The Esplanade Hotel in Paignton in Devon has some good points and some awful ones.It is a two star hotel and it was probably built in the early 1900's. The best way for us to present our review is in sections. THE ROOM. It was very small with a microscopic bathroom with no daylight. The hand basin was tiny , a shower you could not move in and no bath. There was tea and coffee making facilities and a television. No view from the window as we were out the side of the hotel overlooking a flat roof. The beds were uncomfortable and in urgent need of replacement. The paint was very faded and the wallpaper had started peeling off the walls. CLEANING. Cleaning was done daily but to a low standard. Bits of paper on the floor were there when we arrived and the same bits remained when we left. We do not think the duster made more than a brief appearance. THE HOTEL. Lifts were archaic with the old fashioned steel gates and barely two people could fit in. The corridors were a maze and if you were disabled you would not be able to negotiate your way to the room. CUSTOMER SERVICE. The staff especially on reception were friendly and helpful. The dining room staff were efficient and quick. the bar staff were slow , rude and incompetent. FOOD. The dining room was waiter service and the times for eating were very restrictive and condensed. The quality and choice of food was very reasonable. The size of the portions were small and this fact was cleverly camouflaged by using small plates. If you asked for more the chef threw a wobbly. Do not try and order wine with your evening meal ours arrived when we were eating our dessert.. LOCATION. The position of the hotel was excellent right on the sea front and only a 6 minute stroll to the town centre and bus and train stations. PARKING.Free parking for guests provided you displayed the disc at all times given to you by reception. ENTERTAINMENT. Most evening Bingo followed by a quiz the some amateurish cabaret. The hotel aims for the 50 plus age group and it is not suitable for families. The cost of a 4 night stay was not expensive so value wise it was quite reasonable if can put up with the general poor state of the hotel. We do not think any improvements have been made for decades and it is in urgent need of a complete redecoration and upgrade both inside and out. Overall we considered it to be a poor choice.
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