The Darnley Hotel0

Owners Paul and Lorinda go out of their way to be helpful. Because the room we booked needed an urgent repair we were put in a lovely suite on the top floor. There was a separate dressing room and small refrigerator. The breakfast is just the right size and there is a good choice of fruit, cereals etc.

There is no lift, but the stairs are not too steep and are nice and wide. There isn't really a lounge, apart from a bar so it's not exactly family friendly, but would certainly suit couples.

A lovely old house , converted into a charming hotel that is conveniently situated for the town centre and the sea front. We had a large comfortable bedroom and there was a good choice for breakfast. It is beautifully decorated which is an ongoing project. The bus stops are close by if you want to explore further afield.

Only minor dislikes. The sink in our room was in the bedroom which is not ideal . There was plenty room to extend the shower room to incorporate it, so hopefully this may be part of the renovation plan. The entrance to the hotel is very narrow, especially with a large car so great care is needed. Ilfracombe is a hilly town and the last approach to the hotel is very steep. Obviously not the hotels fault but worth noting.

The owners were very helpful and friendly with a good knowledge of the local area. The food was very good too, we had a pre-booked main meal when we arrived which was excellent and breakfast both mornings. The room we stayed in had recently been decorated, there was a tv, sofa, wardrobe and a large shower room. We found the bed a bit too soft for our liking but I'm sure it would be very comfortable for others.

The communal hallway was in the process of being decorated and there was scaffolding on the outside of the building to repair recent storm damage but this wasn't really a problem as Paul explained the story behind the works.

Hotel was well placed for a short walk into the town and pubs. Breakfast was cereal fruit etc plus a very good full English breakfast which was freshly cooked and just the right amount. Owners are health conscious and this was reflected in how the breakfast was cooked. Owners were present and very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Always had time for a quick chat!!! Access to the hotel was secure and they were still abiding by Covid recommendation to keep guests and staff safe. The bathroom probably had one of the best showers we've had in an hotel room.

Can't think of anything

The breakfast was fine, the location was just right, the parking was what we required and the owners are very nice people.

The top floor room needs a small sink so that cups and spoons, etc. can be rinsed and the kettle can be filled easily - otherwise the bathroom had to be used. The room needs a power-point at worktop level for the kettle which had to be stood on the floor.

Polite and friendly hosts with wonderful cooking skills. Very knowledgeable about the area, local businesses and places to eat. Our room was cleaned every day; bins emptied, bed made and even hoovered. Big windows to let in the seaside air. Lots of trails and walks to take. Local pubs for nibbles and even a lidl down the road. If we had gone in season we would have enjoyed the sea tours, mini golf and ice cream. We took a trip to the local cinema and would have loved to visit the roller rink if we hadn't noticed the advertisement too late. Lots of choices included, both for vegetarians and carnivores (the owners even went to get me something special from the shops because they ran out).

Going to Ilfracombe out of season meant alot of seaside businesses were closed.

Cheerful, welcoming staff. Very close to the bits you want to visit, much to its favour as is its private car park. Your legs need to work well, the resort is mighty hilly ! The owners have nicely updated a late Victorian building, the rooms and stairwell are very classily put together,

The entrance and breakfast room are yet to receive their magic touch, just adequate.

We were happy with our room and food.We found Paul & Lorinda very polite & helpful nothing was too much trouble.It was very quiet and relaxing which we enjoyed.

Steep Hill to the Hotel as we both have arthritus in our knees.We were hoping to get a bus for some of our trips but used the car anyway

The bedrooms were large and nicely decorated all areas were clean and tidy and hotel staff were warm, friendly and very helpful. The walkway down to the main road was a plus as it cut out a lot of walking especially coming home as it is uphill all the way from the resort,

There was no stool/chair at the mirror for doing hair and makeup. The bar and restaurant opening times were not set in stone so often if you didn’t book then the restaurant wouldn’t open. However we tended to go out exploring so not a major problem, could have been an issue if weather conditions were not favourable.

The breakfast was adequate but two tomatoes and an additional piece of bacon would be an improvement. Sausages were excellent. The evening meals I had were well cooked and interesting.

As above. There was a need for me to change rooms just after I arrived due to an admin error with a new guest arriving. I have to say that the room I moved to was much nicer and I was compensated for inconvenience.