Crofton House Hotel - SELF CHECK IN

The price was really amazing, and I’d choose this hotel again over anywhere else in Torquay. It’s close to the seafront, shops and easy to get around, and I parked right by the front door without any problem. The staff were warm, friendly and switched on from the moment I arrived, and made me feel I’d picked the right place. The hotel is lovely, the keyless system throughout is brilliant, and my room was just right. It was listed as small, but felt much bigger than expected. I’d come on holiday after not leaving Thailand for 3 1/2 years, and in December a warm room mattered a lot. It was lovely and toasty, which made me feel happy and healthy. The en-suite shower was the hottest and most powerful I’ve had in years, and a joy to use. Big thanks to the staff. I can’t recommend it enough.

We booked believing the advertised rate included breakfast, but all that was offered was a pot noodle, a packet of crisps and a soft drink for £5. We had to buy our own breakfast, and our request for a refund was denied. We stayed three nights. We’re a tidy, self-sufficient couple, but there was no housekeeping at all: the beds weren’t made, the bins weren’t emptied, and we had to ask for more tea and coffee. The outer keyless door played up every day, and we often had to wait for other guests to let us in because reception was unattended at night until late morning. We’d planned to book again for April, but definitely won’t stay here.

The bed was uncomfortable, the room was practically unfurnished apart from two bedside drawer units, and the hotel looked shabby. We won’t be returning. On a rainy weekend at the end of November, we stayed two nights and woke at 4am on the first night to dripping water, though we couldn’t find the source in our room. Later that morning, we found a large damp patch outside our first-floor bedroom. When we came back, a bucket had been put right in the middle of the doorway and stayed there the next day too. The bathroom basin was badly cracked with sharp edges, and the windows wouldn’t close. We hung a coat in front of the gap to block the wind. The interior looked dated and untidy, and the rear garden was neglected. There are parking spaces out front, but it’s tight for anything larger than a Fiat 500. Reception is unmanned overnight, and guests are meant to sign a sheet when going out and coming back. I saw just one fire alarm at the back and no fire extinguishers. There are no upstairs fire exits, only very thick doors. Good thing the fire station is just 1.5 miles away.

The deluxe suite is well worth getting, it was spotless and really spacious. Reception was efficient and knowledgeable, and check-in was easy. The staff were lovely, especially the young man. The indoor pool, sauna and steam room were all amazing, as were the cold drinks kept nice and cool. There’s a cosy main area that would be brilliant for a big group, and the outdoor patio is beautiful. The housekeeping staff I met were kind and helpful. Manager Ahmed was welcoming and accommodating, 10/10 across the board. It’s also close to town and the seafront. Highly recommend this place.