The best hotels in Cornwall
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From boutique boltholes to sprawling estates, Cornwall’s best hotels sit alongside the dramatic coastline, making it the perfect setting for a memorable night away. There is little better than sipping a glass of local sparkling wine while staring at the horizon from a beautiful Cornwall hotel room. Whether you seek seclusion at an exclusive adult-only stay or want to be in the heart of the action in one of the picturesque fishing villages or arty harbourside towns, here are 10 of the very best hotels in Cornwall to book right now. For a homely stay, see our pick of the best Airbnbs in Cornwall.
How we choose the best hotels in Cornwall
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We're always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
Anthony GreenwoodWatergate Bay Hotel, Newquay
Standing proudly upon a gorgeous two-mile stretch of beach on the north Cornish coast, Watergate Bay’s location is a strong starting point. This is a hotel that does a lot of things very well indeed. Its beach-fronted Swim Club has a 25-metre infinity pool, sea view sauna, and outdoor hot tub. Guests can stay in a Beach Loft, with panoramic views across the coastline, freestanding baths and floor-to-ceiling windows. They also offer a signature ‘surf in, surf out’ experience – a ski chalet-inspired service on the beach. It’s incredibly family-friendly, with a fun-packed Kids’ Zone and babysitting options. And dining here is exciting and diverse, from high-end cuisine to relaxed beachy menus, plenty of plant-based options, and regular foodie events throughout the summer months.
Drew GibsonThe Idle Rocks, St Mawes
From the moment you lay eyes on The Idle Rocks, jutting out into the glittering St Mawes water, there is a sense that this is a truly special place. Once inside, the hotel delivers on this promise with design-led, relaxing interiors elevated with expertly curated local art, high-end furnishings, and a chic coastal vibe. Bedrooms are wonderful and welcoming and have views to die for. The restaurant and its waterside terrace are the jewels in the hotel’s crown. Cocktails are also a particular highlight, with expertly made drinks created by talented and attentive bar staff.
Read our full review on The Idle Rocks hotel
Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey
‘Family-friendly’ doesn’t do Fowey Hall justice. It’s a dream destination for parents and children of all ages. Sitting above the picturesque town of Fowey, this historic hotel has it all. From relaxed yet refined dining, movie nights for the kids, story time with milk and cookies, children’s high tea, and a lovely, warm pool where children are always welcome. It also boasts a fantastic childcare service in a gorgeous cabin, with 90 minutes included each day, gifting parents time to unwind in the spa, take a dip in the chic outdoor pool, or simply enjoy a peaceful coffee on the terrace. There are a variety of rooms to suit all sizes and setups – the new signature suites are the standout stars, with breathtaking estuary views and airy, stylish interiors.
Carbis Bay, St Ives
Perfectly poised on the waterfront of one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, Carbis Bay is an exceptional place. The spa is exquisite; its heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and hydrotherapy pool are all set against dramatic ocean views. There is direct access to a particularly jaw-dropping stretch of the South West Coast Path, and St Ives is just 25 minutes away on foot or a few minutes by train. Dining here is a delight, from coffee and ice cream on the beach to fine dining with infinite sea views at The Ugly Butterfly, one of the best restaurants in Cornwall. There is a great variety of accommodation, including self-catering options – particularly impressive are the beach lodges, mere steps away from the photogenic golden sand and turquoise waters of the impeccable Cornish beach this remarkable hotel calls home.
The Old Quay House. Fowey
A dinky, hidden gem of a hotel, tucked away in an unassuming, though gorgeous, whitewashed Victorian building in the very centre of Fowey, you could easily walk past The Old Quay House and entirely miss the treasures within. Stepping inside, the property opens up to reveal a delightful dining room and lounge leading onto a terrace perched on the water’s edge (where a Cornish Champagne cream tea is an absolute must), and upstairs to a selection of bright, sunny bedrooms with crisp white sheets and estuary views. With Fowey’s pastel streets full of cafés, independent shops, and a sparkling harbour, The Old Quay House is the perfect base for a dreamy weekend in one of Cornwall’s most enchanting destinations.
Hamish MitchellThe Nare Hotel, Truro
This stately hotel on the picturesque Roseland Peninsula is renowned for its traditional elegance and luxury. A timeless Cornish classic, The Nare is memorable and sophisticated, and whilst more formal than the sandy floors and beachy vibes of other properties on this list, it’s perfect for special stays with all the family. Its restaurant serves spectacular seafood, lobster, crab, moules, and locally caught fish, to enjoy with the hotel’s glorious sea views. Afternoon tea is exceptional, offering a quintessentially Cornish country house experience. This is a property that guests return to year after year, falling in love with its beautiful location, sense of occasion and polished service.
Charlie McKayCoombeshead Farm, Launceston
A serene rural sanctuary, Coombeshead Farm is a guesthouse and working farm set amongst 66 acres of picturesque woodland and wildflowers. Escape to the heart of Cornwall’s countryside with a stay in the original Farmhouse or a converted Grain Store bedroom. Home to one of the best restaurants in Cornwall, it’s no surprise that breakfast at Coombeshead Farm is utterly delectable. A dinner reservation in the incredible restaurant is highly recommended to transform a stay here into a memorable foodie retreat. The Courtyard Café makes an idyllic stop to refresh after a meditative stroll along the farm’s oak-lined streams and colourful meadows.
St Enodoc, Wadebridge
St Enodoc is elegant and friendly, relaxed yet refined. Its location in ever-popular Rock makes it a perfect base to explore the North Cornish coastline – with a foot ferry running day and night to Padstow, coast path walks to Polzeath and Daymer Bay, and countless jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches a short drive away. Not that you’ll feel any hurry to leave the hotel. It’s home to the seriously impressive Karrek restaurant for high-end dining and a bistro with a well-executed menu and something for every taste – from local lobster to classic comfort food. Service is personal and attentive – this is a hotel that you find yourself wanting to return to time and time again.
Hugh HastingsHotel Tresanton, St Mawes
Designed by Olga Polizzi, Hotel Tresanton has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and a polished aesthetic perfectly tuned to its picturesque location. Polizzi spent two years redesigning the 30 bedrooms with stylish antiques and Cornish art – all boast views across the sea towards St Anthony’s lighthouse. The sophisticated restaurant features tongue-and-groove walls and mosaic floors, creating an intimate and inviting setting for Tresanton’s superb dining experience. The hotel also offers the use of Pinuccia, a magnificent eight-metre classic yacht. From Easter through to September the hotel’s skipper takes guests sailing around Falmouth Bay searching for secret, pristine beaches.
@lateef.photographyPadstow Townhouse, Padstow
An exquisite sanctuary in the heart of picturesque Padstow, with just six beautifully-styled suites. Designed by Paul and Emma Ainsworth as the perfect retreat after a Michelin-starred meal at their No. 6 Restaurant, it occupies a striking Georgian property in Padstow’s Old Town. This is a foodie haven – on arrival, guests receive tasty in-room treats and local delicacies, and as part of the turndown service, a flask of hot chocolate arrives laced with Frangelico and Cointreau. Guests can take advantage of the innovative Kitchen Pantry, a fully stocked kitchen offering indulgent treats, an Enomatic wine system and everything you need to make cocktails, all available via an honesty box system. A delightful breakfast hamper is served to the room each morning with fresh pastries, fruit, bread and conserves.
Esme DuckerThe Sandy Duck, Falmouth
A boutique B&B with serious design credentials, owner Freyja Ducker has created a beautiful bolthole in charming Falmouth. Service is excellent, rooms are comfortable and elegant, food is fresh and fantastic. All eight rooms have supremely comfortable beds, beautiful Egyptian cotton linens and naturally produced Land & Water toiletries. The striking Victorian property commands glorious views over Falmouth Bay towards Pendennis Castle. In the winter the roaring fire makes the perfect spot to warm up after a rugged tramp along the coast. Breakfast is taken seriously here, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The granola is homemade and the sourdough is fresh each morning from The Bakery on The Beach.
Artist Residence, Penzance
Anyone familiar with the Artist Residence brand will know the drill: rooms are split into rustic 'House' style, with repurposed furniture (Kenyan coffee crates as bedside tables, cushions made from flour sacks, battered brown-leather armchairs) and 'Arty', each of which feature original murals designed by a collection of British artists including Jo Peel and Mat McIvor. What's new here is the Lookout, a loft suite with its own tiny terrace, and the three-bedroom, cabin-like Cottage, which has reclaimed-wood-panelled walls, an open-plan kitchen/living room with a log burner and a freestanding copper tub in the bathroom. Play ping pong in the garden, relax in the cosy bar or have dinner at restaurant, where the dish to order is beer-can chicken, cooked in the smokehouse out back. Emma Love
LEE SEARLEHotel Meudon, Falmouth
Hidden among lush gardens, with access to a private beach, Hotel Meudon has been transformed into a tasteful Cornish retreat. An enchanting stroll through the colourful subtropical gardens leads to Bream Cove. Here, the Coast Path winds past secluded bays, perfect for seal spotting, wild swimming, and snorkelling, and along dramatic headlands with glittering sea views. You are just a couple of hours’ walk away from the stunning Helford Passage in one direction, and an hour from arty Falmouth in the other. After exploring this beautiful stretch of the Cornish coast, retiring here is good for the soul. The picturesque restaurant serves bountiful fresh fish and seafood, locally farmed meats, seasonal game and fresh herbs grown in the Meudon garden.
The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth
Snuggled on rugged Cornish clifftops, adults-only The Scarlet is an elegant eco-hotel. Its clean, simple aesthetic and glass walls showcase the stunning wild surroundings. A series of staggering views are revealed as you move through the property. Bedrooms have views over the gardens, cliffs, beach and sea. Interiors are airy; colour palettes calm and muted. There is a feeling of privacy here which encourages a relaxed pace of life. The eco theme continues with the stylish spa. With an indoor pool, outdoor natural reed pool, clifftop wooden sauna, steam room and log-fired hot tubs perched on the cliffside above the golden sands of Mawgan Porth. The Scarlet’s restaurant offers soaring panoramas of the coastline and serves seasonal, responsibly sourced food and wines paired by the in-house sommelier. This is a truly peaceful setting to unwind and recharge.
Read our full review of The Scarlet
The Chapel House, Penzance
Listen to the sound of seagulls; suck up that sea-salty air. This is a significant red-brick-and-stone Georgian house at the bottom of Chapel Street, close to the harbour wall. It’s pleasingly pared back: white-on-white with painted floorboards and shutters, and delightful original details such as a delicate, hand-carved flower motif on the marble fireplace in one of the two majestically proportioned reception rooms. Polished mahogany antiques, baby grand, contemporary sofas and warm, abstract-design rugs transform these imposing, high-ceilinged spaces into cosy hangouts. The bedrooms on the first floor are more traditional; those on the top-floor are more modern with a glass-and-steel dormer window through which to watch the clouds. All have bespoke oak beds – Stuart is a great champion of Cornish craftsmen and companies – and bathrooms tailored to the different spaces. And each has an iPad preloaded with local recommendations. Paula Ellis
Jake EasthamThe Pig at Harlyn Bay, Padstow
The Pig at Harlyn Bay takes over one of Cornwall's most historic houses overlooking a glorious sweep of beach, with bedrooms spread across the wood-panelled main house, a traditional stone courtyard building and four cosy shepherd’s huts in the gardens. The 25-mile menu in the restaurant and outdoor Lobster Shed competes with the foodie headliners in nearby Padstow (Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth).
Read our full review of The Pig at Harlyn Bay