The Darnley Hotel

Hotels
8.3 (153 reviews)
3 Belmont Road , Ilfracombe , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean and comfortable rooms
Great breakfast
Cons:
Exterior needs maintenance
Room temperature issues

Categories

Cleanliness
7.96
General cleanliness was noted in most reviews, though some mentioned minor issues.
Service
8.53
Hosts were described as welcoming and helpful, which contributed positively to the experience.
Location
8.47
Good location for walking into town and attractions, with positive comments on accessibility.
Room Quality
8.12
Rooms were generally comfortable, with some minor complaints about temperature and stairs.
Amenities
7.95
Amenities such as parking and breakfast were appreciated, but some facilities could improve.
Value for Money
8.31
Overall value was considered acceptable for the price paid, with many positive remarks.
Food and Beverage
8.66
Breakfast received high praise across multiple reviews for quality and taste.
Overall Experience
8.43
Most guests expressed a high level of satisfaction with their stay, with a few specific concerns.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-21 13:27

Property Description

Convenient Location & Parking: Located just 800 metres from Ilfracombe, The Darnley Hotel offers free private parking for guests, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure experience.

Diverse Dining Options: Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast spread every morning at The Darnley Hotel, featuring Full English/Irish, vegetarian, and vegan options to cater to all dietary preferences.

Entertainment and Recreation: The hotel provides recreational activities such as darts for guests to enjoy during their stay, adding an element of fun and relaxation to their experience.

To experience comfort, convenience, and entertainment, book your stay at The Darnley Hotel now.

Important information:

Pets are only allowed subject to availability and by prior arrangement.

Please inform the property prior to arrival if you have any dietary requirements.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:30 AM
Airport code: EXT

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 11 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 153 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.96
Service: 8.53
Location: 8.47
Room Quality: 8.12
Amenities: 7.95
Value for Money: 8.31
Food and Beverage: 8.66
Overall Experience: 8.43
F
fleming couple gb
4
Would need great improvement for us to return
Pros:

The owner was friendly.short walk to the seafront.breakfast well cooked,fresh fruit available.garden pleasant to sit in but overgrown.

Cons:

Very run down property. Dining area depressing.

2026-07-09 via Nuitee
S
Sabrina solo_traveller de
7
Pros:

Sie war sehr freundlich und Parkplatz direkt am Hotel

Cons:

Der Frühstücksraum war im Keller, aber mit Blick im Garten.
Es gibt keinen Café, Tee in Kannen und keine Möglichkeiten sich Toast zu machen. Man muss warten bis jemand kommt und bis man es bekommt.
Englisches Frühstück wird frisch und reichhaltig gemacht.

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
C
Claire solo_traveller gb
8
2026-06-24 via Nuitee
T
Tammy couple gb
10
2026-06-21 via Nuitee
I
Ivanov solo_traveller gb
10
Pros:

Friendly person...very friendly
Small picnic aerial
Safe car park

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-17 via Nuitee
P
Pauline couple gb
3
Disappointing. Won’t return.
Pros:

Our room was ok and the bathroom was also ok. The wine I requested was put in the room

Cons:

This is not a hotel. it’s a B&B. There were communication issues with the owners to the point that I rang Booking.com customer service the day before our visit as I felt sure that no one was at the property.
The kerb appeal was poor.
Due to the poor communication there was a very poor rapport at the door on arrival which resulted in the husband talking to me through the ring door bell accusing me of being rude to his wife! None of this was a good way to treat a paying customer.
We had paid to stay for two night but as our arrangements in Ilfracombe had changed we only stayed one night preferring to abandon the second night.

2026-05-12 via Nuitee
D
David solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

I do like the stay because it's a Victorian house and it is a Victorian standard. When I have a problem to get through the arch the staff was very helpful to a range of parking spaces and its parking space just at the church is one of the few places to get free parking.

Cons:

It would be nice if the arch was better informed and height restricted but that is on me because I did not know there was an arch and they were pictures of her as well. And finally the room I was staying. The mirror next to my bed was producing green light all night and it did wake me up so on a time so I had to cover up my hat to make it dark proper so I'm wondering that they can find the ways to turn the green lights off so I can sleep properly.

2026-05-06 via Nuitee
K
Kim solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Very clean and very comfortable bed. Delicious breakfast.

Cons:

The distance from town and the hills. Also be prepared for many steps in the property.

2026-04-28 via Nuitee
P
Patricia couple gb
8
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. However, we were disappointed that the lounge and bar wasn’t open for us to relax in. I
Pros:

Beautiful property in a good location.

Cons:

The old worldliness about it.

2026-04-20 via Nuitee
D
Daniel family_with_children gb
8
Pros:

We had a great stay. The owners were very friendly and helpful. They gave us loads of great ideas of where to visit locally.
The breakfast was delicious,
The bedroom was clean and comfortable and great value for money.

Cons:

.

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
G
Gary couple gr
9
2025-12-14 via Nuitee
B
Bryan solo_traveller gb
6
2025-11-25 via Nuitee
H
helen couple gb
8
2025-11-13 via Nuitee
P
Philippa solo_traveller gb
8
2025-10-30 via Nuitee
N
Nicholas couple gb
10
Fantastic stay and will definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a place I will definitely be going stay th
Pros:

The place was clean very comfortable bed the breakfast was fantastic and a very friendly warm welcoming when we arrived

2025-10-08 via Nuitee
A
Amanda couple gb
1
On return to hotel after attending an event locally we decided not to stay and went home despite having paid.
Pros:

Location is good for walking into town and seafront however property on arrival did not meet our expectations from photos on website.

Cons:

The exterior was very rundown and porch area very tatty and dirty. Owner offhand and not friendly and welcoming as described on reviews- door not fully opened during conversation with myself and then again with husband . I had exchanged emails with hotel prior to date explaining we would be arriving at 12.30 for local event so they were expecting us. Husband asked to use facilities inside hotel and was not impressed .

2025-09-29 via Nuitee
H
helenmF5008LV Couples
10
Lovely traditional B&B With Bar Ilfracombe
Pros:

Lovely traditional B&B
Great Breakfast
Comfortable Bar
Friendly Hosts Paul & Lorinda

Where we went wrong, we booked on booking.com I will book on their website next time.

It’s not a fancy beachside hotel it is a family friendly traditional B&B a short pleasant walk to ilfracombe Beach & Harbour, (they gave us a shortcut to town) to avoid the hilly roads. They made us feel totally welcome.
Car parking on site.
Bandit the dog we fell in love with him ❤️

2025-09-28 via Tripadvisor
S
stuartfQ6435HT Business Gosport, Hampshire, England
10
Always an amazing stay
Pros:

As always, Lorinna made me very comfortable. The room was perfect allowing me to work and rest. A delicious breakfast set me up for the day! Will definitely stay again

2025-09-27 via Tripadvisor
H
harding couple gb
10
Pros:

Good location, good breakfast,very comfortable bed

Cons:

Would have been nice to check in before 4pm

2025-09-15 via Nuitee
3
311bernardc Family Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
8
Family visit
Pros:

Stayed at the Darnley Hotel for one night and found my room to be clean and comfortable. Had a lovely hot shower and a pleasant nights sleep.

2025-09-13 via Tripadvisor