About

The Imperial is a Victorian four star hotel overlooking the English Riviera and the beautiful South Devon Coastline. Spread over seven floors, The Imperial Torquay has 152 bedrooms with distinctive style and comfort at their core. All rooms feature comfortable beds, plumped-up pillows, ensuite bathrooms and complementary BT Wi-Fi.

Agatha Christie attended many social functions at The Imperial Hotel, and later used The Imperial as hotel inspiration for three of her novels: it is renamed as The Majestic in the fictional town of St Loo in 'Peril at End House' (1932) and again in the town of Danemouth in 'The Body in the Library' (1942). It appears as The Imperial Hotel in 'Sleeping Murder' (1976). Today, the Imperial Hotel has a plaque dedicated to The Agatha Christie Mile in the lobby.

At the heart of The Imperial Torquay is the Regatta restaurant, with breathtaking, panoramic views. The menu offers a delicious culinary journey with a focus on fresh local produce and flavour to create exciting, modern dishes.

Or relax, unwind and take in the breathtaking views with a drink in hand in the vintage, coastal themed Palm Court Lounge & Bar serving a variety of soft drinks, wines and spirits alongside a seasonal selection of light bites available all day.

The light and airy lounges full of period charm from the hotel's Victorian heyday offer a relaxing backdrop for catching up on the headlines or putting the world to rights with fellow guests.

The Health & Leisure Club offers space to work on your fitness regime, be it with the latest in gym technology supported with friendly expert service, or at your own pace.

Unwind in the swimming pools, Jacuzzi or sauna after your workout and take in the stunning views of Torbay while you relax.

The Imperial Torquay Spa

Located in the Health & Leisure Club, a range of spa treatments by Decléor are available at The Imperial Torquay including facials, body massages and manicures.

Combining nature’s purest and most potent active ingredients, Decléor scientifically selects and masterfully blends premium Essential Oils to deliver for each skin need, targeted and proven skincare solutions. Understanding that beauty and well-being are intrinsically linked, Decléor offers a unique sensorial experience that visibly enhances the skin’s natural health and radiance.

Our fabulous Health & Leisure Club boasts four tranquil treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna overlooking the beautiful Torbay coastline.

Non-residents of the hotel having a spa treatment (excluding beauty treatments) may use the facilities for an additional £10 per person. Hotel guests wishing to use the spa facilities may do so complimentary.

The Health & Leisure Club offers space to work on your fitness regime, be it with the latest in gym technology supported with friendly expert service, or at your own pace.

Unwind in the swimming pools, Jacuzzi or sauna after your workout and take in the stunning views of Torbay while you relax...

Afternoon Tea at The Imperial Torquay

The historic British tradition of afternoon tea began in the 19th century with Queen Victoria, one of its early pioneers. She was such a big fan of the tea parties she even had her very own cake made. To celebrate this great tradition we’ve hand chosen some historic period treats and sandwiches.

Here is a sample of what afternoon at The Imperial Torquay might look like. There is choice between two options, as below;

The Imperial Afternoon Tea

Savouries include:

Smoked salmon & cream cheese, ham & mustard, roasted peppers, pesto & rocket, crab tart and Paxton & Whitfield mature cheddar scones.

Sweets include:

Warm Fruit Scones, clotted cream & preserves, Victoria sponge, fruit meringue, Battenberg, passion fruit tart, chocolate Delice.

Served with a choice of teas, infusions, tisanes or coffee

£16.50 per person

The Royal Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a Royal experience overlooking Torbay and upgrade to our Royal Afternoon Tea...

The Imperial Afternoon Tea with a glass of prosecco £21 per person

The Imperial Afternoon Tea with a glass of Champagne £24 per person

Please note this is a sample menu and is subject to change.

Afternoon tea at The Imperial Torquay is normally Served in the Palm Court Lounge

Monday - Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm

History of the Imperial Torquay

The foundation stone of The Imperial Torquay was laid by the wife of Sir Lawrence Vaughan, Palk Bart in March 1864, two years later on November 3rd 1866 the hotel opened as a fifty bedroom deluxe establishment. Offering unrivalled accommodation for “gentlemen and families”.

1870             Queen of Holland Stayed

1870             Prince of Wales Stayed

1871             Emperor Napoleon III of France

1878             Prince Albert stayed and wrote a letter singing the praises of this hotel describing it as the perfect place for relaxation and recuperation.

1904             Electric lighting was fitted

1907             Regency suite built

1912             Motor garage built

1921             West wing added

1926             Achieved 5* status

1935             Sun lounge and ballroom built

1939             RAF tried to take over hotel for training, this was withdrawn and Michael Chapman from the Savoy came to run the hotel

1945             Public bar built

1946             Major refurbishment

1952             Regatta restaurant built

1955             1 of 8 hotels to have 5 * status outside of London

1956             Sun deck lounge built

1965             Seafront façade built

1959             Outdoor pool built

1963             The Beatles stayed whilst performing at The Princess Theatre Torquay

1965             Only 1 of 3 hotels to regain 5* status outside of London

1980             Prince and Princess of Wales (Charles and Diana), dined at the hotel whilst on a leisurely holiday together

1987             Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson) and Princess Beatrice & Eugenie holidayed with us

2016             Celebrated its 150th year and purchased by Brownsword Hotels