The Imperial Hotel

We had a lovely stay at this hotel. The staff were polite and welcoming and the room was comfortable and had an amazing view out, over the bay, and a balcony to enjoy it from. We didn’t eat in the restaurant, partly as we wanted to try a few of the local places, and partly as the prices were a bit extravagant so I can’t comment on that, although the breakfast was lovely (really well stocked buffet with lots of hot and cold choices). My main tip would be to get a sea facing room. They cost more but it was completely worth it for those views. Will definately be back!

Lovely hotel for its rooms and overall look, with a great reception area and its superb views it comes highly recomended.
I only had one small issue, after a great weekend with great evening meals and relaxing views, I had realised the hotel had a lot of foreign workers who lacked the english language and manners.
For a 5 star hotel I did not expect to have my plate removed whilst my partner was still eating and them start clearing the table. When I said something I was given the look and they carried on, I just found that rude and somewhat annoying, to be fair I dont like that even in a cheap b&b never mind a 5 star hotel, hence why I dont give it a 5… shame!

Comfortable luxury hotel. Superb views from the balconies, bar conservatory and restaurant across Torbay to Brixham — truly beautiful at night with the lights twinkling (at night try to get a window seat as otherwise reflections are a distraction).
If you get a room facing inland, you obviously won’t get a sea view from it, but no matter as you use the room to sleep mostly, and it’s the common areas from which you will see the view.
Be aware that Torquay is very hilly and anyone talking a walk from the hotel should not have dodgy hips etc. Also the roadway above the hotel on the side away from the town centre lacks a pavement for a 50 yard stretch.
Food in the restaurant at dinner was surprisingly good — I had expected the first week of January to be a little off the best, but it wasn’t.
There is undercover car parking for those travelling by car.
This was my second visit after a decade interval, and I think owners Barcelo are minded to raise the standards rather than coast on reputation.