Rainbow International Hotel, Torquay, England
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £65
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Situated in the garden area of Torquay, near beaches, the town centre and theatres, the Rainbow International has something for everyone. Facilities include heated indoor and outdoor pools, mini gym, steam room/solarium and ballroom. This lively hotel also has Club Rainbow which offers late night live entertainment some nights of the week. loading...
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Rainbow International Hotel Reviews
" Got what we paid for!!! "
Submitted By: SouthCoastCple
Four adults who spent 3 night break and like others read the reviews after booking hotel,truthfully if we had we wouldnt have booked it.
On arrival receptionist was friendly and accomodating and effiecent,first impressions it needs a complete refurb indoors and out,its position in Torquay deserves it.
Rooms were crying out for some major TLC,it had everything you would need for a short break,and our routine never changes,check the sheets ,pillow cases and bathroom,all OK at this standard.
Food was good plentiful,breakfast was the best,evening meal was lacking choice but what you had was fine,although these buffet styles are easy and convienent food always seems warm and not hot.
We didnt sleep well first night being awoken by people leaving early for a coach departure 5am, a hour of shuffling and the floor above us sounded it was going to come in on us.
Overall it was very average but as I pointed out we were lucky the weather was fantastic for the time of year,so our stay in the hotel was minimal.
No, we wouldnt stay there again purely because we will not visit Torquay for a weekend break,we thought the town was like the hotel in need of some investment and bringing into the 21st Century.
On arrival receptionist was friendly and accomodating and effiecent,first impressions it needs a complete refurb indoors and out,its position in Torquay deserves it.
Rooms were crying out for some major TLC,it had everything you would need for a short break,and our routine never changes,check the sheets ,pillow cases and bathroom,all OK at this standard.
Food was good plentiful,breakfast was the best,evening meal was lacking choice but what you had was fine,although these buffet styles are easy and convienent food always seems warm and not hot.
We didnt sleep well first night being awoken by people leaving early for a coach departure 5am, a hour of shuffling and the floor above us sounded it was going to come in on us.
Overall it was very average but as I pointed out we were lucky the weather was fantastic for the time of year,so our stay in the hotel was minimal.
No, we wouldnt stay there again purely because we will not visit Torquay for a weekend break,we thought the town was like the hotel in need of some investment and bringing into the 21st Century.
Advice: Torquay seemed like it needed a breath of freah air,investment please especially the promenade
Activities: Dartmouth half a day, Brixham same day.
-
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Friendly Hotel/Good Food "
Submitted By: mcjools
Stayed in this hotel over the August Bank Holiday weekend with our 2yr old daughter.
Hotel was very gloomy on arrival, needed a good clean - first impressions not good. The rooms do need a re-furb but the room itself, bathroom and beds were really clean. One moan i had about the room was the windows - they were rotten and had no safety catches on - not good when you're 2 storeys up with a 2 year old.
Pool was nice, only thing really to do in the hotel with our daughter, but no where in the daytime in the hotel to get a snack/drink (except tea/coffee) - not good when its pouring down outside and your stuck inside the hotel. The bar opens at 5.30pm.
Overall though the staff are really friendly and the food was excellent at breakfast.
Would i stay at this hotel again - No, but just because there was not a lot for our daughter to do and there was no option during the daytime other than to go out of the hotel for refreshments.
Try the Kistor hotel at the end of the raod, a lot better - had a great time there on our last night - wish we'd found it sooner!
Hotel was very gloomy on arrival, needed a good clean - first impressions not good. The rooms do need a re-furb but the room itself, bathroom and beds were really clean. One moan i had about the room was the windows - they were rotten and had no safety catches on - not good when you're 2 storeys up with a 2 year old.
Pool was nice, only thing really to do in the hotel with our daughter, but no where in the daytime in the hotel to get a snack/drink (except tea/coffee) - not good when its pouring down outside and your stuck inside the hotel. The bar opens at 5.30pm.
Overall though the staff are really friendly and the food was excellent at breakfast.
Would i stay at this hotel again - No, but just because there was not a lot for our daughter to do and there was no option during the daytime other than to go out of the hotel for refreshments.
Try the Kistor hotel at the end of the raod, a lot better - had a great time there on our last night - wish we'd found it sooner!
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" A lovely holiday :) "
Submitted By: xxpblaurenxx
After I'd booked up to go to the rainbow hotel I decided to check the holiday reviews on watchdog and I was worried to see so many people had described the hotel to be horrible. I was concerned about staying at the hotel but I can honestly say that it was no where near as bad as the reviews made out and I actually had a really nice and welcoming stay at the hotel.
One thing I really wanted to say was that the reviews stating the hotel staff were rude are completely false. They were really friendly and very willing to help (as two young girls my friend and I asked a lot of questions and they were always happy to answer them). In fact, whenever we entered the reception area we were always greeted by a genuine smile and chatty staff; so please don't listen to the people stating otherwise.
I also read reviews saying that the hotel was dirty- which is also untrue. To be really honest when we first arrived there was a vague smell of urine lingering in our room; although it wasn't actually coming from the bathroom. We never did find out what had caused the smell but it didn't last the entire week and apart from the smell, the room was basic but very clean. One complaint I may have about the room was the hard-to-operate shower but apart from that it was quite nice. There was a flat screen tv with freeview and tea making facilities (although our kettle didn't actually work; it could have been sorted out if we'd have asked it to be).
Moving on, we never actually went to the club in the hotel but early on in the night there seemed to be bingo and other activities on; however, later on when we got back from the hotel (11 onwards) the club was closed, except for the singles night held on wednesdays. There wasn't as much noise coming from the club as some of the reviews made out as it wasn't really situated by any rooms.
Next, the food in the resturant was average; it was nice but there wasn't much choice with the same carvery being on every night. We did end up eating out a couple of nights but to be entirely honest there wasn't that many places to eat out in torquay itself. In the resturant we were made a little uncomfortable by one of the waiters (a cypriot man) who was a little too over friendly!
Finally, the hotel was situated very near to the sea front (just a five minute walk) however it was on a hill which may not be good for old people. From the town centre the walk was about 10 minutes going through the backstreets or across the sea front, about twenty minutes (but it was a nice walk that way).
I would reccommend the hotel but it's not really for people expecting a luxury hotel- it did need refurbishing and to be honest, it was more for the elderly than families and young people. The pool was nice but I was dissapointed about the club opening times and also the resturant.
One thing I really wanted to say was that the reviews stating the hotel staff were rude are completely false. They were really friendly and very willing to help (as two young girls my friend and I asked a lot of questions and they were always happy to answer them). In fact, whenever we entered the reception area we were always greeted by a genuine smile and chatty staff; so please don't listen to the people stating otherwise.
I also read reviews saying that the hotel was dirty- which is also untrue. To be really honest when we first arrived there was a vague smell of urine lingering in our room; although it wasn't actually coming from the bathroom. We never did find out what had caused the smell but it didn't last the entire week and apart from the smell, the room was basic but very clean. One complaint I may have about the room was the hard-to-operate shower but apart from that it was quite nice. There was a flat screen tv with freeview and tea making facilities (although our kettle didn't actually work; it could have been sorted out if we'd have asked it to be).
Moving on, we never actually went to the club in the hotel but early on in the night there seemed to be bingo and other activities on; however, later on when we got back from the hotel (11 onwards) the club was closed, except for the singles night held on wednesdays. There wasn't as much noise coming from the club as some of the reviews made out as it wasn't really situated by any rooms.
Next, the food in the resturant was average; it was nice but there wasn't much choice with the same carvery being on every night. We did end up eating out a couple of nights but to be entirely honest there wasn't that many places to eat out in torquay itself. In the resturant we were made a little uncomfortable by one of the waiters (a cypriot man) who was a little too over friendly!
Finally, the hotel was situated very near to the sea front (just a five minute walk) however it was on a hill which may not be good for old people. From the town centre the walk was about 10 minutes going through the backstreets or across the sea front, about twenty minutes (but it was a nice walk that way).
I would reccommend the hotel but it's not really for people expecting a luxury hotel- it did need refurbishing and to be honest, it was more for the elderly than families and young people. The pool was nice but I was dissapointed about the club opening times and also the resturant.
Advice: Good during the day time (nice harbour, shops etc) but a bit disappointing at night time
Activities: I would reccommend Paignton, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Dawlish Warren and Paignton zoo.
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Moaners need to get a grip!!! "
Submitted By: lindsmc1
Booked this hotel on a last minute basis - then read reviews from various websites and was in tears. Unless this hotel has radically changed in the last few months I think some people think that for the reasonable price charged they are getting a stay at the Ritz/Hilton/Malmaison. Points from other reviews I would like to give my opinion on.....
1) Towels. Whiter than Simon Cowell`s teeth.
2) Water too hot. See that silver thing next to the hot tap with a blue ring around it, looks a bit like the hot tap??
3) Breakfast. Yes it`s a bit Butlins. But we never had to wait in a queue (not bad for August school holiday) and we got as much of exactly what we wanted when we wanted.
4) Staff. Very friendly and helpful.
5) Pillows. Closed my eyes a and whipped back the pillowcase - Sparkling.
6) "Not coach operators fault" Find out how much they pay the hotel then try to book somewhere of the same or better standard.
The hotel is in a great location. The outside pool is closed but you can cross the road and for £3 use there outdoor pool all day, which is like a bath. Yes it needs redecorating, unless fleur de lys, borders and dado rails are your thing!! I am so angry about the upset these negative reviews caused felt that I had to write.
1) Towels. Whiter than Simon Cowell`s teeth.
2) Water too hot. See that silver thing next to the hot tap with a blue ring around it, looks a bit like the hot tap??
3) Breakfast. Yes it`s a bit Butlins. But we never had to wait in a queue (not bad for August school holiday) and we got as much of exactly what we wanted when we wanted.
4) Staff. Very friendly and helpful.
5) Pillows. Closed my eyes a and whipped back the pillowcase - Sparkling.
6) "Not coach operators fault" Find out how much they pay the hotel then try to book somewhere of the same or better standard.
The hotel is in a great location. The outside pool is closed but you can cross the road and for £3 use there outdoor pool all day, which is like a bath. Yes it needs redecorating, unless fleur de lys, borders and dado rails are your thing!! I am so angry about the upset these negative reviews caused felt that I had to write.
Advice: Lovely location, try the Hi-Flyer in the park at bottom of the road.
Activities:
-
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Coach Trip to The Rainbow Hotel "
Submitted By: Pattison
My wife and have recently returned from a Coach Trip organised by Newmarket travel which included a 3 night stay at the Rainbow. I have given a rating of 4, most of which was for the service and food in the restaurant.I found the rooms to be reasonably well furnished (apart from the bed which should have been thrown out years ago) but badly in need of a little TLC .The bathroom floor looked is though it had not seen a mop for quite a while. No Bathmats were provided so we used a hand towel to stand on and this we left on the floor, hoping that someone would take the hint.When we returned to the hotel the towel was still crumpled on the floor were we left it.I think on this occasion that the bathroom had not been looked at.We went in the bar one night and noticed a piece of paper on one of the tables which had been left by a previous guest saying 'This Table Needs Dusting'My general opinion about the hotel (apart from the restaurant) is that it needs a good clean. I noticed that we were not asked to complete a customer comments form and I think the reasons for this are obvious.From my comments you will gather that I will not be returning to the Rainbow.
Advice: Needs a Face Lift
Activities: Eden Project Lost Gardens
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Very Poor "
Submitted By: Lynch
A dreadfully run down place. I feel sure health a safety is an issue there , scorching water from the taps and wet bathroom floors as the showers splash on to the floors. Grey white towels all badly stained and handed out as clean. (I took them back to reception and in exchange receive white ones). On arrival I checked the bed and observed stains all over the grey linen and the under sheet all creased and not ironed!!!!
We asked for an upgrade and were given one at extra cost of £15.00 per night.
It was marginally better but no telephone,dust and sticky grime on bedside tables, Bedside lamps useless for reading, poor lighting everywhere. Grubby carpets, walls and paintwork. The upholstered furniture in reception and the bar area were so "dirty" we choose to stand.
On complaining to management, who were pleasant and apologetic, we were offered a free week end!!!! Needless to say we did not wish to spend another night there but accepted a refund of the upgrade charge. However we feel entitled to a full refund. Should be closed down. Discusseded from Surrey
We asked for an upgrade and were given one at extra cost of £15.00 per night.
It was marginally better but no telephone,dust and sticky grime on bedside tables, Bedside lamps useless for reading, poor lighting everywhere. Grubby carpets, walls and paintwork. The upholstered furniture in reception and the bar area were so "dirty" we choose to stand.
On complaining to management, who were pleasant and apologetic, we were offered a free week end!!!! Needless to say we did not wish to spend another night there but accepted a refund of the upgrade charge. However we feel entitled to a full refund. Should be closed down. Discusseded from Surrey
Advice: Dont go but Babbacombe is very nice
Activities: Babbacombe on our last day
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Coach holidays
" Extremely disappointing "
Submitted By: Magpieok
Having just read the mixed reviews it seems that this hotel suits some better than others. I would have to say it is one of the shabbiest and dirtiest hotels I have ever stayed in and totally ruined our holdiay. On a positive note, the restaurant and food were quite good, although we didn't see the kitchens, but if the rest of the hotel was anything to go by that's just as well. Housekeeping, if it existed was appalling, and I mean really apalling. Everyone was complaining, and without exception, we heard a new list of complaints every day. People were having to move rooms as the ceilings were leaking onto the beds. The clean towels that were left in the rooms were dirtier than the old ones. The carpets were stained, radiators didn't work and there was evidence of leakage all around the pipes - the rooms were freezing, they smelt, the windows were filthy, the linen looked like it had not been changed in between guests. The filth in the 'ballroom' was unbelievable and this was the start of the season. Fire doors/exits had holes in the bottom, probably to accommodate the mice. Windows at the front of the hotel were broken, the pipes in the rooms rattled to the point you thought they would burst. The floor flooded if you used the shower. I didn't want to use any of the public facilities i.e. the pool as I couldn't be sure that the water had ever been changed or kept within acceptable standards. I could go on but really, I do not want to re-live this disaster. The hotel staff were probably fed up with complaints and did their best, and we did get a part refund without quibble. But I think despite how cheap this hotel is I would recommend you pay a bit more for something else. They offered us a free weekend to compensate, but there is now way we would return even for payment. Sorry, but there it is.
Advice: Torquay is nice if the weather is good.
Activities: Babbacombe is worth a visit for the views and restaurants and their theatre is lovely - no bar
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Lovely hotel "
Submitted By: smith202
I have recently returned from a holiday at the Rainbow Hotel, after reading the reviews on here I considered cancelling my holiday, but decded to give it a go as I had already booked it. I am glad I did not cancel my holiday as I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I am an elderly woman and have been on many coach tours, I requested a lift access room with a walk in shower as I cannot climb stairs and cannot get in a bath. Having been on many holidays through the coach company before, I know that you need to request anything you may need like lift access, walk in showers etc as how can the hotel know that's what you need unless you tell them!
On arrival at the hotel, we were all pleasantly greeted by reception, the luggage was brought to our room by the porter and I got everything I requested. Some people decided to take their own luggage, but that was their choice, the offer was there of help. The room was outdated, but clean and comfortable. The food was great, a variety of choices every night. The entertianment in the evening was ok, bingo, quizzes, a bit of dancing and then cabaret/disco. The indoor pool was lovely, nice and warm and the steam room was great.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would definately return.
On arrival at the hotel, we were all pleasantly greeted by reception, the luggage was brought to our room by the porter and I got everything I requested. Some people decided to take their own luggage, but that was their choice, the offer was there of help. The room was outdated, but clean and comfortable. The food was great, a variety of choices every night. The entertianment in the evening was ok, bingo, quizzes, a bit of dancing and then cabaret/disco. The indoor pool was lovely, nice and warm and the steam room was great.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would definately return.
Advice: yes
Activities: Brixham, Dartmouth
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:National Holidays
" needs work but ok "
Submitted By: stu1300
we,ve just got back from this hotel, we thought about cancelling when we saw some of the reviews on here, but overall it was ok, the food was good but waiting 20 mins for some toast when half the toasters dont work is not good, the rooms couls do with a paint and a freshen up, and the swimming pool was shut and there was no entertainment on our first night, even tho when we phoned up 2 days before we went we were told there would be, but it was a cheap break and not bad for the price
would i go again ?? if the pool was open yes
would i recomend it ? probably yes if u want a cheap basic break
would i go again ?? if the pool was open yes
would i recomend it ? probably yes if u want a cheap basic break
Advice: there is better but its ok
Activities:
-
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" DISGRACE "
Submitted By: angelk00
I am writting this on behalf of a 70 year old lady who has just returned from this 'Frightful' hotel stay. Nothing wrong with company, National we would recommend them through and through,and the holiday its self was lovely, its just a shame they use hotels like this to put there guest up.
As i've been told this hotel was far from 'pleasant' with queues for plates and queues for food as everyone was made to eat at the same time, and we're not talking 40 guests here, where talking 100+ she describes this as an accident waiting to happen, especially when you have frail 90 year old people having to stand endlessly waiting for food as she had seen. Also as mentioned countless times on this site the vegtables are raw, simple, this hotel lacks decent chefs with basic cooking skills.
The rooms were shabby and old looking and the bathroom wasn't suitable for a person of an older age as all showers are over the baths and have a glass shower guard which can't be moved so basically you have an older person climbing into a bath from the bottom with nothing to hold onto...safe??? think not. Problems with shower temperatures which were unresolved during stay which caused upset.
To say the least she has told me she won't be visiting torquay again if thiss is the hotel of choice by National Holidays...i just hope these reviews are reviewed by someone who can implement some changes and make this hotel somewhere people can rave about and not rant about. Bad news travel fast.
As i've been told this hotel was far from 'pleasant' with queues for plates and queues for food as everyone was made to eat at the same time, and we're not talking 40 guests here, where talking 100+ she describes this as an accident waiting to happen, especially when you have frail 90 year old people having to stand endlessly waiting for food as she had seen. Also as mentioned countless times on this site the vegtables are raw, simple, this hotel lacks decent chefs with basic cooking skills.
The rooms were shabby and old looking and the bathroom wasn't suitable for a person of an older age as all showers are over the baths and have a glass shower guard which can't be moved so basically you have an older person climbing into a bath from the bottom with nothing to hold onto...safe??? think not. Problems with shower temperatures which were unresolved during stay which caused upset.
To say the least she has told me she won't be visiting torquay again if thiss is the hotel of choice by National Holidays...i just hope these reviews are reviewed by someone who can implement some changes and make this hotel somewhere people can rave about and not rant about. Bad news travel fast.
Advice: Torquay lovely...Rainbow Hotel....Not!
Activities:
-
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:National Holidays
" good holiday "
Submitted By: billy_429@hotmail.co.uk
We have just come back from a 4 day break with national coach holidays.It was a all inclusive holiday which meant bed and beakfast with a evening meal, a three hour free bar, cabaret on a night and a free trip plymouth for anyone who wanted to go.
What value for money! As We only paid & 99.00 for the holiday.
We got picked up from Wakefield near morrisons which was a shame as last year we got picked up from the bus station were we was under shelter .We felt we was open to the eliments and felt the bus station pick up was far better.
We arrived at the hotel to be greeted by friendly staff who had our room key ready.The room was large and very clean with a tv, tea coffee making facilities, hair dryer and trouser press in it.There was a bath and shower and plenty of wardrobe space.
The food was exellent with a fair amount of choice. Soup or juice, a choice of 5 main meals and plenty of choice of afters. It was always hot and the staff was very friendly.
The breakfast was the same. The waiteress brought you tea or coffee to your table. Then you was served with breakfast and you helped yourself to toast.
At night there were bingo then cabaret the a disco.
The free bar started at eight and finished at eleven. There were plenty of choice with beer, larger and house shorts and fuit juice and fizzy drinks.
The only complaint we had about that Was , We were given a card to have stamped so they new you had a glass which was okay ,but then you all had to queue for your drinks with the empty glasses .so a couple could'nt show two cards then take the two glasses back to the bar to get 2 drinks. So people had to queue seperate which spolit it a bit.You had to take your valueables with you as no one was at your table whilst you were both queing.We think it could be done better so your not queing all night for a drink.
All in all we would defenitly go back and think its great value for money.I would recommend this hotel to anyone and more than likely will be going back there next year.
What value for money! As We only paid & 99.00 for the holiday.
We got picked up from Wakefield near morrisons which was a shame as last year we got picked up from the bus station were we was under shelter .We felt we was open to the eliments and felt the bus station pick up was far better.
We arrived at the hotel to be greeted by friendly staff who had our room key ready.The room was large and very clean with a tv, tea coffee making facilities, hair dryer and trouser press in it.There was a bath and shower and plenty of wardrobe space.
The food was exellent with a fair amount of choice. Soup or juice, a choice of 5 main meals and plenty of choice of afters. It was always hot and the staff was very friendly.
The breakfast was the same. The waiteress brought you tea or coffee to your table. Then you was served with breakfast and you helped yourself to toast.
At night there were bingo then cabaret the a disco.
The free bar started at eight and finished at eleven. There were plenty of choice with beer, larger and house shorts and fuit juice and fizzy drinks.
The only complaint we had about that Was , We were given a card to have stamped so they new you had a glass which was okay ,but then you all had to queue for your drinks with the empty glasses .so a couple could'nt show two cards then take the two glasses back to the bar to get 2 drinks. So people had to queue seperate which spolit it a bit.You had to take your valueables with you as no one was at your table whilst you were both queing.We think it could be done better so your not queing all night for a drink.
All in all we would defenitly go back and think its great value for money.I would recommend this hotel to anyone and more than likely will be going back there next year.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" December holiday "
Submitted By: sheiuk
We stayed at the Rainbow 15th to the 19th December 2008 .We went with National holidays on a all inclusive.
The room we stayed in was a family room and was reasonably clean.However there was a musty smell in the room and corridor.It was warm in the morning but soon seemed to go cold once the heating was off.
Trish and her husband Ian did a good job of organising the entertainment but i must point out that Trish seemed to do a lot of the running about Selling Bingo Tickets ,calling bingo ,paying out and then after all that then she did a couple of shows and was then introducing the cabaret on the other nights .We found Trish and Ian to be very friendly and very patient if anyone wanted any help they would do their best to help them.
we were however disappointed with two things...
1. The food was ok but the vegetables were not cooked enough ,It was a carvery and there was at least three options of meat or vegetarian option every night .
We found all the staff were very helpful and pleasant but especially the waiters/waitresses.There was a very relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant and on the first night we were given a table and that was ours for the duration of our stay.The meal times were good too so you could go for meal knowing you didnt have to queue up for a table.
2.We were on a all inclusive and you could only have one drink at one time and had to take glass back when you wanted next drink,However my husband went up to get two drinks,one each for us and he was abruptly told he could only get one drink at one time,he explained that one was for him and one for me, his wife, but was told again he could only get one drink at one time.
So we had to go together to get our own drinks ,luckily we were sat with a friend who saved our seats for us but there were many couples there who sat by themselves and so no one could save their seats for them .This is a stupid rule it shouldnt matter how many people you getting a drink for just as long as you have their pass to prove they are eligible for the free drinks.
i would say overall it is very good value for money if you going there with a coach company but i wouldnt book it direct with the hotel.
Entertainment 8/10 food 5/10 Staff 7/10 room 6/10
The room we stayed in was a family room and was reasonably clean.However there was a musty smell in the room and corridor.It was warm in the morning but soon seemed to go cold once the heating was off.
Trish and her husband Ian did a good job of organising the entertainment but i must point out that Trish seemed to do a lot of the running about Selling Bingo Tickets ,calling bingo ,paying out and then after all that then she did a couple of shows and was then introducing the cabaret on the other nights .We found Trish and Ian to be very friendly and very patient if anyone wanted any help they would do their best to help them.
we were however disappointed with two things...
1. The food was ok but the vegetables were not cooked enough ,It was a carvery and there was at least three options of meat or vegetarian option every night .
We found all the staff were very helpful and pleasant but especially the waiters/waitresses.There was a very relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant and on the first night we were given a table and that was ours for the duration of our stay.The meal times were good too so you could go for meal knowing you didnt have to queue up for a table.
2.We were on a all inclusive and you could only have one drink at one time and had to take glass back when you wanted next drink,However my husband went up to get two drinks,one each for us and he was abruptly told he could only get one drink at one time,he explained that one was for him and one for me, his wife, but was told again he could only get one drink at one time.
So we had to go together to get our own drinks ,luckily we were sat with a friend who saved our seats for us but there were many couples there who sat by themselves and so no one could save their seats for them .This is a stupid rule it shouldnt matter how many people you getting a drink for just as long as you have their pass to prove they are eligible for the free drinks.
i would say overall it is very good value for money if you going there with a coach company but i wouldnt book it direct with the hotel.
Entertainment 8/10 food 5/10 Staff 7/10 room 6/10
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:national holidays
" RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL CLUB REVIEW "
Submitted By: Aquarius271
Having decided to take my 11 year old daughter away for her half term holiday break in October, we browsed through the National Holidays Brochure and decided to book a 5 day break at the Rainbow Club International Hotel in Torquay.
After reading quite a lot of bad reviews on this hotel before we left, I can say that I was quite worried what I was about to find once we arrived!
We travelled with National Holidays and our coach driver Jonathan was a really nice chap, very comical and witty. We spent most of Monday travelling to Torquay with a couple of stops along the way and the same travelling back on the Friday. We had trips organised to Dartmouth & Brixham on Tuesday & Plymouth on Wednesday and a free day Thursday before we ventured back on the Friday. We went on a boat trip in Dartmouth and saw Agatha Christies house, Brixham was a small fishing village with a replica of the Golden Hind and Plymouth was vast! We went round the Drakes shopping centre which was similar to the Trafford Centre in Manchester then onto the National Aquarium. As we didn’t have a great deal of time during these trips, we managed to take in some nice views and enjoy our time spent there. We had the option of paying for a tour guide, but we wanted to do our own thing.
We also booked a trip to Babbacombe Theatre on the Wednesday evening, it was called “A Christmas Spectacular”, it was a mixture really of Christmas songs and dancing, but other things too. It was very funny and was the highlight of our week; we never stopped laughing from start to finish and one definitely to be recommended.
The hotel was pleasant, very well organised on reception and we had a family room which was fine, no sign of damp walls and my daughter was more than happy sleeping in a bunk bed!. They had put up all the Christmas Decorations and they looked really nice, very festive indeed and a lot of effort put in to make our stay pleasant. The only negative comment I would say is that the bathroom needs to have the shower updated, we had rubber hoses on the taps, but it was manageable. One thing I will say we were in a family room called “Chillingworth” which was right at the other end of the hotel, after a major struggle with two very heavy suitcases and a lot of steps, we were lucky to have a patio door so we used the back gate to get our cases back onto the coach for our return journey home, it saved a lot of struggling at 7.30 in the morning.
The waitresses/waiters in the restaurant were mainly Polish but were efficient and polite. The food was nice, we had a choice of soup or orange juice to start with then it was self service at the carvery with a large selection of potatoes and vegetables. We had a different choice of soup each evening and there were different meats available at the carvery, also a couple of other options too including a vegetarian option. The sweets were very tempting too!
There was a mixture of age groups staying at the Rainbow. The evening entertainment could have been improved but Trish and her husband Ian did a good job, my husband even won £10 at bingo too!
There were three bars within the main lounge, two of which were closed, but for the amount of people that were staying, it wasn’t really an issue.
The pool was nice although a little small, and even had a steam room, but it wasn’t over crowded and did the job. I think the Rainbow need a games room of some sort for the children and at least an area for them to meet up with maybe a pool table in. They did have a library area situated just near reception, but it wasn’t very big and I didn’t see that many books!
The weather was pleasant but cold, the only day it rained was on Thursday, but overall a very pleasant week.
I would definitely visit Torquay again, maybe in the summer time and try out a different hotel. There was certainly plenty of choice to be had and a great town centre for shopping!
I think some people do tend to scare monger when they add reviews, but that’s what reviews are for, for people to visit and provide both positive and negative feedback based on there own personal experiences, I hope this review is helpful for those of you planning a trip to this particular hotel.
Please don’t be put off, it’s a lovely place and I don’t think they deserve some of the bad press they have had, they were pleasant, polite and overall we had a pleasant stay.
After reading quite a lot of bad reviews on this hotel before we left, I can say that I was quite worried what I was about to find once we arrived!
We travelled with National Holidays and our coach driver Jonathan was a really nice chap, very comical and witty. We spent most of Monday travelling to Torquay with a couple of stops along the way and the same travelling back on the Friday. We had trips organised to Dartmouth & Brixham on Tuesday & Plymouth on Wednesday and a free day Thursday before we ventured back on the Friday. We went on a boat trip in Dartmouth and saw Agatha Christies house, Brixham was a small fishing village with a replica of the Golden Hind and Plymouth was vast! We went round the Drakes shopping centre which was similar to the Trafford Centre in Manchester then onto the National Aquarium. As we didn’t have a great deal of time during these trips, we managed to take in some nice views and enjoy our time spent there. We had the option of paying for a tour guide, but we wanted to do our own thing.
We also booked a trip to Babbacombe Theatre on the Wednesday evening, it was called “A Christmas Spectacular”, it was a mixture really of Christmas songs and dancing, but other things too. It was very funny and was the highlight of our week; we never stopped laughing from start to finish and one definitely to be recommended.
The hotel was pleasant, very well organised on reception and we had a family room which was fine, no sign of damp walls and my daughter was more than happy sleeping in a bunk bed!. They had put up all the Christmas Decorations and they looked really nice, very festive indeed and a lot of effort put in to make our stay pleasant. The only negative comment I would say is that the bathroom needs to have the shower updated, we had rubber hoses on the taps, but it was manageable. One thing I will say we were in a family room called “Chillingworth” which was right at the other end of the hotel, after a major struggle with two very heavy suitcases and a lot of steps, we were lucky to have a patio door so we used the back gate to get our cases back onto the coach for our return journey home, it saved a lot of struggling at 7.30 in the morning.
The waitresses/waiters in the restaurant were mainly Polish but were efficient and polite. The food was nice, we had a choice of soup or orange juice to start with then it was self service at the carvery with a large selection of potatoes and vegetables. We had a different choice of soup each evening and there were different meats available at the carvery, also a couple of other options too including a vegetarian option. The sweets were very tempting too!
There was a mixture of age groups staying at the Rainbow. The evening entertainment could have been improved but Trish and her husband Ian did a good job, my husband even won £10 at bingo too!
There were three bars within the main lounge, two of which were closed, but for the amount of people that were staying, it wasn’t really an issue.
The pool was nice although a little small, and even had a steam room, but it wasn’t over crowded and did the job. I think the Rainbow need a games room of some sort for the children and at least an area for them to meet up with maybe a pool table in. They did have a library area situated just near reception, but it wasn’t very big and I didn’t see that many books!
The weather was pleasant but cold, the only day it rained was on Thursday, but overall a very pleasant week.
I would definitely visit Torquay again, maybe in the summer time and try out a different hotel. There was certainly plenty of choice to be had and a great town centre for shopping!
I think some people do tend to scare monger when they add reviews, but that’s what reviews are for, for people to visit and provide both positive and negative feedback based on there own personal experiences, I hope this review is helpful for those of you planning a trip to this particular hotel.
Please don’t be put off, it’s a lovely place and I don’t think they deserve some of the bad press they have had, they were pleasant, polite and overall we had a pleasant stay.
-
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:National Holidays
" This is the most HORIFFIC hotel me... "
Submitted By: Miss K Batchelor
This is the most HORIFFIC hotel me and my partner have every been too, receptionists were rude on arrival and when we got to our room it just got worse where do I start ... Chewing gum stuck to the radiator, tiles missing in bathroom as well as broken ones on the floor where you would step out of the shower, damp was all on the ceiling which was making the room smell unpleasant and bed sheets looked like they were from the dark ages. We went and complained about the state of the room and also asked why we had been given a family room and not a double? Half way through the offered us another room this time with the right amount of beds but the room conditions were no better. My partner and me had decided to leave the rainbow international and did not wish or have any desire to stay. I STRONGLY advise you not to stay here based on our experience.
-
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:superbreaks
loading...
Advice: Good restuarants , otherwise a bit run down
Activities: Elephant Resturant