Best Western The Dartmouth Golf, Hotel & Spa is nestled in the gorgeous Devon countryside just minutes away from the handsome and tranquil seaside town that shares its name. You might think that the incredible scenery and the beautiful coast would be enough for this hotel to stand out, but it also happens to be home to one of Britain’s top 100 golf courses too, so you don’t even need to leave the grounds to have an exciting holiday!
But it’s not just sun, sea, sand and golf that makes this hotel tick. As a major employer and well-known business in the area, Best Western The Dartmouth Golf, Hotel & Spa is more than just a place to stay, it’s a fixture in the lives of locals and a big part of the local economy. To find out a little more about what makes the hotel tick, we spoke to General Manager Ian Davies.
Ranking Number 67 on the list, they were praised for their peaceful surroundings and two Jeremy Pern-designed courses, as well as for offering good parkland golf. Additionally, the resort features a comprehensive spa and a neat hotel. One of the Hotel’s courses was also tipped as ‘an England Top 200 contender!
Can you tell us a little about your hotel?
Just minutes from the historical town of Dartmouth and one of Devon's premier golf courses & leisure resorts. The Dartmouth offers hotel & leisure facilities for the golfer and non-golfer alike. An ideal location for a golf break or holiday.
Offering guests 35 comfortable en-suite bedrooms all equipped with TV, telephone, tea & coffee making facilities. Two golf courses; the 18-hole Championship golf course voted within the top 80 golf courses in Great Britain & Ireland is a test for any golfer, whilst the 18-hole Dartmouth course is one not to be missed.
What does it mean to you when a guest books a room?
Each guest that makes a booking with us would create an opportunity not only for the Dartmouth hotel but to all in the surrounding area from the restaurants and bars where a guest can go out and enjoy a meal and drinks, the local shops that welcome tourists and locals alike, the many attractions not only near but those a little further out that guest are looking to discover and explore.
A booked guest brings not only their experience and impact to the area but also to opportunity of passing on that experience to future potential guest. Hopefully bring future guest as well as returning guest for the local area.
Do you work with any local businesses (e.g. your local butchers) and how does that relationship work?
The hotel does work with local businesses, especially the kitchen who uses the local bakery, egg supplier and dairy shop for it's supplies on a regular basis. They are also hoping in the near future to be ordering from the local butcher.
Our housekeeping department also uses the local laundry for the cleaning of all bed linen and towels. In general, if there is a requirement that a local supplier could fill, the Dartmouth Hotel would look at supporting those businesses. We are always looking to grow the relationship with the local community.
Which local independent places would you recommend to any guest asking for a good tip?
The Dartmouth Hotel is a mere 4 miles for Dartmouth which has a number of hidden gems to explore. There is the Ceramics Studio where you can make pottery, the historical site of Dartmouth Castle, the The Connecticut River, the Dartmouth RNLI Visitor Centre, the Dartmouth Organic Farm and for some outdoor adventure there is Sea Kayak Devon. We are sure you will find many more adventure around us.
What do you think makes your hotel tick?
The Dartmouth hotel has a mixture of new and long-standing staff. Each one brings with them a personality of hospitality that wants to provide the best possible service to each guest that comes through our doors.
The long-standing staff are the familiar faces to the many returning guests that come to the Dartmouth Hotel, where it be for golf or just to stay a night. They are also the mentors to the new but together provide a team that is committed to the comfort and service of each guest.
How do you feel about The Darmouth Hotel being recognised on the top 100 golf resorts in the UK and Ireland by Today's Golfer?
We’re delighted to have received recognition from such an authoritative voice in the golfing industry. We know our facilities are above par, that’s why so many of our guests return time and again, and what better setting than the charming Devon countryside to enjoy a holiday that includes a round of golf.
What we love about being included in this list is that it showcases not just the high standard of golfing facilities, but all the amenities at the property which is something golf club members and visiting guests can take advantage of. We believe here at The Dartmouth that we have something to offer for everyone – families, professionals, couples, golfers, local players – and it seems that the experts at Today’s Golfer agree!
Click here to view the article by Today's Golfer.