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The Somerville – reviews, photos

5.0 of 5
515 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HJ, England
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The Somerville
Ranked #1 of 140 Torquay B&B and Inns
5.0 of 5 stars 417 Reviews
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417 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this B&B/inn
  • Fresh milk(18)
  • Very friendly(14)
  • Comfortable bed(10)
  • Spotlessly clean(8)
  • Short walk(7)
  • Great location(7)
  • Little touches(7)
  • Would highly recommend(6)
  • First class(6)
  • Flat screen TV(6)
Traveller rating
    401
    14
    2
    0
    0
Only show reviews for Family (30) | Couples (290) | Business (41)
Date Rating
Leeds
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“Absolutely superb in every way.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

We had the pleasure of staying at the Somerville in January 2012 - and what an absolute find it is.

We were in a suite, so we had our own large bedroom, en-suite and our own lounge/reception room which was both comfortable, spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated. It;s always the little touches that make a difference, a small bowl of sweeties by the bed, fabulous smelling toiletries in the bathroom, a selection of teas/coffees on the kettle tray.

On days when the weather wasn't so great, it was an absolute pleasure to return to the Somerville where it felt so warm and cosy, which is also a big nod to the immaculate hospitality of the fine couple who run it. The breakfast is renowned, and quite rightly so, highly recommend the scrambled eggs on toast, but be prepared for an array of questions when you get to the table...brown or white, jam or marmalade, scrambled, fried, boiled, poached....the choice is fantastic and it's so clear that they want to get it perfect for you, not just in hot meals, but the selection of cereals, pastries and delicious fresh fruit as well. The B&B is well located, a short walk downhill will take you straight to the marina (less than 5 min walk), If you want to do a bit of exploring, just ask at reception and they will happily recommend pubs, restaurants, beaches and walks.

We will not hesitate to return to the Somerville for our next Devonshire stay, in fact.....can't wait.

Room Tip: Spend that little extra on a suite and you won't be disappointed, but the standard rooms are equ...
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Sundance2010 about The Somerville
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
1 review
“Fabulous a brilliant find”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012

You will not be disappointed with this wonderfully run hotel. The hotel is situated in walking distant of Torquay town centre. The owners are warm and friendly. The room we had was faultless. The beautiful decor could match any top 5 star hotels in major cities. The breakfast was cooked to perfection and the choice was endless. I loved the fact that the owners used local fresh produce and we were able to buy a jar of marmalade and jam which we adored eating at breakfast. Thank you so much and see you soon x

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Suzanne88823 about The Somerville
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
somerville515, Owner at The Somerville, responded to this review
8 February 2012
Thank you for taking the time to write such a kind and generous review and in particular for drawing attention to the local suppliers we use. As a small business we are really keen to work with other small businesses in the South West. This means that our guests get something that is really unique to our glorious part of Britain whilst we are able to fully support our regional economy..
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Exeter, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Why bother with hotels”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The standard, quality and attention to detail have prompted me to leave a review on trip advisor for the first time. I have stayed in lots hotels and B&B over the years and never felt inspired to write a review. The Somerville however was outstanding in everyway. Great to meet the owners whose thought, effort and taste was evident in everything. Previous reviews were all accurate and honest. A genuinely great place.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Justin C about The Somerville
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Staffordshire, England
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
“Best Bed and breakfast that puts even top hotels to shame.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I stayed at the Somerville with my wife in January for a family party and I was a bit dubious as to whether the Somerville was as good as the reviews make it out to be.
However I have to say how accurate all the reviews are and this has to be the best Bed and breakfast I have ever stayed in and it would honestly put many 5 star hotels to shame.
The rooms are extremely well maintained and comfortable with the biggest and most comfortable beds ever. There were many simple personal touches in the room that made it unique and special.
The breakfast is to die for and is freshly cooked each morning. Trust me as a Stokie I know a thing or two about a breakfast and this is the best English breakfast I have ever had.
The B&B is very clean and tidy and Adam and Grant ensure your every need is catered for.
There always is a negative but I struggle to find one with the Somerville other than perhaps the water pressure in the shower could have been better.
I also recommend when you book to ask for a suite as for just a few quid more the rooms are even better with flat screen TV's over your large bath etc.

Room Tip: Ask for a suite
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask StaffordshireKnot about The Somerville
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
South Wales
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Another great stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012

We have stayed here about five or six times. That should say enough. If this place don’t suite you then stay at home because nothing will. Great welcome, Very good Breakfast, comfortable warm rooms that is of a very high standard. Close location, generous car park, and free wifi . If you can’t get access to the wifi in some rooms then get a simple booster for your pc (Amazon for about £10). Or just shut it off and enjoy your break.
Please note there is no full size swimming pool or helicopter landing pad. But Adam did promise to look into it if enough people ask for them. They have the room there but decided to use it for gardens with garden furniture (Lovely in the summer with a glass of wine before going out) and free parking space. Helicopter landing pad may spoil this (so dont ask).

Room Tip: Book early or be dissapoiinted
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  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Jim10SouthWales for Torquay
Ask Jim10SouthWales about The Somerville
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
somerville515, Owner at The Somerville, responded to this review
4 February 2012
Thank you for such a lovely review. We're really delighted that you continue to enjoy your stays with us. Regarding the swimming pool and helipad, I should just clarify that even if demand is overhwelming I would need to seek planning permission first!!

We have now got a booster for our wifi which has made the signal stronger so nearly all rooms have good coverage. AND unlike large hotels we make no charge for it.

It's worth checking the LATE DEALS page on our website for last minute special rates. We update it every day and generally have offers for the next three days or so.....
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Additional Information about The Somerville

  • Somerville Hotel Torquay
Address: 515 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HJ, England
Price range (per night):* INR7,001 - 12,210

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