Pros

  • Attractive Edwardian property set on a scenic cliff top
  • Stunning views over one of the U.K.'s finest beaches
  • Within walking distance of Woolacombe resort center
  • All but two rooms have superb sea views, some with balconies
  • Pretty outdoor pool with loungers and vistas
  • Indoor pool with steam room and hot tub
  • Restaurant with panoramic windows and sunset views
  • Free parking and Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • Wi-Fi is generally slow
  • Two rooms are windowless
  • Parts of spa could use refresh
  • Some rooms awaiting refurbishment
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Bottom Line

The 25-room, four-pearl Watersmeet Hotel is housed in an ever-expanding Edwardian property perched on a cliff top overlooking Woolacombe Beach -- considered to be one of the finest beaches in the U.K. The vast majority of the rooms are freshly decorated and homey with lovely sea views (some from furnished balconies) as well as electric kettles and flat-screen TVs. The restaurant offers superb sunset panoramas while impressive leisure facilities include two pools (indoors and outdoors), a steam bath, and sauna. While the spa area could use a makeover in parts and those booking the (much cheaper) windowless Sun Pipe Rooms are likely to be disappointed, the hotel features some of the finest vistas you'll find in the country plus a peaceful environment. Both parking and Wi-Fi are free. In the area, only The Woolacombe Bay Hotel compares.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Watersmeet Hotel

Scene

Charming, upscale Edwardian property with breezy contemporary vibe

Built in 1907 for an "Edwardian gentleman," the four-pearl Watersmeet became a working hotel not long after in 1914. Since that time the elegant whitewashed structure has been sympathetically added to and updated throughout the century with the most recent owners purchasing the property in 2003. Since then the hotel has been superbly maintained, with fresh and uncluttered interior design that creates a pleasant breezy ambience with neutral tones and lots of natural light. Antique furnishings and beautifully restored period details emphasize its historical origins while smart contemporary touches throughout prevent it from ever feeling too old-fashioned. Large windows and an alfresco terrace overlook a plateau of manicured lawn and make the most of stunning panoramic views of the three-mile long sandy beach below. Guests are generally leisure travelers and couples looking for a peaceful place to soak up the surroundings.

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Location

Cliff-top setting overlooking the wonderful Woolacombe Beach in North Devon

The setting of the hotel is genuinely superb, perched on a cliff top overlooking North Devons's Woolacombe Beach -- generally considered one of the best beaches in the U.K. Winding coastal paths that lead from the hotel provide great views and fine walking along the unspoiled hills and fields that surround the property. The hotel is positioned between the Victorian seaside village of Mortehoe and the lively resort of Woolacombe, both within walking distance and offering quaint restaurants, cafes, and traditional pubs. The area is also very popular with surfers with lots of surf shops and decent-size waves for most of the year. With virtually no public transport in the area beyond some local buses (the nearest train station is in Barnstable over 12 miles away) driving is highly recommended. 

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Rooms

Homey, inviting rooms -- almost all with uninterrupted sea views

All but two of the hotel's 25 rooms have superb south-facing views that overlook the wonderful stretch of sandy beach. Two thirds of the rooms have been given a contemporary makeover and feature fresh, light tones with pleasantly patterned fabrics and a mix of modern and antique-style furnishings. The remaining third, although well maintained, feel rather dated and old-fashioned. The two Sun Pipe Rooms are windowless and get sunlight from a circular ceiling skylight. All rooms have free (though slow) Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles while some open to small terraces with seating. All rooms are homey and inviting, setting the stage for a peaceful retreat. 

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Features

Outdoor and indoor pools, sauna, hot tub, and restaurant with a view

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the hotel's restaurant accompanied by superb panoramic views over the coast -- breakfast is included and west-facing windows mean lovely evening sunsets. The hotel also has both an outdoor pool, with sea views and sun loungers, and an indoor pool which is part of the spa that also includes hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room. A range of massage treatments are also available though they're pretty pricey and parts of the spa could use a little attention. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though the signal can be spotty. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Watersmeet Hotel

Scene

Charming, upscale Edwardian property with breezy contemporary vibe

Built in 1907 for an "Edwardian gentleman," the four-pearl Watersmeet became a working hotel not long after in 1914. Since that time the elegant whitewashed structure has been sympathetically added to and updated throughout the century with the most recent owners purchasing the property in 2003. Since then the hotel has been superbly maintained, with fresh and uncluttered interior design that creates a pleasant breezy ambience with neutral tones and lots of natural light. Antique furnishings and beautifully restored period details emphasize its historical origins while smart contemporary touches throughout prevent it from ever feeling too old-fashioned. Large windows and an alfresco terrace overlook a plateau of manicured lawn and make the most of stunning panoramic views of the three-mile long sandy beach below. Guests are generally leisure travelers and couples looking for a peaceful place to soak up the surroundings.

See More Scene

Location

Cliff-top setting overlooking the wonderful Woolacombe Beach in North Devon

The setting of the hotel is genuinely superb, perched on a cliff top overlooking North Devons's Woolacombe Beach -- generally considered one of the best beaches in the U.K. Winding coastal paths that lead from the hotel provide great views and fine walking along the unspoiled hills and fields that surround the property. The hotel is positioned between the Victorian seaside village of Mortehoe and the lively resort of Woolacombe, both within walking distance and offering quaint restaurants, cafes, and traditional pubs. The area is also very popular with surfers with lots of surf shops and decent-size waves for most of the year. With virtually no public transport in the area beyond some local buses (the nearest train station is in Barnstable over 12 miles away) driving is highly recommended. 

See More Location

Rooms

Homey, inviting rooms -- almost all with uninterrupted sea views

All but two of the hotel's 25 rooms have superb south-facing views that overlook the wonderful stretch of sandy beach. Two thirds of the rooms have been given a contemporary makeover and feature fresh, light tones with pleasantly patterned fabrics and a mix of modern and antique-style furnishings. The remaining third, although well maintained, feel rather dated and old-fashioned. The two Sun Pipe Rooms are windowless and get sunlight from a circular ceiling skylight. All rooms have free (though slow) Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles while some open to small terraces with seating. All rooms are homey and inviting, setting the stage for a peaceful retreat. 

See More Rooms

Features

Outdoor and indoor pools, sauna, hot tub, and restaurant with a view

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the hotel's restaurant accompanied by superb panoramic views over the coast -- breakfast is included and west-facing windows mean lovely evening sunsets. The hotel also has both an outdoor pool, with sea views and sun loungers, and an indoor pool which is part of the spa that also includes hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room. A range of massage treatments are also available though they're pretty pricey and parts of the spa could use a little attention. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though the signal can be spotty. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Babysitting Services

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.