Ilfracombe Hot Tub Heaven: 31 Ocean Terrace Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Ilfracombe Hot Tub Heaven: 31 Ocean Terrace Awaits! It's not just a hotel review, it's a vibe check. And, let me tell you, the vibe… well, let's unravel it together, shall we? (SEO keywords: Ilfracombe hotels, hot tub hotels, North Devon accommodation, accessible hotels, spa hotels, family hotels, pet-friendly hotels, Ocean Terrace Ilfracombe)
First Impressions: Reaching the Promised Land (or at least a nice terrace…)
Okay, so 31 Ocean Terrace. The name alone conjures up images of salty air and dramatic cliffs. The promise of a hot tub is, frankly, the only thing keeping me going during the pre-trip packing chaos. Finding the darned thing was easy. And the exterior? Solid. The "exterior corridor" is nice at night.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Right, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way, because it's important. "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed. Now, I didn't personally need these (thankfully), but I always feel a little… incomplete not knowing. I didn't see any explicit ramps or anything. I'm not sure if all areas/rooms are totally wheelchair accessible. (Important: If accessibility is vital, CALL THEM. Don't rely on me. Get the FACTS.) But, the "elevator" is a definite plus. They need to make this more obvious on their website though!
Room Sweet Room (and that Hot Tub!)
My room? Pretty sweet! Let's start with the basics: "Air conditioning" (essential, folks), "Free Wi-Fi" (allelujah!), "Minibar" -- always a good start. "Extra long bed"? YES, because let's face it, I'm a starfish sleeper. The "bathtub" was a decent size. Really, really decent. The "bathrobes" were fluffy. (Small pleasures, people, small pleasures!) The "slippers" were a lovely touch. I loved my room! Now, The HOT TUB! Yes. The moment of truth. Oh my god. It was the most relaxing thing I've ever done. Like, I actually gasped. Seriously.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Smelling Clean!)
This is where I got super impressed (because I am a bit of a clean freak). "Anti-viral cleaning products"? Check. "Daily disinfection in common areas"? Double-check. They're really doing everything right. Also, "Rooms sanitized between stays"! Huge, HUGE plus. Hand sanitizer everywhere, too. Nice. And, like, "Hygiene certification"? I LOVE this, because it mean they are putting the work in.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: So Much Yum!
Okay, the foodie in me squealed a little. The "breakfast [buffet]" was amazing – no tiny, sad pastries here. I did love "Asian breakfast" options, although a traditional English breakfast is always the best! "Restaurants," plural. "Poolside bar"? Sold! "Room service [24-hour]"? Yes, please! My favorite bit was the "snack bar". Perfect for a greedy person like me. I also appreciate the bottle of water.
The Spa Experience: Ahhhh…The Bliss.
Right, let's talk relaxation. Because this place is loaded with ways to unwind. "Spa"? Duh. "Sauna", "Steamroom", "Massage" – go on then, twist my arm! But here's the thing: I went for the "Body scrub" and the "Body wrap". And…oh…my…GOODNESS. I emerged feeling like a newborn baby. The staff was ridiculously good at making me feel completely at ease. Honestly, BEST money I ever spent. I felt…like a different person after.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (besides the hot tub):
"Fitness center," "Gym/fitness," "Swimming pool [outdoor]" (seasonal, I assume). I am a couch potato, so I did not partake. However! You can sit on the "Terrace", which is divine.
Service and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (almost!)
"Concierge" – a lifesaver when you're clueless like me. "Dry cleaning", "Laundry service", "Luggage storage". "Car park [free of charge]" is AMAZING. "Cash withdrawal" – always useful. I think the "Facilities for disabled guests" is a little vague, but everything else is pretty darn good. Also, the coffee shop? Perfect.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart):
"Babysitting service", "Family/child friendly", "Kids meal". They seem very accommodating. I didn't have any kids with me but the general impression is good!
The Quirks and the Mishaps…
Okay, honest moment. One minor niggle: The Internet. "Internet access – LAN". Alrighty. "Internet access – wireless" - great. But when I tried to get "Internet access – wireless" in the bathroom, it was patchy. The "extra long bed" was too long and I kept stubbing my toes on it.
My Verdict (The Big Sell!)
Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels. Ilfracombe Hot Tub Heaven: 31 Ocean Terrace Awaits! is not just a place to sleep - it's an experience. It's a place to de-stress. To be pampered. To giggle in a hot tub. BUT REALLY. It offers a fantastic spa, good food, and, crucially, those hot tubs. Yeah, there might be a few minor imperfections, but honestly, those are part of the charm.
Here’s My Unbeatable Offer for YOU!
Book your stay at Ilfracombe Hot Tub Heaven: 31 Ocean Terrace Awaits! for a minimum of three nights and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of bubbly on arrival (because everyone deserves a little sparkle).
- Free access to the sauna and steam room (yes, free!).
- A 20% discount on any spa treatment (get those body scrubs, people!).
- *Complimentary breakfast in your room (for those lazy mornings).
BUT WAIT! This offer is only valid for bookings made this week! Don't miss out on the chance to escape to Ilfracombe and live your best life. Click that link and book NOW, because I'm not kidding, this place is a true hidden jewel just waiting to be discovered. And please send me a postcard! (or at least a selfie in the hot tub). You will not regret it!
[Insert Booking Link Here – Make it easy to find!]
Altoona's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your average pristine travel itinerary. This is the chaotic, gloriously flawed, and utterly real version, complete with my internal monologue yelling in the background. We're going to 31 Ocean Terrace in Ilfracombe, UK, and you're about to experience the soul-crushing beauty and sheer effort that is travel.
ITINERARY: 31 Ocean Terrace, Ilfracombe - Prepare Yourselves!
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic.
- Morning (ish): Depart from… wherever you're starting. For me, it's usually a frantic dash to the train station, fuelled by lukewarm coffee and the crushing fear of leaving something vital behind. (Pro Tip: You will forget something. Accept it. It's a rite of passage.)
- Transportation: Train to Barnstaple, then a taxi (hopefully) to Ilfracombe. Pray the taxi driver isn't a speed demon who also enjoys a good rant about the state of the world. (Been there, survived that.)
- Anxiety Level: 9/10. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember the adaptor? Are the cats plotting my demise in my absence? So many questions, so little brain space.
- Afternoon: Arrive at 31 Ocean Terrace! Cue the dramatic unveiling. Hopefully, the keys work. (Picture it: standing on the doorstep, wind whipping my hair, clutching my bag, a symphony of "pleeeeease, let me in!")
- First Impressions: Okay, the views. Oh. My. Gawd. The pictures? They didn't do it justice. Breathtaking. Immediately regretting all the times I considered a staycation involving a sofa.
- Hot Tub Reconnaissance: Must. Find. Hot Tub. Immediately. (Priorities, people!) Does it work? Is it clean? Can I get in without looking like a complete idiot? (Likely not, but still…)
- Evening: Unpack (eventually). Then, a celebratory beverage on the balcony, ideally with a dramatic sunset. (Fingers crossed for dramatic weather.)
- Dinner: Fish and chips. It's practically the law in Ilfracombe. Finding a good chippy is crucial. Avoid the overly greasy ones. Trust me. (Bad experience involving a post-chip stomach ache. Let's just say, it wasn't pretty.)
- Hot Tub Debrief: In the hot tub, finally! Let's get this properly going. Am I relaxed? Maybe. Am I thinking of all the things I should have done before this holiday? Absolutely. But hey, at least I'm here.
Day 2: Coast, Caffeine, and Coastal Struggles.
- Morning: A proper breakfast! (Emphasis on proper. I'm talking bacon, maybe some eggs, and a large mug of coffee. Because the sea air makes you ravenous.)
- Activity: Coastal walk. Ideally, along the South West Coast Path. Get ready for some climbing. My legs are going to whine.
- Mood: Optimistic! The sea smells amazing. I'm alive! I'm in England! This is the life!
- Afternoon: Explore Ilfracombe itself. The harbour! The shops! The potentially overpriced ice cream!
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of seagulls. They are basically the landlords of Ilfracombe. Watch them! They will steal your chips.
- Emotional Reaction: Found a quirky little art shop and bought a print that I probably don't need, but I wanted it. Good for me. The small victories.
- Evening: Dinner at a pub with a sea view. Maybe some live music. (Or, more realistically, a slightly off-key guitarist serenading us with a questionable rendition of "Wonderwall.")
- Potential Disaster: The weather, I'm telling you. Always prepared to get rained upon. Prepare for more drama.
- Nightcap: Back to the hot tub. With Prosecco. Or wine. Or tea. Whatever I feel like.
Day 3: The Day I Became a Marine Biologist (Kind Of).
- Morning: Get up!
- Activity: Go to the Ilfracombe Aquarium! I've always loved marine life things.
- Quirky Observation: The jellyfish are mesmerising. I could watch them float and pulsate for hours. Actually, maybe I will.
- Opinionated Rant: Come on, the tanks could be bigger. I'll take a tank of my own, thank you.
- Afternoon: Learn to paddleboard. (Because I can't sit still for too long.)
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated terror. Falling into the freezing cold water. Looking like a beached whale. But also, a weird sense of accomplishment.
- Evening: Dinner. Some fancy gastro pub thing with views again.
- Potential Disaster: Overpriced, under-seasoned food. The bane of my existence.
- Nightcap: More hot tub time!
Day 4: Day Trip and the Search for the Perfect Cornish Pasty.
- Morning: Day trip to somewhere! Maybe Clovelly? Or, even better, go see a waterfall.
- Anxiety Level: Did I pack enough snacks? Is the car reliable? Will I get lost? YES.
- Afternoon: The search for the perfect Cornish pasty. It's a quest, people! The flakiest pastry. The perfectly seasoned filling. The ultimate lunchtime delight.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of pasty shops. It's a competitive market. May the best pasty win!
- Important Note: If I find the perfect pasty, I will dedicate my life to promoting it. It's that serious.
- Evening Return to Ocean Terrace. Maybe another swim in the hot tub? Or lie and stare at the ceiling for some time.
Day 5: Departure & The Blues.
- Morning: The dreaded pack-up. Trying to cram everything back into my suitcase.
- Emotional Reaction: Tears. (Not really, but close. I never want to leave.)
- Afternoon: Final breakfast with a view. Last-minute photos. Trying to savour the moment.
- Transportation: Taxi to the train station.
- Anxiety Level: 10/10. Already planning the next trip.
- Evening: Back home. Reality hits. The laundry pile. The emails. The cat demanding food.
- Reflections: Definitely went on the coastal walk. Definitely took a gazillion photos. Definitely ate too many fish and chips. Definitely going back to Ocean Terrace as soon as possible.
Important Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is subject to change. (Because life.)
- I am not a travel expert. I'm just a person who likes to travel and eat good food.
- Enjoy the imperfection! Embrace the chaos! And most importantly, have fun! (Even if your hot tub experience involves a small, slightly panicked scream.)
Happy travels! (And may your pasty be PERFECT.)
Queen Margarette Hotel: Lucena's Downtown Jewel (Luxury Awaits!)
Ilfracombe Hot Tub Heaven: 31 Ocean Terrace - Your Burning Questions (and My Slightly Unhinged Answers!)
Okay, seriously, is the hot tub *actually* any good? I've seen pictures...
Good?! Honey, it's a lifesaver. Let me tell you, I arrived a stressed-out, deadline-crazed mess. (Don't judge, we *all* have those days, right?!) And stepping into that bubbling, warm embrace? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I swear, the bubbles just melted away all the tension I'd been carrying around like a lead weight. My partner, bless his heart, was even more skeptical than I was, but after about 10 minutes, he was practically purring! Said it was the best night's sleep he'd had in ages. Which, frankly, is a miracle considering his snoring.
Important caveat: It's not like a pristine, clinically clean spa you'd find at a fancy hotel. This is real life, folks. But it's clean *enough* – and the view from the tub? Epic. Ocean vista that'll take your breath away. Think James Bond, but instead of saving the world, you're just... chilling. And honestly, sometimes, that's the bigger victory.
Speaking of views, what's the deal with the ocean view? Is it *really* as good as they say?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this is where things get *real*. The view... the view is EVERYTHING. I mean, you’re right on the cliff edge. Absolutely stunning. Picture this: We were sipping Prosecco (a sophisticated touch, I thought!) on the balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and purples. And then… a pod of dolphins breached the surface. I actually gasped. Like, a real, involuntary gasp. My jaw hit the floor. I'm pretty sure I started crying. It was utterly, completely magical. And the next morning? Awake early, watching the sunrise. Again, tears. (Don't judge! I'm an emotional gal.)
Potential Downside: The seagulls. They're relentless. Honestly, Hitchcock had the right idea. They are noisy. They *will* try to steal your chips. Be warned. But even the squawking couldn’t ruin the view. Or my mood. (Mostly...)
The photos look nice, but what's it *really* like inside the accommodation at 31 Ocean Terrace?
Okay, honesty time. It's not the Ritz. It's not even The Savoy. But it's comfortable. It's clean. It’s got charm. It feels like a real, lived-in home, in the best possible way. The sofas are squishy, the beds are comfy (and trust me, that's important after a day of exploring Ilfracombe!), and the kitchen is equipped with everything you need to actually *cook* (unlike some places where you pray for a working kettle!).
Minor Grumble: The Wi-Fi wasn't the fastest. My teenager almost had a meltdown. But, honestly, it was secretly a blessing. Less screen time, more quality time. *And* I got to finally finish that book I've been meaning to read for a year. Silver linings, people, silver linings!
Is it easy to get to places - restaurants, shops, the beach?
Pretty much. The cottage is a short stroll into the centre of Ilfracombe, so you can wander down to have a browse around the shops, and there are a few decent restaurants nearby. Getting to the beach? A bit further. It's downhill to the harbour, which is great on the way down, but the uphill slog back can be a bit of a workout, especially after a few too many ice creams! Be prepared to embrace your inner mountain goat. (Or, you know, just take a taxi...)
Pro Tip: If you're planning to do a lot of exploring further afield, a car is definitely recommended. Unless you're a masochist who likes to hike everywhere. (No judgement, I've been there, done that, got the blisters...)
What about parking? Is it a nightmare?
Okay, let's be real. Finding parking in coastal towns is a contact sport. It's not *terrible* at 31 Ocean Terrace. There's usually space on the street. But it might take a few laps of the block. Especially during peak season. I’m pretty sure I did a full tour of the town at least three times before finding a spot. I was starting to see the same bewildered faces in the other cars. We bonded over our shared parking predicament. It was like a parking-themed support group.
My Advice: Arrive early. Or, if you're lucky, someone will leave and you can snap up their spot. There is also sometimes parking further from the cottage if you want to avoid the stress. Alternatively, embrace the walk, it's good for you!
I saw a photo of a welcome pack. What sort of goodies do you get?
Ooh, the welcome pack. It was a lovely touch. We were greeted with something... I think maybe it was a bottle of local cider. They clearly knew the way to my heart: there were some biscuits. Now, I may or may not have devoured those rather quickly after my arduous journey. (Parking stress, remember?!). Some nice tea and coffee, sugar. It was just enough to get you going when you arrive which is super helpful!
Disclaimer: Don't expect a gourmet hamper, but it's a thoughtful gesture that makes you feel immediately welcome. (And the biscuits vanished fast!)
Would you go back? Honestly?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Even with the seagulls, the slightly dodgy Wi-Fi, and the parking palaver, I'd go back in a heartbeat. The view, the hot tub, the general vibe... it's just what the doctor ordered. I'm already planning my return, and mentally preparing for a repeat performance of the Prosecco-dolphins-tears moment. (Don't judge, I'm a softie!) Seriously, if you're looking for a relaxing break with a bit of added luxury and a whole LOT of stunning views, book it. You won’t regret it and you'll be telling everyone about how amazing it was.
Final Verdict: Go. Just go. You deserve it. And tell those pesky seagulls to back off from my future chips, will you?
