Overview

Hampton by Hilton is a new hotel in Torquay. I stayed in what I would consider the most thoughtfully designed accessible room ever. Although it's main entrance is on The Terrace which is on a hill. There is a lift from the hotel which comes out close to the harbour and provides a flat, level, walk to the sea front. I was very impressed and would definitely stay there again.

Transport & Parking

Torquay train station is over a mile away so I took a taxi to the hotel. There are several buses that go along the sea front but then it would be a walk up to The Terrace to check in, as you can only use the Harbour lift if you have a key fab which is issued on check in.

Access

Disabled access rooms are available to book online. Staff informed me that there is an accessible room on each floor, so the top two floors would have an accessible room with a sea view but you can not book this as such online. I have suggested to the hotel that they differentiate between the accessible rooms and as they would with regular rooms, ie. sea view or no sea view. The main entrance to the hotel is on the Terrace which is a road which is on a hill and runs parallel to the sea front. There is a short fight of stairs with handrails down into the front door. However facing the hotel on the left is a slope which provides step free access. The hotel has a large, spacious foyer and the reception desk is directly in front of you when you arrive. If I recall the desk is at standing height. There are 2 sets of lifts that go to the bedrooms. To access the lift you have to use your key fob and push the button to call the lift. The lifts are quite spacious with double doors and announce the floors. My room was 105. it was in a modern, contemporary style. The bed was very comfortable but firm which made transfers and getting dressed easy. There was an emergency red cord on the left hand side of the bed. However, as the walls are painted coral it might not be too easy to notice. There was a safe on the top draw of the bedside table, which for once made the lift accessible for me. There was a comfy chair which I thought might be a bit too low for me, so I didn't try. There was also a desk with an empty fridge and a chair. The only thing missing for me was a hairdryer. The bathroom was very well designed. There was an accessible shower with grab rails, shower seat and emergency red cord. The toilet had grab rails and there was a second emergency cord next to the toilet. There were 2 sinks at 2 different heights, amazing as I am always struggling with my back with the lower sinks, this way everyone is comfortable and safe using the sink. there was also a small light at calf level, which made for a perfect night light and made it safer to navigate the bathroom. I loved my room. From the foyer there is a single lift which again requires a key fob which takes you down towards the harbour. The lift comes out into a short, brightly lit corridor to the door, which opens out into Torwood Street, next to the Co-Op, and from there its a level walk across the road to the harbour and sea front. I'll be honest if this lift was not there I would not have stayed in the hotel as the walk up the hill would be too steep for me, and I would have needed to take a taxi every time I left the hotel, which isn't practical/ economical. This lift means that it is only one of a few hotels in Torquay that have a short, level walk to the sea front. Complementary breakfast is offer and there is a self service breakfast area, serving a nice selection of hot and cold food. The trays and plates are stored on shelves below the counter which made it very easy for me to reach.

Toilets

NA I didn't check this out sorry.

Staff

Staff were friendly and very helpful. Check in was quick. In the morning when I went down for breakfast I was asked if I needed any help. Dotty was very helpful and took my tray and carried it up to my room as I was not wanting to eat in the restaurant as I am CV. I didn't interact with other staff.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I loved this hotel as it is very accessible and has a great location. I only stayed one night as I was booked in another hotel as I was speaking at the Agatha Christie Festival. However, I have already booked up here for next year as I was very impressed with everything.

Photos