Best Bed-and-Breakfasts in Torquay

This quaint and charming inn on the English Riviera is set right by Babbacombe Beach, a scenic location that offers stunning views over the sea from all of its guest rooms. A popular gastro pub is at the heart of this upscale property, serving tasty local fare that gets great reviews and attracts hotel guests, locals, and visitors alike. A spa with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room opened at the end of 2016 and gives Cary Arms the edge over the competition. Cary Arms' various accommodation choices include rooms, suites, beach huts, and cottages; all are tastefully decorated and come with flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, bottled water, a free decanter of sloe gin, and free Wi-Fi. Twice-daily housekeeping includes turndown service with hot water bottles. Guests should note that the road leading to the hotel is very steep, which might pose an issue for some. For something closer to Torquay's center, travelers should check out The Somerville -- though some may find its opulent decor a bit fussy.

This charming upscale country house hotel occupying a Georgian manor is a lovely spot for a tranquil seaside getaway on the English Riviera. Maidencombe Beach is within walking distance (note the steep trek back might be an issue for some), but there's not much else in the immediate area so a car is advisable. The 14 guest rooms are stylish, spacious, and immaculately clean, and most offer views over the beautiful grounds and sea. Some have outdoor hot tubs and other extras like separate living rooms, and all have attractive modern bathrooms. Orestone's restaurant serves tasty local fare -- plus a full English breakfast is included in rates. There are no wellness facilities, like the ones found at Cary Arms, but the beach is within walking distance and there are lovely coastal paths for hiking nearby. 

A five-minute walk from the town center, this upscale bed-and-breakfast has some of the most lavish, classically styled interiors in the area (some might call it fussy). Rooms are superbly presented with luxury amenities and spotless bathrooms. There is no spa here, like Cary Arms, but an excellent cooked-to-order breakfast, opulent lounge, and beautiful green gardens make this one of the finest places to stay in town -- and at relatively reasonable rates. Though the property does overlook a fairly busy road, traffic noise isn't too obtrusive (those in search of true tranquility might prefer Orestone near Lyme Bay or Cary Arms overlooking Babbacombe Bay).

Situated about a 10-minute walk from the beach, this family-run bed-and-breakfast is a homey base for a seaside vacation on the English Riviera. A cozy lounge with a fireplace and TV encourage camaraderie among guests, some of whom are business travelers taking advantage of the proximity to the conference center. The six guest rooms are clean and pleasant, equipped with small flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with a supply of tea and instant coffee, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are en-suite, but they're smaller than the ones at Somerville (where bathrobes are also provided). A full English breakfast is included in rates and gets great reviews from guests. 

Housed in a restored 19th-century summer retreat, the mid-range Riviera Lodge Hotel is located on a pleasant and peaceful road that winds down to the Torquay waterfront and its main beach, Torre Abby Sands. The 19 rooms are spotlessly presented with decent amenities (no free bottled water here, though), but note that some rooms are small with tiny bathrooms. An outdoor pool and spacious hot tub are certainly plus points, as is the free breakfast. Overall, it's a strong choice in a crowded market, though for a little more finesse, travelers should stick with the Somerville, which has similar rates and plusher rooms (though it lacks Riviera Lodge's pool).