Burgh Island Hotel

Hotels
9.2 (680 reviews)
Burgh Island, Burgh Island Hotel , Bigbury on Sea , gb

Free

Facilities

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

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful 1920s/Art Deco architecture and original furnishings
Spectacular location with causeway/beach views and balcony rooms
Warm, friendly and attentive staff (many glowing mentions)
Unique amenities: Mermaid pool and tractor rides
Memorable overall experience for special occasions
Cons:
Inconsistent service in some instances (notably afternoon tea incident)
Management/booking handling problems (promised upgrade not delivered)
Limited on-site shop for small guest purchases (e.g., shampoo)
Some food & beverage inconsistency (cold/late tea, average sandwiches)

Categories

Cleanliness
9.2
No cleanliness issues mentioned in reviews — standard quality for this hotel tier.
Service
8.8
Mixed: several reviews praise exceptionally warm, attentive and empowered staff (GM and team singled out), but there are notable service failures (poor afternoon tea service, a staff lie, and a management/booking handling disappointment) that lower the score slightly.
Location
9.8
Very strong: spectacular scenery, causeway and beach views, balcony vistas and an iconic, well-located building repeatedly praised.
Room Quality
9.6
Highly positive: beautiful Art Deco/original furnishings, large bathrooms and balcony rooms with great views noted by multiple guests.
Amenities
9
Good: Mermaid pool, unique tractor rides and period features are highlights, but a lack of a shop for small items (e.g., shampoo) was mentioned.
Value for Money
9.2
Not explicitly discussed in reviews — standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
8.6
Mixed: some dining (Pilchard Inn fish & chips, scones) praised, but afternoon tea service problems, late/cold tea and average sandwiches/cakes were reported.
Overall Experience
9.4
Overall very positive: several guests describe emotional, memorable stays with impeccable service from most staff and unique, memorable amenities — outweighed minor negatives.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-14 02:34

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation with Stunning Sea Views

Exceptional Dining and Leisure Facilities

Convenient Location for Exploring Nearby Attractions

Immerse yourself in luxury at Burgh Island Hotel, offering elegant rooms with breathtaking sea views. Indulge in exquisite dining options at the on-site restaurant and unwind at the bar or sauna. With activities like billiards and tennis available, relaxation and entertainment are always at your fingertips. Conveniently located near Watermans Arms and Totnes Castle, as well as Exeter International Airport, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring the area. Experience unparalleled service with room service and a dedicated concierge. Book your stay now for a truly unforgettable getaway.

Important information:

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.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 680 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.2
Service: 8.8
Location: 9.8
Room Quality: 9.6
Amenities: 9
Value for Money: 9.2
Food and Beverage: 8.6
Overall Experience: 9.4
P
Peter couple gb
8
2026-08-14 via Nuitee
M
Michelle couple ae
10
Pros:

The location, the service, the food we had no complaints at all.

2026-08-11 via Nuitee
A
Alexandra solo_traveller gb
10
2026-08-09 via Nuitee
R
Russell couple gb
8
2026-08-04 via Nuitee
F
Fiona extended_group gb
10
Brilliant trip back to the roaring 20’s!
Pros:

Beautiful 1920’s hotel - what an architectural gem!

Cons:

Wish there had been more of a shop to purchase items ie the shampoo etc

2026-08-02 via Nuitee
Y
yvonne couple gb
10
A lovely place to have time away. Spectacular scenery, beautiful period hotel, extremely friendly and helpful staff, wha
Pros:

Beautiful art deco hotel with original furnishings to keep it in period.

Cons:

nothing!

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
S
suewW588CL Couples Birmingham, West Midlands, England
10
A perfect birthday celebration!
Pros:

As my partner is a life-long collector of Art Deco, it has always been her dream to stay at the Burgh Island Hotel, so a special birthday presented the perfect opportunity for a treat.

As we walked into the beautiful building she was moved to tears, and I was, unexpectedly, pretty speechless, too.
Our experience on arrival, the warmest of welcomes, a complimentary drink and chatting with other guests on the patio, was the perfect beginning to an exceptional stay.

Our "Christie" room has a huge bathroom, and a balcony offering views over the local Devon countryside and the causeway and beach, at Bigbury, coupled with sublime sunsets. A dip in the beautifully situated Mermaid pool and several rides on the famous tractor provided unique experiences, not to be missed, as was the gorgeous fish and chip supper, at the 14th century Pilchard Inn.

Apart from being privileged to spend time in an amazing and iconic building, set in a wonderful location, the hotel staff deserve every accolade, for enhancing our experience, immeasurably. From the moment we were met, in the client car park, to our final "goodbye", Sally Russell (GM), and her team demonstrated their dedication to making our experience as special as it could possibly be. Every aspect of service, from transport, housekeeping, front of house and reception, was impeccably delivered by a team who were consistently welcoming, empathetic, kind, professionally skilled, and clearly empowered to do whatever was necessary to make our time unforgettable. Their service was delivered with an infectious enthusiasm, an evident pride in their work and a clear appreciation of the importance of their role, in fulfilling our expectations.

Overall, we shared a wonderful experience, which left a lasting impression. We will definitely be back! Thanks are due to everyone concerned in delivering a memorable stay, which surpassed all of our imaginings!

2026-07-18 via Tripadvisor
L
levitatingunicorn Family Chichester, West Sussex, England
2
Entertainingly bad service
Pros:

Went for afternoon tea. Food ok/good. Service mostly very poor - more like a Fawlty Towers experience but not in Torquay! Was lied to by a member of staff who then told me I must have been talking with her identical twin…unfortunately for her not all customers are stupid and could recognise that her twin was wearing her hair in a different style. Admitting she had forgotten to do what she said she would and leaving us for 35 minutes would have been fine, assuming customers are stupid and trying to lie not ok. The other twin, by her own admission, was too tired to be working! Water spilt on son seen by the member of staff but they said nothing and hoped we hadn’t noticed. Long hair tangled round a fork, table half set. Food arrived, tea did not. When asked how they were getting on 15 minutes later they brought over one pot of tea which had been left on the side because they ‘weren’t sure who it was for’. Another long wait for tea for test of group to arrive. Tea cold. Scones good. Sandwiches average. Cakes ok. By all means go if you want to be entertained by poor service. Cannot not recommend enough…should have been an enjoyable relaxing afternoon, not a stressful comedy one.

2026-07-15 via Tripadvisor
S
Stephen solo_traveller gb
3
Pros:

Location, food

Cons:

Booking.com asked if I wanted an upgrade to room with balcony. I paid - hotel claimed they weren't told. Promised a room with balcony by management on last night. Turns out no room Pretty disappointing for a surprise 70th for my wife. Staff were great - management not so great.

2026-07-14 via Nuitee
T
TrevorJW NONE Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England
10
Unique 20s art deco experience
Pros:

Nowhere else like it. The environment is special with every detail being art deco combined with excellent service and food. When you cross the causeway it is like entering a different world. The Grand Ballroom dinner is nor to be missed but do choose a day with the orchestra.

2026-07-13 via Tripadvisor
D
divingtraveller NONE
10
Magical
Pros:

If you are going to splurge on one thing this year, make this it!
Worth a one night splendid experience.

2026-07-12 via Tripadvisor
8
823maureens NONE Isle of Wight, England
10
Step into another world
Pros:

This was our third visit to Burgh Island and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Travelling over on the iconic sea tractor, we were met with champagne in the gorgeous Palm Court. We stayed in the beautiful Avon Suite and as it was the middle of a heatwave, we really appreciated the sea breezes at night and the shady balcony overlooking the bay. Swimming in the sea and the incredible Mermaid Pool cooled me down, and there are numerous places to relax in the sun, shade or inside. A spa treatment provided an extra touch of luxury and relaxation.

Dinner in the Grand Ballroom is always an experience, and the food there and at the Pilchard is wonderful. We treated ourselves to a cream tea the first afternoon- it was so delicious we had to have another the next day….

Delicious cocktails, friendly and efficient service yet the freedom to sit and read or just take in the views without being disturbed - my only complaint about our visit was that we had to go home!

We’ll be back….to enjoy another slice of Paradise.

2026-07-12 via Tripadvisor
K
KarenDavidMeeks NONE Petersfield, Hampshire, England
10
5th time return to Burgh Island
Pros:

A great 5th return to the Island. Every year it improves, not just the decor but the service. Great to see familiar faces and happy staff. Have booked for 2027. The food was greatly improved this year with more choice on lunch menu. The Pilchard Inn does good basic fare. The Beach House & Spa pool were fabulous and we had good weather too! Thank you & see you next year!

2026-07-12 via Tripadvisor
G
GoPlaces178412 NONE
10
Amazing Burgh Island experience
Pros:

Our first stay on Burgh Island and certainly won't be our last. The service is excellent from start to finish, staff seem genuinely friendly, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The food and wines were good, the hotel is beautiful and the whole experience felt very relaxed

2026-07-11 via Tripadvisor
C
C6934BGfrancom NONE Qala, Island of Gozo
4
Lovely location
Pros:

Idyllic place but hotel needs a refurbishment and they need to take care of the details to improve the experience which anyway was unique

2026-07-11 via Tripadvisor
S
simonmcdonald63 NONE
8
Burgh Island stay
Pros:

This is the 2nd time we have stayed and it was just as good this time as the first. Excellent staff, good food and drink and even a croquet lawn to have fun on!

2026-07-10 via Tripadvisor
L
louielouie66 NONE Nutley, East Sussex, England
10
Magical Burgh Island
Pros:

A wonderful place for a special celebration. I did not want to leave! Amazing to keep the Art Deco era alive, thank you!

2026-07-10 via Tripadvisor
K
K8272OHsues Couples
10
A truly unique place and an unforgettable experience
Pros:

From the moment you arrive, Burgh Island Hotel feels like a journey back in time to 1930s. The island setting is stunning, as is the Art Deco design. The hotel is full of history and character. From travelling on the sea tractor to croquet on the lawn, swimming in the sea pool and jazz in the ballroom everything was just perfect.

2026-07-08 via Tripadvisor
2
256je NONE Brixham, English Riviera, Devon, England
10
Wonderful experience
Pros:

First visited Bigbury and Burgh Island over 60 years ago and was lucky enough (thanks to the generosity of a brother and sister-in-law) to stay there for a night at the beginning of July this year to celebrate belated special birthdays and retirement. From the very start when we were driven across from the mainland, we had an amazing time. The hotel team, the ambience, location, views, rooms, food and drink were exceptional and the delightful other guests and gorgeous weather provided the icing on the cake. My dream would be to return every year!

2026-07-08 via Tripadvisor
E
eileenjay NONE
10
Total tranquility
Pros:

A blissful stay in a magical hotel. It has long been a wish to visit and it was a dream come true. If you like art deco you will be in heaven. its a bucket list experience ina very beautiful and tranquil setting.

2026-07-08 via Tripadvisor