Having read some of the reports, I was somewhat concerned as to the standards of the hotel. I consequently emailed the proprietor who assured me that yes, this was a 2* period hotel and no, it was not really suitable for business persons needing early breakfasts or late dinners. We arrived, therefore, with a little trepidation but my fears were... more

The photographs promised good things but the exterior and interior of this hotel were shabby and out of date; the hotel looks nothing like the photos on their website. The entrance to the hotel was covered in leaves and litter. Nobody offered to help us with our bags. Our room overlooked some outbuildings that were full of junk and no... more

I stay on average for one week in every five in hotels and bed and breakfasts all around England. In all of this time I have never had cause for complaint, so what follows is not motivated by unrealistic standards or malice. First of all the timing of meals is for the convenience of the hotel, rather than its guests.... more

Stayed at the woodlands for 3 nights on dinner bed and breakfast basis. First impressions weren't good as exterior of hotel looked run down A discarded washbasin was dumped by the bins in the carpart too, which is very small. The man at reception wasn't particularly welcoming. Our room (number 23) looked tired and the bathroom was so small that... more

We stayed at the Woodlands Hotel during Sidmouth Folk Week and had a great time. I was very surprised to read some of the negative reviews posted about it on the site. There were no evening meals served during Folk Week, as there were some music events going on there during the evenings in the consevatory, but our breakfasts were... more

Stayed late February 2007 so the hotel was particularly quiet. Don't be put off on arrival by the somewhat dowdy appearance given by the hotel frontage and car park. With a bit of imagination the exterior of this listed property could be made to look far more welcoming. (The picture you see on the hotel web site is the rear... more

First impressions were a little disappointing - corridors and room (21) were cold on arrival (on a Friday evening)and the place looked a little shabby with a mattress in a corridor (although they were decorating at the time since this was mid-winter), but subsequently things got better. The food was above average, and the quantities were good. Staff were mainly... more

Excellent place for the very young and old and those wanting to retreat for a while. Evening food and breakfast good - has foreign waiters(poor english) but they where efficient and pleasant enough. Room -- Ours was the joined annex and that was very good, clean and suited the children. Seemed to having very pleasant amiable guests. Downside - Hopeless... more

A very comfortable stay. Good food, excellent staff, quaint room (plenty of space and large bed). Hotel and garden do justice to a proffessionally run operation. well done Bruce and Jo, a VAST improvement on previous years. This place is one for the future - trust me!! more