Shhhhhh.... let's keep this Devon hotel our little secret!

I write this review with a sense of trepidation…

Why?

Because I feel I am giving away a secret.

Worried about the Coronavirus, my partner and I reluctantly decided to cancel a long-awaited trip to Barcelona and opted for a staycation instead.

Spoilt for choice in this beautiful county, there was one place I had always wanted to check out, even though you are unlikely to find it on many bucket lists.

The Ness House at Shaldon, South Devon.

We had often popped in there as a family for a bite to eat, or drink on a hot day, and enjoyed the magnificent views. 

The Ness House is nestled on an outcrop overlooking the mouth of the River Teign and from there you can see across to Teignmouth, out to sea and over to the docks on the estuary.

It was one of those places we had often said we must stay over at sometime but hadn’t got around to it, until now.

We were booked into a Superior Room in a separate annexe from the hotel and from the moment our helpful receptionist opened the door our eyes lit up.

It was like stepping into a seaside postcard: The wooden-panelled walls were decorated in bright pastel shades, there were more nick nacks on show than you would see in the most nick nacky, nick nack shop and the TV was beaming a live feed of a CCTV camera facing out to sea.

In fact all nine of the rooms are nautically themed, en-suite and equipped with smart TV, digital radio and free Wi-Fi, lovely teas, coffee and hot chocolate and a couple of Travelman’s excellent (and uniquely presented) short-stories for some light reading.

The beds have Sealy’s super comfortable Pillow Honister Mattresses; the best mattresses in the world (you find them in the White House), with lavish layers of indulgent upholstery.

After a walk into the village, and an agreeable couple of drinks at the splendid London Inn, run by Tim and Katie Palmer, we returned to the hotel for dinner.

As guests, we were reserved a plum spot in the conservatory, overlooking the sea.

There was an extensive menu and specials offering with something to cater for every taste.

I chose a crayfish spaghetti dish and my partner a chicken caesar burger. Both were delicious, well presented and delivered with a smile.

After a post-meal tipple in the newly refurbished lounge area on an exceptionally comfortable Chesterfield-style chair it was time for bed and one of the best sleeps I have experienced in a hotel.

Even though it was the beginning of March, and chilly, we had morning coffee on the balcony, taking in that amazing view before a very hearty (and I mean hearty) breakfast, sat where we had enjoyed our meal the previous evening.

I honestly can’t fault The Ness.

We paid £120 for the room for a night including breakfast and parking.

If you live locally you have no excuse not to give it a whirl, if you live further afield, it will be worth the trip but please.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Don’t tell anyone!!

For more information, go to https://www.theness.co.uk