The Downs has been offering serviced accommodation since before the 2nd World War and is located on the seafront of Babbacombe, the more prestigious area of The English Riviera, 1.9 miles from the main harbour area of Torquay, South Devon. Yearly winners of Tripadvisor 'Hall of Fame' for continued high scores and commotiment to customer service.
VisitEngland Breakfast Award upto 2019 (We took the commercial decision not to renew our affiliation with VisitEngland for the 2020 season, as - in our - view it no longer represented value for money). VisitEngland Rose Award in Recognition of Service Excellence 2018 - only 100 awarded per year.
VisitEngland Breakfast Award upto 2019 (We took the commercial decision not to renew our affiliation with VisitEngland for the 2020 season, as - in our - view it no longer represented value for money). VisitEngland Rose Award in Recognition of Service Excellence 2018 - only 100 awarded per year.
Services
The Downs, Babbacombe is owned by us - Kate & Ed Wood. We live on site to the rear of the building. In my late teens I travelled extensively and lived in Europe and the Middle East. Upon returning to the UK - and Ed - I was Sales Manager for a computer firm in Birmingham. Both Ed and I are involved in all areas of the business but I do all of the cooking.
We are family run, seafront guest accommodation offering bed and breakfast, optional evening meals and a fully stocked bar open to both residents and the public, with a seasonal forecourt cafe. We have been independently graded as 4 Star Guest Accommodation with an additional Gold accolade by VisitBritain & 4 Star Guest Accommodation by the AA, again with a Gold accolade.
We are set in a short Victorian terrace believed to have been built by Isaac Singer, of Singer sewing machine fame, c.1850. Babbacombe Downs is a long stretch of common land, with the highest promenade in the country and sweeping wooded cliffs to the beaches of Oddicombe and Babbacombe below.
To make the journey down to the beach at Oddicombe you have the gentle alternative of travelling the 240 feet down on the cliff railway, which has been operating since 1926.Babbacombe is a village within the town of Torquay which is often referred to as the 'Jewel in Torquay's crown'. A resort in its own right some guest feel Babbacombe & St Marychurch has everything they need so venture no further.
To make the journey down to the beach at Oddicombe you have the gentle alternative of travelling the 240 feet down on the cliff railway, which has been operating since 1926.Babbacombe is a village within the town of Torquay which is often referred to as the 'Jewel in Torquay's crown'. A resort in its own right some guest feel Babbacombe & St Marychurch has everything they need so venture no further.
Whilst it has always been our aim here at The Downs to make your stay as comfortable as possible, we feel it is very important we seek advice and guidance from recognised experts, and as such we have chosen to be affilliated with the AA. We were affilliated with and VisitEngland until 2019, but have made the decision it is no longer commercially viable to be so with them based on the benefits that organisation gives us.
Our aim here at The Downs is to ensure you have a lovely stay. We have thought long and hard about everything we do, so if you have any questions not covered below please ask us before booking. Our aim from the outset has been to offer a high standard of accommodation with a personal level of service.
Reviews (11)
Thomas Shelbourn
Jun 21, 2021
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We stayed in this beautiful hotel over the summer half term and absolutely loved it! The view from our room and balcony was incredible and you could see right across to Sidmouth on a good day (and with some binoculars)! The surrounding area with the cliff train, beach, hotels, gardens, theatre and bars makes you feel like you're somewhere in Spain; such a wonderful holiday atmosphere!
The hotel itself offers outstanding service and it's old-fashioned charm and attention to detail made you feel like you were going back in time (in a good way)! The bedrooms we're very comfortable and well thought
The hotel itself offers outstanding service and it's old-fashioned charm and attention to detail made you feel like you were going back in time (in a good way)! The bedrooms we're very comfortable and well thought
Anthony Dugmore
Jun 16, 2021
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We have just spent an amazing week at The Downs. From first stepping in the door the staff were so helpful, friendly and always went the extra mile to make our stay so amazing. The food was out of this world, I'm sure Gordon Ramsey was in the kitchen. Our room was spotless and the view from the balcony overlooking the sea will always be imprinted in our memories.
Thanks again for an amazing week.
Tony &Rachel
Thanks again for an amazing week.
Tony &Rachel
Sue Melia
Dec 07, 2020
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Spent 2 lovely nights this week at The Downs Just before lockdown! Wow the view across the bay from our balcony was wonderful. Believe all rooms have seaview and balcony. Absolutley spotless room and bathroom. Not easy to acieve in a character building. So well looked after. Felt very safe. Good people work here and food wonderful. Lovely place to esacape to. We sat having eary morning coffee on our balcony sheltered from rain watching the sun come out across the bay and a rainbow appear. All the best to The Downs.
Janine Ballington
Oct 26, 2020
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Caroline Barnett
Oct 26, 2020
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Amanda Everett
Sep 25, 2020
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Nick Morris
Jul 17, 2020
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Hayley Vass
Feb 23, 2020
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Guy Waters
May 01, 2019
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I am reviewing even though our stay is not finished but felt the need to recommend this hotel We stayed mainly on the basis of cost and the fact they accommodate dogs We have not been disappointed so far and… everything needed for a comfortable stay is in place We have a sea view off a large room the breakfast is fantastic and staff very friendly What more do you need
Deano Edwin Atkins
Jan 29, 2019
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Richard Smith
Sep 22, 2018
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Venue, location ambience, service, etc stunning. Someone who isn't a coffee drinker has set up their coffee machine wrong, although I believe the coffee they get-in is good. Had to add some sugar to the canteen-cup sized "espresso" to make it drinkable (I never take sugar!). The lady on duty offered to replace it but because pressing the same button would have the same outcome, I declined that. Lovely occasion though just to be there relaxing.
