Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel descritpion
Part of the Leisureplex Hotel Group, The Imperial Hotel in Ilfracombe is situated right on the seafront just 250 feet from the beach. The hotel has free parking and its own restaurant and cocktail bar.
Rooms at the Imperial Hotel have modern en suite bathrooms and are decorated in warm tones. Some guests will have a sea view, while all will have a TV, desk and tea/coffee-making facilities.
The hotel’s bar serves a variety of beverages and the restaurant has a daily changing menu, vegetarian options are also available. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in public areas and the hotel has a sun lounge with large windows providing a view towards the sea.
The Imperial is situated opposite the Landmark Theatre and Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre. The harbour and its many pubs and shops are 5-minute stroll away, and views over the town can be enjoyed from nearby Capstone Hill.
Ilfracombe is just over an hour’s drive from junction 27 on the M5.
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Facilities of Imperial Hotel
Pets :Pets are not allowed.
Activities :Evening Entertainment
Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar | 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 possible). | Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and charges apply.
Services :Packed Lunches | 24-Hour Front Desk | Fax/Photocopying
General :Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Imperial Hotel
Review 1:The hotel was in a good location but the sea view is spoiled by the Landmark Theatre. The hotel is mainly used by coach parties for the elderly and the facilities reflect this. Several good restaurants nearby for the independent traveller
Review 2:Mealtimes felt rather rushed. The bedroom was not very comfortable - the bed was lumpy and there were no armchairs to relax in.
Review 3:The food was good, an impressive variety on the breakfast menu. The staff were helpful and friendly.
Review 4:Could do with both sash windows working! And double glazing would be a good idea - as it was a bit draughty at times.
Review 5:Staff helpful and courteous. Meals very good value.
Review 6:The bar opening times do not really reflect the fact that people are on holiday ie on a saturday night not open till 8pm and closes at 11pm really 11pm you can be licenced for longer than that its not the 1940s and the bar is hidden away as if they are ashamed of it. The decor in the restaurant is a sickly colour and feels very cold and unfriendly The check in time was very late,we only came for one night so a 4pm check in time was a bit late for us
Review 7:rooms are of a good quality decor,and are comfortable. The food was of a very good standard,and the staff are attentive The entertainment was of a good standard
Review 8:Parking is the only issue we had. you have to park in public car park across the road and if you go out for the day it's a bit hit and miss to get a space.
Review 9:Staff was very helpful, room was plenty big enough and clean also had a sea view. Could only get wifi downstairs but that wasn't a issue. On the whole very enjoyable time.
Review 10:Our room seemed to be directly above the kitchen so was very warm and full of cooking smells and if we opened the window it became noisy from the kitchen. The room was also very dark
Review 11:It was very busy with coach tours but the staff made time to deal with us. Breakfast was very good.
Review 12:Nothing really except couldn't park on first night so had to use public car parks which are very expensive or a long walk away
Review 13:Staff as always friendly and helpful, superb location
Review 14:we always had on site parking reseved this is no longer available ,cost of parking £1.00 per hour,the hotel parking is now first come first served and most cars parked at hotel where not guest so we wil propely not use this hotel again .
Review 15:staff friendly ,room clean ,
Review 16:although haddock and kippers was a choice for breakfast there wasn't any.The mattress was hard.TV signal could only pick up BBC
Review 17:location was right on seafront and the staff were very helpful.It was clean.Good breakfast on the whole.(except for shortage of fish)
Review 18:Very small shower, the breakfast was awful, kept under heat lamps so everything was hard, the ceiling in the room was peeling and the decor was generally aged !
Review 19:Location
Review 20:Bedroom (406) wall paper peeling off also who ever hanged the paperoverlapped the paper which is a no no. Toilet brush wasnt clean hadtoilet paper over it. Decour of the hotel becoming dated very seventies.Small lift only could fit four people in . Awfull section of beers atthe bar. Carparking is a nightmare why dont the hotel come to aarrangement with the local council for holiday makers to have cheapertariffs as do most other hotels in popular places.
Review 21:Very friendly staff especially Zoltan he was exceptional. Nice showerplenty of power. Nice breakfast although had to wait a long time forsecond course on our last day just gave up in the end and left as did afew other couples.
Review 22:The room seemed anciant, peeling wallpaper, brown marks, horriblebedspred and curtains, toilet seat loose, not aware that average age ofguest is over 90, the entire hotel smells musty, wheelchairs lined up inreception - no parking, we got a ticket as unable to get to machine intime in the morning, just a horrible experience never to be repeated!
Review 23:Nothing except the location, right on the sea front.
Review 24:We were told it had free parking but only 7 spaces were actually there. First come first serve basis if not then had to pay for parking. Mattress on bed was so old and had no spring it it.
Review 25:The location of the hotel is superb. The overall of the hotel is good. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Review 26:Breakfast toast burned everyday one day sour milk and the same day undercooked eggs.we had trouble parking in hotel carpark as only a few places for a large hotel,advert says free parking
Review 27:For the money you would at least a quilt on your bed and not a predated bed made with itchy blankets and sheets, no wifi available, and no adiquate parking first come first served basis that was not on the web site, breakfast was like it how it comes no chance of different cooked eggs, maybe this could be a language barrier with the staff.
Review 28:The room smelt musty and the floor was uneven with bed in a dip in floor so we were sleeping with legs higher than the body.no parking near hotel and had to park 1/4 mile away.
Review 29:Evening entertainment was ok
Review 30:The hotel full of old people; the rooms are out of fashion; bed sheets not very clean; not only that the wifi didn't work, but it had not phone signal whatsoever; very poor breakfast; squeeky floors. In my opinion, too expensive for what it has to offer.
Review 31:The location, right in the city centre, although the town was quite small and you could reach the centre easily.
Review 32:No parking, had to use public parking away from hotel with restrictions. Very small room, "alley" behind, a meeting place for seagulls, very noisy EVEN IN THE NIGHT.
Review 33:Easily found.
Review 34:Finding parking bit of a nightmare was very busy also shower could do with a handle was awkward to get out
Review 35:Great location and views lovely friendly clean hotel
Review 36:The car parking was inadequate for the number of guests having cars. It made me reluctant to move my car for fear of not getting parked.
Review 37:The location of the hotel was excellent. The staff were very helpful and very approachable.
Review 38:Our time of breakfast between 8-9am every morning little to early when you have come for a break from home and work.
Review 39:Location of the hotel,Staff very helpful and friendly and room was good
Review 40:Whilst the staff were great there was no real assistance. When we asked about a boat tour they were advertising the girl at the desk could not give us any details. The price, what time they opened or times of the boat tours. If you are going to advertise services to your guests have some knowledge on them.
Review 41:The hotel is very much, get what you pay for. It's not an expensive hotel so you can't expect 5 star quality. It was comfortable and clean and across the road from the beach. Not much to complain about.
Review 42:The parking space was supposed to be provided but upon arrival but wewere told that a hotel has too many guests and not a sufficient amountof parking space, it took us another hour to find a free car park in thearea. The rooms and a design - very tired and quite depressing, found mytowel with a big hole in a middle so we had a good laugh. Walls are toothin, you can literally hear every single noise someone else makes.Would suggest a proper renovation, the place obviously is busy, butcould do so much better.
Review 43:The building is in a very convenient location, all you need is a 3 minwalk to all the local stores ad restaurant.
Review 44:It's not that it was awful..... It's what you'd expect a 3 star hotel to be like. We didn't like the smell of cigarettes that lingered in the corridors. We didn't like walking through the front door passed the smokers. There should be a designated area away from the from door.
Review 45:The bedroom seemed clean.
Review 46:Tried to have a shower about 2pm and no hot water....was told it's controlled via the Internet? ? Doesn't really help.....
Review 47:The staff are always friendly and very helpful. Entertainment on Thurs Paul Anthony was brilliant!
Review 48:The beds did not have duvets.
Review 49:The staff member who geeeted us when we arrived was friendly, polite and professional. The room was large and breakfast was served very quickly.
Review 50:Male receptionist was very helpful, we arrived quite late and he carried cases, helped with parking and couldn't have been kinder. Great breakfast for under £5!
Review 51:The breakfast is to much of a rush could really do with 1/12 hours 8-9.30 and the bar could do to open earlier people like to have a drink before the evening meal
Review 52:From the moment of arrival we were welcomed with kindness ,I knew then that we were going to enjoy our stay.
Review 53:We requested a double bed and when we arrived we had a twin room. We were then told they could never guarantee a double bed and the staff were not willing to assist us, they just told us to push them together and made a snarky comment. The lady on arrival was lovely however the manager did not want to help us and tried to be funny but was quite frankly rude. I would also not recommend this for any young couples!
Review 54:Great location and fab sea view, extremely big room
Review 55:Bar should be open 11am to 12pm for people who require refreshments aftera day out the staff were very good considering they were over worked
Review 56:Hotel and room was clean and tidy
Review 57:Nothing.
Review 58:The staff were all exceptionally friendly and helpful. The breakfast was lovely, and served very speedily. The room was spacious, overlooking the Landmark and very clean.
Review 59:The noise the room was not ready when we was told it was it was still dirty from the last people,not enough places to park at the hotel,entainment nile apart from bingo if there was enough people to play.
Review 60:Its location was good
Review 61:The beds were really uncomfortable.. We were woken up twice in the morning. We had to sit down stairs to use the wifi. The pool table didn't work well either.
Review 62:I feel the decor could be improved upon. There seemed to be a little damp in the room on one of the walls and the bedding could have been fresher and more inviting.
Review 63:The location in Ilfracombe.
Review 64:The hotel service was dated. Meal times. Bar not open till 8-30pm which is fine if you are not an early sleeper. I like a drink before my meal which is impossible .
Review 65:The food was excellent.the bar was not open on time.
Review 66:The door was comming shower,the light was loose in the bath room,the draw was loose in the wardrobe,the teleivison was on its way out.
Review 67:The location was good staff was friendly bed was comftable
Review 68:Breakfast, give table 6A 1st day, 2nd day went to table, and as this was behind a pillar waited 20 minuets to get service, 3rd day someone sitting at the table, waited 10 minuets for help, walked out.
Review 69:Booked to park but no parking available so had to use public car park at a cost. Breakfast very poor and too early with times of between 8 & 9 am. Asked for ground floor room but given 4th floor? Bar not open at times stated. all in all I would not book through this hotel group again nor recommend to anyone.
Review 70:not a lot although the staff were very good
Review 71:The hideous landmark theatre! Such a shame its been put right in front of hotel destroying what once would have been amazing views! We first thought it was an old ugly gas works but later discovered it was purpose built! Shame on the planners who allowed this!!!
Review 72:Staff were extremely friendly! Room was dated but very clean and comfortable! Great value for the money We don't spend much time in the room and generally don't use hotel facilities it's just a bed for us and this hotel suites our needs perfectly!
Review 73:Breakfast was disappointing, ingredients seemed cheap and although we will definitely stay again we may not take breakfast
Review 74:The staff are friendly and always go out of their way to help.
Review 75:Room is good size, ensuite great size, shower suitable for midget. shower cubicle 760 x 760 mm room for 900 x 760 mm. Get it done! Slightly larger shelf for diy tea and coffee. appears that budget ran dry before achieving really good and practical refurb.
Review 76:View from bedroom at front of building brilliant. Staff very polite and helpful. Nothing was any trouble.
Review 77:Te breakfast was dried up. The table arrangements were bad.. we were given a table no.for one day then it was changed without us being told. Found it hard to communicate with the staff as most of them did not speak English.
Review 78:The place was in a good location and the place was clea
Review 79:No wifi in my room but available in public areas, no draught at the bar
Review 80:Close to all amenities, excellent breakfast really good options, lift to all floors, good size room and ensuite
Review 81:maybe a little updating of the rooms would be a good idea as it felt quite old.The shower was difficult to get into even for a slim person as it is right beside the toilet and there is not a lot of room.
Review 82:the location was excellent with easy access to the town. Breakfast was ok.
Review 83:no parking provided had to park on street despite ad saying some parking available , bed was too small for a hotel bed, breakfast was too early (8-9) on a weekend?
Review 84:staff were all very friendly and helpful
Review 85:Extremely friendly and helpful people on the desk in reception. One lad did all he could to sort our parking which was proving to be difficult and expensive. It was sorted very well.
Review 86:Nothing majorly wrong- hotel was out of date and a room was a little dusty/cobwebs. The one major negative was a rather uncomfy bed and very noisy anytime you moved. Not a lot for us to do other than a local wetherspoons - luckily we had a car to go exploring.
Review 87:The hotel was in a great location right on the sea front. Opposite was a theatre which had a beer and cider festival which was great for us. Some beautiful scenery and great places to walk. Not an ideal place for us as a young couple but perfect for the older generation who want a nice break away from home.
Review 88:The car par park was very small and the exit was blocked by a coach whose driver was enjoying breakfast in the hotel preventing me from leaving
Review 89:The Hotel was clean and the walk to the harbour was close and easy
Review 90:Wi-Fi didn't reach above ground floor. Squeaky floorboards.
Review 91:Staff made us feel very welcome . The room was lovely and clean and the bed was very comfortable and warm
Review 92:room as it had loads of space and was at front of hotel. friendly, helpful staff. evening entertainment was ok but mainly aimed at more senior adults.
Review 93:Beds were to hard the floor of our bed room was very in level bathroom floor vibrated from the fan in the room below did not get to sleep very early could do with signs on wall to turn of fans in all bathrooms
Review 94:Staff friendly breakfast good Lovely lounge with good veiws you could buy a news paper every morning with out leaving hotel
Review 95:bed was not really long enough - I am of average height 5 foot 10 so would be problematic for taller people if all beds are the same time
Review 96:staff as friendly and helpful as they could be, room spotless, car parking around free after 6pm, small car park but no problem as most people were on coach holidays.
Review 97:My only small complaint was in the morning when I went to check out. There was no member of staff on the reception desk and despite making loud noises (I couldn't see a bell) I had to leave after about 10 minutes. As I not had any extras and the hotel held my card details this was no problem but it might have been if I had had any query on my bill.
Review 98:Great location with helpful and friendly staff. Although I had booked a single room I was, in fact, given a double room with a large en suite bathroom. The room was comfortable and warm. The only meal I had in the hotel was breakfast which was very good. All in all it represented terrific value for money and I would have no hesitation in staying there again.
Review 99:We weren't told wot choices were available 4 breakfast! The entertainment was dancing for over 50s, not really much to complain about! X
Review 100:The staff were helpful n friendly, not really much entertainment unless ur over 50. Room was comfortable n had good facilities,,, breakfast was Ok but u weren't told wot options there were! In good location n wud Def stay there again. X
Review 101:A little old fashioned but then again, the outstanding service outshone the furnishings.
Review 102:The front desk staff and their willingness to assist with anything. The high standards of housekeeping. The quality of the food. The comfortable standard of the rooms. The excellent sea view.
Review 103:The room was very hot even with the window open ALL night, Every floor seemed to slope a different way, The shower was incredibley small , ie you couldnt get in and pick anything off of the shower tray. It was that tight for space if you were in with the door shut. There is very little car parking there so in peak season I think soix spaces would get filled up very quickly for a hotel with 100+ rooms. The bed wasnt the comfiest although I have slept on much worse, the biggest problem was the wheels on the base. You tended to move down the room when leaning against the headboard. I think I can sum it up with " you get what you pay for", probably a three start price for a two start hotel. Think fawlty towers with the decor, quite dated, although not scruffy.
Review 104:the room was ok, tea making and television. Good access to the amenities, local shops ect. front was very close. (just over the road) breakfast was served quickly and was hot :) , the staff were courteous and polite.
Review 105:The hotel looked shabby and dated, throughout the halls and carpets, and furniture in the public areas through to the bed rooms. A very 1950's feel, I'm unsure if that is deliberate or not, the bathroom within the room was more up to date, looking like it had met the 80/90's. The bathroom had a tub with shower, unfortunately there was no glass panel or shower curtain meaning a bath was the only option (was a nice bath and filled with hot water quickly though). The breakfast was between 8-9am only which seemed strict and on entering the dining room I was acknowledged by a member of staff and went to sit down, but was told off for it was not being my seat (On my way out I looked for a sign saying wait to be seated but no such notice existed). The breakfast service was virtually empty but had to wait around while the waiter tried to find my allocated seat, which was facing a fire exit, a wall on my left and a pillar directly to my right, feeling rather unnecessarily enclosed and their was plenty of room at other better tables (95% of the place was empty as it is October and out of season). The whole experience continued the 1950's feel, and very rigid with customer service being below prescribed (and bizarre) process. Mobile phone signal in the area is poor but the hotel was a black spot, seemingly 25 meters around the building before being able to pick up a signal. This is likely not their fault (except if they've used led paint ...) but wifi was only available on the ground floor and not in individual rooms, which in this day and age is unacceptable. The hotel has a great location, large airy rooms, it feels like a huge amount of wasted potential and just run down and a bit shabby in both appearance and overall service excepting the very friendly and helpful reception staff.
Review 106:The location Staff on reception Size of the room Food at breakfast (excepting the fruit)
Review 107:The hallways and corridors needed some attention -ie painting. our room needed cosmetic tidying and a new carpet
Review 108:staff were very polite and helpful Food was excellent with a very good variety of choices. the dining room and lounge were decorated well and clean. our bathroom very new and excellent
Review 109:No Parking facility Small room Bed uncomfortable Noisy. Room above kitchen. Put in annexe for breakfast 4tables only. Only couple there & then moved because we were at wrong table! Waitress did not understand when we asked for milk & butter. Managed with sign language.
Review 110:Receptionists pm & am very pleasant Breakfast very good.
Review 111:Decor was a little dated (but very clean)
Review 112:Location, ideal for exploring Ilfracombe and surrounding area Quality and choice of Food was excellent. Quality of Service, it was Excellent Staff were all efficient and friendly, reception staff, the restaurant staff and the room service personnel.
Review 113:reserved parking prior to stay.but could not park, had to pay to park in public car park as the car park was full of people not staying at hotel.told staff on front desk but nothing was done about it, just could not be bothered. staff were told i needed parking as wife had a bad back and could not walk far.
Review 114:location.good breakfast.
Review 115:we found the hotel to be in a good location for all the shops , pubs , restaurants and harbour. all the staff are friendly and helpful on the Saturday night we had a meal in the restaurant which was very nice and good value. we would recommend the hotel for couples , families , or single travellers.
Review 116:Internet was only available on the ground floor..
Review 117:Staff were very helpful in allowing me to use their computer for banking. Plus, when I misunderstood the dining cost arrangement, the Manager sorted it in my favour. Big Plus.
Review 118:guest next door elderly couple very loud in the early in the morning, and bathroom in need of new paint work .
Review 119:Breakfast, staff , entertainment, location.
Review 120:We really enjoyed our stay at The Imperial Hotel, The staff made our holiday complete with their friendly and warm attitudes, they were so friendly and fun towards my 5 year old. The location is perfect, opposite the harbor and lots to do within very short walking distance; shops, crazy golf, restaurants etc. We would definitely stay at the hotel in the future.
Review 121:hotel car park has only 7 or 8 spaces so unless you get a space when get there and dont use your car all week you will have to park in the car park opposite which is free 6pm to 8am but any other time is £1 an hour ( min charge £4)so if you dont go out in your car during the week adds £10 a day to the cost of your stay, No free disabled parking anywhere either.
Review 122:good location, good sea view if room at front, opposite theatre and tourist information and esplanade, close to shops and restaurants and the best fish and chip shop in town, one street away from high street and all buses stop 50mtrs away from front door. good bus network to local towns.
Review 123:The decor was awful an carpet looked grubby but worse of all were the cracks in the walls from ceiling to our uneven floor,we felt like our room was on a hill! Definite subsidence issue's.
Review 124:Beds we're comfy,bathroom was nice an clean.
Review 125:during my stay the guests in the next room were very noisy but the fact that the walls are hollow was a contributing factor we could hear every single word they spoke and could also hear what they were doing in the bathroom - don't go here unless you are deaf - never again !!!!!
Review 126:location was good facilities are good staff are excellent very clean and tidy
Review 127:Stopping on third floor disturbed at night by people on upper 4th.floor poor response from management when we complained.also beds not properly made and replacement towels not always forth coming.
Review 128:Very good location over looking sea views
Review 129:Only that the bed was a little hard
Review 130:Had a lovely stay, found all of the staff extremely helpful and friendly!! I think it's fantastic that the hotel caters for the elderly, I myself am 45 and would certainly stay here again ! The hotel tries very hard to keep the older generation happy and comfortable and makes things as easy as they can for them "brilliant" !
Review 131:Room was very warm, even with window wide open. Could do with a new mattress. Gave my wife backache !
Review 132:Staff so so helpful, and very friendly. Nothing too much trouble for them. Ideal location, level walk down to harbour area. Restaurant very good, good selection on menu.
Review 133:Check in time doesnt start till 4pm and you have to check out by 10am, plus you must have breakfast between 8 and 9 even on a Sunday. When you're planning a leisurely weekend, having to be up so early on a Sunday morning feels really wrong. The single small lift was a bit scary. The staff were nice and friendly but on enquiring at reception where I could get a cream tea I was very disappointed. The lady had never had one and the man didnt know what one was - and so neither could answer my question. It turned out that within 20 steps is a cafe that does them, and on the walk between the hotel and the harbour we were spoilt for choice of places to indulge. The staff should know more about the place where they are working.
Review 134:Location was good. Very clean and tidy. Friendly staff. Evening entertainment of a singer with backing tracks and a break for bingo was not my usual choice but on a wet evening it proved to be more fun than it sounds. Breakfast was very good and plentiful. The coachful of elderly bowls players made people watching highly entertaining. With the decor and the typical clientele it was like being transported back to the 70s - in a good way!
Review 135:Dim-lit breakfast room (barely daylight, since only small, close to ceiling windows) with the atmosphere of a station-waiting-room; clearly overtaxed, unfriendly staff at breakfast; room was stuffy, and the bathroom was very unpleasantly foul-smelling, which we got halfway under control by venting with the room door open and obstructing the drain holes; warm water possibly from an own boiler per room, because there was not enough for two showers one after the other; evening events in the foyer are clearly geared to seniors (eg Bingo)
Review 136:Very good central location; (limited) on-site parking
Review 137:Bed was lumpy tea & coffee in room was tasteless bought my own from local shop water tasted metallic bed side cabinet on one side to close to bed evening menu on desk did not always match what was in book in restaurant, when asked why no real answer was given .
Review 138:View from room,breakfast, room was clean .
Review 139:Hotel was set up for coach parties with rigid meal times and large social areas. Does not really suit short stay travellers.
Review 140:Central location and friendly staff.
The Fine Print
A fixed amount of GBP 25 per person will be charged on the day of booking. The total price of the reservation will be charged 3 days prior to arrival. The hotel will contact you prior to your arrival at the hotel to confirm your booking.Breakfast is served from 8:00 until 9:00, evening meals served from 18:30 until 19:30. The hotel will confirm your dining times on arrival. You can pre-book your evening meals at a discounted rate of GBP 11 per person per night. Cancellation charges apply.Please note that this property cannot accommodate hen and stag parties.The hotel has limited free parking available on a first-come first-serve basis. Please note, hotel has only 7 spaces available. Additional free overnight parking is available at an adjacent public car park