I rarely write reviews, but this place is special. To be fare it wasn't a week long stay and my wife and I got married there so it does hold a special meaning for us. The hotel itself is what you might call shabby chic, if you go along expecting some kind of corporate, perfectly decorated affair then you'll be disappointed. The hotel rooms have so much charm and character, the furniture and fixtures are very much Art Deco and wonderful. I had the opportunity to stay in the beach house which was of more contemporary design, but very comfortable and has the most wonderful views across the water to the sunrise in the morning.

There was a group of us staying at the hotel and so I had the opportunities to view the other rooms which were also fantastic. The evening meal was very good and the breakfast also excellent. The service staff fantastic, and the manager that was on duty (Nick - I think) did everything possible to make sure our stay was fantastic and memorable.

I can't understand how and why other reviewers have had such a bad time, which is a shame if they did.

It is not a cheap place to stay that is for sure, but I would suggest it is well worth it, even if its just for 1 or 2 nights. Such a special place, and a wonderful part of the English countryside.

Although virtually nobody today has personal experience of the Art Deco period of the nineteen twenties and thirties, there is still a generation around that were fascinated during the seventies by the transformation of Derry and Toms, Kensington High Street, into BIBA (and later mourned its corporate destruction by Marks and Spencer). But this generation who browsed amongst petrol blue ostrich feathers or drank espresso in the Rainbow Restaurant might well revisit their lost youth by climbing aboard the Sea Tractor and crossing the waves to the mint-green and white icon that is Burgh Island.

One minor flaw in the arrival was the instruction to telephone the hotel once near Bigbury on Sea, for all the airtime providers fail miserably in the depths of the narrow Devon lanes. A tip is to phone far away, whilst you still have signal. But don’t despair, from the briefest digital fragments, the manager will recognise an impending arrival and despatch the Captain of the Tractor (or a black Discovery at low tide). Although initially nervous from reading dubious reviews, we found all the staff (from Garry, the undisputed Scottish master of hospitality who always makes time for an informative chat, to the youngest Estonian waitress) witty, helpful and courteous – and first impressions were borne out throughout our stay. We all left in the belief that somewhere, just out of sight, there was also an invisible Jeeves, ensuring our needs were met with silent efficiency.

Burgh Island’s collection of pictures and artefacts assembled over many decades are not only a source of wonder but lend the building a sense or reverence. Dismiss it as a tired theme park and maybe you are missing the point. Make a direct comparison with the immediate luxury of a London five-star and it will be found wanting, but buy into it wholeheartedly; become a member of the cast and you’ll have a great stay.

Though some suites of rooms are not large, each is a little oasis of pre-war comfort. It is a blessed relief not to walk in to a flat-screen, welcoming you by name and advertising the restaurant and fitness club (although the hotel is excellently equipped with both). Another mark of a good hotel bedroom is excellent bed linen and visitors cannot be disappointed by the fine, crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and pillows (each with its subtle Deco motif).

The restaurant has received mixed reviews in the past, but that weekend we found that the chef selected well from good local sources and first quality, fresh produce helped ensure excellent, beautifully presented meals. Maybe we all chose well.

We would hope to return.

MJ and AES; Hope Suite, mid-November 2011

All the good reviews have said it all. But you really can't praise the hotel enough. I am so envious of those who got married there and had the place to themselves.
We went for the murder mystery and it was everything I hoped for and more. The staff are amazing, low key but friendly and alway proffessional.
If you like art deco and a bit of luxury then this is definately the place to go. Have already started a 'Burgh Island' fund as I intend to go back as soon as possible. Would definately reccommend the MM weekend. Oh and don't forget to dress up!

Firstly I must apologise to Anne and the team for being so tardy in writing this review. We got married there in June this year and I can't rate it more highly. Anne was a masterpiece in patience with me, attending to everything that I needed, despite my bridezilla tendencies.

Gary took the time to work through all our signature cocktails a few months before our wedding and was second to none over the weekend - everyone commented on what a star he was and I will always remember him clearing up the bar at 2am wearing my tiara!

Organisation was perfect for our wedding, everyone loved the rooms and the food, and the cake of cheese was magnificently decorated. The morning after the hotel gave everyone a doggy bag as they were leaving of our remaining cheese.

During the evening everyone put their keys in a pot and went round all the rooms, as we had the Garden Suite (the mother and father of all hotels rooms in the UK) everyone was suitably impressed. It was really great being able to nose round all the other rooms we wouldn't usually see.

I know that it is expensive to get married at Burgh Island, but if art deco is your thing, then you will have a magical wedding there. A number of us also swam in the mermaid pool the following morning, and the weather was kind enough to stop raining for a bit during our amazing day.

Thank you to everyone at the hotel - it was perfect from the moment we got there and the evening before the wedding in the pilchard inn was also amazing, we really enjoyed watching everyone coming and going on the sea tractor.

We're looking forward to coming back for our anniversary this coming June :)

Lou and Rich