Escape to the English Riviera for the International Agatha Christie Festival (14-21 September) and combine your visit with a stay at the 19th century Victorian four-star Imperial Hotel, Torquay. Situated on a cliff with stunning views across Torbay, The Imperial Hotel has been a glamorous destination since 1866, regularly frequented by Agatha Christie and is even included in two of her novels.

This year, the main festival will take place at the ancient monastery of Torre Abbey, less than 10 minutes from the hotel. Each September, the English Riviera transforms itself into the murder mystery capital of the country where visitors can take part in the revelry and adorn themselves in period finery and immerse themselves in tea parties, theatre, dinners on steam trains and vintage bus tours. Visitors can expect a packed programme of guest author talks, readings, a vintage-themed fete and tea dance and much more.

Idyllically located on the English Riviera, The Imperial Hotel is a great base for those exploring Devon and North Cornwall and was a favourite haunt of Christie's, where she was often seen socialising with friends at dinners and dances. The Imperial was later used as the inspiration for  the 'Majestic Hotel' which features in two of Christie's novels: Peril at End House and The Body in the Library and also featured in Miss Marple's final case of Sleeping Murder, with the denouement taking place on the hotel terrace

Located a mile away from Torquay train station and overlooking the bay, the hotel boasts 152 bedrooms, a health club with swimming pool, beauty rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.  An overnight stay with dinner and wine starts from £99 per couple; this includes an overnight stay with breakfast for two, a three course dinner in the hotel's main restaurant and a bottle of sparkling wine.  Weekend supplements may apply.

For more information please visit http://www.thehotelcollection.co.uk or call 0800 652 8413.

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Media enquiries: For further information please contact Jenny Groutage, Verity Ramsay, or Asha Sudha on thehotelcollection@brightergroup.com

Notes to Editors:

The Hotel Collection offers 21 unique properties across the UK from Scotland to Devon. They are located in inspiring locations from vibrant city and town centres, spectacular coastal resorts to countryside retreats and include The Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh, The Oxford Hotel in Oxford, The Walton Hall and Hotel in Warwickshire and The Hinckley Island Hotel with conference facilities for up to 700 delegates. The Hotel Collection offers a total of over 2,800 bedrooms, 220 meeting rooms and extensive leisure facilities. For bookings and information please call our central reservations office 0800 652 8413 or visit www.thehotelcollection.co.uk