REVAMPED Babbacombe inn The Cary Arms has received five-star ratings from both the AA and Visit Britain in its first inspections since re-opening.

Reviewers from the two national companies visited the Inn on the Beach last week and spent a night inspecting the food, accommodation and guest facilities.

Visit Britain awarded the modernised inn a five-star silver status award and the AA gave five stars for Guest Accommodation.

The Babbacombe pub has undergone £9million of renovations under the ownership of international entrepreneur Peter de Savary and re-opened in April of this year.

The Inn on the Beach's project director, Ian Solkin, is thrilled with the AA and Visit Britain's findings.

"We are delighted to have received five stars," he said.

"Both the AA and Visit Britain remarked on the level of hospitality we offer.

"Our aim is to give the inn the feeling of home. We want our guests to feel as though they are visiting a family friend instead of a hotel.

"We say to our staff to treat guests like their mum's best friend."

Jeremy Brinkworth, head of quality at Visit England, said: "The Cary Arms has that killer combination of a great location with views overlooking the coastline, a very high standard of accommodation and super-friendly staff. Well deserving of its five-star silver award status."

Speaking for the English Riviera Tourist Board, Georgina Bowen said: "This is fantastic news for the Bay. "Congratulations to the Cary Arms for all the hard work and effort they have put into their renovations."

Alongside eight bedrooms and three self catering cottages the Cary Arms offers extensive spa treatments.

"I think it is important for all hotels to have a spa no matter how small they are," explained Mr Solkin.

The inn is also offering boat moorings at £20 a day.

Mr Solkin added: "We pride ourselves on offering guests these little touches."

An AA spokeswoman said for Guest Accommodation to be awarded five stars it must demonstrate the following criteria: "Accommodation must show an awareness of each guest's needs with nothing being too much trouble.

"All bedrooms must have an en-suite or private bathroom. There should be excellent quality beds and furnishings and breakfast must include special, home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce."