Dart Marina Hotel & Spa Review, Devon

9 / 10

Across the road from Dartmouth’s pretty marina, and a short walk to Dartmouth Castle and the higgledy-piggledy streets of the historic harbour town, Dart Marina occupies one of South Devon’s prime positions. Big attractions are within striking distance, including the bustling fishing town of Brixham, arty Totnes, Blackpool beach and the South West Coastal Path. Dartmoor National Park is a 40-minute drive away.

Style & character

8 / 10

Unprepossessing from the outside; inside the Dart Marina is an ode to seaside chic. Well, most of it is. A £2.5million refurbishmen has seen the common areas and the 16 South Wing bedrooms decorated in soothing pastels and sumptuous furnishings. The areas of the hotel excluded from the latest wave of refurbishment feel a little dated by comparison, but are nevertheless still perfectly comfortable.

Service & facilities

7 / 10

The hotel has a small spa, fitness suite and pool with a steam room and hot tub. The option to have breakfast delivered on your balcony is a big plus. Service is friendly and useful.

Rooms

The newly-refurbished rooms are lovely. Each has a decked balcony, on which complimentary use of binoculars, bird-watching books and pashminas inspire guests to make the most of their coastal setting. Views are of shimmering waters and bobbing yachts, and the soundtrack of tinkling boats’ bells and the cheery tooting of the Dartmouth steam train puttering along the opposite bank is blissful.

Rooms have duck-egg-blue walls lined with pretty botanical displays, velvet chairs, beds piled high with plump pillows and freestanding baths. Nespresso machines add an extra dose of luxury. The older rooms lack the oomph of the newer ones, but all have balconies with views of the River Dart.

We offer a price guarantee on every hotel booking

Your passport to a better trip

Food & drink

Dart Marina's waterside-facing restaurant is a relaxing vantage point from which to watch the world go by. The menu is seasonal and locally sourced: freshly-caught fish and seafood, meat from the pastures of the South Hams, dairy produce from local farms and innovative juices from local orchards. The terrace, overlooking the marina, is a perfect spot for indulging in a cocktail from the gin bar or a traditional Devonshire cream tea.

Breakfast offerings include a full English, eggs Benedict, and local, naturally-smoked haddock or kippers.

Value for money

Double rooms from £180 in low season; rising to £240 in high. South Wing rooms cost from £275 in low season, rising to £385 in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.