On our way to Woolacombe, we consulted a guidebook that praised the town’s “astounding sandy beach.” The book was right, but it didn’t prepare us to be equally astounded by the Woolacombe Bay Hotel. It all starts when you first behold the hotel’s imposing, half-timbered structure, which is separated from the beach by a lush green meadow. Once inside, you’re surrounded by lovingly maintained 19th Century elegance and warmly welcomed at the reception desk. Our dormer-style room, while a little tight (we were glad not to be traveling with much luggage), was beautifully kept up, with a clean and modern bathroom. No complaints about our ocean view, either. The downstairs bar, which opens out towards the beach, is sunny and comfortable. Our bartenders were genuinely friendly and conversational, which made for a festive cocktail hour. The hotel’s elegant restaurant also has an open, sunny feel and its staff is professional and gracious. The menu has a lot of variety and is surprisingly well-priced. Bottom line: we were astounded to have experienced a truly five-star hotel in what we expected to be just another coastal holiday setting. Bravo, Woolacombe Bay Hotel!
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