The Story Behind Dartmouth’s Local Businesses: Dart Marina Hotel

Paul Downing is a busy man. As Managing Director of Dart Marina Hotel, Dart Marina Yacht Harbour and Dartmouth Higher Ferry, he has a unique insight into the practicalities of our local tourism economy. On a daily basis he is juggling a diverse set of customer needs: the expectations of the hotel and spa visitors; the logistics of visiting yachts mooring in front of the hotel; and the busy traffic flowing back and forth across the Dart. But for all that, Paul presents a very calm presence amongst all the activity. Perhaps it’s because he works in such a special location at Sandquay which is at the upriver end of Dartmouth, with stunning views across the harbour and down to the river mouth.

He can’t help but enthuse about the business, and seems constantly on the look-out for ways to improve the services available:

“The Hotel offers a fantastic place to work and relax. As well as the waterfront Popup bar, Cloud 9, we also have the hotel Terrace for a light Alfresco Lunch. Zephyr Bistro was launched a year ago and offers a relaxed atmosphere and classic Bistro Dishes.  And this year we are delighted to have completed the Belvedere Room, which is a flexible space for Private Dining or Corporate residential events.”

In fact, the businesses Paul oversees were previously part of the Phillips Shipyard group, which also included Noss on Dart. As shipbuilding in Dartmouth faded away, the Sandquay site found a new vocation in the leisure sector, with the development of the Hotel and revamping the Marina. More recently, the Dart Marina Apartments were built, providing further accommodation, both for permanent and visiting residents.

This ability to move with the times is something that visitors might not expect of Dartmouth, but the town has found ways of adapting and embracing change over the centuries in order to remain relevant no matter what is happening around it. Perhaps that is what sub-consciously draws business people like Paul to Dartmouth, a town with deep respect for it’s past, whilst still having an eye on the future.

“I always tell people that Dartmouth is a beautiful Town with many wonderful facets BUT most of all it is a real town with real people, and that’s is what makes it stand out from other towns.”

Dart Marina Hotel & Spa is a key part of the hospitality offer in Dartmouth as it is the largest hotel in town. To have such a key business keen to invest in significant change is a vote of confidence in Dartmouth’s future. The recent renovations to the Belvedere Room creates another private dining space for the town, as well as the chance for hosting corporate events. It’s hard to imagine a better location to help busy work teams think outside the corporate box than this spot below the historic Royal Britannia Naval College, and next to the beautiful Dart.

A warm welcome is guaranteed at this busy spot. Paul and his team are always ready with recommendations on how to make the most of a visit to Dartmouth – just make sure you have booked enough time to do it all!

“There are so many things to do and places to eat. I love walking out to the Castle and up to Gallant’s Bower. The Seahorse is a real treat as I love seafood, but breakfast is my favourite meal with Alf Rescos at the top of my list.”