Hotel Riviera

Hotels
9.2 (699 reviews)
The Esplanade , Sidmouth , gb

Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent service
Great location
Comfortable rooms
Quality food
Cons:
Inconsistent WiFi
Old-fashioned room decor
Issues with bar management

Categories

Cleanliness
9.28
Several reviews mentioned cleanliness positively, stating 'exceptionally clean' and 'immaculate'.
Service
9.75
Staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating.
Location
9.79
Multiple reviews praise the prime location, stating it is 'right on the Esplanade' and 'excellent'.
Room Quality
8.74
Rooms were generally noted as comfortable; however, some described them as 'old fashioned'.
Amenities
8.27
Mixed reviews regarding amenities; some mentioned issues with WiFi and heating.
Value for Money
9.23
Guests feel the hotel offers good value for the location and services provided.
Food and Beverage
9.28
Food quality was frequently highlighted as excellent, especially during dinner and breakfast.
Overall Experience
9.25
Overall sentiments were positive with guests expressing satisfaction with their stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 01:09

Property Description

Stunning Sea Views
Indulge in the breathtaking sea views offered by many of our classically furnished rooms. Relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the ocean right from your window.

Award-Winning Dining Experience
Treat your taste buds to AA rosette-awarded cuisine in our air-conditioned dining room with bay views. Savor the freshness of local produce and the delectable seafood dishes prepared by our talented chefs.

Convenient Amenities and Activities
Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi internet access and parking during your stay. Explore the local area with ease, as the hotel can help organize activities such as golf, riding, and shooting. Don't miss out on the Heritage Coast Trail and other nearby attractions.

Book your stay at Hotel Riviera today for a luxurious seaside getaway!

Important information:

Please note that only small dogs are allowed on request, and charges are applicable.
Dogs are not allowed in any of the public areas.
Parking spaces are available at an additional charge at the rear of the Hotel, please reserve with booking.
Please note that when requesting extra cots or beds, please advise of the ages of the children for an accurate quotation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Property Policies

  • Internet

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

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs GBP 10 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 699 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.28
Service: 9.75
Location: 9.79
Room Quality: 8.74
Amenities: 8.27
Value for Money: 9.23
Food and Beverage: 9.28
Overall Experience: 9.25
J
John couple gb
10
Excellent service , attentive staff . Everywhere so clean , neat and tidy . Even take your luggage from your car directl
Pros:

Central to the town , right on the sea front .

Cons:

Nothing really

2026-07-25 via Nuitee
C
couple1234186424 Solo travel Worcester, Worcestershire, England
10
A quality establishment
Pros:

I have stayed at the Hotel Riviera several times over the past years and have always been impressed by the service and excellent food. So it was with some trepidation that I booked another stay, knowing that the management had changed. I needn't have been concerned because the standards were as high as ever. The reception staff were very professional and helpful. It was good to be welcomed by the Director, who was very charismatic and charming. I was impressed that the night porter had remembered I like fresh milk, which he then brought to my room for my morning cup of tea. All this attention to detail makes a stay at Hotel Riviera a wonderful experience.

2026-07-23 via Tripadvisor
C
Carolyn couple es
7
Pros:

Ok service was fine.

Cons:

Lack of atmosphere in the bar
And in lounge

2026-07-22 via Nuitee
A
Alan solo_traveller gb
10
Excellent riviera hotel Sidmouth
Pros:

The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly couldn't do enough for us. The hotel was immaculately clean and well maintained. Breakfast was terrific very full menu catered for all tastes. Excellent view from the room .

Cons:

Only that we had to come home.

2026-07-21 via Nuitee
C
C778YMsuep Couples
10
A wonderful place for a seaside break.
Pros:

The staff are very welcoming, friendly and helpful. The location is wonderful - right on the seafront.
The food in the restaurant is first class

2026-07-19 via Tripadvisor
S
Susan solo_traveller gb
9
A wonderful short break
Pros:

The location is wonderful, right on the seafront. The food is extremely good. The staff are very attentive but never intrusive. The atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-07-19 via Nuitee
J
Jenny couple gb
9
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Not such a soft mattress

2026-07-19 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth couple gb
8
Pros:

Comfortable. Good situation

Cons:

The posh waiter served breakfast.
Prefer buffet for chilled foods and cereal
Food was excellent

2026-07-19 via Nuitee
G
Geoffrey couple gb
5
Otherwise we had a lovely stay and all staff were excellent and helpful.
Pros:

The location was excellent

Cons:

No air conditioning in bedrooms and ridiculously size television which we could hardly see. There’s plenty of of room on the wall opposite the window for a decent sized tv.

2026-07-18 via Nuitee
S
Susan solo_traveller gb
8
Faded grandeur
Pros:

The location

Cons:

Rather old fashioned

2026-07-18 via Nuitee
D
druharries Couples Bristol, England
6
Not as good as it used to be
Pros:

Having been to the Riviera many times in the past, we were expecting a high standard of service and dining.
Sadly things have changed and not for the better. Staff appearance was shabby and their behaviour was sullen. It may well have been the World Cup but wearing jeans and football tops is not appropriate for a smart hotel. Smart shorts and polo shirts would be more fitting for a better image.
The whole emphasis on football, was more appropriate for a pub,
The quality of food and wine has really gone down hill. In the past we had some of the best food you could find in Sidmouth, now it was below standard.
Our waitress was polite and gave good service but some of the other staff lacked friendlies and the high standards that there were under the previous ownership.
The young man and women at the reception desk were very good and efficient. Who we believe was the new manager or owner, was very friendly too.
Our room, although dated was lovely and clean, as was the en-suite, and the rest of the hotel.
The hotel was noticeably quite, when in the past it was always busy.
We will stay and eat, elsewhere next time we visit Sidmouth. Sorry.

2026-07-17 via Tripadvisor
J
Johan couple nl
10
2026-07-17 via Nuitee
V
Valerie solo_traveller gb
10
Superb hotel
Pros:

Our experience at Hotel Riviera was excellent. Our room overlooking the sea was clean and comfortable with the furnishings giving it a touch of luxury that made our stay all the more special.

Cons:

There was nothing we didnt like. All the staff at the hotel were courteous and went out of their way to help.

2026-07-17 via Nuitee
L
Lauren couple us
1
2026-07-17 via Nuitee
N
nigel solo_traveller gb
10
2026-07-17 via Nuitee
C
Caroline family_with_children gb
9
Friendly and welcoming. Nice and relaxing stay. Would visit again.
Pros:

Location was lovely. Having Seaview was the highlight.

Cons:

The narrow stairs for me personally.

2026-07-16 via Nuitee
P
Paul couple gb
10
Great location, great staff, well looked after
Pros:

Location, helpful staff, lift to floor

Cons:

Rooms could do with some updating

2026-07-16 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
10
Brilliant week away
Pros:

Excellent service from all the staff also wonderful restaurant meals. Bar meals available if preferred.
Location perfect right on the sea front.
Valet parking a bonus, just pull up outside and the concierge will park your car for you

Cons:

No air conditioning in rooms and it was very hot due to the weather. but bar and restaurant were cool.

2026-07-15 via Nuitee
B
Beverly couple gb
8
An enjoyable short break x
Pros:

The service was excellent, all staff very friendly and helpful. The evening dinner was very good, and we were well looked after

Cons:

The decor could do with updating which I guess might have started with the ladies powder room just up a flight of stairs from the reception this was beautiful with a boutique feel

2026-07-13 via Nuitee
G
Graham solo_traveller gb
5
Very nice hotel , but requires some expert attention in maintenance on a more frequent basis.
Pros:

I am a vegetarian, all I take in the morning for breakfast at home is a cup of tea and a slice of toast.
The full continental breakfast that the hotel offered came to £19.00.
No way was I paying that for my normal breakfast !
Cleanliness was very good. Staff attention was excellent.

Cons:

On arrival my room (307) looked neat tidy and clean. However my bath plug was not opening ,and was reported. A member of the male staff came to inspect it and said he would inform the handyman. this was duly swapped with one from another room. The bathroom door had a hole punched into the lower inside panel. This too was reported , but nothing was done during my stay there. On Wednesday evening at 10-15 P.M. whilst lying on the bed, a scraping / scurrying sound came from my bedroom ceiling and it went right across from the inside wall towards the window side . I have heard this sound before where I live in the country in my stable block. We live beside a Scottish loch , and have rats coming off the beach staying in the outbuildings. This hotel is the same age (200 years old) , and they probably clime up the inside of the lift shaft. I informed reception. They sent a member of staff up , but could not see anything.

2026-07-13 via Nuitee