Cheap Hotels in Cornwall that Don’t Scrimp on Style

Head down cobbled Chapel Street in Penzance and you’ll discover a Georgian townhouse that’s been converted into a quirky and cosy hotel. The vibe is pampered but unpretentious, with 22 art-adorned bedrooms and a three-bedroom cottage, too. Guests can soak in copper bathtubs and warm up beside wood-burning stoves in rooms strewn with Rajasthan textiles and palm-print motifs. Downstairs, The Clubhouse serves excellent food in a laid-back atmosphere – the prawn tacos are a must.

Run by husband-and-wife team Lynne and Andy, The Lerryn is well-placed for exploring Falmouth’s seafront, harbour and 16th-century Pendennis Castle. Rooms reflect the hotel’s maritime surroundings with a chic twist, from the scalloped headboards to the repurposed ship lights. There’s a great selection of breakfast options including hot and cold dishes, and well-behaved dogs are warmly welcomed.

A short walk from the centre of Truro, The Alverton was once a convent. It’s now a stylish hotel with an award-winning restaurant, plus stained-glass windows, a bell tower and curved archways that’ll have you counting your blessings. Rooms are divided between the main house and the courtyard: all feature luxury touches like copper baths, rose-patterned headboards and White Company toiletries. Sample the signature chateaubriand at dinner or sip cocktails on the terrace.

Sitting above sandy Summerleaze Beach, The Beach at Bude is perfect for sea lovers. Spend the afternoon surfing the nearby breaks or kick back with a cocktail on the ocean-facing terrace. There’s a neutral colour scheme in the rooms, with coral cushions providing a splash of colour. The heart of the hotel is in the lively bar, while former MasterChef contestant Jamie Coleman sends out delicious, locally sourced dishes from the kitchen.

Offering affordable accommodation and a convenient location in the heart of Truro, the County Arms has a modern style and friendly feel that outweighs other budget bases. Its 33 rooms include double, twin, family and superior rooms, and some have pretty woodland views. The food is hearty – proper burgers accompanied by local ales, weekly roasts (with veggie options, too), and full fry-ups. They also serve their own blend of coffee, Brewer & Bean, using 100 per cent arabica beans.

Locations don’t come much more dramatic than this. Standing on a cliff on the rugged Lizard peninsula, Polurrian is a cool retreat with floor-to-ceiling sea views. Rooms – including twin and family options – are bright and contemporary, while the luxurious villas offer extra space and privacy. Facilities include a restaurant with a wood-fired oven, an indoor pool, a health club and spa with Elemis treatments and bespoke yoga classes.

Choose from self-catering properties and hotel rooms (including family suites) at this 72-acre estate in St Ives. The best rooms are sea-facing, so you can fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves. The Brasserie has a teal-and-grey colour scheme and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with children’s menus available. You can also order a picnic hamper – loaded with scones and Cornish pasties – to graze on amid the grounds or further afield.

There’s a relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe at The Escape, located in the heart of Newquay. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious groups of friends and is located less than a five-minute walk to the beach and shops. The bar is open until 3am and there’s free parking, handy for such a central location. Hungry? Dinner is usually artisan pizzas or Thai, while a full fry-up will get you going in the morning.