Best Seafront Hotels in Torquay

Scenically set overlooking Babbacombe Bay, this upscale inn offers a relaxing seaside getaway on the English Riviera. With a popular pub serving tasty fare at its heart, the boutique property is imbued with an inviting and convivial atmosphere. Outside, stone terraces spill down into the sea, providing stunning spots to lounge in or dine alfresco. Wooden tables and chairs, loungers, and benches are scattered here and there, all granting gorgeous views of the sea and coast. A steep but short walk down the road leads to the beach. All 10 rooms have stunning sea views, and all but one have large private terraces or balconies (suites have log-burning fire pits on their terraces).

The Headland is an apt name for this mid-range hotel: The property is perched on a cliff top overlooking Tor Bay, and about a five-minute drive from Torquay town center. Daddyhole Plain, a limestone plateau and prominent local landmark, can be found right next to the hotel and offers lovely coastal walks and sea views. The Headland's 78 traditionally styled rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi, and some rooms boast excellent sea views. While some might find decor in the rooms and common areas a little old-fashioned -- in contrast to Cary Arms' fresh and contemporary decor -- the hotel's surrounding two acres of landscaped gardens are beautifully maintained and feature superb views out towards the English Channel. 

Set on a cliff overlooking the sea and beautiful Devon coast, this historic property dates back to the Victorian era and its interiors reflect a bygone time. Similar to the Headland, the grandeur found here is faded and in need of some upgrades, but many guests are able to overlook the tired interiors due to the property's scenic location and gorgeous views over the sea. (It's worth upgrading to a room with a coastal vista; some rooms have lackluster views over the parking lot.) The property has an outdoor pool with terraced sundecks looking toward the sea, and the restaurant (serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner) also has panoramic views of the coast. Grounds are green and lovely, with meandering paths leading to sea-facing stone terraces. All in all, the property doesn't live up to its self-professed four-star status, though it has plenty of potential.

This country house hotel is much more stylish than the Headland or Imperial, but those properties offer much more dramatic views of the sea than what's found here. The Orestone Manor is situated in the quaint seaside village of Maidencombe on the South Devon coast and its beautiful grounds give glimpses of Lyme Bay. It's a quiet area with not much in the immediate surroundings, but there are lovely coastal paths nearby that weave along the gorgeous coast, while Maidencombe Beach can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot (but it's a steep walk back to the hotel). One of the highlights here is the hotel's restaurant, which serves tasty fresh fare with an emphasis on local ingredients and offers alfresco dining on the terrace. All but two of Orestone's 14 attractive and individually decorated rooms have sea views.