The avenue, Waterside

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what struck me first about The Avenue? It’s tucked right into Waterside holiday park in Paignton, but honestly, calling it a “holiday park hotel” doesn’t do it justice at all. I mean, forget everything you think you know about park accommodations – this place has serious boutique vibes that caught me completely off guard. The moment you walk in, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually cared about every single detail, from the way natural light filters through the carefully chosen fixtures to how the common areas feel genuinely lived-in rather than showroom perfect.

What really gets me is how they’ve managed to create something that feels both intimate and sophisticated without trying too hard. The rooms – well, each one’s got its own personality, which makes sense since they don’t bother with traditional star ratings (honestly, the whole star system feels pretty meaningless when you’re dealing with places like this anyway). Mine overlooked the water, and I’d find myself just standing by the window with my morning coffee, watching the light change across Torbay. The attention to local touches is what separates this from your typical boutique spots – they’ve woven in elements that actually connect to Paignton’s character rather than just slapping on generic “coastal chic” decor. And the sound insulation is surprisingly good, considering you’re technically in a holiday park setting. I was worried about noise from families, but evenings were genuinely peaceful.

Here’s the thing that’ll probably matter most to you – the staff genuinely know their stuff about the area. Not just the obvious tourist spots, but they pointed me toward this incredible little seafood place down near Paignton harbour that I never would’ve found otherwise, and gave me the real scoop on when to hit the beaches to avoid the crowds (early morning or after 4 PM, if you’re wondering). The whole experience feels curated but not stuffy, if that makes sense. Plus, parking’s actually sorted – no circling around looking for spaces or feeding meters every two hours. I think what surprised me most was how the 9.4 rating actually undersells the place. Sometimes those high ratings come from people just being polite, but this genuinely delivers on creating something special. It’s perfect for couples who want something a bit different from the standard seafront hotel experience, especially if you appreciate places that have their own distinct personality rather than following some corporate playbook.