WHAT/WHERE?

Looking for a little English Riviera luxury? Step this way, m’lady, because Mercure Hotels, owned by Fragrance Luxury UK Hotel Group, have just opened the doors on a shiny new 161 bedroom hotel in Paignton, the fourth largest town in Devon known for its golden sandy beaches and pier.

contemporary planted containers at the entrance to Mercure Hotel Paignton

Part of the group’s £150m investment in the area, which includes a new Ibis Hotel next door, Mercure Hotel Paignton is box-fresh and located opposite the seaside town’s sandy beaches and UNESCO Geopark, and just a short stroll along the front to the harbour.

While Paignton is Torquay’s smaller, lesser-visited sister, the town is in line for £13.6m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund which might explain the arrival of this ultra-modern hotel – a bright shining jewel in Torbay’s crown.

THE VIBE

Part of the Accor Group, Mercure Hotels are known for their world-leading hospitality, with 5,300 properties across 110 countries – so no surprise they know how to give good decor.

seating area at Mercure Hotel Paignton, Devon

The four-star Devon addition to the group is as elegant as you’d expect, with Art Deco-inspired interiors and velvet sofas where you can take afternoon tea or sip a glass of fizz, while congratulating yourself on your excellent choice of stay.

paintings by artist Emma Carter Bromfield in the lobby at Mercure Hotel Paignton

Despite the international nature of the owner, they’ve not forgotten to add a local touch to the midnight-blue and gold trimmings. The paintings in reception and dotted around the hotel are by local artist Emma Carter Bromfield, who was specially commissioned to paint coast and palm-filled scenes you might recognise on walks around the locale.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Latitude restaurant at Mercure Hotel Paignton

Likewise, the menu in the the ground floor restaurant and bar, Latitude 50, is a mix of European and locally-inspired, serving drinks, cocktails, lunch and dinner from midday through to evening. Floor to ceiling windows take in the view, while tea lights on the tables add to the twinkle. Bagsy a velvet blue banquette if you want the best seats in the house.

the two tier terrace at Mercure Hotel Paignton, Devon

On balmy Rivera days – and nights – you might prefer to take your Aperol out to the two-tier Med-style terrace where you can wallow in the panorama of sea and pier. Monty Don would approve of the contemporary container planting, all grasses and swishy verbena – very on trend.

arancini starters at Latitude restaurant Mercure Hotel Paignton

From a choice of sharing platters, and bruschetta-style nibbles, we picked the arancini flavoured with mozzarella and parmesan, and spiced cauliflower florets washed down with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon. Top marks for the nibbles but the tomato sauce lacked any punch. Fine if you’re not a fan of chilli.

The chicken and mushroom with pancetta in a parmesan sauce by contrast was really well seasoned and the crispy thyme polenta added a flavourful twist.

The salmon supreme was cooked just right, a far cry from the supermarket fillets I’m used to cooking up at home. It was earthy and perfectly chargrilled with a smattering of sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce. Really savoury and moist.

We shared a chocolate dessert, encouraged by the waiter, who described it as ‘small’ – er, not! – although he was a joy to be served by, full of fun and readiness to help. Imagine if Lindt did a take on a Cadbury’s hazelnut bar. Mmmm, crispy, crunchy and creamy. Other desserts included pannacotta, tiramisu and affogato – Italians really do the best desserts, and you’ll find them all here.

The restaurant is open to residents and non-residents. I’d say it’s more open and airy than romantic and intimate, so a good place for family outings, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch with the nippers or business trippers in need of a bolthole where you wouldn’t feel out of place dining solo. South West suppliers include fish from nearby Brixham, as you’d expect with the excellent Salcombe Gin and Bays Brewery on tap at the bar.

PILLOW TALK

Privilege Room at Mercure Hotel Paignton, Devon

You’ll find a huge range of bedrooms to choose from, including standard doubles and luxurious Privilege sea-view rooms perfect for couples, families and your pooch.

I stayed in a Privilege Room with a bed so enormous I actually lay across it widthways to try and measure it, and I reckon it was about 8ft wide. The TV was cinema screen-sized, and the adjustable bedside lighting for your reading matter or whatever else you’ve got in line for erm, nighttime study, had me thinking about some home improvements.

Everything you’d want to luxe out was here, including fluffy robes, a Nespresso coffee machine, Elemental Herbology smellies and complimentary vanity kits – plus space to spread out your toiletries – and windows the height and width of the whole room maximised brilliantly on those wowzer views of sea and Paignton Pier.

OUT & ABOUT

Paignton Harbour is a short stroll down the seafront

With the Geopark play area and beaches on the level and just across the road, here couldn’t be more convenient if you’re after an easy-peasy family beach holiday. You’re also perfectly placed for some of South Devon’s top kids’ attractions, including Paignton Zoo, Splashdown Quaywest, and the prehistoric Kent’s Cavern caves. South Devon Railway and its steam train rides to the upmarket harbour towns of Kingswear and Dartmouth is within walking distance, as is the charming Palace Theatre Paignton where there’s always something good on.

If you’re free of ankle-biters, I’d definitely pop over to the very chic winery at Sandridge Barton where you can do a tour, have lunch under a parasol and taste-test award-winning locally-grown wine (you can try it on Mercure’s wine list). Agatha Christie’s holiday home at National Trust’s Greenway (above) is a fascinating visit – as is the International Agatha Christie Festival which crime fiction fans travel from abroad for using the hotel as their base.

ACCESSIBILITY

A good wide ramp up to the entrance, spacious ground floor, accessible toiletry the restaurant and lift, down to basement parking and all floors.

KID-FRIENDLY?

The hotel and the area are super family-friendly, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu, and breakfast is a no-fuss self-service affair with loads of choice. In summer, there’s a funfair on Paignton Green to add to the bucket and spade charms.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

All the bedrooms are dog-friendly, so you and your furry companions can enjoy a seaside getaway together. The seafront location is a doggy paradise where the pooch can run free on the sandy shores and have a splash in the waves. Book the Pet Experience and you will get a special welcome pack that includes local pet-friendly walking routes for waggy tails all round.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: a stylish coastal base when visiting Torbay and the South Hams; business trippers who like a hotel gym-stop before breakfast and a conference room; holidaying with the pooch; afternoon tea on the terrace;

Not for: cosy firesides and period features; hotel parking can be in short supply in busy periods.

The damage: Rooms from £67 per night; Privilege Room from £110 room only; £15 per night parking; our meal of two starters, two mains and a side of fries, dessert and drinks came to £103 breakfast £18pp/children £12pp.

Mercure Paignton, 22 25 Esplanade Rd, Paignton TQ4 6BQ Tel: 01803 229444; HB9E9@accor.com.

Stay review: Mercure Paignton Hotel, Paignton

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