Englishmen are still proud that they are different from any other nation of the world. Until now they prefer and adhere to such strange rules as, say, left-side movement or cricket game. They were not happy to convert their pints into liters and inches into centimeters. Although the rest of Europe measures the distance in kilometers, the British until now catch on their miles, though now they purchase tissues in meters not in yards. Logic is not the most distinguish feature of British temper.
As a rule Englishmen prefer to spend their holidays somewhere abroad, say in Italy, Spain or elsewhere. While talking about seaside hotels one should mention two great hotels: The Grand Hotel or Imperial Hotel.
As in former times there is certain type of psychological barrier between Great Britain and the rest of Europe. The barrier which was not taken away even after Great Britain entry into European Community in 1973.
English Channel which is a narrow water band between the continent and British islands has played decisive role in the history of Great Britain. It is designed to protect "island- fortress" against aggressors and to keep the unique British mentality which is differs from all other nations. But this proud nation is very friendly to the tourists and travelers. One of the most popular resort areas in Great Britain is a city or location called Torquay. Torquay is the most known seaside resort in Devon which is located in heart of English Riviera. Annually thousand tourists from all over the world are coming here. A resort is featured by soft, mild climate, magnificent landscapes, beautiful tropical parks and gardens, white country houses, long beaches with numerous small bays.
Torquay belongs to the seaside hotels family in the south of the country which is called English Riviera. English Riviera is one of the most
beautiful places in Great Britain and very famous British resort.
There are two big seaside hotels in Torquay the Imperial hotel and the Grand hotel. The Imperial hotel is magnificent hotel which was constructed in 1866. It is located on the rocky bank, and it is the only one five start hotel in Torquay. The hotel windows are viewing to English Riviera. Among the most famous guests of the hotel were Napoleon III, the Queen of Holland and King Edward VII. The hotel includes 170 rooms including 17 luxury suites.
The rooms are equipped with cable and satellite TV, fan, telephone, alarm clock, everything necessary to make tea, coffee. 24-hours porter, closed swimming pool, open-air swimming pool, sauna, solarium, spa centre, tennis and squash rackets grounds, golf area, nanny services, hairdresser's , laundry and Regatta-TQ1 restaurant, 10 conference halls are among the services which are offered to the seaside hotels guests. Another hotel belonging to the seaside hotels is the Grand hotel.
The hotel was built in 1881 in the traditional Edwardian style. The Grand Hotel contains 111 rooms including 11 suites (single- and double room with separate drawing-room). The most famous guest of The Grand Hotel was Agatha Christie who stayed at the hotel with her husband for honeymoon.