Gara Rock

We went as a group of four for Sunday lunch. The hotel is in a spectacular location with stunning views of the South Hams coastline in virtually every direction, especially from the dining room. Staff were very welcoming and we enjoyed a very relaxing drink in the lounge before being shown through to lunch. The meal (roast beef) was excellent and the service was both friendly and attentive. Dylan did us proud!. After lunch we went for a short walk along the coast path before returning to the hotel for tea/coffee. All in all, we spent about four hours in and around the hotel and had a very enjoyable experience.

My wife and I went in with our daughter and her future fiancé. We were approached by Im assuming the manager halfway from the seating area ( which you pass as you come through the entrance ) and the bar, getting out of his chair near the bar and approached me saying HOW CAN I HELP YOU? ARE YOU A RESIDENT? In a tone of voice that was not at all welcoming. When I said is it ok two have 4 coffees and some cake, and have a chat about a wedding reception here, he mentioned that Tracy would be the one we will need to talk to, which I assumed he would have introduced us to. looking at the spectacular views while our coffee was being prepared we were again told to go and sit down. Which we did and started to walk towards the sofas when he again came up to us and said NO this is for residents only can you sit on the tables here ( no beautiful views here ). Of course I said that’s not a problem. We were hoping to talk to Tracy about a booking for a wedding reception but unfortunately the manager obviously looking at someone can think to himself that a certain person isn’t in a financial position to pay for a wedding reception. Mmm well how wrong he can be !!!

As previous guests we thought it would be nice to walk from the HBH for a drink at Gara rock with our parents, as they hadn’t been there before. We walked in and there was plenty of seating available.. When we asked whether we could stop and have a drink we were told that it’s not possible as the seating is reserved for arrival guests.. disappointing as previous guest to be met with this! Just think this is a bit ridiculous.. shame as it just puts a sour taste in your mouth for returning as future guests..

Stopped for a coffee break during a walk from Salcombe. There was no price list, which I believe is law and we were charged £10.13 for 2 coffees, which doesn’t make sense. The saving grace was the coffee was good.

Fantastic location, The staff were so friendly the rooms were amazing swimming pool and sauna and Jacuzzi with spotlessly clean. Perfect for a couple hideaway weekend I was lucky enough to stay for a couple of nights would definitely go back. Highly recommend.

Our room was spectacular and the view outstanding. Beds so comfortable and the service in the restaurant was fabulous. Would definitely return, maybe in the summer next time when we can take more advantage of the beautiful surroundings. We Would recommend a stay here to anyone.

Wow! Gara rock is a hidden gem. I went with my family for Sunday lunch. The moment we walked through the reception and saw the views from the restaurant they are amazing. Our meal was delicious and the staff very friendly and happy to make suggestions on the specials available. Many thanks 😊

The restaurant has a very limited menu and is over priced. Choice of 2 starters (burrata or mussels) in the main fancy restaurant unless you go for the tasting menu at £85 a pop. My main was a piece of over cooked sea bass with some fancy over ripe tomatoes plonked around it. That was £45 a head for 2 courses! The best thing about the hotel is its location. Stunning views of the south west coast path and immediate access onto it. However the pool is tiny, the sauna and steam rooms weren’t working correctly and they service the rooms between 3pm and 5pm which can be annoying if you come in from a lovely long walk and just want a soak in the bath. All first world problems I know but at £300 a night for a sea view room I expected more.

We arrived at Gara Rock having walked from Salcombe and were greeted with a cold and unfriendly welcome. When we said we were only having drinks we were told we had to sit outside in the rain and began talking with a lady who had been sent outside because she ordered a tea cake! We were refused tap water by the waiter and could only purchase large bottled water. We were made to feel like second class citizens and got the feeling the staff wanted us to leave as soon as we arrived. Unpleasant experience all round.