Premier Inn Paignton Seafront Goodrington Sands Hotel

So, you’re thinking about a seaside getaway to Paignton, and the Premier Inn at Goodrington Sands has caught your eye. Let me save you the brochure fluff and give you the real, slightly chaotic, tea-and-biscuits truth. This place is like the hotel equivalent of that reliable mate who always remembers to bring the bottle opener—solid, predictable, and quietly brilliant.

First, let’s talk location. This Premier Inn is basically in the sand. You roll out of bed, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be doing a sandal-full-of-grit dance before your first coffee. Goodrington Sands doesn’t just sit on the beach; it hovers there like a sunburnt seagull waiting for a chip.

The sea is literally a one-minute stroll away. That’s not hyperbole—I timed it with a sausage roll in one hand and a beach towel in the other. You’ll hear the waves from your window, which is either soothing or, if you’re a light sleeper, a relentless liquid loudspeaker. Pro tip: bring earplugs unless you enjoy the ocean’s idea of a lullaby at 3 a.m.

The “Hypnos” Bed: A Cult of Comfort

Every Premier Inn boasts the fabled Hypnos bed, and this one is no exception. Sleeping on it feels like being gently hugged by a cloud that also holds a degree in chiropractic. You’ll sink into it, and time will warp; a four-hour nap feels like a full-on hibernation. But beware: once you get up, you’ll have the strange urge to apologise to the mattress for leaving it.

The pillows, however, are a mystery. They’re either too fluffy or too flat, with no middle ground. It’s like the hotel is testing your decision-making skills before breakfast. Don’t panic—just take all four pillows and build a nest. The cleaning staff will understand; they’ve seen it all before.

Breakfast: The Great Carvery vs. The Infinite Pastry

Here’s a surprising fact: this hotel’s breakfast room has a toaster that operates on its own logic. You can set it to “medium” and get a charcoal disc or a pale ghost of bread. It’s a game of chance. But the cooked breakfast is splendid—bacon that’s actually crispy, sausages that don’t taste like sad rubber, and beans that are, well, beans.

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The “All-You-Can-Eat” sign is a challenge, not a suggestion. I saw a man build a fried egg tower two plates high. No one judged him; we were all conspirators in the glorious grease festival. And the pastries? They’re from a factory, sure, but they’ll ignite a sugar-fueled sprint to the beach in under ten minutes.

The Pub Next Door: The Swan’s Neck

Attached to the hotel is a pub called The Swan’s Neck. It’s the unofficial waiting room for the Premier Inn. You can order a pint and watch the sun dip into the sea while someone’s toddler tries to steal a napkin. It’s chaotic but wholesome. The staff there can mix a gin and tonic with the precision of a lab scientist, albeit one in a polo shirt and shorts.

Surprising fact: the pub claims to have a secret door that leads directly to the hotel’s laundry room. I never found it, but I did see a man in flip-flops disappear into a cupboard, muttering about lost socks. It’s that kind of place.

PREMIER INN PAIGNTON SEAFRONT GOODRINGTON SANDS HOTEL - Updated Reviews

The Wacky Wi-Fi and Other Quirks

The Wi-Fi is free but has the personality of a sleepy tortoise. If you’re planning to stream a 4K movie, forget it—you’ll get 144p and a lot of buffer wheels. But honestly, who needs Netflix when you have a window overlooking the beach? Tips for success: use the lobby for signal or embrace the digital detox. Also, the lifts have a habit of arriving smelling faintly of chips—a feature, not a bug.

Now, a genuine shocker: this Premier Inn is located on the English Riviera, a stretch of coast that once hosted the Miss World contest in the 1960s. Yes, beauty queens and budget hotel breakfasts: a match made in chaotic heaven. The beach itself is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it’s clean enough that you won’t emerge a science experiment. But the water is bone-chillingly cold even in August—bring a wetsuit or a strong sense of denial.

Final Verdict: A Beachy Blessing

Would I stay here again? Absolutely. It’s not a five-star spa or a boutique hideaway. It’s a Premier Inn near a beautiful beach, run by people who genuinely try (and mostly succeed) to make you feel welcome. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes, a bit of sunburn on your nose, and a strange affection for its quirks.

If you want fancy, go to the Maldives. If you want a proper British seaside laugh, a comfy bed, and a breakfast that fuels a hangover or a swim, book the Premier Inn Paignton Seafront Goodrington Sands. Just don’t expect the toaster to cooperate. Nobody expects the toaster.