The Best Hotels to Book in Cornwall, England

There’s a sense of exclusivity to any hotel on the Scilly Isles ‒ which are located a short ferry or helicopter ride from Cornwall proper ‒ never mind this lovely boutique retreat. Found on the two-mile-long island of St Martins ‒ one of five inhabited in the archipelago ‒ its beachfront location and notable AA rosette Cloudesley Shovell restaurant would set it apart wherever its location. There’s truly something for everyone here ‒ from spa treatments at the Karma spa; seal snorkelling trips; dog meals served for your furry friend from Karma’s Kanine Kitchen; and an Enomatic Wine Machine, a quirky way to taste the highlights of the establishment’s fine cellar.

One of the oldest hotels in Cornwall, this Falmouth establishment started life as a sailors’ pub dating back to at least 1640. Today it offers plenty of old world charm, combined with panoramic harbour views, contemporary furnishings and stonking Cornish cuisine at its two AA rosette Water’s Edge restaurant ‒ one of the best in town. Unlimited G&Ts at the latter’s daily Bottomless Brunch will give you the chance to experience Falmouth like those sailors of yesteryear, but unlike them you can retire to a very comfy bed upstairs.

Right on Summerleaze Beach, this boutique Cornwall hotel is like a tick list for your ideal British summer holiday. Its New England seaside style gently nods to the hotel’s location with its sand-coloured (but never sand-filled) furnishings, while its goose down duvets and pillows beg you to dive in. Its own beachfront bar and restaurant is a local landmark, while the beach ‒ one of two in up-and-coming Bude – has a sea pool, new beach huts and several notable restaurants. Tick, tick… boom!

Artist Residence hotels have made a name for themselves by enlisting local artists to design their spaces. As Cornwall is well known for its thriving art scene, the Penzance outpost is a particular favourite. Rooms convey the kind of quirky cosiness that makes them difficult to leave – think wood burners, mini Smeg fridges, reclaimed furniture and oversized armchairs. Book a spot at the hotel’s restaurant for a warming bowl of smoked haddock kedgeree and a rum-infused crème brûlée, followed by an espresso martini on the garden terrace.

If you want an oasis from Fowey’s busy Fore Street, then step into The Old Quay House. Spread over three floors, the rooms are decorated with muted tones, power showers and White Company toiletries. If you can, book the Penthouse, which has perfect views over the Fowey Estuary from a private balcony. Even the smaller rooms have excellent sea views, so you can watch the sailboats from your bed while sipping your morning coffee. Local mussels, goat’s cheese mousse and wild garlic risotto are just some of the gorgeous dishes on the menu in the restaurant, which has a terrace jutting out over the estuary.

Flash back to bygone days at the St Tudy Inn, set within a beautifully renovated 17th-century building. The hotel retains its historic ambience in spite of its evolution into a luxurious countryside retreat – the result is cosy, yet contemporary with a stripped-back elegance. It has culinary credentials, too. Owner and head chef Emily Scott’s passion for colourful dishes is driven by the seasons and earned her a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Relax in front of the large open fireplace with dinner, or enjoy a drink at the old bar, where dogs are welcome.

Jutting out on a clifftop over Fistral Beach, the majestic Headland Hotel looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Not surprising then, it was once used as the location for the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches (1990). These days, though, this dog-friendly Victorian house blends old with new. The property’s 95 rooms and 39 self-catering cottages feature bespoke furniture, Nespresso coffee machines and Elemis products. Don’t leave without booking a session in the enormous spa, the Aqua Club, which boasts a beautiful pool overlooking the rolling Atlantic.

Carbis Bay’s main rooms are modern and chic, fronted by a privately owned 10ha (25 acre) Blue Flag Beach, where the calm, balmy water is just right for lazy swimming sessions, or taking the hotel’s Sunseeker yacht out for a day at sea. For a closer look at the historic Godrevy Lighthouse opposite, opt for a beach lodge or suite. Each slopes down to its own little stretch of beach and comes equipped with a hot tub, roof or beach garden, and private sun deck.

Savour those splendid sea views at your pick of The Rosevine’s studio apartments and boutique suites – most with their own private terrace or balcony where you can hear the sounds of thrashing waves below. Meticulously groomed lawns dotted with wicker furniture frame this Georgian family home, paving the way towards subtropical gardens. Inside, take a dip in the heated pool, or relax in the adults-only drawing room, home to snug sofas and a wood-burning stove.

This hotel is perfectly set up for families, with complimentary childcare services, kids’ clubs and activities such as zip wiring and swimming all available onsite. It’s not all for the little ones, though. The spa, offering facials and massages, is strictly for adults, plus the sea view hot tub is a peaceful sanctuary after a day out on the water. The rooms are sophisticated too, with plush red carpets, gilt mirrors and velvet antique sofas, offering a bit of luxury to return to at the end of the day.