Hotel Riviera
Sidmouth, Devon
Good Hotel Guide Review
Elizabeth Barrett (not yet Browning) would have known this ‘charming, traditional’ white stucco seafront hotel when she moved to Sidmouth in 1832 for the balmy climate. Behind a ‘very impressive facade’, the interiors today would not faze her. Owner Peter Wharton does not pursue change for its own sake, say readers approvingly. ‘The decor is old-fashioned but in keeping with the hotel style’ and public rooms are air-conditioned. A bow-fronted, sea-view room was ‘excellent’, the bed ‘very comfortable’. ‘The hotel was beautifully clean, and our bathroom modern with everything working well.’ Robes and flowers are pleasing touches. On some nights a pianist plays in the refurbished cocktail bar. In the ‘convivial’ dining room Martin Osedo cooks classics with a modern twist – for instance, seared lemon sole fillet, new potato and spring onion salad, crispy leeks, avocado and tomato beurre noisette. ‘The meal was excellent and served with style. It was a pleasure to see staff dressed traditionally.’ There is table service at breakfast, which brings freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, smoked haddock, omelettes, hash browns. ‘In all a lovely experience.’ (John Barnes, ML)
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 (not suitable for large wheelchairs), foyer, lounge, bar, restaurant, function facilities, free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview), terrace, opposite beach (safe bathing), public rooms wheelchair accessible.
Background music
in bar and restaurant, occasional live piano music in bar.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
small dogs allowed in some bedrooms, not in public rooms except foyer.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
per person B&B £118–£246, D,B&B £139–£267. Set dinner £42–£46, à la carte £46.
Other reviews
VisitEngland Four Star Hotel
AA Four Star Hotel with Two AA Rosettes
Good Hotel Guide articles about
Hotel Riviera
- Visit South Devon: Five hotels for weddings in Devon
- Wedding Ideas Magazine: The top 10 most beautiful Devon wedding venues
- Visit South Devon: Five South Devon hotels for foodies
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
A charming traditional hotel wonderful sea views. We had an excellent room. Dinner was excellent and served with style. It was good to see staff dressed traditionally (although one could not say that of all the male guests).
- John Barnes - May 2018
Excellent staff. Hotel old-fashioned in style but lovely to experience. The hotel was beautifully clean, the food was excellent. We were allocated a table and kept it fort the duration of our stay. Our room was not large but was fine. Its bathroom was modern with everything working well. Our bed had super quality sheets, and blankets, what a pleasant change.
- Max Lickfold - September 2017
My third visit in two years. Immaculate inside and out. Smiling staff. Little things make it special (evening turndown; barman remembering which wines I like) The pubic rooms re beautifully furnished. The breakfast menu is extensive; cooked dishes beautifully presented and delicious. Dinner an even greater delight.
- Trevor Lockwood - May 2017
Last updated:
October, 2019. Information from the 2020 Good Hotel Guide
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