The best hotels in Cornwall
From coast to country and budget to luxury, here's our ultimate pick of Cornwall's top hotels
Summer is here and the hotter temperatures are making us want to escape for a staycation in the south west, where we can check in to one of the best hotels in Cornwall for a sun-kissed holiday in the UK.
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN CORNWALL
Famous for its Cornish pasties, Caribbean-like beaches and Celtic Cornish culture, there’s no denying that Cornwall is one of the best places to visit in Britain. In fact, it often tops the lists of best places for a staycation, with many of us choosing the coastal county over other beauty spots, including the Cotswolds, Devon and Snowdonia.
Popular among couples, families, solo visitors and even four-legged holidaymakers, Cornwall is a much-loved UK destination for a reason. Its heavenly islands (hello Isles of Scilly), a food scene that rivals London’s and the wild scenery (we’re looking at you, Bodmin Moor) make Cornwall a brilliant place for a British break and the best Cornwall hotels embody the beauty and warmth of the county.
Whether you dream of soaking up the seaside vibes at a grand beach hotel or enjoying boutique luxury at a chic inn with views, you’ll love our selection of the best hotels in Cornwall for a holiday this year.
We’ve picked the wonderful Cornish hotels that aren’t only for summer, but worth considering for spring, autumn and winter escapes.
Whatever your holiday type, budget or activity style, you’ll want to keep scrolling for our pick of the best hotels in Cornwall.
Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa, Mullion
Promising spectacular ocean views across the Lizard Peninsula, Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa is the perfect spot for some peaceful contemplation. Located just off the South West Coast Path and a short drive from The Lizard, the southernmost point of the British mainland, why not whip up an appetite for a Cornish cream tea with a salty romp along the coast.
Thanks to the hotel's Edwardian origins, all of the elegant rooms benefit from large windows which flood them with light. All have a warm country-slash-coastal chic appeal, while the best positioned have views over the peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean. As a special treat, enjoy a leisurely champagne breakfast served in the beautiful two AA Rosette restaurant.
Driftwood, Portscatho
Swaying palm tees, lush subtropical plants and a winding path down to a private beach, this chic clifftop hotel set in seven acres of gardens feels more Mediterranean than Cornish. Just five miles from the quaint harbour, quirky shops and crumbling castle in St Mawes, Driftwood makes a pleasantly rural base for exploring all the nooks and crannies of the south Cornwall coast.
The clutch of rooms are all beautifully decorated in warm creams and natural tones, and almost all have sea views. For a truly romantic getaway, why not book the Rustic Cabin, which is perched on the cliff overlooking Gerrans Bay. However, a highlight of any stay at Driftwood is dinner in the 3 AA Rosette restaurant, renowned for its glorious tasting menus of seasonal Cornish produce.
St Michaels Resort
Moments from the sandy sweep of Gyllyngvase beach, this beautiful beachfront hotel with gardens and views over the English Channel is perfect for a Cornish coastal getaway. Conquer part of the South West Coast Path, build sandcastles on the beach or take an easy potter around the cutesy shops and Cornish tea rooms of nearby Falmouth. Alternatively, relax in the outdoor spa with a Finnish barrel sauna and hydra pool. Bliss.
Decked out in natural woods and muted seaside tones, the light and airy rooms have a boutique appeal, and many are dog friendly. Our favourites have private sundecks and those fabulous sea views. Also home to the Brasserie on the Bay, renowned for its sparklingly fresh fish and seafood, zingy salads and sharing platters.
The Godolphin, Marazion
Looking directly over St Michael's Mount, this glorious 18th-century boutique hotel is surely blessed with one of the finest views in Cornwall, if not the country. Whether you want to kick back on the sun terrace with a Cornish cocktail and drink in those views or make use of the hotel's water sports facilities with a paddle around Mount's Bay.
There's no doubting your coastal location at The Godolphin, the hotel is swathed in subtle briny greens and ocean blues, while light floods in from the huge sash windows. Rooms are equally as stylish and with a mid-century modern vibe, most have views over the bay towards St Michael's Mount. Of course, it's the freshly caught seafood which is the star of the show in the restaurant.
Headland Hotel, Cornwall
No roundup of the best hotels in Cornwall would be complete without this grande dame of a building, which has hosted members of royalty over the years, like King Charles. As one of the most iconic Cornish hotels, the Headland is one to seriously impress. It's surrounded by the ocean on three sides and overlooks lovely Fistral Beach.
There's five-star luxury at every turn, including at the Aqua Club with its six pools and in the stylish bedrooms. Rosette-worthy dining, surf lessons for those looking to try something new. The epic spa, with a sun terrace so you can really make the most of those sea views, completes the experience at this celebrated hotel. Plus, dogs are welcome, so you must bring your pooch!
Hotel Tresanton, Saint Mawes
Set in the south Cornish village of Saint Mawes, Hotel Tresanton will transport you to the Mediterranean with its collection of white-washed houses and exotic vibe. Formerly a yacht club, this is one of the best hotels in the Cornwall for those in search of a laidback yet stylish location to enjoy the seaside.
Each of its 30 rooms offer a sea view and the interiors include paintings and drawings from Cornwall. There's a chic beach club where you can while away sunny afternoons by the water and classic yacht Pinuccia is available to guests. We love the style and elegance of the hotel in one of Cornwall's prettiest villages.
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Newquay
This adults-only hotel in Cornwall affords not only a terrific location overlooking surfing beach Fistral, but a dreamy spa for you to unwind with treatments, a sauna and a hot tub.
At Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, the Dune Restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows for you to watch the waves as you dine and the Bay Bar is perfect for relaxing with a drink. If the weather plays up, you can swap the beach for the indoor swimming pool at this wonderful hotel for grown-ups.
Fowey Harbour Hotel, Fowey
With its lush landscaped gardens and sparkling sea views, the Fowey Harbour Hotel is as picturesque as they come. Its scenic and peaceful location in beautiful Fowey isn't the only draw. The bedrooms are extremely chic, with their bright decor and cosy feel.
Meanwhile, the 37-room Victorian hotel has excellent spaces to drink and dine. The food is light and locally sourced, the wine is eclectic and the views complete the experience at this gorgeous hotel in Cornwall.
Carbis Bay Hotel, St Ives
Who needs the Maldives when we have the seaside village of Carbis Bay? Set within 125-acres and part of the 125 acres that makes up Carbis Bay Estate, the luxurious Carbis Bay Hotel is set against the glorious backdrop of its own 25-acre Blue Flag beach. Apart from its excellent location, at one of the best hotels in Cornwall, you'll find the C Bay Spa offering coastal-inspired treatments, a Sunseeker yacht for private excursions and theatrical dining at Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly.
You must experience the Beach Club, an alluring lounge and outdoor terrace where you can take in panoramic views of the ocean while enjoying Mediterranean food. At the Carbis Bay Hotel, the facilities are set within sub-tropical gardens and there's access to the South West Coast Path, which connects Carbis Bay to St Ives in under 25 minutes by foot. If you're after a Cornish hotel you'll never forget, this is a place worth knowing about.
Budock Vean Hotel, Falmouth
Perfect for discerning travellers, Budock Vean Hotel is a peaceful, luxurious haven on the banks of the Helford River. The sprawling hotel is set in its own 65 acres of gardens, woodland, fairways and water-frontage. Once you park up, you can forget your car with easy coastal, riverside, beach and country walks from the front door in the wonderful Helford Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There's so much to relax in style here, from the private beach where you can take guided trips on the Helford River by boat to full use of the golf course and tennis courts. You'll find a swimming pool, a hot tub with a view, spa treatments and everything you need from one of the best hotels in Cornwall, whether you're travelling as a couple or with your dog.
Star Castle Hotel, Isles of Scilly
Located on the largest of the Isles of Scilly, St Mary’s, this is the best hotel in Cornwall if you're after something unusual and packed with history. Built in the 16th century and in the shape of an eight-pointed star, the aptly named Star Hotel is still fully intact.
Here, you'll find a cosy bar that was once the dungeon and a restaurant that housed the officer’s mess. The hotel is known for its dining, so if you like seafood, you'll want to head for the Conservatory, while meat-lovers should book a table at the Castle. Owner Robert Francis planted his own vineyard in 2009, so expect his best vintage yet if you're visiting this year.
Polurrian on the Lizard, Helston
Want to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty of Cornwall? One of the best beach hotels in Cornwall is Pollurian on the Lizard, which is known for offering top-notch afternoon tea and its dog-friendliness. The hotel and its villas are located in an amazing spot overlooking the ocean, so you can wake up to some of the best views the region has to offer.
A good value option in Cornwall, the hotel serves up tasty, local food and there's both an indoor and outdoor heated pool for relaxation. This is a terrific choice for adventurous types too, as you can try coasteering, kayaking, paddle boarding, climbing and more on the Lizard Peninsula, as well as surfing lessons and boat trips. A walk along the Cornish Coastal Path is another must-do.
Three Mile Beach, Hayle
Ok, so technically it’s not a hotel in Cornwall but Three Mile Beach is so pretty we couldn’t leave it out of our list. A collection of 15 gorgeous beach houses in West Cornwall, it’s located just four miles from St Ives and hidden among sand dunes, coastal grasses and palms - bliss!
This is a self-catering experience that allows you to enjoy hotel luxuries. A street food truck, wetsuit and surfboard hire and homemade cooking from a private chef complete the experience. Inside the beach houses, you’ll find three or four bedrooms, kitchen-lounge-diners, warming log burners, plus there are sunken cedar hot tubs to enjoy.
Hotel Penzance, Penzance
Want a lovely Cornwall hotel that's close to the sea and has a sun-kissed swimming pool, too? Hotel Penzance is an elegant townhouse hotel that enjoys glorious open skies and views over the horizon to the glistening sea. Offering a home from home for visitors in Penzance, the hotel has 25 rooms and a welcoming feel.
There are stunning gardens, award-winning farm-to-fork dining and you're in an excellent location to explore Cornwall's beautiful sites, including St Michael's Mount and the Minack Theatre.
The Gannet, St Ives
For a cosy, intimate hotel that comes at a great price, look no further than The Gannet, just a short distance from Carbis Bay Beach. The inn has just 16 boutique bedrooms, many with soaring sea views. As well as the boutique bedrooms, you'll find traditional British food with a modern twist and a bar with a cosy fireplace.
The rooms are elegant and homely, with quirky pieces to make each unique. After hours of sunning yourself, you can find respite on the shaded terrace in the garden. While here, taking to the wonderful water by kayaking or paddle boarding is a great way to discover the beauty of Cornwall.
Mannings Hotel, Truro
Loved for its fantastic location for exploring Cornwall, Mannings is in an elegant Grade II listed Georgian townhouse just yards from Truro's cathedral. There are rooms and apartments available to book at the AA-awarded hotel and while here, you'll want to experience the restaurant and bar.
You can feast on bento boxes and Thai-inspired dishes, as well as freshly caught Cornish seafood and the classic Mannings steak. The bar is a stylish spot for cocktails and seeing where the locals like to catch up after work.
St Moritz Hotel, Polzeath
Located in the culinary triangle, between Padstow, Rock and Port Isaac, the art-deco styled St Moritz Hotel brings glamour to a Cornish coastal escape. Nestled within nature’s playground, there's plenty to keep you entertained and for those planning all day lazing and watching superb sunsets, you're in for a treat.
The hotel is home to the only Cowshed Spa outside of Soho House properties to cater to your rejuvenation needs and travellers who book a King Room have exclusive use of your very own beach hut overlooking the Camel estuary and the Atlantic beyond.
The Scarlet, Newquay
A luxury eco hotel that's just for grown-ups, The Scarlet sits on the edge of the ocean and redefines what it truly means to stay at a five-star hotel. Here, the focus is on enhancing the natural surroundings to ensure you leave fully reenergised and relaxed, as well as with knowledge that your break didn’t come at a cost to the environment.
Perched on the clifftops overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth, its location is ideal for soaking up the best of Cornwall. There's an in-house spa featuring an indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs for admiring the ocean view and a restaurant serving the freshest, locally sourced food from sustainable growers, fishermen and farmers. Plus, you can bring your dog!
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