The Sherwood Palm Hotel in Torquay, infamously branded as 'Britain's worst', is now the subject of an official investigation after it caught fire for the second time in just two days. This alarming incident occurred on Easter Sunday, drawing a significant emergency services response and raising serious safety concerns about the troubled establishment.
Emergency Response to the Easter Sunday Blaze
Emergency services were called to the Sherwood Palm Hotel at approximately 2pm on Easter Sunday following reports of a fire. According to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, this marked the second fire at the same building within a mere three-day period. The initial response involved four fire engines and an aerial ladder, but as the fire intensified, additional resources were urgently deployed.
These reinforcements included two extra fire engines, a second aerial ladder, and an incident commander to oversee operations. Due to the severity of the blaze, Devon and Cornwall Police issued a public warning, advising residents and visitors to avoid the area entirely. The force highlighted that large amounts of smoke were affecting nearby streets, posing potential health risks.
Police Statement and Public Safety Measures
In an official statement, the police emphasised the importance of safety precautions. They specifically advised residents, particularly those living closest to the hotel, to close all windows and doors to prevent health issues from the smoke. This incident follows a previous blaze at the site on Friday, 3 April, which required five fire engines to control after multiple calls from the public.
A History of Troubles and Decline
Once a three-star establishment, the Sherwood Palm Hotel has been plagued by a series of problems in recent years. Local police have described it as an 'anti-social behaviour magnet', and it was previously damaged by another fire in March 2024. In October 2025, the hotel was forced to close for three months, as reported by The Express, further cementing its reputation for neglect.
The cause of the recent fires remains unknown, with investigations still ongoing. Currently, the hotel is listed as 'temporarily closed' on Google, adding to its uncertain future. On Tripadvisor, guests have not held back in their criticisms, with many awarding the hotel just one star out of five in brutally honest reviews.
Guest Reviews Highlighting Poor Conditions
One recent guest described the property as 'filthy', noting that while they didn't expect much due to the low price, basic amenities like clean towels were lacking. Another reviewer stated it was 'not even fit for a human to stay in', citing issues such as missing toiletries, views overlooking garbage, and mould in the shower. A third guest from August 2020 called it 'possibly the worst hotel imaginable', checking out early due to the filthy conditions.
Some have warned prospective guests to avoid booking, claiming the hotel has 'closed for good' but still won't issue refunds for non-existent bookings. However, one guest offered a rare defence, mentioning that their room was clean with a new bathroom and comfortable bed, though acknowledging the hotel needs significant tender loving care to restore its former glory.
Broader Context of Poor Hotel Standards in the UK
This incident comes amid growing concerns about substandard accommodation in the UK. For instance, a British tourist recently stayed at The Himley Country Hotel in Dudley, dubbed the UK's 'most disgusting hotel', and was left horrified. Known as Adz Uncut on YouTube, he shared a video titled 'Most Disgusting Hotel In Britain (I had to leave)', detailing musty corridors and rooms smelling of sweat and fear.
The Himley Country Hotel, which offers various accommodation options and has over 800 Google reviews with an average rating of 2.7 stars, faced similar criticisms. Adz noted issues like soggy tissues and a packet of coffee thrown on the grass outside his window, highlighting a pattern of neglect in some UK hotels.
As investigations into the Sherwood Palm Hotel fires continue, questions remain about regulatory oversight and the safety of guests in such establishments. The repeated incidents underscore the urgent need for improved standards and accountability in the hospitality sector to prevent future risks.
