Gara Rock

I have had this hotel on my bucket list for years because of the view and honestly that is the only good thing about it. The staff were shocking in particular the supervisor of the restaurant … we went to view this hotel as a potential venue and the restaurant was near empty at 6pm so asked if possible to have some food and were rudely declined, then said we could have a drink and some snacks we ordered snacks and waited 40 mins and when i enquired when our snacks from the snack menu would arrive the supervisor said sorry he had only agreed to a drink… it was embarrassing … we would have be potentially spending thousands there and couldn’t even have a snack … the hostess was snobby and rude and the reception staff useless and couldn’t care less, when we tried to book a room as had seen availability online she replied we have a two night policy and we have now taken that room off as was only one night…. you would think they would like to be fully booked … i have been treated with much more respect in high end members club hotels such as soho house… this hotel has an awful air of snobbery and i will tell all my friends who also had high hopes for it not to bother!

Stayed for a couple of nights, we had fabulous meals every time, but the full English breakfast was just excellent, superb quality ingredients cooked perfectly. The staff in the restaurant were excellent. A walk to the ferry and a day in Salcombe was a great day trip. Would definitely come again.

We stayed in Junior Suite at Gara Rock and the CLIFFSIDE Views are truly spectacular. Getting to GARA ROCK by road is a real challenge hence the hotel gives you a very specific set of instructions. You MUST follow those to the letter or else you will end up with a very challenging drive. Because so many of the roads all around the area are little more than a farmers tractor path this really limits just going for drive and see where you end up. The hotel has a very nice lounge to relax and enjoy a drink. The spa pool facilities are reasonable more boutique in nature. The restaurant for the most part the food is very good in particular the cod and chips are exceptional. The continental breakfast buffet is very nice and the made to order items are also inviting. Coffee is in a flask and if you like coffee you will not likely be impressed. That said, they allow no flexibility other than to order what is on their menu. By example you cannot have a simple cheese omelette. We were told they do not make omelettes and they do not carry cheese other than for the burgers. This I’m sure is not accurate I can only presume the staff are instructed to limit options to what is actually on the menu. The staff at the hotel are all very friendly and welcoming so the fore mentioned issue is not with the staff. Our suite was serviced daily but frankly it was the bare minimum. I noticed debris on the bathroom floor that remained for four nights. The shower tiles both on the floor were really needed a hood clean or re-grouting. Throughout our stay the tiny bath shower and shampoo bottles were never replaced the small bar of soap was about the size of pound coin. Even the toilet paper was kept in limited supply. The coffee tea and biscuits were just fine in the room as was the bottle of water and milk on the mini fridge. The suite had a massive set of sliding glass doors leading to a nice balcony with a view of the coast and the sea really very nice. I book all of our vacations and I always try to ensure I select hotels/resorts that we will not want to leave. In this case, I think that I failed as GARA ROCK overall came up short of our expectations. While the views from the hotel are truly spectacular overall I would not recommend this property for a luxury stay.

We just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for another truly wonderful stay. This was our second visit, and it’s safe to say it’s now become an annual tradition—one we look forward to all year long! We’re already making plans for next time and hope to bring our children along to share in the experience. Every aspect of our stay was perfect—from the stunning setting and relaxed atmosphere to the exceptional food and thoughtful attention to detail. Your entire team is outstanding—always so warm, welcoming, and kind. A special mention to Patrick, who has left a lasting impression on both of our visits. He embodies the spirit of Gara Rock and makes each stay feel extra special. Thank you once again for everything. We can’t wait for our next dose of Gara peace and magic.

Disappointing. The accommodation is lovely and the location is amazing but such a shame it’s let down by poor service and terrible food. We stayed for a weekend break so had lunch on the patio in the sun, ordered at the bar and thought they would bring drinks to your table. No they yell your order from the bar and you have to go back and get your drinks!! The lunch menu was very limited, just a few options from each section. Pool and spa facility is ok, not very big but it’ll do. Evening restaurant….. how disappointing to be given the same lunch menu for evening dining, limited choices and not really a dinner menu. I had the steak which was on specials board and it was the toughest steak I’ve had in years. The staff noticed I was not enjoying my food so offered 25% off rather than addressing the issue of poor quality food. With good staff and management it could be amazing but it was far from that. Save your money and go somewhere else.

Based on my experience today, I wouldn't recommend you call in here for a drink and food if you're not a resident! After a long walk up from Mill Bay along the coast path, I was hoping to get a light lunch and a beer at the very least. We (only 2 of us) were told that we could not be served food without a reservation as we were not staying guests. Ok, fair enough, but as to why they do not serve food apart from crisps, peanuts and chocolate brownies from the outside bar area (for walk in foot fall) is beyond me. Furthermore, they had no available draught beers. Overall, I got the distinct impression that they do not welcome all clientele....even though there is a sign at the entrance that says otherwise! Thankfully, I was allowed to use the gents after spending £14 for a tea, coffee and chocolate brownie!