Grand Hotel Brochure

How it all began…
The Grand Hotel first opened in Torquay in 1881, in
response to the Great Western Railway’s expansion
into the South West. Its striking Victorian architecture,
elegant interiors, fantastic seafront location and
award-winning food has earned it pride of place as
Torquay’s landmark hotel for over 130 years.
During that time, The Grand has witnessed many
historical events and has played its own role over the
years. In 1926, it was one of the first hotels in the
UK to install central heating – a pioneering venture
at the time! During World War Two, the hotel was
requisitioned by the Royal Air Force. Behind the
wallpaper in the rooms on the fourth floor, there
are messages and dates that some of the aircrew
scribbled on the walls and the restaurant was used
as one large dormitory. Each crewman was given a
pillow and blanket, and requested to find his own bed
– namely, whatever area of the floor was vacant by
the time he got there!
We’ve welcomed many famous guests throughout
our history, including the world-renown ‘Queen of
Crime’, Agatha Christie and music legends, such as
the Rolling Stones.
Originally built with just 12 bedrooms, The Grand has
been expanded several times to reach its present size
of 132 en-suite bedrooms. Keith Richardson purchased
the hotel in 2001 and undertook an extensive
refurbishment in order to pay homage to its period
architecture and Art Deco interiors.
The Grand Hotel is an AA 4 Star hotel and also holds
an AA Rosette for Fine Dining.

Fabulous coastal location…
We’ve got one of the best locations on the English Riviera – right on the seafront – with fabulous
views that encompass Brixham on one side and stretch round the bay to Torquay, with its pretty
marina, on the other.
With so much to see and do on the English Riviera, you really can tailor
your holiday to suit your tastes – right down to the way you choose to
explore it.

Rooms with a view…
With 132 individually and comfortably furnished en-suite bedrooms to choose from – many with
wonderful sea views of the bay – you’ll find the space to relax and unwind, whether you are here for a
break or on business.
We have a variety of room categories and all have Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, TV
and toiletries as standard. Our one and two bedroom suites offer some extra special touches to make
your stay even more comfortable.

Savour award-winning food…
We want you to experience the most delicious food possible, whether you choose to dine more
formally, relax with a light meal or indulge in a gorgeous Devonshire cream tea. Our award-winning
team of chefs are dedicated to their craft and we’re lucky to have some of the best ingredients on our
doorstep, whether that’s locally caught seafood, fresh seasonal vegetables or delicious Devon beef,
lamb or chicken. To top it all, whatever you choose, the views are superb.
Restaurant 1881 – named after the year the hotel was founded, offers a Table d’Hôte menu, featuring
fabulous local ingredients combined with superb flavours. You’ll find dishes with influences from
around the world, plus traditional British favourites – all guaranteed to make your mouth water.
For something a bit more relaxed – but with no compromise on flavours – our Compass Lounge
and Café Bar is bound to tempt you with its mixture of Brasserie style food, lighter fare, snacks and
sandwiches. Our sea facing terrace is perfect for chilling out with a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Unwind…
Relax, unwind or keep fit at The Grand. Our Leisure Club has something to please everyone, including
2 pools, multi-gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and tennis court.
Our indoor pool is open year-round and our outdoor pool is open during the warmer summer months
and sits in the middle of a sunny terrace area. Our gym is equipped with a cross trainer, two treadmills,
cycles, rowing machine, step machine and a multi-gym station.
Looking good is easy too, when you pamper yourself with a special treatment at The Grand’s
beauty clinic. Offering a wide range of treatments for both men and women, you can choose from
makeovers, manicures and pedicures to waxing, reflexology, aromatherapy, massages and hot stone
treatments.

Bring the family…
With our comfortable family rooms, excellent leisure facilities and close proximity to beaches
(the nearest is right opposite!), we’re the perfect base for a family holiday.
There are plenty of local attractions and activities nearby – great for all ages – and there are miles and
miles of coastline to explore right on the doorstep.

Celebrate…
We offer all the ingredients to ensure your day is perfect, whether you are celebrating a wedding,
anniversary, birthday or other special occasion.
Our elegant rooms, sea facing terrace and stunning sea views will all ensure picture perfect memories.
Our team of chefs will create mouthwatering menus and our experienced Events Team and Wedding
Coordinators will help you to plan every little detail from start to finish!

The English Riviera and beyond…
The English Riviera has 22 miles of stunning coastline, offering some of the best beaches in Devon,
superb walks and the world’s first urban UNESCO-designated Global Geopark. There are excellent
local attractions, including two steam railways, boat trips to the delightful harbour towns of Brixham
and Dartmouth and any number of maritime activities. The historic cities of Plymouth and Exeter are
perfect for day trips and the stunning Dartmoor National Park is an easy drive away. In fact, the English
Riviera provides the perfect hub for exploring this beautiful part of Devon.

The English Riviera may be most famous for its award-winning beaches
and exotic palm trees, but it has much more to offer than just seaside
holidays, boasting more attractions than any other resort in the UK...

How to Find Us
The Grand Hotel, Seafront, Torquay, Devon,
TQ2 6NT
By road: Via the M5 and A38, taking
the exit for the A380, following signs to
Paignton/ Torquay. In Torquay, follow signs
for the seafront and with the sea in front
of you, turn right at the traffic lights. Take
the right hand filter at the next traffic
lights, where you will see the Grand Hotel
in front of you.
By rail: The Grand is adjacent to Torquay
Railway Station.
By air: Exeter International Airport is a 35
minute drive from Torquay. We can assist
you to organise car hire or taxi service.
By sea: Torquay Marina can provide
berths. Please contact Torquay Marina on
01803 200210 for details of availability.
Parking at the hotel: Car parking spaces
are available in our garage. Please enquire
about booking a space when making
your reservation. There are also spaces in
the road outside the hotel and allocated
spaces in the station car park, opposite
the hotel.

THE GRAND HOTEL
Seafront, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NT
General Enquiries: 01803 296677
Reservations: 0800 005 2244
reservations@richardsonhotels.co.uk
www.grandtorquay.co.uk
www.richardsonhotels.co.uk
AA Rosette
www.grandtorquay.co.uk www.falmouthhotel.com www.thefoweyhotel.co.uk www.the-metropole.co.uk