Best Seafront Hotel Mercure Paignton

Best Seafront Hotel Mercure Paignton

If you are looking for an escape to the seaside then the English Riviera on the South Coast of Devon has been a popular choice for decades. Now the area has a fantastic new hotel, The Mercure in Paignton which brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to the area.

I am delighted to share my personal experience with you from a stay at the best new seafront hotel in Paignton. These are my own own views but for full disclosure I was offered an overnight stay and meal as a gifted press visit.

A Luxury Hotel in Paignton

Offering a range of luxury hotel rooms, a glass-fronted restaurant, and a Mediterranean style terrace overlooking the bay, the four star Mercure Paignton is already proving popular with visitors and locals.

The hotel is a welcome addition to the area, bringing a touch of the 21st century to the seafront. An attractive frontage that would not be out of place in any modern resort. It is located almost opposite the pier placing it centrally for exploring the town, walking into Torquay or the heading out on the coast path towards Brixham and beyond.

Things to Do in Paignton

Paignton is a traditional seaside town with a long promenade, a pier and a small harbour. From the Mercure Hotel there is easy access to seafront the which is part of the South West Coast Path.

The hotel is a short walk to Preston Sands Beach, Paignton’s main beach which is large, sandy and great for families. The bay is also known for it’s rock pools which are great fun to investigate.

The Pier which first opened in 1879 has been reinvented with takeaway food outlets,  an arcade as well as a fun dinosaur themed crazy golf at the end.

In the other direction there is a small pretty harbour, a cinema and access to the main shopping street.

Another well known beach just over the headland is Goodrington Sands. This is popular with dog walkers (dogs are not allowed on Preston Sands) and also for paddle boarding which you can hire in the summer. Just back from the beach is Splashdown, a fun waterpark.

From Paignton you can take The Dartmouth Steam Railway which runs for seven miles in Great Western tradition along the spectacular Torbay coast to Dartmouth.

It’s also a short drive or bus ride for days out to popular tourist attractions like  Paignton Zoo, Kents Cavern or Compton Castle National Trust.

The Mercure Hotel Paignton

The large hotel lobby, bar and restaurant are all joined on the ground floor. Beautifully styled and decorated with floor to ceiling  glass windows, flooding it with natural seaside light. In the summer the inside merges seamlessly out onto the large terrace with its attractive planting and large sunshades.

The hotel has 161 rooms with a choice of classic double rooms with either one or two double beds as well as larger Privilege rooms. These are on the fourth floor and offer a fabulous view across the bay. All the rooms offer everything you would expect from a luxury four star hotel.

Best Afternoon Tea in Paignton

After our efficient and friendly check in we sat out on the terrace and were treated to an amazing afternoon tea. Fresh sandwiches, delicious scones and indulgent petit fours with a glass of Prosecco.

Even if you are not staying at the hotel this would be a great way to celebrate a special occasion.

After an easy walk to the harbour and a chance to watch the paddle boarders having fun at the pretty Fairy Cove we took our time to relax and change before dinner.

Mercure Hotel Restaurant

Dinner at the Mercure was delightful and if you are not staying in the hotel would be a lovely place to go for a birthday or anniversary meal out.

The service was excellent as was the food itself. The menu is not extensive but personally I sometimes feel quite overwhelmed by too much choice.

I went for the sea trout with clams and a crab bisque and my friend opted for the braised feather blade of beef with triple cooked chips – both delicious. No pictures because I have decided my food photography skills don’t do the meal justice.

We finished off by sharing an indulgent chocolate dessert which tipped us over into being definitely full. The pre-dinner cocktails may also have had a part to play in that!

Breakfast in the morning offered plenty of choice from pastries and cereal to cooked full English and was completely self-service.

Final Thoughts

Overall I would certainly recommend the Mercure Hotel in Paignton. Even though this stay was complimentary, having looked at other reviews the feedback seems to be very consistently good for everyone.

One reviewer recommended avoiding times when there might be a noisy fun fair on the green (right in front of the hotel). This would correspond with the popular English Riviera Air Show and  Paignton Festival (Carnival Week), although you may also like to visit for exactly those events.

Also be warned that I was asked for a refundable £50 card payment,  taken to secure any expenditure during our stay and credited back on departure.

Access to the hotel is easy by train or car.  There is a small carpark at the hotel under the hotel, it’s on a first come fist served basis.

The same hotel group is building similar looking Ibis Styles next door, photos suggest it to be more family orientated and not quite as plush. Photos show a cocktail and ice cream bar which sounds great! Once finished the whole seafront area will be much improved and be a great boost for Paignton as a holiday destination.

Of course when you are on holiday you have to find a good ice cream so check out my blog on the best Devon ice cream or have  look at fabulous Devon festivals you can enjoy during your stay.