going to press, and beset by a few teething problems, Gara Rock ‘has huge potential’, say admirers of the glamorous indoor and outdoor pools and spa, and the ‘friendly staff’. (A and CR, Chris and Erika Savory)
Hotel details
Address
East Portlemouth
Devon
TQ8 8FA
England
Telephone
0333 3370 0555
Bedrooms
30, Accessed externally, 1 suite separate from hotel.
Open
all year.
Facilities
restaurant, private dining area, lounge bar, spa, cinema room, terrace, indoor and outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, in-room TV, civil wedding licence, public rooms wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet on floor below, reached via lift.
Background music
in public areas.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
allowed in some rooms, grounds, lounge bar and restaurant.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B £135–£548. À la carte £36.
Last updated:
November 10, 2019