Having read the reviews my thoughts were that nowhere could be that perfect. But this is one occasion I can agree with the reviews: this is 5-star luxury from the moment you walk through the door.
I then asked myself the difference between a hotel and bed and breakfast, it is the friendliness and the personal touches. When visiting Torquay after staying here you would certainly not want to stay anywhere else, why would you when this is absolute perfection. In fact, if it was fully booked on my chosen dates I would re organise my life! On this note I must point out to try and book as early as you can as there are only six bedrooms and being the 9th best B&B in the world as you can imagine it does get fully booked quickly.
It is situated within walking distance of Torquay and the railway stations of Torquay and Torre, although there is parking available for one car per room. In the summer months the land train stops nearby to take you around Torquay itself.
On arrival we were greeted by Andy, Julian and Patsy their miniature schnauzer who is an absolute delight. We were made to feel welcome immediately, asked if we needed help with our cases and shown to our room. We were also asked if we would like to have a complimentary drink and a home-made chocolate brownie. Normally I do not particularly like chocolate cakes but was told that it was grandmother’s recipe and I have to admit it was melt-in-the-mouth and delicious. This was served in the guest lounge, which is very tastefully decorated with comfortable seating and an honesty bar for a late-night drink should you want one.
You will want for nothing when you stay here. Our room, Broadsands, was stunning, a mix of grey and purple. The television has Sky, Netflix and Amazon films. There was a personal welcome letter along with homemade Viennese whirls to have with our tea or coffee. There is a good selection of different tea including green and decaf. The coffee machine is Nespresso and there’s also a milk frother; the milk is kept cool in the mini fridge which also includes bottled water. The rooms also have the advantage of air conditioning which you are able to set at your preferred temperature.
The bathroom includes a walk-in shower and a bath which has mood lighting beneath. Lovely white fluffy towels and the toiletries are Elemis. Robes are also provided for guest use as is an iron and ironing board. In one drawer I found an ‘in case you forgot box’ which included amongst other things, shaving kit, dental kit, comb, nail kit eye mask, etc.
Beside the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in (I thought my bed at home was comfortable until then!), there was an Elemis spray for the pillows to help you sleep at night. On the other side of the bed was a lip salve as walking by the sea this could be needed for chapped lips.
The guest information is the most comprehensive I have ever seen. A lot of thought and hard work had gone into the preparation. There were several pages of tried and tested restaurants along with a note about each. The beaches nearby all had a piece written to help you choose the best one for you. Along with this were all the local attractions and the distance to each one.
Also set out were local walks, and the distances which were one and a half to five miles walks.
Nothing here is left to chance, as I said Andy and Julian work hard to make your stay the most enjoyable they can. One page sets out the Environmental Policy of the 25 Boutique B&B which also explains how guests can help with the effect of their carbon footprints. It helps to take home any unused toiletries which is helpful to be told it is quite alright to do this!
Breakfast the following morning is served from 8.30am to 9.30am. A very good selection which includes home-made yogurt, smoothies and muesli along with the usual cereals. The fresh fruit looked as if each item had been hand picked and tasted delicious, none of that hard fruit that is served in a lot of hotels. A good choice of cooked breakfast is provided and the full English arrived like a work of art on a plate and each item was top quality. The jam was Auntie Val’s with no artificial preservatives which is produced with the help of people with disabilities. There were two menus, thoughtful again as no need to share.
At check out we were given a goody bag for our homeward journey, home made shortbread, crisps, mints and water. Another thoughtful touch.
The 5-star 25 Boutique B&B is run by two hard working and very friendly guys, Andy and Julian Banner-Price. We will certainly return if only to experience absolute perfection.
The only downside is, it is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the dozen or so steps to enter. My back is not a hundred percent and I managed quite well.
We arrived strangers and left friends.
The 25 Boutique B&B
25 Avenue Road
Torquay
South Devon
TQ2 5LB
United Kingdom
For more information, please visit https://www.the25.uk/
More about Pamela
Pamela Huggett is retired and previously she worked for a social research company as a project controller. Since retiring she travels as much as possible, from weekends in cities, cruising and escorted coach tours, to house sitting for pets including stays in Grade 2 listed properties which she very much enjoys.
