New Four Star Hotel Opens in Paignton Devon

International hotel group’s investment in Paignton heralds an exciting new era for the South Devon town

The introduction of a new four star seafront hotel in Paignton, and the promise of further investment in the area from its owner Fragrance Group, is prompting local people to ask whether the English Riviera town is set for the type of resurgence enjoyed by fellow British resort Margate.

Having enjoyed a glorious British beach holiday past, Paignton was a haven of tranquillity for wealthy visitors travelling by train from London to enjoy its 1920s architectural splendour and elegant style. In its more recent past, Paignton proved a glamorous playground for the glitterati of 20th century light entertainment, with Max Bygraves, Sid James and friends flocking to the five star hotels along Britain’s answer to the French Riviera. In the last few years, due to the popularity of the European package holiday, and despite its beautiful UNESCO Geopark coastal location, the seaside town has been somewhat overlooked by British staycationers.

That could all be about to change, with the implementation of Torbay Council’s Paignton and Preston Seafront masterplan and Singapore-based Fragrance Group’s investment of £40m in the construction of two seafront hotels in the town.

Franchised by the world class Accor group, and operated by RBH Hospitality, the two hotels are tipped to spearhead a new era for the South Devon resort.

The newly opened 161 bedroom Mercure Paignton Hotel, with its shiny new facade, art deco inspired interiors, stunning coastal views and two tier Mediterranean-style terrace, is proving a welcome addition to the town, with social media abuzz with comments from locals describing the hotel as “stunning” and “a fantastic addition to our town”.

Fragrance Group’s second Accor hotel, the family friendly Ibis Styles, is set to open later this year, just a few metres along the seafront from the Mercure Paignton Hotel.

Martin Rogers, Managing Director of the Global Hotels & Leisure Consultancy, which acts on behalf of Fragrance Group, comments:

“We believe Fragrance Group’s investment, together with Torbay Council's masterplan for Paignton’s seafront, marks a new era for Paignton and its revival as a popular South West seaside town. There are so many reasons to love this area of the UK, in a way, it’s South Devon’s best kept secret.

“Its accessibility, with main rail links to London and the rest of the UK, makes Paignton an easy choice for visitors from far and wide. The Riviera setting is also a big draw, with the town’s incredible UNESCO accredited Geopark location and its sandy beach with far reaching coastal views, a traditional pier and promenade. There is also so much to do, with a long list of activities on offer, from adventure sports to nature trails.”

Martin continues: “The trend towards staycations, the need for more sustainable travel and the introduction of high-quality hotels, such as the Mercure Paignton Hotel, is setting the stage for the town’s big comeback.”

The Mercure Paignton Hotel provides standard doubles and luxurious Privilege sea-view rooms, as well as an all-day locally influenced dining experience in its Latitude 50 restaurant. Business visitors are also catered for, with two flexible event spaces for conferences and meetings, and options to combine a stay with the many team-orientated activities on offer in the area.

Jason Parry, General Manager for Mercure Paignton Hotel, said: “The Mercure Paignton Hotel is a hugely exciting project and one which promises a new age of prosperity for the area.”

“We are employing local people and building regional relationships and partnerships are a huge priority for us, with 50% of our beverages provided by suppliers in the South West. With the addition of local art, displayed in our rooms and public areas, the hotel definitely has a local flavour and feel.”

Jason continues: The Mercure Paignton Hotel offers guests an experience like no other on the Riviera; providing the highest level of comfort, service and quality, while evoking memories of nostalgic beach holidays and inspiring an eagerness for new experiences and adventures.”

To find out more about the Mercure Paignton Hotel and book a stay, please visit: https://all.accor.com/hotel/B9E9/index.en.shtml

To find out more about Mercure Hotels, please visit: https://mercure.accor.com/gb/united-kingdom/index.shtml