Reviews of Kistor Hotel, Torquay, England

Myself and my husband had a 7...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

coach tour

Submitted By:

Mrs S.R Moss

Comments:

Myself and my husband had a 7 night break at the kistor in july.I can not praise the hotel highly enough. unfortunately i was poorly on the second day of holiday and the staff there could not have been more helpfull expecially the night duty manager waylen who looked after me when i came down to reception in the middle of the night he was an absolute star.All duty managers were very helpfull to and the waiting staff in the dining room were spot on ,nothing was to much trouble for them.There was a great choice of money and it always arrived hot and well presented.The rooms were always kept very clean and even domestic staff were very friendly which all in all made fpr a great holiday which we thouroughly enjoyed.I must also mention the entertainment which was excellent and cannot wait to return for another stay at the kistor.

We stayed at The hotel Kistor...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

self drive

Submitted By:

Mr PA Brown

Comments:

We stayed at The hotel Kistor and felt that they deserved a positve mention on the internet as we read one that was less than helpful and in no way true to our experience.

it has a good location on the level just a short walk from the sea front, Torre Abbey Gardens and the new balloon.

Our room was adequate with all the usual facilities though to be fair it was not furnished this side of the millenium. The walls had recently seen a fresh coat of paint and generaly the room was clean and smelt fresh upon our arrival.

The managers and staff were friendly and helpful sometimes to a point of falling over themselves to make sure we were happy. A check during our evening meal by the manager was a nice touch!

Our room needed a new bulb after one day's stay and within 10 minutes of mentioning it at reception the maintenance man was there, better than the AA!

The entertainment was first rate and the bingo, and I would n't normally think of playing was made great fun by my name sake Peter, The manager.

The restaurant staff must be trained by Olympic coaches gosh were they fast and helpful too. However one Polish lad did get our dessert mixed up on a couple of days. To err is human, it is said!

The food was excellent , with a good choice.

We would recommend this hotel to any one wanting value for money at the English riviera.

My wife and I (pensioner’s /...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

No tour operator booked ourselves on internet

Submitted By:

Mr Brian McCormick

Comments:

My wife and I (pensioner’s / my wife disabled) decided to have a 7 day break in Torquay, after searching the internet for a good hotel deal we decided on the Kistor or Inglewood. Inglewood being full we were passed on to the Kistor which only had 3 nights available. Which we took.. After a long drive from Manchester then booking in we did not notice how small the room was until we went to bed. The room was barely big enough for a single never mind a double, and then we realised it was almost on top off the entertainment / bar room, the window was the old type sash window and top half was down about 15/ 17 inches and was jammed open and I could not close it, so we persevered through music / bingo / noise..... Next morning I decided to report this to the management after breakfast... After waiting outside dining room with other guests which should have opened 8-30am but was 7 / 8 minutes late we were shown to our table where we waited for 30min before the waiter came to us (all waiter service) ,after having some flakes we were on the waiting game again, so after 10min we decided to leave.. When I told the manager (Mr Brown) we had enough and were leaving and wanted our money back he said (that’s not so easy) then a little later he said he would have money put back in my account today (05/06/2008) but on Sat 07/06/2008 nothing had been put back, We called to see him and he said he would deal with it, On 09/06.2008 £72.00 was cr to our account from £218.00 deposited.. So it cost us £146.00 for one uncomfortable night and a bowl of cornflakes and a run-around, (which we did not need) so if Mr Brown of the Kistor needs the extra £72 more than us he can have it and repair the window. Brian/Doreenhave money put back in my account today (05/06/2008) but on Sat 07/06/2008 nothing had been put back , We called to see him and he said he would deal with it, On 09/06.2008 £72.00 was cr to our account from £218.00 deposited.. So it cost us £146.00 for one uncomfortable night and a bowl of cornflakes and a runaround, (which we did not need) so if Mr Brown of the Kistor needs the extra £72 more than us he can have it and repair the window. Brian/Doreen

I have returned from a Turkey...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

Torquay Travel

Submitted By:

Miss S Sheridan

Comments:

I have returned from a Turkey & Tinsel 4 night stay at The Kistor Hotel and feel like I have to add my own review of this wonderful hotel.



We arrived late from our coach journey (the driver had managed to get us lost) but still the manager came out to greet us on the coach. Our bags were all taken up to the room for us and we settled in. The room was wonderful. Being three of us, we had a family room to share. I was worried before arriving that there wouldn't be a lot of space but this room had plenty to spare. The room consisted of a double bed and two singles. The bathroom was a little on the small side considering this was for a family, but it was still adequate. Our room had a sea view and it really was amazing. We had arrived right at sunset and so we could see beautiful colours throughout the sky and reflected on the sea.



The food was lovely. I would recommend it to anyone (unless you're planning on dieting). Breakfast and dinner were served in the dining room and there was always lots of choice. It was always hot as well as delicious. We also tried a toastie at the bar one lunch time and found this to also be tasty, the price being good also.



Unfortunately we only discovered the swimming pool on our last day and I personally had a wonderful time swimming in its depths. The pool is a little small but for the two hour period I was in there with my two friends, we saw no one else and so this wasn't an issue. We also tried the jacuzzi which really helped to relax us.



In the evenings there was always entertainment with live music and bingo as well. We were made to feel very welcome by all the staff and the other guests were friendly too. The party I travelled in was a threesome and I was most likely the youngest in the entire hotel, staff included as I am 23 years old. The other two members of my party were in their 70s but we all found something to please us in Torquay and immensely enjoyed our stay at the hotel. In fact, we are hoping to go back next year - maybe not for Turkey & Tinsel though as we've done that scene now and met Father Christmas finally - he came to the hotel!!



All in all I would recommend this hotel to anyone and shall certainly look forward to returning in the very near future.

On arriving at the hotel...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr V LOWRY

Comments:

On arriving at the hotel although we were early the hotel staff made us very welcome, and when our room was ready the hotel porter took it upon himself to take our suitcases to the room. Our accommodation was very clean and spacious.



The food was very good and varied not much chance of repetition, staff in general were extremely efficient and friendly. The nightly entertainment was enjoyable I would recommend this hotel to anyone.

Had a fantastic time at the...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

billwindsor

Comments:

Had a fantastic time at the Kistor, we had a 5 night stay there me and the wife. The location of the hotel was perfect almost on the seafront was a bonus for us. Our room had a sea front view which was wonderful at night when the sun went down.



The staff were excellent and very friendly. We both enjoyed the food and the nightly entertainment was superb. We are already thinking about booking a weekend there next yesr.

Having travelled to the West...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Full Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr R J Tredinnick

Comments:

Having travelled to the West Country on the off-chance that we could find accommodation at short notice, the first hotel we visited had no vacancies but recommended the Kistor.



The Kistor only had one room available which was a twin so we took it. It was late in the evening but to our delight we were told we could have a hot meal and the bar was open 24hrs. We intended only staying one night in Torquay as we were heading for Cornwall.



We ended up staying four nights at the Kistor as the staff were excellent and we were made to feel so welcome. The receptionist was very informative when we enquired of the local area, we spent our days travelling around other resorts in the vicinity.



The swimming pool was on the small side but we were told we could use the larger outdoor pool at the neighbouring Inglewood hotel which we did and really appreciated.



We hope to return next year especially if they can guarantee the same weather we had this year.



Ps. Do not go to this hotel if you are on a diet! The food is abundant and excellent.

Having just returned from a 4...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs M Johnstone

Comments:

Having just returned from a 4 night break at the Kistor, I am amazed to read some of the negative comments on here.



The hotel proudly displays many many thank you cards from its guests who have been so impressed with the cleanliness.



Overall level of service from friendly staff, good food and nightly entertainment etc that they felt the need to send a card complementing the hotel.



During our stay the hotel was full and every guest we spoke to said they were very happy and would return, just as we will, very soon.



I should add that its location, just across the road from the seafront is a huge bonus; there are very few hotels in Torquay that have that location and those that do charge far more.

My wife & I chose a short...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

GB Tours

Submitted By:

Mr M Daniels

Comments:

My wife & I chose a short break at the Kistor hotel with coach company GB Tours on 23rd of February 2007.



Never having been to the Kistor Hotel, we looked at the mixed reviews on Holiday Watchdog and decided to go ahead anyway to make up our own minds.



We have been to Torquay many times over the years as caravaners , (we are both 57) with hotel experience being mostly abroad, and I must say that I am very fussy when it comes to cleanliness of rooms etc, so I was very pleased at the room that we were given at the Kistor.



It was on the top floor and had very nice views over the bay. The bathroom was clean, shower curtains etc were not mouldy, clean towels each day and the water was very hot. The room furniture was a bit dated & knocked here & there, but this is a 3 star hotel after all, not the Ritz.



The bed was very firm and sheets etc clean & crisp & it had all tea & coffee making facilities etc. If there was a downside, it was that the room was very warm & it was not possible to turn down the radiator.



However, one call at reception & it was seen to the next morning while we were at breakfast. Talking of which, the food was extremely good, with plenty of choice.



The majority of guests were the same age as us and I never heard a bad word said about any of the meals. Having read the reports before coming, I checked the feedback of other guests and most if not all had no complaints about the hotel of any sort.



The swimming pool was quite small, but adequate and very warm.



The bar was well stocked with happy hour for selected drinks. The bar / lounge furniture looked new and was comfortable enough, and there was a dance floor for those who fancied themselves as Fred & Ginger.



The entertainment varied over the weekend, with something for all ages & there was the usual 1/2 hour bingo session for those who felt lucky.



To summarise, the Kistor was well run, had very good friendly staff, was well situated, (10 min slow stroll from Torquay Harbour) & gave good value for money.



We went with an organised coach tour, but there were holidays at special rates for those wishing to book privately at the same cost, plus the cost of getting there of course.



I would stay there again without any concern.

We arrived late to the Kistor...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Torquay Travel

Submitted By:

Mrs S.A. Gooderham

Comments:

We arrived late to the Kistor Hotel as our coach had broken down. We were late for the evening meal but we were given time to unpack if we wished or go to the restaurant immediately. We agreed to change rooms to accommodate a lady who was disabled. All was well except the bathroom was in need of refurbishment although clean.



We found the food excellent with plenty of choice, the lounge was comfortable and we used the swimming pool, which although small, was refreshing



The staff in the dining room were very pleasant and polite.



We spent 7 days in Torquay and enjoyed all of the holiday.

Having just returned from a 4...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs B Johnson

Comments:

Having just returned from a 4 night stay at the Kistor I would like to say we had a wonderful time the location of the hotel was perfect as my husband has trouble walking and to find a hotel on the level almost on the seafront was a bonus for us.



Our room overlooked the sea front and we found it to be very clean and comfortable.



The staff were excellent and very friendly. We both enjoyed the food and the nightly entertainment was superb. We Have already booked for next year and we would recommend this hotel.

My husband and I booked a city...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs E Monfort

Comments:

My husband and I booked a city break in Torquay believing that this famous resort would be an ideal place to enjoy a short break. We booked a room in Kistor hotel boasting a 3 star service. By what we saw on the internet and by what we told upon booking we were led to believe that we had indeed struck a wonderful bargain.

Everything went wrong from the moment of our arrival.



The sign said: ample parking - there wasn't. I went to the reception and complained. The receptionist asked if we would settle for alternative parking in their sister hotel across the street and I refused. An employee had to move her car from the visitors' car park to enable us to park. When we were shown to our room my husband had to drag the suitcase to the second floor which had no lift.



The room was appalling! There was a big sink in the middle of the room and it was dirty and smelly. The bathroom sink was cracked and the left tap was broken and there was no soap. The windows were dirty and so were all the other items in the room . We had taken pictures of these before we went down to complain.



It took a while before we were seen to. The receptionist asked if we would wait and she could clean it for us. I insisted on having another room. By this time we were upset and getting annoyed for the waste of time.



After saying that there were no other rooms available I said I was willing to cancel the reservation if there was no suitable room. Eventually we were given a twin room. Since it was a hot day and window only opened 6" I asked for a fan since I have breathing problems in a closed stuffy place. The fan arrived some 3 hours later. We had to settle for that room since we had no means of trying to find another accommodation and we were tired from the long 250 miles drive from Essex to Torquay.



Our stay was ruined by the terrible conditions and room service at the hotel. Not only was everything dirty and tattered but there were also problems of health and safety such as a cracked toilet seat, chipped cups, a rubber hose laying on the floor and dirty water in the hot bath. It turns out that the water is filtered and needed changing only once a week. This is according to someone who seemed to be one of the managers.



The only good service was in the dining room but then we noticed that all the kitchen was stained and not really clean. This was not a successful choice for a hotel.

Evelyn and Danny Monfort



I would like to add to my comments about the Kistor that I was pleasantly surprised when I recieved a reply to my complaint letter. Not only did they apologise for the state in which we found the rooms and other parts of the hotel, but they also fully refunded us and offered 2 free nights of our choice any time during the coming 12 months.

This definately made me feel better and I wish them the best of luck in their improved format.