The Imperial Hotel

9.2
Exceptional
(577 reviews)

Taw Vale, Barnstaple EX32 8NB, United Kingdom

+44 1271 345861

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Hotel Description

Located in the heart of Barnstaple, The Imperial Hotel is a charming, elegant hotel overlooking the scenic River Taw. Situated at Taw Vale, Barnstaple EX32 8NB, United Kingdom, the hotel offers guests an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and a peaceful atmosphere. Just a short 9-minute walk from Barnstaple train station and 2 miles from Portmore Golf Park, The Imperial Hotel is an excellent base for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel's country-house style exudes warmth and sophistication, with interiors featuring classic decor that enhances the tranquil ambiance of the surrounding area. Guests will also appreciate the proximity to local attractions, including the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon, which is just a 2-minute walk away, offering insight into the region's history and culture. The hotel’s riverside location adds to its charm, providing peaceful views and a sense of retreat within a bustling town.

Each room at The Imperial Hotel is designed to offer maximum comfort and relaxation. The country-house-style rooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee-making facilities, ensuring guests have everything they need for a relaxing stay. The en suite bathrooms are a highlight, often praised by guests for their cleanliness and elegant design. Some rooms even offer scenic river views, allowing guests to unwind while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding area. Room service is available, ensuring convenience and comfort, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the hotel’s elegant fine-dining restaurant.

The hotel offers a wide range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant or relax in the casual bistro and bar, which are perfect spots for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. The terrace lounge is warmly decorated and provides a relaxed environment for enjoying a drink or simply taking in the surroundings. The hotel is a smoke-free property and offers full-service laundry and accessible services, making it a convenient choice for all types of travelers. While there is no spa or fitness center on-site, the hotel provides excellent customer service, and many guests have praised the breakfast, the elegance of the restaurant, and the charming bar area.

For those traveling by public transport, The Imperial Hotel offers easy access to a variety of transport options. Exeter Airport is about an hour's drive from the hotel, while other airports like Cornwall Airport Newquay and Bristol Airport are just a short drive away. The hotel is well connected by local transport, with Barnstaple bus station and Queen Street stop only a few minutes' walk away, making it easy to explore the area. The hotel’s proximity to key attractions like Woolacombe Beach, Saunton Sands, and Arlington Court means guests can enjoy both natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Guests looking to experience the best of Barnstaple will find plenty to do near The Imperial Hotel. Whether it’s visiting the local museums, enjoying a day at the beach, or exploring the nearby Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre, there is no shortage of activities. Families can enjoy a day out at The BIG Sheep, a family-friendly amusement park, or explore the picturesque RHS Garden Rosemoor. The area also offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste, from traditional British fare at the Cedars Inn to contemporary dining at Giovanni’s.

With its blend of elegant design, excellent amenities, and prime location, The Imperial Hotel provides an exceptional base for your stay in Barnstaple. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel invites you to relax, recharge, and explore the best of North Devon.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Featured in Amazing Foodie Hotels in North Devon - Visit North Devon

2. Guests praised the elegant bathrooms for their cleanliness and comfort

3. Just a 2-minute walk to the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon

4. One of the few hotels in the area with room service available

5. Guests highly praised the breakfast offerings and restaurant quality

6. Warmly decorated bar area praised by many guests for its cozy ambiance

7. Prime location overlooking the River Taw with scenic views

8. Full-service laundry and accessible amenities available on-site

9. Kid-friendly hotel with comfortable accommodations for families

10. Walking distance to local bus and train stations, providing easy access to transportation


9.4 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Saunton Sands
26 min
Woolacombe Beach
39 min
Arlington Court
25 min
Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre
25 min
The BIG Sheep
20 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out11:00
Location rating9.4
Nearest airportExeter Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 7 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    ZenHotels.com

    $149

    Booking.com

    $188

    Hotels Ugogo

    $161

    Agoda

    $188

    Trip.com

    $188

    Hotels.com

    $190


Location

Taw Vale, Barnstaple EX32 8NB, United Kingdom

Airports:

Exeter Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 7 min

Transit: 1 hr 54 min

Cornwall Airport Newquay

Taxi: 1 hr 54 min

Bristol Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 48 min

Cardiff Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 44 min

Transit: 4 hr 57 min

Transit:

Queen Street (Stop A)

Walking: 6 min

Imperial Hotel

Walking: 1 min

Barnstaple bus station

Walking: 5 min

Barnstaple Bus Station

Walking: 6 min

Barnstaple

Walking: 12 min


Nearby locations

9.4

Exceptional Location

Overlooking the River Taw, this elegant hotel is a 9-minute walk from Barnstaple train station and 2 miles from Portmore Golf Park.

Top Attractions


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Services

Front desk

Full-service laundry

Accessibility

Accessible

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Room service

Breakfast

Wellness

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.8

10 reviews

Wonderful
9
Excellent
1
Good
0
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
PV

Peter V

5/5
The whole of the hotel stay was enjoyable. We were upgraded to a large double, that had recently been refurbished. Dinner and breakfast were presented well and food was good.

Cover Image for valerie gibbons

valerie gibbons

5/5
We stayed here for our anniversary and it was perfect. A great location overlooking the river, plenty of parking, the rooms were clean, comfortable and classy. We had the best breakfast we've ever had in a hotel, prepared to order and delicious.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Ingrid Kacaniova

Ingrid Kacaniova

5/5
The hotel was absolutely lovely and so elegant! This lovely old building has a rich history. It was originally a grand private manor named 'Litchdon House', home to one of Barnstaple's wealthiest families. In 1898, it became a 'family hotel' and was extended over the years to become the iconic building it is today.I was a little worried that some ghosts from the hotel's history might chase me because I'm quite sensitive to such things, but everything was fine :D and I slept really well!It's got a lovely old-fashioned feel to it, and the rooms are the same. They're really comfortable, too! It's just the kind of hotel you'd expect when in England. It has a lovely, magical feel to it.This is England, after all, and it's got a totally different feel to it than for example a motel 66 in Arizona or some ultra modern hotels in Dubai.It's right next to the River Taw on a lovely, quiet road right in the centre of Barnstaple. The lovely thing about this place is that it's within walking distance of the railway station!

Cover Image for Wendy Rogers

Wendy Rogers

5/5
Did not stay myself but took my elderly Mum. She had a beautiful room, adapted for disabilities with rails pull cords and a wet room. We had coffee in the lounge and cannot fault the service and attentivness of staff. Beautiful location and plenty to see and do.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Edward Tobin

Edward Tobin

5/5
Located next to the River Taw on a quiet road right in the centre of Barnstaple, this hotel has an elegance and grandeur not seen in modern hotels. However the hotel is well maintained and the staff are professional and very helpful. The food is amazing with at least 4 choices on the set menus as well as a la carte options. We were with a large party and the service was efficient. Altogether a nice place to stay.

Cover Image for david mccoy

david mccoy

4/5
Nice enough hotel, a lick of paint needed on parts of the outside but it is exposed to the weather. Inside very tidy with good rooms.

Room 4

Service 4

Location4

Cover Image for Stan Bond

Stan Bond

5/5
Sat out front after a family dog walk. Sat at table, brought us nibbles, good choice of drinks and water for the dog. Spectacular venue. Warm sunny day watched the world go by.

Service 5

Location5

HS

Helen S

5/5
Ideal location for North Devon courses. Food was fantastic. Rooms clean and spacious. Staff friendly and knew their role.

GA

Geoffrey A

5/5
the stay was exellent in every way I will return and would highly recomend this hotel. By far the best I have ever stayed in for this area

Cover Image for Diane Surmon

Diane Surmon

5/5
Visited with family for an evening meal staff were friendly the meal was delicious there is always a lovely friendly atmosphere staff always make you feel a bit special

Service 5

Location5