Stayed here recently on a Groupon with my Daughter, and wasn't sure what to expect, as a few reviews were a shade negative.
Although it may not exude oodles of kerb appeal - as compared to some Best Westerns I have visited - do not let this put you off - while it is a little 'frumpy' on the outside, once you walk through door, the excellent service and professionalism of the staff more than makes up for a less than exciting exterior, and lets face it - its what's on the inside that counts.
Despite being on a Groupon deal, we were made to feel valued and welcomed during our whole stay, and this is mainly due to some outstanding staff - Sue on Reception, and her team - Jessicas - 1 and 2 - in the Restaurant and their team, Rachel in the Bar, to name just a few of these hard working and helpful people.
Sorry I cannot remember you all - but in a nutshell, we were made to feel like 5 star guests, no request was too much trouble, and everyone we spoke to was smiley and helpful.
Check in was fast friendly and very helpful and welcoming.
Our room was a great size and had a smashing view of the river and park, true it smelt a little stale, but once we had opened the window, that soon dissipated.
The room was so very, very clean, and well appointed - TV, Kettle, Iron and Board, Hairdryer, a good selection of drinks Tea, Hot Choc, Coffee and a small bottle of water.
The beds were amazing, some of the comfiest I have ever slept in and I had 2 really great nights sleep - rare for me.It was not too noisy on either night.
The Bathroom was a little small, and perhaps a little dated, plus - I feel a hand rail on the wall by the door would have helped far more than the one above the bath - and as you could not touch the towel rail above the Loo - it was always quite warm, - getting in and out the shower was a little tricky for me, but this is a small thing.
There were some nice toiletries provided, and plenty of big, fluffy white towels, the only other small moan is the hook on the back of the bathroom door - it was not up to the job!!
After settling in we took up the option to enjoy our glass of wine - as part of our Groupon deal- prior to our meal, and enjoyed the comfy lounge bar area, they also do snacks, cake and bar meals here as well as some awesome Pork Scratchings, so plenty of choice if you do not want to eat in the main Restaurant, there is certainly a really comprehensive Bar menu to choose from plus daily specials.
Rachel behind the Bar, was fantastic - really helpful, letting us sniff the different Gins and making sure we got a good deal on our G&TS.
Our only regret is that we could not spend more time there snuggled up on the lovely squashy sofas with our books or newspapers.
The Restaurant here is fantastic - as good as any 5 star hotel, I have eaten at the Savoy and can say the meal we experienced was on par with that - again even though we were on a Groupon - there was no separate menu or a dip in service, everything was totally spot on.
For me the quality of food is when I don't need to season, and everything about my Parsnip Soup and my Duck Breast was so delicious I did not once reach for the salt and pepper, so hats off to the Chef - he knows his onions.!!
We opted to have a bottle of wine and desserts (the Groupon was 2 courses with glass of wine) - and the bill was approx. 35.00- which we thought was very good and definitely worth the money.
Breakfast both days was wonderful, cooked buffet style, but lots of it right up until close of service, plus the usual fruit cereals yogurts pastries etc
Again great friendly service.
Sunday was Carvery day - £9.95 small plate /£11.95 large plate - a choice of 3 Types of Meats 2 types of Potatoes - at least 6 veg dishes, Yorkie Puds, Sausage meat stuffing, Sauces- it was really smashing, am ashamed to say I could not eat all mine - having foolishly had a starter!!
There is a Lift I believe, but check before booking.
Plenty of Parking is also available on site.
I believe the nearest station is Tiverton Parkway - approx. 7 miles away - if you are thinking of coming by rail.
There seemed to be plenty of buses with a stop near the Hotel - I think - but again do check
All in all I cannot praise this hotel or its staff enough, really impressed with every aspect, people, food service comfort etc. The Housekeeping team were also super, always smiley and saying hello.
As for Tiverton, there's so much to love, quieter in the Winter months obviously - but a great place to come and walk around, lots of History, a fab town, Two lovely Rivers, a Castle and the Grand Western Canal, lots of cafes bars etc - in the Summer, I can highly recommend the Museum and Horsedrawn Barge - but will pen separate reviews for these.
The hotel is a leisurely 15-20 min stroll into town or to surrounding attractions, so bang on for location, plus there's a huge 24 hr Tesco next door, so great for Petrol or any forgotten items. There is also a big Morrisons nearby.
There is also a great leisure centre in Tiverton as well.
Also plenty of attractions in the surrounding areas to keep you occupied, as you are close to Exmoor and Dartmoor, Exeter and many other places of interest.
We truly did have the best stay here at the Tiverton Best Western, and are already planning some return visits.
Thank you to everyone for a fantastic stay less