Twelve fire crews, including some from Cornwall, attended the fire

Emergency crews were alerted to the incident at about 1145 BST on Sunday.

The 77-bedroom Grade Two listed building, which was built in 1879, is situated at Plymouth Hoe on the city's seafront.

About 62 guests were staying at the hotel, although most were out of the building when the fire started.

Smoke clouds

More than 20 staff were evacuated from the scene.

The fire is believed to have started in the west side of the roof. It spread from there to several floors and caused large clouds of smoke to billow across the seafront.

Fifteen appliances were called to the scene, including some drafted in from Cornwall. They used aerial platforms, hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the flames.

Divisional Officer Malcolm Carmicheal said it was a major incident for the crews.

He said: "They went in and made their way up the upper floors, checking room by room to make sure nobody was up there while there was a fire burning above their heads.

"They were very difficult conditions to work in."

Parts of the city's Leigham Street, Citadel Road and Eliot Street were closed by emergency services while the fire was brought under control.

Garth Powell, managing director of MacDonald Hotels, said: "The damage is pretty significant.

"I think it'll be a while before we can open again for business."