For many, nothing beats waking up to the sound of cawing seagulls, stretching out in bed, and gazing at the ocean from our window.
And with so many beautiful and unique places to stay, Cornwall is perfect for a holiday by the shoreline.
With this in mind, we’ve pulled together 10 of our favourite hotels with sea views in Cornwall.
1. Boskerris Hotel, St Ives
Described by travel writer Natalie Millar-Partridge as “Cornwall meets the Mediterranean”, this clifftop hotel offers unrivalled sea views. Whether you’re lounging on the sun-kissed terrace, indulging in deliciously dressed crab, or relaxing in bed, you can admire sweeping vistas of the alluring Atlantic.
When you’re not relaxing in the beautifully decorated, whitewashed hotel, why not stroll down to the Blue Flag beach below? Or venture into the vibrant harbour town of St Ives to discover unique boutiques, immerse yourself in modern art at the Tate Gallery, or ride the famous waves at Porthmeor Beach.
2. Talland Bay Hotel, Looe
This lavish 16th-century house-turned-hotel is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the Cornish coast in style. The regal exterior and manicured, pine-speckled lawn seem fresh out of the pages of a Jane Austen novel. However, look inside, and you’ll find a cabinet of curiosities, with each room decorated in its own eclectic style.
Besides living in the lap of luxury at the hotel itself, why not venture into the quintessential seaside town of Looe, or set off hiking on the famous South West Coastal Path? Plus, the hotel and the nearby beach – accessible via a coastal path – are dog-friendly, so you can enjoy a Cornish getaway with your canine friend!
3. The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth
With a rich arts scene, quaint little beach, and jolly atmosphere, Falmouth is ideal for a Cornish getaway. And for mesmerising sea views, look no further than the Greenbank Hotel. Dating back to the 17th century, this now-stylish, contemporary spot has hosted several famous guests over the centuries (including Florence Nightingale).
You can wake up to the sounds of clinking boats in the rosy morning harbour before tucking into breakfast at the hotel’s Water’s Edge restaurant. When you’re not paddleboarding or lounging at Gylly Beach, you can wander around the one-of-a-kind shops and eateries in town. Be sure to check out Beerwolf Books, Falmouth’s very own pub/bookshop.
4. The St Enodoc Hotel, Rock
If you’re eager to escape to Cornwall’s north coast, the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock can provide the perfect base. There’s plenty to do in the town itself – for example, hitting the links at the famous St Enodoc Golf Course or tasting the local beer at Sharp’s Brewery. However, Rock is also located near other desirable destinations, like Padstow and Polzeath.
As for the hotel, it offers delightful panoramas over the Camel Estuary with an outdoor heated pool, two spa rooms, and a large terrace. As Natalie Millar-Partridge writes, inside, “[the] décor is fresh and contemporary, boasting vibrant furnishings and fabrics and local art showcased on the walls of light-filled rooms, providing a sunny backdrop and modern coastal vibe throughout.”
5. Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay
Perched on the wild and windswept Pentire Headland just outside Newquay, the Lewinnick Lodge offers a near 360 view of the swirling Atlantic waters. With the South West Coast Path right on your doorstep, it provides an ideal retreat for ramblers. And with plenty of blissful, white-sand beaches to choose from, surfers and sun-worshippers alike will be more than content.
Once you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, or perhaps explored nearby Newquay, the comfortable and calming hotel will be waiting for you. Boasting monsoon showers, bathtubs with sea views, and luxuriant Egyptian cotton sheets, you’ll hopefully leave feeling rested, recharged, and looking forward to your next visit.
6. The Godolphin, Marazion
For a chic coastal retreat with an unbeatable beachfront location, look no further than The Godolphin in the small market town of Marazion. The interior of this boutique hotel embraces “a relaxed coastal aesthetic that highlights the beauty of the surrounding environment,” with airy, sun-lit rooms.
Boasting a communal balcony and terrace, the Godolphin also commands astonishing seaward views. The focal point of these vistas is St Michael’s Mount, a spectacular mediaeval church and castle that sits just off the coast on a tidal island. You can walk out to it at low tide, but there are plenty more activities to get stuck into – including windsurfing and paddleboarding.
7. The Lugger, Portloe
For a more isolated vacation, why not head to The Lugger in the tiny, picturesque fishing village of Portloe? Cornwall’s only AA-rated Five Star Inn is tucked away between rugged cliffs in the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it’s perfect for nature lovers looking to get plenty of fresh, salty air.
And when you’re seeking comfort, you can retire to the hotel (which served as a smuggler’s inn in the 17th century) and enjoy sea views and belly-warming food. Head Chef Richard Lipscombe and his restaurant team make everything in-house. Plus, the fresh seafood is brought ashore in the harbour, which lies mere metres away.
8. Driftwood, Portscatho
The Driftwood Hotel just outside of Portscatho is another out-of-the-way clifftop hotel with breathtaking sea views that’s often listed as one of the best boutique hotels in Cornwall. However, what sets it apart from the other entries is its seven acres of gardens and private, Caribbeanesque beach!
Featuring simply decorated but elegant rooms, Michelin-starred cuisine, and a delightful terrace where you can watch the sunset, you might not want to leave the hotel for your entire stay. And this is only bolstered by the praiseworthy service. As Natalie Millar-Partridge writes, “The amiable hosts, husband and wife team Paul and Fiona Robinson, are dedicated to guests’ comfort, providing a hands-on experience that will leave you captivated.”
9. The Beach at Bude
If you’re partial to a Cornish getaway and haven’t visited Bude yet, you’ll probably want to check it out. The vibrant town is full of quirky independent shops and restaurants, as well as pristine beaches offering some of the best surfing around. However, if you aren’t one for big waves, there’s also a delightful sea pool for a calmer swim.
Just above the sea pool – a stone’s throw from the white sands of Summerleaze Beach – is The Beach at Bude. This trendy seaside retreat offers a mix of classic hotel rooms and self-catering suites, with bright, sun-trap rooms. However, the member’s club-style bar is the hotel’s beating heart, often featuring a dynamic mix of locals and visitors.
10. Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa, Mullion
Are you looking for a mix of outdoor exploration and invigorating relaxation? The Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa is located on the South West Coast Path, making it ideal for exploring the Lizard Peninsula on foot. However, when your day is done, you can retreat to the luxurious eco-spa for all kinds of refreshing treatments – from warm lavender sleep wraps to rose quartz wellness facials.
Satisfying seasonal cuisine is served in the two onsite restaurants, and the panoramic terrace offers one-of-a-kind views of Mullion Island and the twisting, rocky headlands. Plus, the Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa is dog-friendly, meaning you won’t have to leave your fluffy family member behind.
Final thoughts…
From luxurious, regal hotels to quirky little inns, we hope this list has inspired your next Cornish getaway.
For more ideas to satisfy your wanderlust, check out our travel section. Here, you can also find various deals – from affordable hotels to opulent around-the-world cruises.
Have you stayed in any of these hotels? Or would you like to suggest your own? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.