Escape to Paradise: Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay's Beachfront Bliss
Okay, strap yourselves in, because we’re diving headfirst into the Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay’s beachfront… bliss? Let’s see, shall we? This isn't going to be one of those perfectly PR-polished reviews; I'm going to bleed a little truth onto the page. Consider this your messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious guide to whether you should actually escape to paradise. And by the way, I'm going to use some keyword stuffing to help you actually find this place, so bear with me.
First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting Around
Okay, so, Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay… first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I need to know if I can actually, you know, get to my room, use the facilities. The good news, and it’s mostly good, is that they do tout facilities for disabled guests. I’ll believe it when I see it. More on that later. But the elevator is a must, you know? Thank goodness they have one. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am clumsy, so elevators and smooth access are always welcome. Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE win! No hidden parking fees? Sold! Though, I’m always a little wary – how far is the walk from the car to the lobby? Are we talking a casual stroll or a trek across the Sahara? Let's hope for the former. They also have Valet parking, but well, that's for the fancy people, right? Speaking of fancy, airport transfer and taxi service are available. Fancy!
Inside the Walls: Rooms & Amenities
Alright, time to dive into the actual rooms. Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! YES! Praise be! Seriously, I need that. And the desk, laptop workspace and internet access – wireless are all major pluses. I might actually work on vacation… maybe. Let's be real, though, mostly streaming.
Air conditioning, check! Blackout curtains, HALLELUJAH! I need to sleep in those things. So many non-smoking rooms, which is great because, let's be honest, smoky rooms are a total buzzkill. They also have soundproof rooms which, in theory, is amazing. The reality, however, is always a little more complicated. You know that one time I stayed in a "soundproof" room and could still hear the nightly karaoke battle between two guys who would not stop singing? Yeah. Let’s hope Sherwood Palm does a better job.
Bathrooms and the "Extras":
Private bathroom, thank goodness. Shower and separate shower/bathtub? Decisions, decisions…though really, I'm a shower person. They've got slippers and bathrobes listed, which is a luxury. Fancy. But it's all the little things that make a stay delightful, right? Like the complimentary bottled water and the coffee/tea maker that's essential for my survival. There's also a hair dryer. I hope it's a good one, or I'll be crying into my…coffee.
Let's talk about the room decorations. I'm going to be real here. I'm secretly a sucker for a well-decorated room. A little personality goes a long way, but sometimes, hotels can get it SO wrong. Here’s hoping for tasteful, not tacky.
The Food Factor: Dining, Drinking, & Snacking
Okay, food is where it’s at, seriously. Restaurants are crucial. Breakfast [buffet]? My heart skips a beat. Let’s hope it's a good buffet, not one with sad, lukewarm scrambled eggs. They list Asian breakfast as an option, which is intriguing, as is the Asian cuisine in restaurant. I'm a sucker for something different. Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant, sure, but let's aim for a little adventure, shall we?
Coffee/tea in restaurant, yes, please. Coffee shop? Even better. I am a coffeeholic. The chance of a poolside bar is a definite draw. Who doesn't love a cocktail with a view? Room service [24-hour] is a game-changer. Midnight snack cravings? You got it. They also have Snack bar with salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant which is a nice little touch.
More on Food! I'm going to be honest. The more I learn about the Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay, the more interested I get! I saw there was a Vegetarian restaurant, too? YES! I love a good veggie option.
Wellness & Relaxation: Spa, Sauna, and… Body Scrubs?
This is where things could get interesting. Spa, sauna, massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Steamroom, a pool with view…it's paradise on paper. The Fitness center is a good thing, though let's be honest, I probably won't use it. Gym/fitness is also there for you gym rats out there. I'm more of a "walk on the beach" kind of person.
The Pools! There is a Swimming pool, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]! Great! I'm feeling like a dip already.
Things to Do & Services
Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay is offering so many services and conveniences. They are offering Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Daily housekeeping, which is great. They seem to have a concierge and doorman. Oh! And a gift / souvenir shop.
Services and Conveniences:
Facilities for disabled guests is an amazing thing to see. They have a bar with Bottle of water available. There is a Business facilities available. There is a Cash withdrawal service. They also have Currency exchange, Luggage storage, and a Safety deposit boxes. They are offering Air conditioning in public area.
Safety, Security, & Cleanliness (The "Important" Stuff)
Okay, let's get serious for a moment. The world has changed, and I want to know that this hotel is taking safety seriously. Cleanliness and safety is a HUGE thing for me. The fact that they list Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays is reassuring. Staff trained in safety protocol and Hand sanitizer available is also a must. The hotel also has a First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call. They offer Cashless payment service, and Individually-wrapped food options. The fact that they have so many checks is a plus. They have Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher.
For the Kids
Family/child friendly, cool, but I don't have kids, so I will rely on your experience.
The Verdict (and a Sneaky Offer)
Okay, so, the Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay, based on this initial deep dive, could be a winner. The potential for relaxing, the focus on safety seem good.
Here is my honest thoughts.
- The accessibility and room amenities get a thumbs up. Free Wi-Fi and blackout curtains are a must.
- Food and drinks: Hoping the buffet is good and the poolside bar is worth it.
- Relaxation: Spa and sauna? Fingers crossed!
In Conclusion:
Escape to Paradise: Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay's Beachfront Bliss.
Book now and save 20% on your stay and receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival!
Keywords: Sherwood Palm Hotel, Torquay, Beachfront Hotel, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Hotel Deals, Family-Friendly Hotel, Non-Smoking Rooms, Breakfast Buffet, Torquay Hotels, Devon Hotels.
Disclaimer: This review is based on the information provided and my own subjective experiences. Actual experiences may vary. Always check with the hotel directly for the most up-to-date information and to confirm specific accessibility needs.
Escape to Paradise: Moon Palace Jamaica's All-Inclusive Ocho Rios Luxury
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, Sherwood Palm Hotel style. Get ready for a rollercoaster of sunburn, questionable food choices, and questionable life decisions fueled by cheap gin.
The Sherwood Palm Pilgrimage: A Torquay Tango (aka My Vacation, Maybe Yours Too, Eventually)
Day 1: Arrival & Deep Dive into Doubt
14:00 - Arrive in Torquay (via the cursed train). Honestly, the train was late. Of course, it was. British Rail, am I right? It's like they try to make you question your life choices. And the journey itself? Shoving cases on top of cases, and the woman next to me was loudly clipping her toenails. Glamorous.
15:00 - Check into The Sherwood Palm. Okay, the exterior? Kinda charming, old-school seaside vibes. The reception? A bit… sparse. The lady behind the desk looked like she’d seen a ghost, probably of a tourist who’d dared to ask about the Wi-Fi password. She pointed to a notice that had about 25 passwords on it, like a bizarre game of alphabet soup.
15:30 - Room Reconnaissance. I got the "sea view" room, which is a generous term. Let’s just say the sea is… somewhere out there, maybe? And the decor? Well, let's say it hasn’t been updated since the late 1970s. Think floral wallpaper, itchy bedspread, and a TV that probably still uses rabbit ears. But hey, at least it's clean-ish? Mostly? Oh god, I hope so.
16:00-17:00 - Mild Panic & Unpacking. Okay, let's unpack, or at least pretend that I am. I'm pretty sure I've got a dodgy stain on my favorite shirt, and the iron in the room? It looks like it was recovered from the Titanic. I spent a good ten minutes just trying to figure out how it switched on. Success! With a small explosion of steam.
17:00 - Exploratory Wander & Initial Fish & Chip Assessment. Time to hit the beach! I thought I saw some fish and chips, but turns out it was just a mirage. The whole beach is a little… underwhelming. It might be because the tide is out, but still, there's not much to see. I find a fish and chip shop and cautiously purchase a battered sausage and a portion of chips. The chips were great, but the sausage… let's just say I'm not sure the batter has been removed.
18:00 - Attempt at a Sunset Stroll (Fail). The light was beautiful, but the wind was fierce. I got sand in my eyes, and my hair turned into a Medusa situation. Gave up and retreated back to the hotel.
19:30 - Dinner Dilemma. Okay, the hotel restaurant. Do I? Or do I not? Well, I do. The dining room, which appears to have been decorated in the same aesthetic as the room, is mostly empty. All right, let's do the chicken roast. It's… edible. The gravy tastes like it’s been cooking since the hotel opened. But maybe that's the charm.
21:00 - Evening Entertainment (of the Most Questionable Variety). Bingo night! Oh, god. I really only wanted to go to bed. The bingo caller, a man who looked like he'd seen a ghost of his own, bellowed the numbers with the enthusiasm of someone facing a firing line. I think I might have won a game. It was a packet of peanut butter. But don't even get me started on the peanut butter.
22:00 - Bedtime & Existential Dread. The bed is surprisingly comfortable despite its ancient appearance. The curtains block most of the light, but that doesn't stop me from staring in the dark and thinking. What have I gotten myself into? Is this the beginning of my breakdown, or are the peanut butter packet the only thing holding me together?
Day 2: Seaside Shenanigans & Seafood Struggles
08:00 - Awakening & Regret. Well, I’m alive. Breakfast is included, apparently. It’s a buffet. Let's just say, I don’t think I'll be eating here for breakfast for the rest of my life. I can't seem to find the coffee.
09:00 - Stroll on the Pier & Dodging Seagulls. The pier, in all its creaking glory. The sun is out, finally! Time for some fresh air! I managed to avoid the seagulls. The seagulls here are relentless. They're like winged, feathered pickpockets.
10:00 - Boat Trip Disaster. Let's be honest, here. I’m not great on boats. I got seasick on a paddle boat once. And today… the boat was crowded, the sea was choppy, and I spent most of the ride leaning over the side, trying not to hurl. The worst part? The other passengers seemed to be having a whale of a time. I was the whale.
12:00 - Lunch at a Quaint Seaside Cafe…or not. Found a place with "fresh seafood." I was craving a plate of the freshest seafood in existence, but what I got was a plate of slightly sad-looking calamari. The chips were good, though.
13:00 - Pausing, then, Doubling Down on the "Beach" I needed a drink. Just a soda. Some sort of recovery from the boat trip. I ended up going to the beach again! It's probably the only thing I'll ever remember. I needed the beach. All of it. I need the sand. The sun. The quiet. I could sit there forever, just looking at everything and nothing, and maybe not feel all the bad feelings.
15:00 - Afternoon Exploration (and the Terrifying "Model Village"). Found a model village. It was… something. Tiny buildings, tiny people. The detail was impressive, yes, but also, deeply unsettling. The entire time, I felt like the tiny people were staring at me. It's more than unsettling, now it's all consuming. I am obsessed with the tiny, creepy people.
17:00 - Return to the Hotel for a Nap. (Thank god. It's been real, Torquay.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Drinks (and the Gin Incident). I found a tiny bar in the hotel lobby. There was gin! And there was something called "the special." The special was a cocktail made with gin, some kind of mystery liqueur, and a questionable garnish. I ordered one. Did I make bad decisions? Maybe. Did I regret it? Absolutely not.
19:30 - Another Dinner, Another Chicken Roast (I think). Honestly, after the gin, the food was secondary. The chicken, the vegetables, the bread. It didn't matter! I think I ordered another chicken roast.
21:00 - Evening Entertainment (of the Slightly Less Questionable Variety): Karaoke Night! The Karaoke machine looked like it was from the 1980s. It was a blast, and I found out I actually have a terrible singing voice, but it didn’t matter. I sang my heart out.
22:30 - Pass Out. The gin wins. I fall asleep and will be more exhausted.
Day 3: Escape? Or Embrace the Absurdity?
09:00 - Wake Up & Question Everything. Can barely remember last night. I had a dream during the night, filled with tiny people and talking seagulls. My head is pounding.
10:00 - Check Out? (Maybe). Should I leave? The thought crossed my mind. No, I have to stay. It's my fate.
10:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt. Found a magnet for a fridge, and it has a picture of the Sherwood Palm Hotel.
11:00 - Walk by the beach, and some final moments of self-reflection. I think that the beach will be my favorite memory from this trip. I think that will stay with me. I could have had the sun and the sand to myself, the whole time.
12:00 - Departure (with a heavy heart and a slightly lighter wallet). Goodbye, Torquay! Goodbye, Sherwood Palm! I'll never forget you. For better or worse.
17:00 - Back Home (and already planning the next trip. Seriously). Looking back, this trip was… challenging. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was messy, it was imperfect, and it was absolutely, wonderfully human. And yes, I will return. I'll be back. Maybe.
1. Is the Sherwood Palm REALLY beachfront? Like, *beachfront* beachfront?
Okay, let's be real. "Beachfront" in Torquay can be a bit...flexible. Yes, technically, the Sherwood Palm *is* near the beach. It's across the road, a brisk (or maybe a slightly sweaty, depending on how many cocktails you've had) walk to the sand. Don't expect to roll out of bed and onto the deckchair. But hey, the view from some of the rooms? Absolutely divine. I remember once, I was there with my mate, Brenda (bless her heart, she's a handful, but I love her), and we were sharing one of the suites. Big mistake, mind you (more on that later). Anyway, Brenda, she opens the curtains on that first morning, and she literally squealed. "Ooh, look, Carol - the *sea*!" And you know what? It *was* pretty spectacular. And honestly? Being slightly away from the sand means you get a bit of peace from the seagulls. Win! Sort of.
2. What are the rooms like? Are they all… pristine?
Right, so 'pristine' might be a bit optimistic. Let's call them… "lived-in." There's a certain charm to the Sherwood Palm, a kind of faded elegance. Think classic seaside hotel, not a swanky, minimalist spa. Some rooms are lovely; some… well, they've clearly seen better days. I'm not going to lie. I once stayed in a room where the wallpaper seemed to be staging a slow-motion peel. And the bathroom? Tiny. Like, you could brush your teeth and do a tap dance at the same time. But honestly? It's part of the experience! It's a bit like going to your nan's house – you know there's going to be a slightly wonky lampshade and a weird smell (probably mothballs), but you wouldn't have it any other way.
3. The food. Spill the tea! What's the grub like? Is it worth the price?
Okay, the food. Right. This is where things get... interesting. The breakfast? Mostly alright. Your standard full English, the kind that sets you up to go for a walk! If you love a plate of bacon, eggs, and fried bread after a long night, you'll be in heaven. If, like me, you lean more towards granola and fresh fruit, well.....let's just say you'll be ordering something more substantial. The dinner, though? Can be a bit hit-or-miss. One night you're eating a roast chicken that's practically melting in your mouth, and the next night? Let's just say it reminds you of the rubbery chicken from school dinners or something. Prices are reasonable, on the whole. And they have a good Sunday lunch, which, let's be honest, is crucial.
4. What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they just want to get out of the door?
This is where the Sherwood Palm really shines, in my opinion. The staff are generally lovely. Genuinely lovely. They're not robots; they're humans! They seem to care, which is rare these days. They work hard, and they remember you. They put up with a LOT, I'm sure. I remember this one time, Brenda (sigh, back to Brenda) managed to lock herself in the bathroom. Seriously. We had to call down to reception and they sent up a handyman who was actually very helpful. He didn't even bat an eyelid at Brenda’s panicked state! They were all very patient. They seemed genuinely happy to help, which is a rare commodity these days. It makes a difference. It really does!
5. The pool. Is it glamorous? Is it even *good*?
The pool! Well it's an indoor one, but It aint a bad place to be. It's not a luxury spa pool, mind, so don't expect any underwater jets or fancy jacuzzi. But it's fine. Its not the biggest, so you might be doing a lot of wall-hugging if it gets busy. It's good for a swim though. A proper swim if you're into that. Or a slow, relaxing soak if you're more my speed. I've spent many an hour people-watching from the pool. The kids get on well and the vibe is friendly.
6. Tell me about a memorable experience you had there. Something that really *sticks* with you.
Oh, you want a story? Okay, buckle up. This is a Brenda special. So, we were sharing a suite. Which, I'm now convinced, was a terrible idea. Brenda, bless her heart, is a snorer. A *volcanic* snorer. First night, I'm practically catapulted out of bed by the sheer force of it. I ended up sleeping on the sofa, dodging cushions. The next day, I'd had enough. We're at breakfast, and I'm eyeing up the coffee, desperate for a caffeine injection to fight off my insomnia. Brenda, she's tucked into her sausages with gusto. "Carol," she says, mid-mouthful, "I had the *best* night's sleep!" Me? I'm practically seeing stars. "Brenda," I say, my voice dangerously low, "I haven't slept. Not a wink. I swear, your snoring could probably wake the dead." Brenda, always one for drama, just bursts out laughing. "Oh, Carol," she says, wiping her eyes. "You're such a drama queen!" And then, the *coup de grâce*. She leans closer, lowers her voice, and says, "You know, I think it might be the new mattress!" The new mattress! As if *that* was the problem! Anyway, we ended up having to swap rooms so I could actually sleep. The staff were, as always, lovely and understanding. We laugh about it now, of course. Brenda still snores like an industrial vacuum cleaner, but I've learned to accept it. And the Sherwood Palm? It's just part of the story now! It's a reminder that even the most chaotic trips can have their moments if you've got the right company (and maybe some earplugs). That's the Sherwood Palm for you. It's a bit rough around the edges, it's not perfect, but it has a certain character and charm that keeps you coming back.
7. Is there parking? Because parking can be a nightmare in Torquay!
Ah, the parking situation. Yes, there's parking. It's a bit limited, but there's parking. It’s at the back of the hotel and if you are lucky enough to get a space it’s great. However, the spaces are narrow and sometimes finding a space can be a bit of a bun fight. But I wouldn’t let that put you offStayin The Heart
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