Balfour Arms

Horrible staff and incredibly poor service. I booked here two months in advance to stay in the hotel and eat dinner two nights. They took my money, sent me multiple confirmations over the two months and then called me the night before to cancel on me, explaining they were ousting me for a wedding party (which the story then changed later!). When I asked them to please contact the website I booked through since they still showed it as a valid booking, the lady was incredibly rude, called me ignorant. She then tried to say she'd do it tomorrow (when I'm meant to check in tomorrow!) and I asked her to explain how this even happens and tried to ask her to just please confirm with them so I could be placed elsewhere. After laughing at me with some of the people in the bar she finally agreed to but didn't so I'm still trying to sort accommodation for an arrival in 14 hours! Even if they had stood behind the booking I can honestly say I wouldn't stay here if they paid me. Their customer service is non-existent.

We had a wonderful stay here. The hosts could not do enough to make sure our stay was as comfortable as possible. Beautiful rooms, lovely food and great staff. Entertainment on most nights during our 5 night stay, bingo and quizzes just to name a few. Something for everyone to enjoy. Thumbs up and keep up the great work Simon and daisy!

Looked nice enough on arrival, although the lack of Staff was instantly (even for a Friday afternoon) apparent. You’ll get your room once everyone at the bar is served. Staff warned us on arrival that they’d had complaints about the noise, which we took with a pinch of salt at the time. We should have taken this more seriously, as the Karaoke made the whole place shake (I’m not kidding), and the noise was still going on at 2am. At which time there was fighting outside. A regular occurrence the staff confirmed. The other guests were already complaining when we arrived for breakfast. They had plenty of time as they hadn’t slept and the ‘Chef ‘ hadn’t turned up to cook breakfast anyway. The Manager tried to placate everyone and said that we would be refunded through ***********, which we weren’t. Do not stay here. It was too late for us, but you have been warned.

Having sampled the Balfour's Sunday roast and found it to be just average, it's only fair to record a more positive food experience at the same establishment. We went to the Balfour last Wednesday to take part in the weekly quiz and decided to go early and eat first. Our friends both had the loaded fries with southern fried chicken and a side order of Caesar salad, my wife chose the hunter's chicken and I opted for the bacon cheeseburger. Our friends declared their fries excellent and the side salad was huge and very tasty. My wife's chicken was generously smothered with bacon and cheese and she happily cleared her plate. As for my burger, it was one of the best I've had in Sidmouth. The drinks prices are also extremely competitive. We'd definitely go again for a tasty midweek supper.

Don`t bother, if a better deal is available to them, your booking will be cancelled. Made a confirmed reservation in December 22, cancelled 4 days before we were due to arrive in February 23!! Reading through previous reviews, this doesn`t appear to be an isolated incident.

Struggled to find a place to eat as visitors to area and came across this gem. Food was super tasty- homemade steak and ale pie best I have tasted - all at a really reasonable price. Daughter had mushroom pie as a vegetarian- cleared the plate. Very traditional local pub with new publicans who were really hospitable and welcoming. Staff friendly and helpful. I trust this Place will just go from strength to strength. Give it a try!

Booked 17th December for one night on the 28th Jan 2023. Less than a week before I was due to stay they emailed me to cancel. I emailed back to query. No reply. 25th Jan I ring them; yes, they have canceled and rebooked my room.

Stayed for 3 nights. Very friendly, helpful and welcoming staff. Room was spotlessly clean and well equipped. Varied options for breakfast. Noisy at night as the pub is a local hub and sports bar but this didn't stop us from sleeping! About a 20 minute walk from the seafront on a main road out of town.

We stayed for one night, the rooms were "top drawer" I have to admit we were very pleasantly surprised, you couldn't wish for a nicer room, Comfy bed, great bathroom with a lovely shower. The room was bright, clean and comfortable. The pub was a friendly locals pub, with an added quiet room/ library, outside beer garden and restaurant area. Breakfast was as good as it gets Keep this little secret, and book up, you won't regret it .