Ted’s Paradise

HOTEL OVERVIEW

So Ted’s Paradise – honestly, when I first heard the name I was expecting some cheesy seaside B&B with nautical kitsch everywhere, but this place actually surprised me. It’s tucked right into Harbour Watch in Watchet, and you know what? The location is pretty brilliant. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the harbor where all those colorful fishing boats bob around, and if you time it right during summer evenings, watching the sunset over the Bristol Channel from the waterfront is genuinely spectacular.

The thing about Ted’s Paradise is that it doesn’t try to fit into any particular box – there’s no official star rating because, well, it sort of defies categorization. It’s got this quirky boutique vibe that feels more like staying at an interesting friend’s place than a typical hotel. The rooms have character (some might say eccentric touches), and I mean that in the best way. Think vintage maritime prints mixed with modern comforts, but not in that forced “coastal chic” way that makes you roll your eyes. The beds are actually comfortable – I’m picky about mattresses and slept really well. What I particularly appreciated was how quiet it gets at night; Watchet isn’t exactly a party town, so you’re not dealing with drunk tourists stumbling around at 2 AM like you might in Minehead down the coast.

Parking can be a bit tight during the busy summer months (July and August get pretty packed with families), but there’s usually space if you’re willing to walk a few minutes from the main car park near the marina. The staff genuinely seem to know the area – when I asked about hiking the coastal path, they didn’t just hand me a generic leaflet but actually told me which sections have the best views and where to grab lunch in Dunster if I made it that far. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too, none of that corporate hotel rigmarole. Look, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea – if you need a pool and room service, you’re probably better off looking elsewhere. But if you want somewhere with personality that gives you a real taste of this part of Somerset’s coast, and you appreciate places that feel authentic rather than polished to within an inch of their life, Ted’s Paradise hits the mark. Plus, being right in Watchet means you can easily explore the West Somerset Railway if you’re into that sort of thing, and the whole Exmoor coast is on your doorstep.