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.

Room ok. Stairways to room dirty . Live band on till 10pm . Told would be towels in room later . We asked 5 x , told would 5 mins 3 x , at 9 . 30pm . Asked a young girl for towels as the people running the place had disappeared. Received at 9.45 pm from young girl . Told at breakfast only limited food , due to no deliveries . We had a bacon sandwich. The place should be removed from list. The trouble with these places they have taken your money, before you arrive so you cannot get any refund.

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.

This is a pub - with pub food which is good. The accommodation-the bed was comfortable - the toilet seat was not attached, there was a missing plug in the washbasin, and the bedroom door was almost impossible to lock. It is such a shame - obviously a lack of staff - we stayed due to the reviews, but we found they were not in keeping to what we experienced.

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.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend you try it. Has a new owner who is in the process of upgrading areas and training his staff even more. Our bedroom was comfortable, just no hairdryer at present. There was an issue with the heating while we were there but this was solved with a portable heater till it was fixed. Met two other lovely couples (only three rooms), we joined up for a great evening of quizzing, we came second!! Also have other entertainment throughout the week. Food was great with an excellent breakfast. Once this new manager upgrades some things it would get an excellent all around from us but we would go back again anyway as we were made so very welcome.

Was worried when entering property as porch was full of old cigarette stubs and rubbish but pub was clean and staff very welcoming. The bed was extremely comfortable and the breakfast far exceeded our expectations. Would stay again.

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!