Burgh Island Hotel

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

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!

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.

Location, food

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

We have just returned from Burgh Island, having been intending to stay there for the last four years or so. All we can say is that the wait was worth it. The hotel lived up to its promise and gave so much more. From arrival at the covered garaging and being collected by Robin and being informed of our room and given lots of useful information to being met at the door by Vlad a manager with a glass of fizz, who confirm dining arrangements, we were made to feel welcome and special. All luggage was discreetly taken to our room whilst we sipped our arrival drink.
We stayed in the Bentley, which oozed deco styling and classic sophistication. The rrom also has fabulous sea views and a large balcony from which you enjoy sunset and the tidal movements,

The food was all as you would expect - just about perfect! The staff too.

Could say so much more, but best not spoil the wonderful surprises which unfold and the staggering beauty of the little gem of an island. If you can just go and see for yourself. A perfect special occasion retreat!

From the time we were collected to the moment we were dropped off the whole experience was wonderful. The staff are friendly helpful & welcoming. The setting is fantastic & room’s great. The ballroom experience was fab - from the chance to dress up, the entertainment to the food. Thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The hotel is spectacular, dream location and the staff where so friendly and provide amazing service. We have had the privilege of staying in other amazing hotels before but this place and the people that work there make it by far the best. We will be dreaming of a return!

From the moment Burgh Island comes into view I feel myself relax. We are fortunate to have stayed at the beautiful hotel numerous times and I feel the same excitement each time.
From getting picked up by Richard and driven across the causeway to the welcome we receive from Vlad, everything is just perfect! The setting speaks for itself, the rooms are comfortable and the views amazing. All of the staff, including those you don't see, are so helpful and friendly, nothing is too much trouble.
The food is delicious and dining in the ballroom is a must.
We look forward to our next visit, which is already booked!

Everything about this Island experience is exceptional. The location, the ambiance, the decor and the incredibly comfortable rooms are all incomparable but the staff are another level again - their sheer enthusiasm is infectious, they are friendly, helpful and happy in their work yet utterly professional. The highlight for us was dinner in the Grand Ballroom with superb food, mood setting music and exemplary service. Our one regret? We only booked for one night!