Lympstone Manor Hotel

The staff made the stay pleasant. The man who seemed to handle reception, the bar, and the kitchen was polite, cheerful, and welcoming. The bar was busy and well stocked, and the cocktails looked great. The location is excellent, within walking distance of the beach and town. Parking is available, though it may mean a bit of a walk at weekends. Prices were reasonable, if higher at weekends, which is understandable. Our superior double had interrupted sea views, but the windows were very dirty and obvious as soon as we entered. The room seemed clean, yet the shower hose had thick black mould or algae that looked as if it hadn't been cleaned in a long time. The tiny shower head needs replacing or descaling, as water sprayed in every direction but down. The room also felt dated, with damaged, scruffy furniture. The very large double bed was two singles pushed together with a topper too thin to hide the uncomfortable gap, and the sheets weren't tucked in properly. There were no ironing facilities in the room despite the listing, but reception lent us an iron and we used a towel on the counter. Breakfast felt rushed with checkout at 10am, which is very early for a hotel. The staff member was lovely, though the food disappointed: very cheap-tasting sausages, hash browns and bacon, plus extremely weak, undrinkable coffee. There were small pastries, jams and other bits to choose from. I'd stay again because of the staff, but would ask for a better room. No. 3 isn't the best.