Hotel Riviera

Great location, service, food. The hotel is accessible inside (not large) and a stones throw from beach and town. The staff are lovely - friendly and attentive. It was great to be waited on! The food is exceptional. You can have lunch on the terrace overlooking the sea, afternoon tea in the lounge, drink with snacks in the bar, and then there is a 5 course dinner available - no problem with dietary requirements. The sort of place people want to return to again and again. Can't think of any negatives!

One of the worst places I’ve stayed. The hotel itself is ok, it’s overpriced for what it is though. I booked this for a little trip for me and my daughter. Some of the staff we encountered were extremely rude! I’m not sure if it’s because I’m not 5ft 4 and over the age of 97 but on 2 occasions when I walked into the hotel from being out for the day I was greeted with “can I help you”… and I’m not stupid it was said in a way as if they thought I wasn’t staying there and I was lost, when I answered I’m staying here she had a look of shock. I put this down to my appearance, I’m 6ft 2, shaved head, tattooed and under 40 years old. They really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. There was a few other things too, like when others walked in they were greeted very nicely and they had a chat to them, they offered to take their bags, they asked them if they needed anything etc, I never got that. There was one concierge who was very polite, I think his name was Anthony. He was the only one who was disgusted by how I was treated and showed a lot of concern. Because of this I actually cut our trip short and checked out a day early, no offer of a refund for the night I wasn’t staying. I also requested a twin bed room which I got a confirmation email saying it will be done, that wasn’t done and it never got done when I asked about it, all in all it was just a really bad experience. I booked it thinking it would be something nice for me and my daughter but truth be told we would of been better off in a premiere inn free from judgement and snobbery. We have been coming to Sidmouth for 25 years, my family even longer as we used to own a place at Ladram Bay and I’ve never seen a stuck up side of it until now. We have stayed in hotels triple if not more the price of there a night and guess what, we were treated brilliantly, not judged at all. I suppose I should add it wasn’t all the staff, the few who did speak to me were really nice but a few bad judgemental eggs have let the side down.

Great place to drop in for Tea or just a drink on a fine afternoon. The broad terrace, only the width of the road from the beach, offers the choice of sun or shade. Friendly but professional service. Good selection of cakes and sandwiches but individual Victoria sponge cakes finished with cream and fresh strawberries are tops.

Great traditional hotel run to a high standard with an eye for service by all staff. Thought it might be a little stuffy on arrival but the mix of formal service with a knowing smile quickly made us feel at ease. Many thanks to Freddie and his team for a lovely Sunday lunch, well done!

We had a fantastic 3 day break at this hotel and would rate it as 5 star. Excellent food and 1st class staff in a fantastic hotel. Valet parking service as soon as you arrive so no problem parking your car! Before we left we booked another break later in the year, and are looking forward to it already. Well done Hotel Rivera and congratulations on having such a wonderful attentive and pleasant staff.

Lovely early morning walk on the sea front of Sidmouth when we stopped for coffee and a tea cake at this beautiful hotel. We were greeted by the most professional polite lovely man who escorted us to our table outside the front in the sun. service was exceptional first class hotel beautiful. Great experience

We went for dinner whilst in Sidmouth. We opted for the bar meal (served until 8 p.m.), the choice of food was good. Our food was good, the ambience just right and the barman perfect. Not an expensive meal (under marketed I think), but worth the surroundings and the chance to dress up a little.

Very disappointing afternoon tea with scones well past use by date and jam in little jars. Very embarrassing sequel pursued up road asking for payment when bill had been settled in full plus a tip. Will not be going again. Not at all what I expected from such an establishment.

My wife and I stayed at this splendid hotel for a couple of nights, as part of our wedding anniversary celebrations. We wanted something special, and it was. On arrival, the car was parked for us in one of the tight spaces behind the hotel. The room overlooked the sea and was nicely equipped with everything that you’d expect, very comfortable and clean. The food and drink in the restaurant and bar was really top notch, with all tastes catered for. The service was impeccable in all respects. My only complaint was the piss poor British weather - hardly the hotel’s fault!