Uncover Clovelly's Hidden Gem: The Red Lion Hotel Awaits!

Red Lion Hotel Clovelly United Kingdom

Uncover Clovelly's Hidden Gem: The Red Lion Hotel Awaits!

Unveiling Clovelly's Secret Treasure: The Red Lion Hotel – A Review That’s Honestly Had It's Rough Edges (and Some Surprisingly Brilliant Bits)

(SEO Keywords: Red Lion Hotel Clovelly Review, Clovelly Hotel, Devon Hotel, Accessible Hotel UK, Coastal Hotel, Dog-Friendly Hotel, Spa Hotel Devon, Best Hotels in Clovelly, Red Lion Hotel Accessibility, Red Lion Hotel Reviews, Clovelly Accommodation)

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the clotted cream, because Devon, obviously) on the Red Lion Hotel in Clovelly. This isn’t your pristine, carefully-curated, PR-approved travel brochure. This is the actual experience, warts and all. And, let me tell you, there were some warts. But also, some genuinely sparkling bits.

First Impressions & the Juggling Act of "Almost" Accessible:

Clovelly itself is a unique beast. Cobbled streets plunging down to a harbor, donkeys clattering, the whole shebang. Reaching the Red Lion… well, let’s just say it involves a steep descent. The hotel attempts to be accessible, and that's the key word - attempts. I'm using my wheelchair, and while they have a lift to some rooms and the main public areas, navigating the uneven pavements and the hotel's various levels presents a significant challenge. The staff were genuinely friendly and tried their best to assist, bless them, but the physical layout is a constant reminder of the limitations. (Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible – yes, but with caveats. Elevator, yes. Facilities for disabled guests: Marked as available. More like, "Available-ish." We'll get to the rooms later…)

The Room: Where Practicality Met…Rustic Charm?

My room, thankfully, was accessible. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) It was… well, it was clean! And that's a start. The decor definitely leans into the "period piece" vibe, with a slight whiff of "grandma's attic, but in a good way." The bathroom was functional, if a little cramped for navigating with a wheelchair. The shower, thankfully, was easy to use. (Additional toilet – I didn't see one. But hey, good to note.) I will admit, there’s something comfy about those old-school, heavy-duty curtains too. (Blackout curtains, and they work!)

Internet Shenanigans (Or, Why I Needed to Embrace Disconnection):

("Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas") The Wi-Fi situation was… temperamental. Let's just say my Zoom calls kept getting interrupted, which, honestly, might have been a blessing in disguise. Sometimes, it worked. Other times, I was transported back to the dial-up era. I considered this a forced digital detox, and in that regard, the Red Lion was a roaring success.

Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food:

("Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant")

The restaurant, however, was a different story. Breakfast was a classic buffet, and you know what? The scrambled eggs were surprisingly good. Shoutout to the chef (or likely, the chef's assistant, who was probably on holiday, giving us that lovely "eggs from heaven" moment). Dinner was a bit of a mixed bag. Some dishes shone, others…well, let's just say they were "adventurous." (Alternative meal arrangement: Yes - they will try to handle requests. Though the veggie options at times, were scarce) The bar was a welcome haven, particularly during happy hour. The poolside bar? Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach it due to the steps.

Spa Dreams (or, Why I Didn't Get Any):

("Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]") I had visions of a relaxing spa day. In reality the facilities were more limited than I had hoped. (Spa/Sauna – yes. Pool/Pool with view – technically yes. But with restrictions.) The fitness center? I didn't see one, though I may have missed it. The idea of a foot bath felt like a practical joke given the cobblestones outside. I felt like I was living in a movie about the worst spa day, but I was also enjoying it: It had a weird charm.

Safety First (Mostly):

("Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)") The Covid protocols were visible, which was reassuring. Hand sanitizer was plentiful, the staff were masked, and the place felt clean.

The "Things to Do" Dilemma:

("Things to do, ways to relax") Clovelly itself is, well, the thing to do. The hotel offers various packages. But remember that whole "steep descent" thing? It took me a fair bit of planning. Plus, the hotel's location, while stunning visually, means you're a bit isolated. (Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.)

The "Extras" – Some Good, Some… Less So:

("Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities")

Doorman: Nope!
Luggage Storage: Yes.
Convenience store: Yes.
Gift shop… Yes, and it's full of adorable, slightly kitsch Clovelly-themed trinkets.
For the kids: The hotel is generally family-friendly.
Pets allowed unavailable: I didn't see any.

The Core Question: Would I Return?

Okay, here's the thing. Despite the accessibility issues, the patchy Wi-Fi, and some of the culinary adventures, I liked the Red Lion. It's got character, it's got charm, and the staff, bless them, genuinely try to make your stay pleasant. The location is breathtaking. (Smile.)

If you're looking for perfect accessibility, constant connectivity, and Michelin-star dining? This probably isn't your place, unfortunately. But if you're after a unique experience with a bit of history, in a stunning location and don't mind the occasional imperfection, the Red Lion Hotel could be exactly what you're looking for. Just be prepared to embrace the chaos. And maybe bring a good book. And a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. (Carried on, in the words of a Clovelly native.) (A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars, with potential for 5 if the accessibility improves significantly!)

Uncover Shrewsbury's Hidden Gem: Stoney Moat's Untold Story!

Book Now

Red Lion Hotel Clovelly United Kingdom

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly polished travel brochure. This is the Raw, Unfiltered, and Possibly Slightly Unhinged Account of my stay at the Red Lion Hotel Clovelly, UK. Get ready for a rollercoaster of cobblestones, clotted cream, and existential dread (possibly).

The Itinerary (sort of) - Subject to Change and Emotional Meltdowns

Day 1: Arrival, Cobblestones, and Cranky Joints

14:00 (ish): Arrive at Red Lion Hotel, Clovelly. The drive down those winding, narrow roads already had me clutching the steering wheel like a life raft in a hurricane. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my knuckles are permanently white now. Finding the hotel was… an adventure. Let's just say, Google Maps and my internal compass had a serious disagreement. Thankfully, the view when I finally emerged from the car… beautiful.
14:30-15:30: Check-in. Honestly, the reception was friendly but my luggage was far heavier than expected.
15:30 - 16:00: Unpack – and marvel at the view from my window. It was… well, it was like stepping into a postcard. So cliché, I know, but the harbor! Those colorful houses clinging to the cliffs! I nearly wept with the "oh my gods".
16:00 - 17:00: Explore Clovelly’s main street (which is pretty much the street). Oh, the cobblestones. My ankles. My poor, abused ankles. I'm not sure if I'm walking like a pirate or a penguin. I did have a near-disaster involving a rogue pebble and a very unfortunate attempt to gracefully skip. Let's just say, grace wasn't involved.
17:00 - 18:00: Settle down. I have a drink in the bar, and I ordered something called a “Devon Cream Tea”. It was a disaster. The scone fell apart in my hands, the jam dripped everywhere, and by the time I’d managed to assemble something edible, I'd completely lost my appetite. I'd rather stay with the view.
19:00: Dinner at the hotel. Fish and chips. Because, when in England, right? The fish was fantastic, all flaky and delicious and the chips were perfectly crispy. The service, however, was a bit… slow. I could've sworn the waiter was deliberately ignoring me for a while. I'm not saying I'm a difficult customer, but I did witness someone get a meal faster than me. It led me to think about life choices.

Day 2: The Sea, The Sea! (and The Dreaded Climb Back Up)

09:00: Breakfast at the hotel. Thankfully, this time, the food was much better. The full English was precisely what I needed to fuel myself for the day…
10:00 - 13:00: Walk down, down, DOWN to the harbor again. Determined to conquer those cobblestones! I did it, but not without a muttered “curse you, gravity!” at one point. The harbor itself? Utterly charming. The boats bobbing, the salty air… I even considered buying a fishing boat and running away from my daily life. Did I mention the views, again?
13:00 - 14:00: Lunch at a pub. This time, no Devon Cream Tea. Opted for a simple sandwich and a pint of local ale. I sat outside watching the boats and feeling strangely content. Maybe this whole "escaping to a small seaside village" thing isn't the worst idea.
14:00-16:00: THE CLIMB. Okay, let's be real here. This is the part everyone warns you about. The climb back up to the hotel. My lungs were screaming, my thighs were burning, and I was seriously questioning my life choices. Halfway up, I sat down on a bench, gasping for air, and considered staying there forever. I watched people going up and asked myself if going up was worth it. The answer: Yes, definitely.
16:00 - 18:00: Collapse in a chair, nursing said aching muscles. Read my book. Stared blankly at the ceiling. Contemplated the meaning of life. Okay, maybe I didn't do a lot of things, I was resting. But it was glorious.
19:00: Dinner at the hotel again. This time, I went for the local crab. Delicious! The service seemed to have improved as well. I felt like I'd earned it, after that climb.

Day 3: A Bit of Sightseeing (and the Return to Real Life)

09:00: Breakfast at the hotel. Once again, the food was good. I feel like this is the most important detail to mention.
10:00–12:00: A last stroll around Clovelly. One last gaze at the harbor. One last, wistful look at the shops selling nautical-themed trinkets. One last, slightly painful, descent (and ascent) of the main street. This time I felt like a local, but I couldn't help but feel a melancholic emptiness coming closer
12:00 - 13:00: Check out as I have to leave. Farewells to the Red Lion, the scenery, this place. The staff were friendly, the location was amazing, if that's the right word. Did I enjoy it? It was something extraordinary.
13:00: The long journey back home. Let's hope the car's ready to deal with this one.

The Verdict: Mixed Emotions and a Sore Arse

Look, Clovelly and the Red Lion Hotel were… an experience. It wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, clumsy moments, and my fair share of complaining. But there were also moments of pure, unadulterated joy. The views, the food, the salty air, the feeling of being utterly disconnected from the world – those things were worth those damn cobblestones and the climb. Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing a walking stick, a comfy pair of shoes, and maybe a therapist.

Escape to Paradise: Hotel Ambassador Kosice Awaits!

Book Now

Red Lion Hotel Clovelly United Kingdom```html

Uncover Clovelly's Hidden Gem: The Red Lion Hotel Awaits! - ...Or Does It? (A Mostly Honest FAQ)

So, is the Red Lion actually a "hidden gem"? Because I've seen the pictures...

Alright, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is a *strong* term, isn't it? It’s like saying your aunt Carol’s knitted sweater is secretly haute couture. Clovelly itself is pretty well-trodden, what with the cobbled streets and the donkey rides (more on that nightmare later). The Red Lion? Well, it *could* be a gem, but it's got a few rough edges. Think of it more like... a slightly tarnished silver locket you unearthed in your grandma's attic. It *could* be beautiful, needs a good polish, and maybe the clasp is a little… sticky.

My first time? I’d booked the “Sea View Deluxe” (sounded fancy!). You’re expecting panoramic ocean vistas, right? Turns out, "Sea View" translated to "a sliver of slightly choppy water framed by a wonky chimney and a flock of seagulls who *really* wanted my breakfast". Not quite the postcard moment I'd envisioned. Still, the air was… *salty*. And the seagulls, well, they were characters.

What’s the food like? Because, you know, sustenance is key.

Ah, the food. This is where things get… interesting. The Red Lion’s restaurant has moments of brilliance, and then… well, there are some… *interesting* choices. I swear, one time, I saw a chap order the fish and chips, and the plate looked like it had been assembled by a particularly enthusiastic toddler. The fish was good. The chips were… an adventure. Think slightly undercooked, but perfectly salty. The mushy peas were… mushy.

BUT! (and it’s a big but, folks) The breakfast? Sometimes, the breakfast is a revelation. Proper, buttered toast, crispy bacon, the works. Other times? It's like they've run out of bacon and are improvising with… something that *vaguely* resembles grilled ham. It's a gamble. Bring a snack. Always bring a snack. Especially if you're fussy like me - I *need* decent jam.

Tell me about the rooms! Are they as charming as the pictures suggest?

The charm? Oh, the charm is *definitely* there. In theory. Look, the Red Lion is old, and that means character. Think creaky floorboards, some slightly wonky walls, and the faint scent of the sea (and maybe a little bit of damp). The pictures *do* glam up the reality a touch. They always do, don't they?

I'll never forget my second stay. I was in a different room this time, one that had, according to the brochure, "breathtaking views". Breathtaking, huh? More like, "breath-slightly-held-due-to-the-proximity-of-a-very-noisy-gull-nesting-point." And the bathroom? Well, let’s just say I became intimately reacquainted with the plumbing, and not in a good way. The shower… it could either scald you or give you a gentle, lukewarm mist. No in-between. The pressure was… spirited, let's say. I spent most of the shower fearing for my life. I did get a good story out of it though!

But… and this is where the charm claws its way back in… the beds are comfy. And the views, even if they are *slightly* embellished, are pretty damn good. Just… manage your expectations. And pack earplugs.

What's Clovelly itself like? Is it worth the trip?

Clovelly? Ah, Clovelly. It’s… unique. Picture this: a steep, cobbled street winding down to the sea, lined with impossibly cute cottages. It’s seriously picturesque. Like, *Instagram-worthy* picturesque. But… and it's a big, cobbled-street-sized but… it's *steep*. Prepare your calves. Prepare your lungs. Prepare to feel like you're climbing Mount Everest carrying a bag of groceries.

The donkey rides...I'm telling you, the donkeys are precious, but the rides themselves? Well, let's just say if you've got any dignity left at the end of it, you're a better person than I am. The gift shop is a must-see. The ice cream is *decent*. The harbour is lovely. There are boats. It's… it's a *thing*. Worth the trip? Yes, *absolutely* yes. But be warned: your legs will ache. And you might want to factor in some serious donkey-dodging skills.

Anything else I should know before I go?

Right, a few nuggets of wisdom gleaned from my… *adventures* at the Red Lion and in Clovelly:

Pack comfortable shoes. Seriously. You'll be walking... a lot.
Bring cash. Card payments are not always a thing. Especially in the tiny shops. Which, to be fair, adds to the charm.
Embrace the wonkiness. It's part of the experience. If you're expecting pristine perfection, you're in the wrong place.
Don't be afraid to ask for things. If something's not right - if your shower’s a death trap, if your bacon is, again, suspiciously ham-like - speak up. The staff are generally lovely, even if they're a bit flustered at times.
And finally… be prepared to fall in love with it. Despite the slightly dodgy food and the slightly wonky rooms, Clovelly and the Red Lion have a certain… *something*. It's imperfect, it's quirky, it's real. And that's what makes it memorable. Just… maybe pack your own jam. And earplugs. And strong leg muscles. Definitely strong leg muscles.

Okay, okay, you've convinced me. What about the bar? Is it any good?

The bar. Ah, *the bar*. Now, THAT's where the Red Lion truly *shines*. It's often the saving grace of the whole experience. It's cozy, it's full of character, and the atmosphere is usually brilliant. The drinks are good, and the staff behind the bar? They're generally a friendly bunch—chatty, welcoming, and they've seen it all. I've spent many an evening perched at that bar, nursing a pint, listening to local gossip and tales of the sea. It's a proper pub, with real people.

AND… and this is important… they might, just *might*, have a secret stash of aEscape to Nanping: Green Tree Inn Express – Your Railway Station Haven!