The Best Hotels to Book in Falmouth, Cornwall

The Cutty Sark has serious pedigree. Renamed in 1966, when the clipper now moored in Southwark dropped anchor in the Fal. Retaining the best of its original features and the generous Georgian approach to hospitality, it’s now modernised. There’s a bar and restaurant complementing ten rooms, six with en suites.

Equidistant from Henry VIII’s forbidding Pendennis Castle and the seasonal sands of Gyllyngvase Beach, the Lerryn is a delightful family-run hotel on Falmouth’s seafront. The deluxe rooms are decorated in what the owners dub ‘maritime chic’, including mid-century designer furnishings, natural fabrics and décor that reflects the tones and forms of the sea outside your window. Room prices include a ‘full Cornish’ breakfast made largely from local produce and there’s a cosy bar for social drinks.

Facing Gyllyngvase beach, this chic, contemporary hotel is a far cry from the tacky seaside B&Bs that often spring to mind. Kitted out in soothing nautical colours, with sleek king-size beds and walk-in rainfall showers, the rooms at St Michaels provide the discerning traveller with a comfortable stay. Book into a sea-facing room, and be sure to indulge in the spa, which features a 17m (55ft) indoor pool and a bespoke treatment menu. For evening dining, the Flying Fish restaurant served up some of the best fresh seafood for miles around.

The palm trees, marble floors and stunning sea views could fool you into thinking that this is the Amalfi coast, not Cornwall. Golf lovers have full access to the hotel’s course, while those more inclined to recline will love the sprawling spa facilities. Head up to the sun terrace when the weather is fine and down into the champagne bar when it takes a turn for the worse.

If you book a stay at the Greenbank, you’ll be treated to an uninterrupted view of the sailing boats and the rugged coastline that bookends Falmouth Harbour. For those who’d rather be on the waves than looking at them, there are several sailing options to satisfy your inner adventurer, from traditional Cornish sailing boats to Falmouth water taxis. With plush king-size beds, velvet armchairs and dark-green tiled bathrooms, the rooms are luxurious and comfortable. One of the best and most reasonably priced afternoon teas in town and a cracking brunch menu ensure that you certainly won’t go hungry at the Greenbank.

If you’ve come to Cornwall to explore the county’s rich maritime history, Chain Locker is a good place to start. The walls of this restored 17th-century sailor’s tavern are peppered with nautical memorabilia, photos and artwork collected over the past 300 years. The respectfully updated rooms combine rustic seaside charm with modern flair. A seafood restaurant seals the deal, as does the perfect location for checking out all the shops, galleries and museums that Falmouth has to offer.

Family-owned and renowned for its friendly atmosphere, Trelawne Hotel is the perfect setting for a coastal escape. Maenporth Beach and the South West Coast Path are nearby, offering walking routes along the unspoilt Cornish coastline. After a day splashing around at the seaside or hiking in the countryside, treat yourself to a meal made with seasonal ingredients at the on-site restaurant, or kick back with a bottle of Cornish ale in the bar and lounge. Book yourself into a sea-facing bedroom to wake up to panoramic views over Falmouth Bay and Rosemullion Head.

There’s a cool rock’n’roll edge to this B&B in the heart of Falmouth. Its rooms are named after music icons such as David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and Prince, and each features quirky touches that its subject would have no doubt appreciated. If you prefer to keep things mellow, check into the understated Dusty Springfield room for a private balcony with sea views, with a pashmina provided to wrap up in when the sun goes down. Breakfast is served daily until mid-morning, and when you’re ready to explore, Falmouth’s beaches, boutiques and beautiful gardens are right around the corner.