The Hotel Collection is delighted to announce that The Imperial Hotel, Torquay, has been named Best View in LateRoom's Best Kept Secret Awards 2014, which were announced today (September 29).

The 19th century Victorian four-star Imperial Hotel, Torquay, is situated on a cliff with stunning views across Torbay and is a great base for those exploring Devon and North Cornwall. Located a mile away from Torquay train station and overlooking the bay, the hotel boasts 152 bedrooms, a health club with swimming pool and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

Gwyn Gibbons, general manager at the Imperial Hotel said, “We are honoured that the hotel has been recognised by LateRooms and are very proud of our view over the English Riviera, which has been delighting guests since 1866. The hotel has always been renowned in Torquay as the best venue to watch the sun go down from and it's great that LateRooms can help us spread the word.”

Torquay itself is full of local hidden gems and well kept secrets such as the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, where guests can enjoy a seven mile stretch of the Great Western steam railway. Dartmoor National Park, the largest and wildest area of open countryside in southern England, is also close by the hotel, covering 368 square miles. Just two miles from the hotel is Bygones Victorian Museum which aims to illustrate everyday life during the last two centuries. The museum features a replica of a Victorian street which visitors can walk around, an Anderson air raid shelter and a 1950s shopping arcade.

The Imperial Hotel itself was a favourite haunt of author Agatha Christie, who was often seen socialising with friends at dinners and dances. The Imperial was even 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 features in Miss Marple's final case of Sleeping Murder, with the denouement taking place on the hotel terrace.

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