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"Stunning location."
Excellent apartment. Conscientious host. Will definately return
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Jun 2026
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"Very comfortable modern apartment with probably one of the best locations and panoramic view in Torquay, although the unavoidable road noise is very intrusive when using the balcony."
The pre arrival information provide by Tom was excellent and his update when the apartment was ready enabled us to arrive earlier than expected.
The crockery is heavily marked (grey scratches) from use and only one covered saucepan is not ideal for a self catering apartment.
Reviewed by John5.0★May 2026
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"We had a very enjoyable stay at No."
17, the excellent location, sea view, and undercover secure parking make it so convenient. The apartment is spacious and not cluttered with unnecessary items which suited us well. Although perhaps appears less elegantly furnished than some we have seen, we found it actually more comfortable than many places we have stayed. The kitchen is equipment provided is limited to the basics, however we did everything we wanted to and ate in most evenings – apart from the full works at the excellent restaurant ‘The Elephant’ one night. There is inevitably some traffic noise, but very little from the restaurants below as the weather was too cool for outdoor dining. There is a good smart TV - just turn it on a while before viewing to give it time to update apps etc. We would be very happy to stay in No.17 again.
Reviewed by Derek5.0★Nov 2025
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"Wonderful apartment with stunning sea views."
Owner very accommodating letting us know when it was ready, which was much appreciated. Lovely balcony which we used a lot and aircon in the bedroom was handy. Two suggestions to make it even better; a dining table, even a small one, on the balcony would be useful; and a fob to access the main door (as other apartments have) would save a lot of faffing. Still an easy 5 out of 5 and would definitely return.
Reviewed by Gary5.0★Aug 2025
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"Eveything about this property is perfect."
The location could not be any better, private parking, a fantastic view and a short walk to the town centre. We could not have asked for anything better. The balcony was spacious and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the view or to read a book.
If you want to leave the car there are plenty if buses from just across the road.
We had a lovely holiday and would not hesitate to return if we were staying in Torquay.
Reviewed by Jennifer5.0★Aug 2025
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"This is a lovely apartment, well worth a stay."
The balcony is impressive with comfortable furniture and great views of the beach and sea. The communication with the property owner Tom was excellent, nothing was too much trouble, he was very helpful and friendly. He accommodated us for an early check in, as we were arriving by train, which was very much appreciated. We wish our 5 night stay could have been longer, we would highly recommend this property, and would definitely like to return again soon.
Reviewed by Lynne5.0★Jul 2025
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"Not Quite a 5-Tick Property – Room for Improvement
This property is marketed as a 5-tick accommodation, but in my experience, it falls short of that standard."
Based on my stay and comparisons with many other properties I’ve visited across Devon—some also through Sykes Cottages—I would rate this as a 4-tick property, but not more at this time.
Check-In Experience
On the day of check-in, Tom kindly called around midday to let me know the apartment was ready and offered early access. While appreciated, there was some confusion: initially we were told check-in was at 3pm, then a week before it was changed to 4pm via email, and on the call, Tom mentioned it’s typically 4:30pm. Since we’d planned our day around a 4pm check-in, we were in Brixham having lunch and couldn’t take full advantage of the early offer.
The Positives
The secure, covered car park was excellent, and the building itself felt very safe. The view from the apartment was fantastic.
Housekeeping and Presentation Issues
However, several aspects fell short of expectations for a premium listing:
The apartment was prepared for 3 adults, but we were 4—only three towels were initially provided. Tom promptly brought an additional bath and hand towel later that day and also helped with the TV setup, which was appreciated. Unfortunately, one of the towels delivered had holes in it.
Only two of the four beds had soap/shampoo provided.
The glass on the patio doors and balcony banister was noticeably dirty and hadn't been cleaned recently, which detracted from the otherwise lovely view.
There was no welcome or info pack, no instructions for appliances, and the back panel of the TV remote was missing.
A noticeable stain was present on one set of bed linen.
There were exposed wires hanging from the ceiling in several rooms.
Patches on the walls had been touched up in a mismatched shade of white.
The Wi-Fi code in the welcome email was incorrect (fortunately, the correct one was on the router).
The email also referenced cushions in the bedroom for an egg chair that didn’t exist, and stated the balcony cushions were in a storage box—they were already out, but needed a wash.
Missing Essentials and Amenities
No welcome pack as provided in other properties—no tea, coffee, hand soap, or even sealed basics like sachets.
No microwave or coffee machine.
No hand soap at any sink, nor in cupboards.
Only one full toilet roll per bathroom; one roll holder had an empty roll still hanging.
The iron was dirty and stained on the base, which should have been cleaned or replaced.
Kitchen splashbacks had smears and weren’t properly cleaned.
The shower head hook was broken, requiring careful handling.
No clear check-out instructions were provided.
Other Observations
The balcony receives very little sun—perhaps only an hour in the morning—so it stays cool most of the day. While not a fault of the property, it's worth noting for future guests.
Heating could only be activated by contacting Tom, which felt unnecessarily inconvenient—it should be guest-controlled.
Final Thoughts
Rather than calling to offer early check-in, I would have preferred that Tom used that time to ensure the property was thoroughly cleaned and properly presented. The issues I encountered were not major in isolation, but collectively they impacted the overall experience.
I typically stay in 4- and 5-star/tick properties, and this one, while promising, lacked the refined touches and attention to detail that distinguish a truly exceptional stay. With some additional care, better housekeeping, and a more thoughtful guest experience, this property could meet the standard it aspires to.
Hi Matthew,
A few bits to respond to here so will do my best. Yes a few minor changes in check in times due to my cleaners being unable to get from their first job on Fridays to my address; I have however provided guests with a later check out to address this. I always try to get guests in earlier, as was the situation in your case. The balcony doors are cleaned after every departure, as is the case with cleaning products, they do sometimes leave small streaks - a professional window cleaner may avoid these, however my housekeeping girls are there to ensure they are clean (which they are, ready for every check in) and fit for purpose.
The welcome pack was sent to your email.
This is a self catering apartment; we provide soaps, body wash sachets and other necessities such as bin liners, washing machine tablets, and dishwasher tablets.
The heating in the summer is almost never used by any guests due to the building being exceptionally warm even in the winter (let alone the summer) however you need not contact me to turn it on - it is turned on at the control panel. Even if you were not sure you could have called me and i would told you how to switch it on.
The balcony receives sun all day long, to put it briefly. You even had good weather the week you were here (unlikely for the UK in May!). The balcony receives sun until 17:00 - a review that a guest that checked in after you complimented the property on recently.
There is a microwave, oven, and grill - if you were not sure how to work it you could have just called me.
In all honesty, i think 63/100 is pretty unreasonable given the location, quality, and price. The issues you have highlighted are either untrue, or would have been resolved with a simple phone call (as you would have done if you were staying in any other form of accommodation such as a hotel) but you chose not to and to instead leave a poor review.
Your review is the first falling short of 5* (please read the other wonderful reviews) so its disappointing to read. I hope you find better accommodation at a better price next time you visit Torquay - however I think you may struggle.
Tom
Property Owner
Reviewed by Matthew3.0★May 2025
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"Lovely apartment, well equipped and stunning view."
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit with son and daughter in law. We are a disabled couple in our 70's and really appreciated the ease of getting from secure car park, and lift to ground floor.
Reviewed by Frances5.0★Nov 2024
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"Amazing apartment in a fantastic location, it had everything we could wish for."
Will definitely be returning.
Reviewed by Lisa5.0★Oct 2024
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"The property was exactly as described, spotlessly claim, all the facilities one could need and a great location for access to Torquay."
Highly recommend, and we would return.
Keep it up.
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Oct 2024
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"Had a perfect weeks stay at apartment 17."
It is equipped with everything we needed and fulfilled our expectations in every way. Our thanks to Tom who was available to help when needed.
Reviewed by Anthony5.0★Sep 2024
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"The apartment is in an iconic building, situated close to all amenities, but the real attraction is the magnificent view out to sea."
We had a very comfortable stay.
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Sep 2024
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"Perfect location on the waterfront, just seconds from the town and view from the apartment were very good."
The apartment itself was clean and modern, good kitchen space and excellent air con. The host was fabulous - he was very helpful.
Will stay there again. Highly recommend.
Stayed in August 2024
Reviewed by Paul5.0★Aug 2024
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"Great apartment and Tom was very helpful."
Good sized rooms and had everything we needed.
Reviewed by Kate4.0★Jul 2024
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"Excellent appartement comfortable well equipped and presented."
Good proximity of indoor car park .Views wonderful Would certainly go there again R Walton
Reviewed by Richard5.0★Jun 2024
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"Lovely and very comfortable place!"
Nice balcony with great view!
Reviewed by Iurii5.0★May 2024
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