The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel descritpion

At Barnstaple's only 4-star hotel offering traditional Edwardian luxury, you can enjoy a central location overlooking the Taw River. There is a formal restaurant, free parking and large leafy grounds.
Situated in the center of town, it is only a 10 minute drive to the beautiful North Devon coast. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area and visiting Dartington Glass Factory, the coastal village of Clovelly with its 14th century harbor, and the beautiful Lynton and Lynmouth.
Spend a few relaxing moments during morning coffee or afternoon tea, and make the most of the hotels service, where guests' comfort is of paramount importance.

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Facilities of The Imperial Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for The Imperial Hotel

Review 1：We didn't like staying out in the annexed rooms. Too near the main road. Car lights shone in room as we are ground level. I wish this had been pointed out to us when we booked as we would not have booked that room. It was a shame as it took the edge off the stay. All our friends stayed in main hotel

Review 2：Lovely hotel.well maintained. Very good food.service excellent. Staffordshire very friendly and helpful

Review 3：The hotel was located near to all amenities and the staff were most helpful, friendly and smart. Our room was large and well furnished. The food in both restaurant and bar was excellent.

Review 4：It was all a bit stiff: the suits, attitude of staff, immediate notification there was a dresscode for dinner. And while one egg may be enough for the average 70+ yo guest, it certainly wasn't for me.

Review 5：A well presented classic hotel with good facilities and very clean. Good parking. Lovely shower.

Review 6：Unfortunately the people above got up at 545-6 and all we could hear was them creaking around, old building I know but because of it being old didn't get to sleep till the last person up the stairs (1.10am) decided to go to bed, so bit tired the following am.

Review 7：Everything, room, food, service and staff were excellent

Review 8：The bed in our room was not so comfortable and the room was far to hot.

Review 9：any staff we came into contact with were friendly, helpful, approachable and wanted to all they could to assist our stay...very pleasing and on a par with some of the best hotels I have stayed in New York and Singapore.

Review 10：nothing

Review 11：room 305 .warm, comfortable , shower was hot and powerful everything was spot on bar area was a relaxed atmospear staff were very friendly whilst been very professional

Review 12：The main reception area and stairs I found very tired and a bit depressing. Would suit a lighter colour and mix new and old together.

Review 13：The location. The room was clean and comfortable

Review 14：Very expensive 2 course evening meal (at £28.00 for a Goat's cheese starter and a crème brulee) in the Arlington Restaurant. Should have chosen the same meal but in the bar.

Review 15：Plenty of vehicle parking. General excellence of the facilities, furnishings and cleanliness. Proximity of the town centre and shops, etc. Helpful staff. Wide restaurant menu choices. Excellent breakfast selection.

Review 16：Excellent food and staff very attentive. Breakfast plentiful and piping hot plates! Ate in the Bistro every evening and very impressed with all staff serving there and in the Bar. Particular mention to Jamie, Bar Spervisor. Rooms beautifully cleaned every day.

Review 17：I didn't like my shower in was really dirty couldn't use it a member of staff went to walk in our room in morning uninvited

Review 18：I loved the hotel in side so nice

Review 19：We booked the hotel because the facilities included a lift. However our allocated room was in an annex which had some steep stairs and no lift. They moved us, with some difficulty, into a room in the hotel the next day, without fuss. They said that if we had phoned them direct they would have asked if we needed this facility, but nevertheless the website details were inaccurate. We also thought that the restuarant prices were over the top and did not eat in the hotel.

Review 20：Comfortable hotel, good lounges,very pleasant helpful staff.

Review 21：We were disappointed not to have been allocated a room in the main building but given one in the annex. We could hear the people in the next room and as the outlook was to a rear courtyard we could also hear what was presumed to be kitchen staff emptying bins etc.

Review 22：The staff were attentive and pleasant.

Review 23：The staff are extremely helpful and friendly, nothing is too much trouble. The food is excellent and their is a varied menu. The location is also good.

Review 24：We were in Barnstaple for a wedding and the staff were amazingly accommodating of our erratic timetable throughout the weekend, specially the night porter. The hotel also organized a baby sitter for one evening and she was lovely. Brilliant stay.

Review 25：The bed was unbelievably hard and when I mentioned this to staff at the time of leaving, no comment was even passed about my discomfort - I was a little surprised form my comment to receive no reaction at all!

Review 26：On the plus side we were treated to beautiful flowers in the entrance lobby and it has a great central location.

Review 27：Night check-out was a little messy. WiFi could have been better.

Review 28：Old-time charm, excellent food, exceptionally clean, no noise, yet I have opened my window at Friday night

Review 29：I had asked for a room with a view but this did not happen but for one night I was not too bothered

Review 30：the staff were fantastic and so helpful. the bed was comfortable and the facilities in the room were great. Food good service so attentive

Review 31：staff rearranging tables etc whilst we were eating a lovely breakfast - made us feel very uncomfortable high bar and evening meal prices crampt bedroom old fashioned feel

Review 32：generally high quality helpful staff free parking

Review 33：The room (126) was very noisy both from the outside and inside. This lead to us not sleeping very well at all. We very upset about this and therefore would not stay with you again

Review 34：Over priced at £140 for 1 night room only. The room was comfy,the wifi very poor and the room116 floor boards makeing a noise and the hallway outside very noisey. The location is good, value for money very poor ,overpriced .

Review 35：Our room was occupied after the key was given to us. Food not up to 4 star standard duck very dry also fish over cooked

Review 36：Spacious hotel, staff helpful bit cleaning rota not well organised

Review 37：£5 room service charge that doesn't go to staff. Prices of orders should cover the cost of providing a room service without an additional charge being necessary.

Review 38：Great location, nice old hotel. Everyone saying good morning to everyone else in the breakfast restaurant.

Review 39：The joining of two single beds to make king size didn't provide us with good comfort where they come together. Very uncomfortable on the joint

Review 40：The room was very spacious and all facilities were very clean. The availability of parking made a difference.

Review 41：The comfort, spaciousness and relaxing atmosphere. The attentiveness and friendliness of all the staff, made us feel really welcome, would thoroughly recommend.

Review 42：With such thought put into other aspects of our stay, I found it strange that my son and daughter-in- law had to struggle with steps down to their room- the fact that they required a cot must have been a clue that they required easy access.

Review 43：Staff helpful and friendly. I'd booked six rooms for my family and friends to attend my son's wedding. When we came down for breakfast a table had been allocated that seated us all. The breakfast was superb.

Review 44：The average age of clientele was quite high and they didn't all appreciate the 'exuberance' of a still very well behaved seven year old and did little hide their disgust, for want of a better word, that we would deign to intrude in their chosen hotel. Staff were great, as were most of the other guests, just two couples who took exception. Having stayed here several times previously this is most definitely the first time this has been a problem.

Review 45：Fantastic location. Pleasant staff. Lovely (free upgrade) room.

Review 46：What a fantastic hotel! Stayed with my two teenage kids and had a brilliant time. Hotel is spotless and very well cared for, but by far the best thing was the wonderful staff who were so friendly and couldn't do enough to help. They obviously really enjoy their jobs and where they work! Would highly recommend a stay here.

Review 47：there was no entertainment in the evenings.

Review 48：the comfort of the room, food was good quality, and staff were very polite respectful, helpful and made you feel very special.

Review 49：The whole experience was very enjoyable. All the staff were friendly and helpful at all times. The food was top class. We will definitely visit again.

Review 50：Overall, this was poor value for money. The perception I had was that the hotel was trading on its 4 star status, but our double room was rather basic. There were two stated policies which, although we were unaffected, infuriated me. One was that you might be charged if you checked out later, the other that if you wanted a further coffee etc set you had to pay. The amount of milk provided was wholly inadequate, several times over. The TV choice was poor. No red button. The wifi kept cutting out. As for the dress code, which we knew about when we booked, well we did not use the restaurant. The hotel needs to both retain the old and at the same time 'get modern'.

Review 51：All the staff were polite, friendly and professional. Our room was upgraded for our anniversary and little touches such as chocolates and a fruit basket made our stay extra special.

Review 52：The room was very spacious, and the bed lovely and comfortable. The tea/coffee facilities in the room were excellent, with a wide range of tea bags on offer. The bathroom was luxurious and the complimentary toiletries were of good quality.

Review 53：The staff (especially on reception) were fab and nothing was too much trouble. The hotel is spotlessly clean and beautifully presented & maintained. Would be happy to stay again & recommend to other guests.

Review 54：Bathroom could do with being updated

Review 55：Very friendly staff and excellent breakfast. Lovely walks and cycle routes along the river just outside the door and walkable into High Street

Review 56：Just personal, but beds a little hard - suggest that mattress topper is option for those who are not used to firm mattress.

Review 57：Very good hotel with very pleasant staff.

Review 58：Room rather warm on a not very hot night, in spite of opening sash window

Review 59：Traditional hotel with service ethos. Good location in town, spacious lounges, good breakfast

Review 60：Small bed no air con price of drinks at the bar were an absolute joke was expecting more for a four star hotel

Review 61：Friendly staff very helpfull close to town plenty of parking

Review 62：The cooked breakfast was not good quality and for a 4 star should be better. WiFi worked intermittently (big bug bear for me)

Review 63：Good friendly service, very well run hotel. Although the hotel was not my style (a bit old fashioned decor etc. it was very clean and in good condition generally)

Review 64：Couldn't relax in room during day due to nearby room renovation work. Shower too powerful. Itv 4 not available

Review 65：Location close to town. Parking facilities.

Review 66：Given that we live in the Middle East and that heat doesn't really bother us, the room we had was far too hot even with the window open. Room fan was noisy too, so that didn't really help either. Please turn down the central heating! Or put in some bigger windows.

Review 67：Nice building, well preserved and very looked after. Very elegant and grand.

Review 68：Only complaint was being made to feel embarrassed about altering a dinner order. I think the waiter intended to be funny but it didn't quite come across like that

Review 69：Friendly staff and very comfortable hotel.Our room was a little small but very well appointed and a great bathroom!

Review 70：No walk in shower or lever taps. A dressing table high backed dining chair instead of a stool, making it very difficult to brush long hair. The television was to big for the size of the room.The Colours bar is depressing.

Review 71：The food is wonderful and cannot be faulted. Room service is excellent and Adam was brilliant.

Review 72：Wi-fi could do with improving/upgrading...

Review 73：The whole hotel is excellently run, with well trained courteous staff. The food and service was exceptional.

Review 74：NOTHING !!!!!!!!!!

Review 75：From the moment that we arrived at the Reception desk we knew that we had chosen a fabulous place to stay. The Staff are exceptional, polite, friendly and nothing is too much trouble. "old-fashioned" courtesy means so much to us and this you get at The Imperial in abundance.

Review 76：The breakfast, the poached eggs tasted of vinegar and the toast that accompanied was soft. Also the coffee was tasteless and weak.

Review 77：Location, staff, parking.

Review 78：The WiFi access was awful as it kept logging out. very frustrating if you are there on business and are relying on access

Review 79：The room was nice, bed was comfy and food in the restaurant was excellent as was the cooked breakfast

Review 80：We found the bed a bit hard but that could have been us. The bath being plastic flexed quite a bit. If we had received you offer brochure before the offer start date of the 10th we would have stayed for two nights.

Review 81：The food was great in the bar restaurant and the bar staff had the right mix of attention without being over the top. Well done to them.

Review 82：We only stayed for one night but we had a very comfortable bed, room and bathroom very clean and superb cooked to order breakfast. Would highly recommend

Review 83：Room was too small, carpet, curtains and bedding had seen better days. View was terrible. Stayed at many other Brend Hotels and this is by far the worst room we have ever had, pity because we were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and the whole experience was marred by the poor service from the porter and the general upkeep of the room

Review 84：Location

Review 85：Very friendly staff and very comfortable and clean room. Extremely kind and attentive waiter in Bistro area. As a lady travelling on my own, I can't speak highly enough of my stay.

Review 86：Spare room was fair, but bed very small If I'm picky, the fan was very loud in the bathroom

Review 87：Lovely location on the river and near the park - perfect for a morning run! Well equipped room and friendly snug bar

Review 88：the heating was switched off during the nigth, the days of our visit were too cold to do it, especially the bath was unpleasantly cold

Review 89：great room, plenty of space, nice view to the river, nice variety of drink not onyl in minibar, but also at complimentyry tray (not only tea and coffee, but also hot chocolate, tea biscuits

Review 90：Hotel was very clean and decorated to a high standard. The staff were all very friendly and took pride in making your stay as pleasant as possible. The food was of the highest standard and the choice was exceptional. Would certainly use this hotel again when in the area.

Review 91：I would have preferred to be issued-with two key cards for our in room/River Lodge instead of traditional keys. This allows more independence. However when returning from solo shopping the staff always happily opened up the doors (we were in River Court). We only stayed for three nights, wardrobe space would have been limited for a longer stay, but plenty of cupboard and drawer space.

Review 92：Very impressed by Night Porter who opened up to give us our keys at 1.30 in the morning!! Overall the staff were very helpful and friendly

Review 93：The bed - the only downside but it was rock hard. We booked three rooms and everyone complained about the beds being too hard. A few Ikea memory foam mattress toppers would solve the problem.

Review 94：Friendly, helpful staff Warm everywhere in the hotel Exceptionally clean - really above the norm Convenient location

Review 95：Can't comment on the quality of the meals. We thought the menus looked overpriced, but Barnstaple did well for breakfast and dinner, and the hotel's location was excellent for that.

Review 96：Space, comfort, quiet, well appointed room. We had a good meal in bar when we arrived - excellent crab sandwich and presentation of our light lunches. All other meals we ate outside the hotel.

Review 97：Room was between buildings and bathroom not really integral, lot of money therefore for a very average room..... no water in the room, told to use the tap..... which was cloudy and tasted unpleasant

Review 98：Location, general friendliness of the staff, on-site parking, good breakfast

Review 99：The room was a big disappointment. Tiny, with a very hard bed. Not worth £110.

Review 100：The hotel's location is great, by the river. The staff were really good, attentive but friendly.

Review 101：Wouldn't have chosen ground floor room had we known it would be on a noisy road. The traffic was loud enough to wake us. Also didn't appreciate the cold bathroom, the towel rail was totally inadequate to heat it.

Review 102：The room was spacious and comfortable apart from the cold bathroom.

Review 103：The rain. If they could sort that it would be perfect.

Review 104：Everything from the minute we walked through the door. Customer service was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Room was fantastic and spotlessly clean. The bald headed waiter was excellent.

Review 105：We were told we had been upgraded to a senior executive room. My wife wondered what an ordinary room was like. our room was compact. There was no double glazing. An attempt with secondary glazing covered one window the other had half a pane. This resulted in cold air and condensation

Review 106：The lounges were spacious with comfortable chairs and loungers. The restaurant was excellent service and food wise

Review 107：We thought the staff were very polite helpfull Location was great by the river and walking distance to shops and restaurants .The food in hotel was very good excellent service hope to stay again.......

Review 108：Unfortunately the evening I arrived there was a ceremony just outside for the turning on of the Christmas lights, it was extraordinarily noisy and unpleasant and we should have been warned that this would happen

Review 109：The Imperial is warm and welcoming. Staff and facilities are impeccable.

Review 110：There was no computer for guests and so I could not make a check in for a flight.

Review 111：An excellent old-style hotel for a reasonable price beyond my expectation. My best ever experience with dining in Britain.

Review 112：Bit quiet - not a place to go to get 'lost in the crowd'.

Review 113：Great restaurant and attentive service. Dress code means no jeans in the restaurant and waiting staff are in black tie. All in all a sophisticated hotel with traditional style.

Review 114：The bed was the hardest we'd ever slept in so we didn't sleep well. I reported this & found that they offer mattress toppers on request. The next time we stay we'll definately ask for one.

Review 115：Location Cleanliness Snug warm rooms Big bathroom

Review 116：Cleanliness was top marks. Rooms were very tastefully decorated and the bed was very comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I have stayed in all the Barnstaple hotels and the Imperial is by far the best. Thank you for a pleasant stay.

Review 117：The staff are very friendly and polite , I have never stayed at a hotel where everyone of the staff are dressed emaculate and they could not do enough for you . Thank you .

Review 118：Delusions of grandeur. Bathroom was ridiculously small - you could get burnt by the towel rail whilst sitting on the loo! Restaurant very cramped - bistro was better, but small and no outside windows, No bottled water in the room - reception said it was company policy not to provide, but the Royal Duchy (same chain) do. Not a pleasant stay especially for the price.

Review 119：Nothing

Review 120：The wifi service was very poor. It was free - but dropped out repeatedly, making simple internet tasks complicated and unreliable.

Review 121：The hotel offers really stylish facilities and loads of peace and quiet. The staff members are well trained and offer service in line with the nature of hotel. The location, just a step or two from the heart of the town, ensures ease of access to everything - including the bus station for day trips - but little "town noise".

Review 122：ROOM 232-built in wardrobe did not smell good & overlooked the droning air conditioning on the flat roof. They moved us when we explained politely that we were not happy.

Review 123：very helpful, friendly & interactive staff looking for ways to help. Great breakfast in light & airy dining room. Good parking. always helpful with any problems & nothing is too much trouble. able to use facilities at their sister hotels. Very clean indeed. will be going back

Review 124：We arrived early and had to wait till after 3 p.m. for the room but went into town and got back about 4.30 p.m. We weren't particularly happy about the size and position of the room as it was right next to the lift and we heard everyone coming up to bed that evening. However seeing as we were only staying one night we didn't complain. We had a note put under the door stating that they had tried to ring us to see if everything was okay but got no reply. We had already unpacked and it was too much hassle to re-pack it again. However on picking up our keys I heard two lots of people having their room upgraded - perhaps they had run out of ordinary double rooms. It was my husband's 70th birthday as well. This is the only complaint about the hotel.

Review 125：I thought that the hotel was excellent with very attentive and helpful staff who made you feel at home. The position of the hotel was excellent overlooking the river and right next to all the shops and the park nearby. The food was very good although we only had breakfast. The room was spotless and the decor throughout the hotel was very good. We will certainly stay here again as we were well impressed with the hotel.

Review 126：I had to take the fan back as it didn't work, BUT is was a swift turn around and had a new one to my door within minutes.

Review 127：The relaxed laid back environment, it took me away from stress of work for a really relaxed evening. The staff were extremely friendly.

Review 128：Nothing. Suitable mainly for the mature traveller, not for families. Reception staff could do with a bit more human/interested response.

Review 129：Excellent room and en-suite facilities, even though just a standard room booked late. Lovely breakfast served by efficient friendly staff - which gave it the human touch. We love the small first floor lounge area overlooking the river - perfect for a quiet pot of coffee and the newspaper!

Review 130：We didn't like room 4 . It was below a family room and you could hear every movement the family made because the floor boards were so creaky . We were able to move rooms on the third night . So we could get some sleep .

Review 131：The hotel was clean and the service was good . Their was a varied menu at breakfast and the staff were very polite .

The Fine Print

Please note that the hotel has a preferred dress code of a collared shirt with no jeans, trainers or sportswear in the Arlington Restaurant after 18:30. Casual dining is available in the Colours Bar.