The Imperial Plymouth
Boutique guest house on Plymouth Hoe
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The Imperial Plymouth has a great history .
Originally built in the mid 1800s, this grand building was originally built for a naval admiral and his family, and in its ensuing life became a doctors surgery before emerging as a hotel and guest house in the 20th century.
The property is extremely well placed, being less than 200 yards from Plymouth Hoe with its infamous views of the sea, and the opposite direction is the Plymouth Theatre Royal again less than 200 yards away, with the main Plymouth City Centre a gentle stroll beyond the theatre.
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The property has evolved over the years into a 22 bedroom property, with the accommodation ranging from a two bedroom apartment, plus single, twin, double, family and king sized rooms, spread across four floors.
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We are in the lucky situation that we have our own car park with 14 spaces, but what this does mean that at busy times our parking becomes very busy and oversubscribed, so we recommend booking parking with us in advance of your stay.
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Is the Imperial a hotel, a guest house, or a bed and breakfast? The short answer is: yes — and no — and all three, in the very best way.
Like a hotel, the Imperial has presence. There’s a sense of arrival, a confidence in its walls, and the quiet reassurance that everything has been thoughtfully taken care of. Rooms are beautifully prepared, beds are indulgently comfortable, and the little details — from crisp linens to considered lighting — feel deliberately, professionally right.
Yet it would be unfair to call it just a hotel. The warmth you feel on stepping inside leans more toward a guest house, where you’re welcomed as a person rather than processed as a booking reference. There’s an ease to the experience, a friendliness that never feels forced, and an atmosphere that invites you to settle in rather than simply pass through.
And then there’s breakfast. This is where the bed and breakfast heritage shines through — unhurried mornings, carefully prepared choices, and that lovely sense that the day is being started properly. It’s not a hurried buffet grab-and-go; it’s a moment to pause, sip, and enjoy.
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Since taking over the reins of running this wonderful site, we have undertaken some significant changes to the building, in a bid to enhance the quality of everyone's stay. The winter of 2025 sees our room refurbishment programme gathering pace, having spent many frustrating months during the year trying to find the source of some troublesome water leaks in the building ( a fairly typical and ongoing issue for all old building operators ! ) . The room refurbs will continue throughout 2026, and the reception area has been totally changes to enable a more welcoming and bright space for us to welcome you.
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