Imperial Hotel
Wilder Rd, Ilfracombe · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Imperial Hotel, Ilfracombe / Google Maps
A long-standing hotel on Wilder Rd in Ilfracombe, on the North Devon coast, known for its lively entertainment and generous dining options.
About Imperial Hotel
Ilfracombe's North Devon coastline, with its walking trails, cycling routes and watersports, makes a fitting backdrop for the Imperial Hotel, set on Wilder Rd within easy reach of the harbour town's attractions. Golf, fishing and horse riding are all nearby too, so there's plenty to fill the days beyond the hotel itself.
Rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, drinks and free WiFi, and the hotel operates a 24 hour reception for guests coming and going at odd hours. There's a restaurant and bar on site, breakfast is included, and packed lunches can be arranged for those heading out to explore the coast path. A lift makes moving between floors straightforward.
The dining is a genuine strength, with a wide range of options and staff who are attentive and quick to help. Entertainment is laid on regularly, giving the evenings a bit more life than a standard stay. That said, some parts of the building show their age and could do with updating, so it suits guests after a traditional seaside hotel with good food and service rather than a slick, modern finish.
What guests say
Location is lovely, opposite the beach. This is an OLD hotel, way past it's prime but that was part of the initial appeal. It is grand looking but very worn and that's ok. What isn't ok is walking into your room and being confronted by a mess, I didn't notice when I walked in but two pigeons were on top of the wardrobe and had made a awful mess (poo and feathers all over). We reported it to reception who could not find another room as they were fully booked. We went for a walk while they cleaned the room (most of it) and changed the sheets. The pigeons were also the reason we couldn't have the window open overnight which made it rather warm. Sadly the beach is not clean enough to swim at but we went down to Woolacombe which was brilliant. On our second day we were asked to change our assigned breakfast table into the other room (there are two rooms), there we sat for 30 minutes, no sign of any service. We went through and asked about being served and were told - quite rudely - 'I'll be there in a minute'. Ten minutes went by, still no service let alone breakfast. We had been told to be down for breakfast between 8am and 9am, it was now nearly 8.50. We abandoned our (paid for) breakfast and went to the Spoons down the road, which was lovely with quick service. The whole hotel is geared up towards coach parties for people over a certain age, this is fine, I understand they probably keep the place going.
a month ago · via Google
Excellent chef here. Food is on point, with lots of options. Our server is Excellent. Rooms are always cleaned to high standard. Location is fantastic as it is in between the Harbour and Tunnel Beach. Lovely entertainment in the evening and alcohol is not overpriced, like some hotels. A real treat to stay here. My parents and I love going on holidays via Alfa Travel. Very professional and well organised. The coach drivers have a wealth of knowledge about he area and provide good tips bout where to go.
4 months ago · via Google
Four days,on a coach holiday.My single room was cosy,if a little small.Bed comfortable and clean throughout.My vegan meals,were delicious and imaginative.The staff were incredible! Everyone went out of their way,to make my stay a happy one.There was entertainment every night. On the Saturday night,we were blown away,by Bob!What a talented man!We were all tired from the days activities but wouldn't let him leave the stage!I would definitely return to the Imperial and would like to take this opportunity, to congratulate them on their choice of staff!
5 months ago · via Google
just enjoyed a 5day stay here, yes we paid for a room with a view and was fabulous, very nice large room and bathroom, meals were all very good and can't fault the service, I would definitely stay again , we also visited the local museum and aquarium which features all the sea life from the erea.👍
4 months ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers great food with many options, excellent entertainment, and helpful, attentive staff who provide efficient service.
Other reviews mention the hotel can be poorly maintained and dated.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Wilder Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 9AL Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Wilder Rd, Ilfracombe
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Ilfracombe