A previous blaze erupted at the same site on Friday, April 3. Four fire engines and an aerial ladder were initially sent to the scene on Easter Sunday, but as the fire developed, further resources were deployed, including two additional fire engines and a second aerial ladder, as well as an incident commander. Members of the public were advised to avoid the area, as Devon and Cornwall Police warned of large amounts of smoke affecting nearby streets. The police force advised residents, particularly those nearest to the hotel, to close all windows and doors to prevent any health issues.
On Friday, April 3, five fire engines, responding to multiple calls from members of the public, arrived at the property to control a blaze. The cause of the recent fires remains unknown, with investigations still underway. Authorities are working to determine the origins of both incidents, which have raised concerns in the community.
The Sherwood Palm Hotel has been plagued by a series of troubles in recent years. The hotel was previously damaged by another fire in March 2024 and was forced to close for three months in October 2025. These repeated incidents highlight ongoing challenges at the establishment, which has faced scrutiny from local officials and residents.
Currently, the hotel is listed as 'temporarily closed' on Google. On Tripadvisor, guests haven't held back in sharing an honest review of their stay at The Sherwood Palm Hotel, with many awarding the establishment just one star out of five. The Sherwood Palm Hotel is dubbed 'Britain's worst', reflecting its poor reputation among visitors and locals alike.
Local police described the venue as an 'anti-social behaviour magnet', citing frequent disturbances and safety issues. This characterization underscores the broader problems associated with the hotel, which has become a focal point for community concerns over public safety and property management.