Devon’s gorgeous 4* hotel right next to the beach

Spring had sprung in Devon. I’d spent all day out and about in Torbay, visiting Kent’s Cavern Cave, Babbacombe Cliff Railway and various beaches interspersed with coastal path walks. 

I was knackered – but I had the perfect antidote booked. A night’s stay at Mercure Hotel Paignton. 

About the hotel 

A landmark of Paignton’s beachfront, the shiny Mercure hotel is a vital part of the beach town’s regeneration. 

Its modern and sleek exterior overlooks Paington’s main promenade – as I parked up, I found myself thinking we need this in Exmouth (where I live) – our hotels are dated to say the least!

It’s home to Latitude 50, a bright and airy restaurant where I’d be dining that night. 

Arriving at the hotel

Parking is available in the secure car park underneath the hotel, although out of season there is also road parking. 

I was greeted with a smile when I walked in. “Your room’s ready and dinner is reserved” the receptionist told me. 

After a seamless check-in process, I took the lift up to the second floor (the ground and first floor are pet-friendly rooms).

The room 

The view was the first thing I noticed. Wall to ceiling windows showcased the coastline in all it’s glory. It had been a beautiful day, and the sunset colours were glowing (Paignton is east-facing, so sunrise will be more spectacular at the Mercure!). 

The mattress felt like a cloud, with crisp, fresh-smelling bedlinen and plush pillows. I was happy to find a separate seating area where I could watch Paignton go by, a desk/ dressing table and a flat-screen TV (there was an episode of Married at First Sight I wanted to catch up on!). 

There was also a tea and coffee-making station with a pod coffee machine – perfect for the morning. For now, I enjoyed a herbal tea while taking in the glorious coastal views. 

After dinner (we’ll go into that in a moment!) it was time for an “everything” shower. I used the provided Elemental Herbology shampoo, conditioner and shower gel and turned on the rain shower, unwinding after a busy day on the coast.

Afterwards, tucking into bed with another herbal tea and provided biscuits was glorious – and I slept brilliantly.

The dinner

But between enjoying my room, it was dinner time. 

Latitude 50 is located just past the reception lobby. I was greeted with a smile and shown to my seat. 

The menu wasn’t huge (that’s not necessarily a bad thing, although as I’m vegetarian it might have been nice to have a couple more meat-free options!) and I opted for the mushroom risotto with a portion of olives to begin. 

I didn’t fancy alcohol so decided to opt for a glass of the Divin alcohol-free Sauvignon Blanc. “It’s not exactly the same as the normal stuff, but it’s not bad” the waiter told me. I was actually very impressed. 

The olive portion was huge, and the risotto was deliciously creamy.

The service

Service was excellent throughout the hotel. From the seamless check-in to the friendly dinner service, I felt like no request was too much. 

Facilities 

Along with the restaurant, Mercure Paignton has a small gym and conference facilities. 

I didn’t use either – I was too worn out from hiking to have a gym session – but it had a couple of machines and free weights (enough for a basic workout).

A buffet breakfast is also offered. I didn’t actually have this – I’d been wanting to visit Start Point for sunrise for ages, and serendipitously realised that it was set to be stunning the day after, so set out before the breakfast started. 

But it includes a mix of continental and cooked options – I saw it being set up as I dashed to my car, and it looked tasty, with plenty of options!

Nearby attractions

Mercure Paignton is in a prime position to enjoy the English Riviera!

Here are just some of the things you can enjoy nearby:

• Paignton Pier – Classic arcades, doughnuts, and views of Tor Bay from the boardwalk.
• Goodrington Sands – Wide sandy beach with calm swimming areas and water sports hire.
• Babbacombe Cliff Railway – Funicular railway linking Babbacombe Downs with Oddicombe Beach.
• Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves – Guided underground tours through Stone Age cave systems in Torquay.
• Splashdown Quaywest – Outdoor waterpark with fast flumes and kids’ zones (seasonal, 5 mins’ drive).
• Dartmouth Steam Railway – Coastal steam train with views of Broadsands and the River Dart.
• South West Coast Path – Scenic cliffside walks in either direction; reach Brixham or Torquay on foot.

See my list of the best things to do in Paignton for more information.

You can WIN a stay at Mercure Paignton!

Yes, you!

I’ve teamed up with @mercurepaigntonhotel to enable one of YOU to win a night’s bed and breakfast stay! 🛌🍳

To enter:

Head to this Instagram post.

1) FOLLOW @gosouthwestengland
2) TAG 3 friends in the comments

For a bonus entry, SHARE on your stories (must have a public account for me to view)

The competition runs until April 6th and I will contact the winner that week (I’ll tag you in my stories and send a DM).

The winner will receive a voucher for one night’s bed and breakfast. Mercure Paignton may specify days of the week or time of year when it is valid for.

Note: you will ONLY receive a DM about this competition from THIS account – @gosouthwestengland – any other account is not me!

Good luck!