Gara Rock

Unfortunately this is a long review because there were so many issues at this hotel. Some may think they are just little things, but it’s the little things that make the difference between an average hotel and a good one. We were really looking forward to our 5-night stay at Gara Rock having known about the hotel for some time and followed it on Instagram. It’s in a lovely spot right on the coast with easy access to the coastal path. There is nothing else walkable nearby (shops, pubs etc) but we knew this in advance and wanted a few days relaxing and not doing not much of anything. First impressions were of nice lounge, bar and restaurant facilities but it’s not a place to come to if you don’t like very narrow roads with few passing places. An immediate disappointment was upon check-in when we asked for a daily newspaper we were told they couldn’t provide them as they are so remote nobody will deliver them. Part of our relaxing stay would have been to sit with the paper and a coffee for an hour or two in the morning. They have staff coming to work here from around the area and surely it wouldn’t be hard to have an arrangement with a newsagent or garage to take newspapers on a sale or return basis (which all newspapers are) and be picked up by the member of staff on their way to work? Yes it’s all available online these days but some of us still like to read a newspaper. In general the staff were helpful and accommodating, however a few did have an attitude problem, acting like you are being a nuisance for asking them something - in particular on the reception desk and the spa desk. As one example we asked reception twice for a pole to open the Velux bathroom window as it was too high for anyone to reach and also the extractor fan wasn’t working. We were dismissively told there was a pole in the room but we explained we had searched and there was not one. The receptionist insisted that ‘there should be one in the room’ and again we had to explain that there was not. She ultimately said she would get one sent up by maintenance - It never happened. We asked again on another day still with no response. Regarding the Spa, my partner wanted to book an appointment but was told “we have nothing today”. She asked about the next day and got the curt reply “no, nothing then”, finally offering something on the 3rd day which wasn’t convenient. The point is she never once smiled or said “can I let you know if we have a cancellation”. She just made my partner feel like she was being a nuisance. The restaurant was a big disappointment. The dinner menu is somewhat pretentious. It is very overpriced and limited, especially if your stay is for more than a couple of nights. On our first evening my partner ordered a starter that was really not very nice - in fact inedible - and looking at the online photos of the dish it didn’t look right either. The waitress said she would pass our comments onto the chef but we received no feedback. It seemed like there was n

Stayed for a couple of nights, we had fabulous meals every time, but the full English breakfast was just excellent, superb quality ingredients cooked perfectly. The staff in the restaurant were excellent. A walk to the ferry and a day in Salcombe was a great day trip. Would definitely come again.

A very special hotel - perfect for our 30th wedding anniversary stunning location. We felt relaxed as soon as we walked through the door - this was down to the really lovely welcoming staff, decor and furnishings, and the music. Food and drinks fabulous. Beautiful coastal walks. Nice little spa and pool. We did not need to use the cinema room as the weather was so good We feel lucky to have stayed at Gara Rock

We loved our three night break at Gara Rock, it really is a very special place to relax, eat, walk and just admire the view. We booked a Secret Escapes deal and had a lovely suite with a balcony and sea view. The breakfast was excellent and the staff were all very friendly. If you want to get away from it all, then Gara Rock is the perfect spot.

A complete gem of a hotel. Quiet, friendly, views to die for and all with a modern twist.it is small so never feels impersonal and the staff were lovely. Not a house or car in sight.