Simonsbath House Hotel

Last week I had a group of 6 clients staying at the hotel as part of a photography course I was running. Thanks to Ryan the whole experience went very smoothly. Communication before and during their stay was excellent and Ryan went out of his way to be helpful. Filling the hot water flask for us each day, preparing sandwiches and even sourcing someone to come and fit a new tyre for one of my clients who had a puncture. Nothing was too much trouble and always done with a smile. Ryan is a great addition to the team. If only everyone in a customer service position was like this! A huge thank you Ryan.

Simonsbath House is the oldest property on all of Exmoor, and, for over a century, the only property. The charming old place is sympathetically maintained by Andrew and his team who offer a truly memorable experience. We came for a week as part of an “Alpha Painting Holiday”, whereby the property was booked out for the dozen or so attendees of the course. Enjoy a cocktail before dinner in the old-style lounge, with its heavy leather upholstery and wood panelling that remind me of a classic murder-mystery setting. The chef has been with the House for some ten years (itself a testament to the loyalty of the staff), and the kitchen is first-rate. British dishes of excellence abound, with well-executed deviations into European favourites. I have the difficult task of having to eat rather a lot as part of my professional role, and can safely say that the Simonsbath House menu is a true delight. You may put on some weight, but I think that’s a risk you’re going to have to take. The pretty house and fine kitchens, however, would be nothing without the traditional and attentive hosting of Andrew, who very literally went the extra mile for us - thanks again, we’ll be better at driving next time. He sets himself the goal of ensuring that all guests feel personally welcome and included, which he achieves very well – even down to my two young sons. I could not recommend Simonsbath House Hotel enough for those wishing to catch a glimpse of traditional Exmoor while enjoying some seriously good hospitality. Make room for a negroni before dinner and you’ll not regret it.

I have just returned from a four night stay at Simonsbath House Hotel for an Alpha Painting Holiday. The hotel is very old but comfortable and spotlessly clean and from the moment I arrived, I was made to feel very welcome. Andrew, the owner, is a man of boundless enthusiasm and extremely knowledgeable about the local area. There is a lot of history to the hotel itself and he was able to share some of the stories with us. The rooms have everything you need to keep you comfortable and you are provided with a hospitality tray to allow you to make your own tea and coffee. You are also given a glass bottle of drinking water every day and a small bottle of fresh milk if required - these can be replenished anytime by visiting the reception desk. There is absolutely NO mobile signal unless you are on EE network, however I found the Wi-Fi to be very good and was able to phone home via the internet. I was also able to stream something on iplayer without a problem. This is a great place for star-gazing if that’s your thing; the hotel is in a designated dark sky area and it’s really worth going outside and looking up if you are blessed with a clear night. The hotel has a lounge filled with comfy old leather sofas and a fireplace and adjacent to this is an incredibly well stocked bar! There is also an extensive wine list with a range to suit any budget. Now of course, I need to mention the food. Wow! A twice daily highlight to look forward to! Although we were on a limited menu as we were a group booking, every meal was a joy, from perfectly cooked poached eggs with breakfast to a fabulous three course dinner in the evening. Over the four night stay, I enjoyed sea bass, slow cooked rib of beef, baked salmon fillet with Hollandaise and Somerset lamb and that was just the mains! Starters and homemade desserts were wonderful too and I can’t mention them all but suffice to say, a creme brûlée with a perfect crisp caramel top is certainly the way to my heart. Finally, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Andrew and Louise for making us feel at home and looking after us so well, thus making my painting holiday so enjoyable.

Our walking club returned to Simonsbath House for the 3rd time. We found it as we had remembered - a warm and friendly welcome for our 3 night stay. Andrew and Tom had planned, and then led walks for 2 days, making sure that everyone was able to walk as far and for as long as they wished. The walks were a good variety of countryside and coast, and we were given local information along the way. Once back at the hotel we were rewarded with delicious meals, both dinner and breakfast. The hotel also provided packed lunches to keep us going during the day. A perfect place to stay in beautiful surroundings with many walks and places of interest on the doorstep.

Walking break with likeminded people. Room was brilliant comfortable bed. Food well you wouldn't get better in 5☆ hotel. Walks were led by excellent leaders and despite the weather were lovely. Andre and Team were excellent. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

We spent a very comfortable 3 days at SBHH in the September heatwave. Well appointed ensuite room overlooking Barle Valley; extensive, excellent breakfast and dinner menus, cosy bar (very well stocked!) and lounge. Andrew, Louise and their team were very helpful and keen to go the extra mile including a lift to Withypool to enable us to walk back, coffee flasks and 'packed breakfast' on a day trip to Lundy from Ilfracombe. Many thanks for a memorable short break.

We have been visiting Simonsbath House for last 12 years ( excluding time when covid hit the country) beautiful hotel, food is gorgeous much much better than in any posh restaurant. Rooms and cottages are lovely, I think we have stayed in most of them now. We are always coming for New Year gala , Edwardian 7 course dinner never disappoints . Love fireplaces and the bar area when I personally feel like at home from home. Andrew and Louise are the perfect hosts ( even when they present us with impossible quizzes) . I do highly recommend this hotel especially when you have furry friends. Plenty of walks nearby . Darkest skies so a good sleep is guaranteed. The only thing you’ll hear is flowing river and sheep on nearby field . We will be back :) Ivan and Eve

Stayed at Simonsbath House recently as part of a Painting Holiday. Andrew was the perfect host and manager, doing all he could to make us comfortable and get as much outdoor time as possible, diligently adapting our programme around the constantly changing weather. Breakfast and dinner was ample and delicious, as was the well stocked bar. Truly, Andrew and the staff made all the difference. Bravo!

Our second walking holiday at Simmonsbath. Weather was not kind to us this time, but we still enjoyed ourselves. The hotel is very comfortable with marvellous food at both breakfast and dinner. Andrew and Louise are lovely hosts and Andrew has some fiendish quizzes if you are interested. Extensive bar with numerous alcoholic drinks, and tea and coffee always available. Lovely living area with leather sofas and a roaring fire. Simmonsbath is a hamlet with nothing else there except a pub, so you need a car. However, Andrew does lead walks for groups and there are plenty of walks in the area. If you can, walk along the river from Watersmeet to Lynmouth - outstanding!