Barceló Imperial Hotel in Torquay
Torquay, Devon

Built in 1866, the Imperial Hotel is a Mediterranean-style resort, perched on a cliff top overlooking Torbay. With breathtaking views of the English Riviera, you can watch the yachts sail by and the sun set on this stunning stretch of coastline. Steeped in history, the hotel has entertained a host of notable guests including Emperor Napoleon III, the Queen of Holland and King Edward VII. The hotel continues the tradition of excellence in every aspect with its beautiful marble floors, superb dining and impeccable service. There is an outside car park and garage (must be pre-booked), both available on a 1st come basis at an additional cost. The hotel offers the excellent health facilities listed below as well as a gym, sunbeds, squash courts and a pool table. Please note that the swimming pool is used for swimming lessons. Please check with the hotel for times. Guests can still use the pool at these times.

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Torquay is a town on the south coast of England in the county of Devon which has extended along the coast of Torbay to the extent that it is now inextricably intermingled with the neighbouring town of Paignton. In the 19th century it became a fashionable seaside resort, renowned for its healthy climate it gained a nickname as the English Riviera. Although it has been suggested that Torquay roughly signifies 'Thor's Harbor' (cognate to Tórshavn, Faroe Islands and Þórshöfn, Iceland), a more likely root is the Old English word torr (itself of Celtic origins), which now occurs as tor or torre in place names in Devon and Cornwall.