Red Lion Hotel
Red Lion Hotel descritpion
Set in a charming fishing village, The Red Lion Hotel has free Wi-Fi and bedrooms with private bathrooms and striking sea or harbor views. There is free private parking.
With bay views, The Red Lion’s restaurant serves fish which is caught each day. Fresh, local produce also comes from Clovelly Estate Gardens nearby.
The harbor bar at The Red Lion serves snacks and drinks, and looks out across the pier and the cottages.
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Facilities of Red Lion Hotel
Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Activities ：Fishing | Darts | Massage | Beachfront
Food & Drink ：Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Snack Bar | Special Diet Meals (upon request)
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Packed Lunches | Daily Housekeeping
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Red Lion Hotel
Review 1：My only criticism would be that the restaurant/ breakfast room lacked a little atmosphere. Some light music in the background would have made a huge difference. Evening meal was delicious as was breakfast. Wonderful staff who work hard
Review 2：The location is absolutely stunning! So many different places to explore. The snug bar was lovely with open fire and was nice to see the old pictures on the walls. We stayed in a sail loft room which was a great, clean and comfortable. There was wifi which worked Ok. A wonderful stay - will definitely be back!!
Review 3：The staff were inexperiened and miserable - no customer service The Dining Room closed as we were the only guests in the hotel despite advertising to be open all year round. We had to eat in our room on a small a small tea table. The room was too cold to be able to take a shower. The food was dreadful and overpriced. Would never go back to The Red Lion
Review 4：We love Clovelly
Review 5：The restaurant is pretty soulless, especially when nearly empty as it was when we were there. Also the restaurant staff were not very knowledgeable about the food or drinks, so the service side was lacking. I don't know if we could have eaten the same food in the bar, but we certainly should have asked.
Review 6：Fantastic scenic location, and a great room with a balcony overlooking the port. Nice old building with a cosy bar.
Review 7：Room small for the cost, which represents the location rather than the hotel.
Review 8：Superb location. Excellent staff and lovely breakfast. Wi-Fi a bit spasmodic around the hotel, but free.
Review 9：Location stunning, we had room 5 overlooking the sea and also the harbour. Bar food was excellent and so lovely sitting next to a real fire. The room was delightful
Review 10：Bit pricey. Most expensive room we had in UK but I keep going back as it's a very special spot and very unique.
Review 11：Location and lovely room with great view. Also love the pub.
Review 12：Nothing
Review 13：Clovelly is the most charming little village, and the hotel is absolutely right for the place - it's charming. While the decor is a little dated, the hotel has everything you need, and is very clean and comfortable, and the setting is fantastic. Staff were terrific, food was excellent.
Review 14：Felt that the restaurant food was sparce ... lobster starter was ridiculously small ... two less than teaspoon sized pieces of lobster ... disappointed
Review 15：Location was stunning
Review 16：Restaurants was overly priced the food.food was blan and the dessert had no taste to it ...not value for money ..menu need more attention and the WiFi no from network anywhere in the hotel that was a minus point but a good stay
Review 17：The location was excellent very beautiful setting great views of the sea and beautiful sun rise. ..Amazing the Red lion .
Review 18：Do they trade on the location a bit when it comes to bar food ? Perhaps, but when you have a location like that, why not!
Review 19：Location is wonderful. Parking good. Free use of Landrover a plus. Gives the best opportunity to just spend time in the village. Great breakfast options.
Review 20：The presence of flies in the bedroom became an issue with us both.
Review 21：Location was nice, the hotel carpark was a huge bonus. The free use of the land rover was also a must for mature people.
Review 22：Would have preferred a proper shower. Bed not very comfortable. Nor chairs in bar. Constant noise from kitchen extractor Parking very limited - should have increased parking facilities when building new accommodation.
Review 23：Fantastic location. Staff all very friendly and professional. Room spacious.
Review 24：Leaving lol
Review 25：When booking I requested a sea view as it was our wedding anniversary, on arrival we where given the best room in the hotel, there was a bouquet of flowers in the room and also a bottle of bubbly on ice, we could not have asked for anything more, the staff where excellent and the food in the restaurant was excellent too, this is the best hotel I've stayed in and I will definitely be going back, also Clovelly is such a beautiful place and every one is so friendly, 10 out of 10 thanks for making our anniversary so special
Review 26：On honeymoon and stayed in one of the annexe rooms with fantastic sea views. Room was excellent, clean and warm. Staff were so friendly and the locals in the bar likewise.
Review 27：Location was perfect for the lobster festival. Free landrover and free entry to the visitors centre and free parking were added bonuses. Staff were very helpful.
Review 28：We had a wonderful stay, it was our golden wedding anniversary and they made a fuss of us, they gave us, a bottle of champagne it was a mile stone in our marriage thank you all once again
Review 29：Nothing at all
Review 30：Amazing, stunning location. High quality breakfast. But the room (in sail loft) was an experience that will stay with us forever. Sitting in our room, watching the sea lapping on the beach and sleeping to the sound of gentle waves.
Review 31：We didn't like being woken up at 5am to the noise of cleaning up sweeping people taking very loudly and no in people were sleeping above them , other than that we gad a wonderful stay.
Review 32：We loved the fact the crab and lobster festival was on and what a fantastic day we had.
Review 33：Our standard room was smaller than expected as was the bed. The bed was the hardest of the 7 hotels we stayed at that week.
Review 34：The location is stunning, the food excellent
Review 35：our bedroom was over the kitchen, which made the room hot also the ventilation fans ran whenever the kitchen was open noisy.
Review 36：Parking at the hotel was a bonus considering it is situated in a traffic free village.
Review 37：If I had to be picky (and this is being really petty I know) I would say that there should be two eggs on the breakfast not one (they were very small eggs). Also the intermittent Wi--fi that we were warned off was a lot worse than that - really, really frustrating and I had virtually no contact all weekend.
Review 38：The room was excellent with a great view and really comfortable bed, and there was a car park space very close to hotel. The staff were great, really friendly and accommodating. The evening meal was excellent good, varied choice of meals, with great table service, and stunning views from the restaurant.
Review 39：You going down to the hotel and forget the rest of the world. People visit the village during the day and in the evening it is quiet and friendly. Helps us recharge our batteries. Wifi connection awful and mobile phones not reliable but that is what makes it special. If people need to get in touch they can use the "ancient" method.....the hotel landline!!!!
Review 40：the restaurant food was over priced and I had to get a refund for my steak meal as it was returned twice and still kept coming back rare..
Review 41：the view was terrific....
Review 42：This is the only hotel at Clovelly that you can drive to the door (as long as you don't mind driving down a steep goat track but it is quite safe if you go slow). The others require you to carry your case down a very steep stony path. Free parking and free breakfast as well. The WiFi has poor coverage. I had some business to do so they kindly gave us room 10 by reception and by sitting near the door I had decent internet.
Review 43：The restaurant was weird. Good food but a strange atmosphere, admittedly due to the other patrons. A stiff atmosphere, like the air had been starched. I didn't realise people like that still existed. Service was excellent though.
Review 44：Location be fantastic see.
Review 45：Very busy at breakfast and only 1 lovely lady serving. Toaster very slow
Review 46：Wonderful view from room, very comfortable and clean. Benefit of seeing Clovelly once the tourists had gone, magical!
Review 47：Beautiful location right on the sea front, lovely listening to the waves on the rocky shore by the harbour. Fantastic fresh lobster for dinner. Wifi available downstairs but is patchy up in rooms.
Review 48：The buffet selections at breakfast, although adequate, could have been more diverse.
Review 49：The room was spacious and lovely-- it had all the modern comforts while retaining the quaint charm of Clovelly. Dinner in the restaurant was excellent, especially for seafood. The staff were very helpful and friendly.
Review 50：The Location of the hotel was wonderful. Our room was spacious, comfortable and looked directly out to sea.Staff were very friendly and most helpful.We spent all of the next morning in the village and were reluctant to resume our journey.
Review 51：Our only complaint was the wifi- it didn't reach upstairs so it wasn't much use to us.
Review 52：Beautifully preserved location- loved falling asleep to the sound of the sea right outside the window.
Review 53：Terrific views from both the room and the outdoor tables at the bar. Parking outside the hotel was super convenient. Excellent check-in host who ensured we had a tablle for dinner in the much sought after restaurant.
Review 54：It was a very long journey but well worth it, as the accommodation was very good, food was excellent, wine a bit expensive , staff very friendly and helpful. Location was brilliant and we even got to see dolphins in the bay
Review 55：Everything , from location to staff. Great place for adults , but children would get bored easily. Stunning views and location off the beaten track just great for a weekend get away
Review 56：Fantastic location. We were in Room 4 the view was amazing. A really picturesque location. The food in the hotel was exceptional and the service second to none.
Review 57：My husband burnt his back on the hot towel rail. They are dangerous especially for children. You need to turn them off.
Review 58：Just being at Clovelly was exciting for me. I grew up in Clovelly Australia.
Review 59：Meals in the restaurant a little expensive for what they are.
Review 60：Beautiful views from our room of the sea. Peaceful enjoyable stay away from traffic. Staff very friendly and helpful, nothing too much trouble. Also very good value as booked late and obtained excellent discount on our sail loft room. (room 19). Traditional pub in keeping with the village, meals in the bar good value.
Review 61：Bar staff were very accommodating but obviously understaffed and struggled to keep on top of cleaning regime.....tables and seating areas sticky and covered in crumbs whenever we visited.
Review 62：Loved the location, room was very comfortable and clean with beautiful views of the harbour and staff were very friendly and helpful. Local folk musicians playing in the bar one evening made our stay! This is our second visit and we will definitely be back.
Review 63：Wifi not excellent but good to be without it all the time to be honest!
Review 64：Peaceful, like stepping back in time just the best place. I can't see why anyone would ever regret booking this hotel
Review 65：Lovely welcome ....offered drinks in our room on arrival and a booking in the restaurant for that evening. We stayed in room 7, clean, comfortable and with a lovely view of the harbour.....the food was excellent and we were surprised with the lovely choice at breakfast....cooked to perfection. All the staff were welcoming and knowledgeable about the surrounding area....we will certainly be returning.....looking forward to it already.....cant recommend it highly enough.
Review 66：Beautiful, clean room with a view of the sea, literally a few steps to the shore. And delicious food at the restaurant, particularly recommend the skate wing fish and fisherman breakfast: scrambled eggs with
Review 67：The rooms were modern, clean, large and had an amazing sea view. The hotel is perfectly located and offers convenient parking with a land rover ride to the top of the hill. Staff were friendly and helpful, the pub also serves great food!
Review 68：Only Clovelly it self not many shops open.
Review 69：What great food the seafood was fresh & great . The room & view was excellent would recommend room 5 to everyone.
Review 70：This is an amazing place of natural beauty. the Red Lion is a great place to stay. Room was gorgeous and comfortable - food was outstanding. Our windows overlooked the tiny harbour - just magical
Review 71：We found the restaurant good but v expensive even given its unique and challenging location. The bar food too was good but v limited choice and v v expensive!!!!
Review 72：Liked being able to use the free Land Rover service to the top of the village then walk down! Lovely too to wander around Clovelly in the quiet times.
Review 73：Really disappointing food. Hotel claims "fresh fish is landed daily outside our door" - no sign of it! The fillet of bream was tiny and tough, the half lobster more like a large prawn. The dinner and breakfast servings were very small and therefore relatively expensive.
Review 74：Only the location
Review 75：The location. Surf on cobbles. Being able to park right down on the beach. Walking through Clovelly after everyone else has gone home. The lovely people.Thank you all................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Review 76：beds very comfortable but pillows awful.very hard and uncomfortable - feather ones would be better - I ended up using the cushion from the chair and slept better!!
Review 77：food in bar.views, private balcony (room 5 only).staff great.breakfast lovely.
Review 78：breakfast was poor, 1 single cremated rasher of bacon, 2 button mushrooms, 1 sausage etc etc, it was the only thing that let the stay down!
Review 79：the bedroom was fab, and the bed was really comfy! I'd recommend this hotel without hesitation.
Review 80：Better wi-fi would be nice but it's understandable in such a remote location that contact with the outside world isnt high up the agenda
Review 81：- Location - Ask for room #5 - it's the only one with a balcony and looks out over the harbour and the sea - The rooms are all extremly well decorated - The Farmers breakfast is great as are the meals in the pub
Review 82：The food was slightly on the pricy side but seeing as the hotel is situated miles away from anywhere with a sizeable hill to bring food down you can see why the costs might be higher! Also the portions are massive so it actually works out to be fairly good value for money!
Review 83：Amazing old pub with fantastic views. Parking right next to the hotel looking out over the sea! Staff we're fantastically welcoming, as were the locals In the pub, and the room was comfortable with great decor and even better views over the harbour! Picture perfect! Lovely pub grub with sizeable portions and a great British pub with good beers to boot. If you want to escape the city and have a break in the countryside then this is the place for you!
Review 84：Fan noise. Probably heath and safety regs, not Red Lions policy. Next visit I will book away from same.
Review 85：This is my best place. I love it. Right by the sea in magical Clovelly. There is no better place to be. All the people who looked after me as a solo visitor were so kind. My room was so well designed, all you could want. Staff so helpful, way beyond the norm. Thanks.
Review 86：The bed in room 9 was the worst experience ever. At the time of arrival we were told the restaurant is not open tonight.
Review 87：Location, atmosphere, pub bar, room 9 was delightful & the village is a gem.
Review 88：Unable to access hotel until after 16:30 - too late for exploring the village, which had been recommended to me. Restaurant closed - so unable to enjoy the restaurant that had been recommended to me. Cellar out of use - so very limited range of beers. Really should warn people of such significant limitations at time of booking. If I had known about the limited availability/access I would not have booked here.
Review 89：Location
Review 90：The food in the restaurant was not of good quality and very expensive for what you get. We paid £31 for an 8oz steak that was very tough and seemed to have been cooked to fast the chips over cooked also £23 for the catch of the day that was just a small bit of fish with a little bit of mash potato and 3 small carrots. Was far from impressed and such a shame because the hotel and location was so beautiful.
Review 91：Lovely staff and location with beautiful views would definitely stay again
Review 92：Lovely location on quayside Friendly staff Excellent food - interesting menu and very well prepared and presented. Lovely room with balcony over harbour.
Review 93：The original hotel I visted way back 15 years ago and I have to say looks like it hasn't had a lick of paint since. The food was good but lacked a bit of love. Trying to be fine dining is a mistake. Local food simply cooked with passion would have been a winner. Don't rest on your laurels. The location is unbeatable but not everything can rely on that.
Review 94：The rooms in the new converted outbuilding were absolutely fabulous , huge rooms very tastefully decorated, massive bed and lights in the wardrobe!!. Saying that nothing can detract from the amazing virtually in the sea location. Stunning!!
Review 95：Poorly positioned height of shower. Considered rather expensive for 2 star accommodation even for festival weekend.
Review 96：Comfortable well appointed room with lovely view.
Review 97：I book numerous hotels through booking.com all over Europe. This is the most expensive hotel I have ever booked. Although the hotel was comfortable and clean it certainly didn't warrant the price even though it was a special weekend. The room was comfortable and clean but they definitely need to give larger beds.
Review 98：Friendly staff and the location was brilliant.
Review 99：The food in the resturant was terrible I could not eat my meal - I dont remember this ever happening any where! The barman did give us a free drink but really this was way short of the price of the overpriced meal! But we loved the room and village and the dolphins!
Review 100：Restaurant food v overpriced and not executed at all well. Insufficient / poorly trained waiting staff. Held together by Maitre d. This hotel shouldnt rest on its location laurels, others dont.
Review 101：Unique location on beautiful part of Devon Coast. Good deal via booking.com Really nice bathroom.
Review 102：was not happy when checking in to be told that the restaurant was not available to residents as there was a wedding party at the hotel. If I was told this when booking my stay I would not have booked.the option was to eat in the bar which was dirty with flies pestering us throughout our meal,on leaving my complained that she had been bitten twice whilst in the bar area.having travelled a considerable way for what was to be a pleasant relaxing weekend the Red Lion did meet my expectations and feel it was very over priced for what was offered. On returning home I have emailed a number of time to The Red Lion Hotel with my views but not surprisingly I have not had any reply !!!!! would not recommend this hotel for the reasons mentioned and feel very disgruntled with being totally ignored.
Review 103：lovely location and friendly staff
Review 104：Clearly no money had been spent on the hotel in sometime. The beds were uncomfortable. The pillows gave me earache they were so hard, the bed throw was filthy and the carpets all needed a good clean. Money needs spending to upgrade the hotel but ownership by the Estate may prevent it.
Review 105：The seafood, the location, waves lapping under your bedroom window, the chef - all excellent. Couldnt fault the food or its freshness
Review 106：To drive down to the Red Lion from topside, you take a precipitous, extremely narrow two-way street that is not for the faint of heart. Parking at the bottom can be tight when the fishermen drive in. Our room at the near end picked up a bit of morning noise - the hotel shuttle Jeep waits there, and you'll hear people loading up from early on.
Review 107：Terrific location in a unique little town. I literally can't say enough about picturesque Clovelly. Everything of interest is within walking distance, including decent long hikes with terrific views from up top, heading east or west. Caution: you should be in decent shape to navigate this area on foot. Restaurant was very good, if slow. Well worth the wait, though.
Review 108：Forgot to bring the binoculars..
Review 109：The location and the character of the hotel and the village. Room 4 has a superb view of the sea with a table and two chairs in an alcove which is perfect for watching the sunset. Food and staff were perfect and we had the village to ourselves as we obviously arrived out of season.
Review 110：The only real negative as other people have said is the drive down the narrow road but it only takes a couple of minutes.
Review 111：We have visited Clovelly in the past as we don't live too far away but for a special occasion I wanted to take my wife to stay there for a night. The view from our room was fantastic. The room was warm for October without heating on and we had the window open the whole night to listen to the sea. The food was good and restaurant staff were really attentive and alert to comings and goings. The chilli chocolate desert was excellent. Wear good grippy shoes if you want to take a walk up and down the village.
Review 112：Some of the bar service was slightly brash and inexperienced,although 2 or 3 of the staff were very accommodating and helpful.looks like the sea food is not actually caught fresh in clovelly.a van visits with fresh and frozen seafood! Lobster is only served cold! Real shame as it must be so easy to take fresh ones from the bay and cook them with garlic butter etc.food is passable but sadly not as good as it could be.i would stay again though as rooms and location are well worth it.
Review 113：Our room in sail loft was exceptional.great balcony and sea views.watching the goings on in the harbour with a nice ale in the sun.unique fishing village with steep cobbled streets and quaint houses.local fiddle band in the bar first Monday of the month,outstanding!!!
Review 114：I could feel the metal covering on the mattress when I laid on my side, it could of done with a mattress topper on it. I am very fussy with mattress as I have had a replacement hip which is very sensitive when I lay on my side to the springing of the mattress. My husband had no problem with the bed.
Review 115：The location of the hotel was excellent, breakfast was very good, all staff were very pleasant and helpful. We had an evening meal at the hotel one night which was very good. The weather was suburb and we had lovely walks along the coastal path.
Review 116：Was one of the nicest places I have stayed. View from room fantastic, location fantastic and breakfast exceeded all expectations. Loved it here and will def visit again.
Review 117：The welcome could have been better and more information about the hotel and its facilities could have been given. Parking was a particular problem with little guidance about where to park. The bar food was poor. The restaurant was closed on our first night due to a wedding and this seemed to be the main priority for the hotel at the expense of its other guests. Breakfasts were only fair.
Review 118：Staying in the new annexe was very comfortable and provided good facilities. The location was excellent with sea views.
Review 119：Bar, although we accept its old, could do with a little attention in way of decorating!
Review 120：Always wanted to stay in Clovelly. Place and hotel didn't let us down! Good idea the jeep lift to top of village saved our legs. Cosy room and meals in restaurant very good. Would definitely stay again!
Review 121：Our room (no 12) was very small and the shower room minute. As we travel with dogs, we tend to eat in the bar where the food is usually on a par with the restaurant. The Red Lion bar was a disappointment. There are new rooms which are probably better, and we can't comment on the restaurant, overall we felt the Red Lion was missing a trick.
Review 122：Location, views of harbour, some very helpful staff.
Review 123：Day trippers mean it gets busy during the day but it is beautiful so this is to be expected.
Review 124：If you want tranquillity then this is the place to come. Very quiet both early morning and from late afternoon. A great place to relax after a good day walking or sightseeing. Hotel cost includes free use of the landrover taxi up the cliff during the day. A great extra after a few days and "Clovelly calf strain" has kicked in.
Review 125：A little pricey, but probably justified.
Review 126：A most fantastic location, with good rooms, excellent standards of hygiene and good food in the restaurant for dinner and at breakfast. Friendly and amenable staff gave the place a relaxed, welcoming feel.
Review 127：The road down to the hotel is very steep, but at least it means you can access the hotel by car
Review 128：We stayed in the new Sail Loft which was like a luxury boutique hotel. Very spacious and comfortable, rooms look out onto the sea. Location is unbelievable. Staff friendly, breakfast hearty and bar food was so good we didnt even try the restaurant
Review 129：A few negatives, but these would not stop us from recommending the hotel. These were: wifi is only in reception and nowhere else; the bed (room 7) was really uncomfortable and the menu selections were very limited.
Review 130：The Red Lion is in a beautiful location and we had a lovely stay. On the positive side: the staff were friendly and helpful; the view was lovely; despite entertainment in the bar and restaurant, we were not disturbed once we went into our room; the room and bathroom were clean and there was plenty of room to put our things away.
The Fine Print
Please contact the hotel in advance to organise parking arrangements.Guests wishing to dine in the restaurant must book ahead.