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Torquay to get a Hotel Indigo in late 2025

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IHG has announced that it is to open a Hotel Indigo in Torquay.

The 153 room hotel is due to open later this year.

Why so soon? Let’s take a look.

For reasons I’ve never fully understood, a lot of hotels only sign with a brand when they are already well into construction. This isn’t ideal, because it means that the brand owner has little chance to influence the layout or design of the hotel.

I think – although for clarity there is no evidence that this is the case here – that it can often happen under pressure from lenders. If a project goes over budget and requires additional funding, signing with a major international brand will give the banks more confidence that the hotel will succeed.

In this case, Fragrance Group has been redeveloping the Corbyn Head Hotel in Torquay for a number of years. Construction was reported to have started in 2022 and should have completed last year.

The old hotel is pictured above, which had bedrooms like this:

…. so the redevelopment into this:

…. is a major improvement.

The image above, which is the only one that IHG supplied, is badly chosen! The hotel appears to occupy a decent spot with views over the bay.

I had a dig around and found this impression from 2022 which makes it seem a lot more appealing:

150+ new four star hotel rooms is good news for Torquay, and good news for HfP readers who want to use points for a good quality UK seaside hotel.

My only concern, with the hotel possibly only four months or so from opening, is whether there will be a single thing about it which shouts ‘Hotel Indigo’ apart from the sign above the door.


IHG One Rewards news

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Comments (28)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • BA Flyer IHG Stayer says:

    But will you be able to see Sydney Opera House?

    The Hanging Gardens of Babylon?

    Herds of wildebeasts swinging majestically across the Serengeti?

    • Mrs Trellis says:

      Sweeping. I’m not sure if wildebeest are renowned for being swingers.

    • Charlie says:

      The sea is there between the land and the sky though.

    • G says:

      I hope the room rates remain at £7.20 plus VAT though!

    • Tomas says:

      ‘Hotel Indigo Torquay to Open with Acclaimed Chef Kurt – But Duck’s Off the Menu’

      Hotel Indigo Torquay is set to open its doors this summer, with celebrated chef Kurt – protégé of the legendary André – leading the kitchen. Known for bold, alcohol led, inventive dishes, Kurt will launch the hotel with a lavish feast for Torquay’s who’s who.

  • Colin MacKinnon says:

    Depends on how many pints you can down at the local Spoons!

  • Lumma says:

    I hope in their advertising they say “no riff raff”

  • TJ says:

    Google Street View currently shows an image of it well under construction in May 2024. Looks a short walk from the train station, but in the opposite direction to the town centre, so you’re probably looking at a 30 minute walk into the town.

  • ukpolak says:

    We did a purple palace in nearby Paignton in the depths of Covid and pleasantly surprised by all there is on the south Devon coast. Admittedly the hotel wasn’t the best but on that occasion was a crash for sleep only.

    • captaindave says:

      When you get Torquay, don’t stop, carry on 20 miles further South, different world…

    • Bagoly says:

      I confess ignorance – what is a purple palace?
      Something related to purple prose?
      Or a “people’s palace”?

  • NorthernLass says:

    I came here for the Fawlty Towers comments!

    • G says:

      You mean Warty Towels? or Flowery Twats?

    • HampshireHog says:

      I reckon Mrs Richard’s will be chuffed

      • Michael C says:

        I still say to my (elderly but fun) uncle: “Do you have a HEARRRRING AID???”!

    • AL says:

      I am 99% certain I was begrudgingly taken to the property in this article as a child…

  • Devon Diamond says:

    Been compared to the Bibby Stockholm by locals in Torbay! But for context this is on a Facebook group so negative reactions to anything can be expected

    Agree with those who say that being away from Torquay town centre a good thing

  • Barrel for Scraping says:

    Surely the Corbyn Head hotel should be replaced by the Starmer Palace. If you can’t speak English you’re not getting in

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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