7 Best Hotels In Cornwall: Luxury & Boutique ❤️
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Doing your due diligence on a boutique coastal retreat, and looking for the best hotels in Cornwall?
You’re in luck! I’ve been to both north and south Cornwall, and am a big fan of what I call “high/low travel”. This means I love the luxury and romance of something more expensive for a couple of days. But just as much, I love the little hole-in-the-wall boutique hotels that offer very little flare, but very big heart.
How did I decide on the best hotels in Cornwall?
Well, the first few are hotels I’ve stayed in and loved. The rest are recommendations from friends.
⭐️ MY FAVORITE: Hotel Tresanton, St. Mawes ⭐️
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything about traveling to the English coast and where to book the best hotels in Cornwall.
You’ll also learn all of my Cornwall travel tips, the frequently asked questions of what to see, what to pack, and where to grab a good cocktail!
Best Hotels In Cornwall
So whether it’s me or a trusted friend who has slept in these hotels ‘for the sake of research’ on this article, you can be sure the info is top-notch – none of that over-glamorization of Instagram on this blog!
I always look for beautiful but not over-the-top decor, fantastic views, and that cozy feel you get when you see the gardens or the front foyer of a hotel (like you’re home – but you don’t have to clean). I also look for wonderful staff, where the service is warm and friendly.
1. Hotel Tresanton, St. Mawes
- 📍 Location: South Cornwall, St. Mawes (Google Link)
- 🏨 Room Types: 30 rooms, Sea View (recommended) & Terrace Views
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $300-500 USD though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Booking.com
St. Mawes is a picturesque fishing village, and Hotel Tresanton is at its heart.
Each of the 30 rooms has a different feel and a view of the sea. Olga Polizzi is the owner of the hotel, and her design and style are clear throughout. The furniture is a mix of old and new, with some unusual pieces and some fantastic local art.
Beyond its excellent location, the staff is incredibly kind and helpful, the hotel has its own yacht, called Pinuccia, that can be used by guests in the summer months, its own Beach Club, a beautiful series of terraces on the water, and is a perfect oasis to relax in.
We stayed here 2 nights and it was our favorite place to start the day and come home to! It’s especially charming off-season in the spring or fall. Oh, and the bartender serves up a mean Negroni as a nightcap.
2. Padstow Townhouse, Padstow
- 📍 Location: North Cornwall, Padstow (Google Link)
- 🏨 Room Types: 6 beautifully styled suites
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $400-600 USD though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Booking.com
Padstow Townhouse is a home away from home in northern Cornwall, with each of its 6 beautifully designed rooms delightfully named after tasty treats!
It was opened in 2015 to realize Paul and Emma Ainworth’s dream of offering their diners somewhere to stay.
Fun Fact: This destination started out as a top-notch restaurant called No.6, and still boasts a Michelin Star, serving modern British food with a focus on well-sourced Cornish produce. In fact, this little part of Cornwall is a foodie haven, with a few delicious restaurants around, including Rick Stein’s Cafe.
When you arrive, you’ll find local goodies in your room. There’s a fully stocked kitchen and bar you can help yourself to, and for breakfast, a delicious array of local pastries, bread, and jams.
And, guests dining at No.6 for lunch or dinner can take advantage of complimentary transfers in an electric BMW or enjoy the short walk between the two.
➡️ Check Availability for Padstow Townhouse Here! ⬅️
3. The Sandy Duck, Falmouth
- 📍 Location: South Cornwall, Falmouth (Google Link)
- 🏨 Rooms: 8 modern & chic rooms
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $100-300 USD, though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Booking.com
Tucked away on a residential street, this stunning Victorian bed and breakfast is a modern boutique hotel, established in 1899, and since then renovated.
What I like most about this hotel, beyond its hipster modern decor set among Victorian architecture is its attitude towards food – the breakfast is incredible and local ingredients only, and they serve excellent cake!
Beyond the property, the town of Falmouth is just a brief walk away, with the sandy shores of Swanpool and Gyllyngvase nearby, and the historic Pendennis Tudor castle just 3km away, ready for you to explore.
➡️ Check Availability for The Sandy Duck Here! ⬅️
4. The Idle Rocks, St. Mawes
- 📍 Location: South Cornwall, St. Mawes (Google Link)
- 🏨 Room Types: 18 bright & spacious en suites (sea views recommended)
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $50-125 USD, though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Booking.com
Back to St.Mawes, one of my favorite towns is another great hotel that makes the list, and that is Idle Rocks. Located right on the harbor, the views could not be more stunning!
We arrived at this hotel just in time for happy hour and were pleasantly surprised by the fact that there was one more open reservation at their phenomenal on-site restaurant
➡️ Check for Availability to The Idle Rocks Here! ⬅️
5. Artist Residence, Penzance
- 📍 Location: South Cornwall, Penzance (Google Link)
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $200-$400 USD, though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Booking.com
The 17th-century Artist Residence is one of the best boutique hotels in Cornwall and Penzance.
Each room is meticulously crafted in an eclectic and rustic fashion, with limited edition artworks. Some rooms even feature remarkable bathtubs and cozy log burners.
On the bottom floor of the property is the Clubhouse, an amazing hangout and all-day dining restaurant with a diverse menu featuring smoked meats, Cornish fish, seafood, and locally sourced products – all set in a buzzy and fun ambiance.
What’s more, Artist Residence is conveniently located just a 5-minute stroll from Penzance’s historic seafront, where you can go shopping, walk around the town and go pub-hopping.
➡️ Check for Availability to the Artist Residence Here! ⬅️
6. Carbis Bay & Spa, St Ives
- 📍 Location: North Cornwall, St. Ives (Google Link)
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $180 – $300 USD, though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Booking.com
Do you want to stay where leaders and heads of state stay? This is your chance, and you won’t regret it!
Carbis Bay & Spa Hotel is one of my favorite hotels in Cornwall because it’s situated right on the St. Ives coast (literally, wake up to the sound of the ocean!) and is the epitome of luxury.
This property is fantastic for a weekend getaway, weddings, family trips, or any boogie vacation excuse you can think of. There is a spa on-site, and a restaurant. The rooms and hospitality are top-notch, and the views, the beach, and nature around the hotel are breathtaking!
➡️ Check Availability for Carbis Bay & Spa Here! ⬅️
7. Coombeshead Farm, Launceston
- 📍 Location: South Cornwall, Falmouth (Google Link)
- 🏨 Rooms: 10 modern & cozy rooms
- 🤑 Cost: Approx. $180 – $300 USD, though rates can vary
- ✅ Book Your Stay: Website
Coombeshead Farm is a wonderful 10-bedroom, little cottage set on a beautiful 66 acres of meadows and woodland in Launceston. A short drive from the Farm, you can visit the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and National Trust houses.
The property grows its own veggies, rears its own chickens, sheep, cows, and piglets – and even harvests honey from its own bee hives!
I love this place because it’s a fantastically restored dairy farm, the decor is luxurious yet cozy, and the feel of the land is quintessentially Cornish.
Where To Stay In Cornwall FAQ
One of the more difficult parts about planning a trip to Cornwall is deciding where to stay – north or south of the peninsula – and how to maximize a little weekend or week-long getaway!
What Is The Best Part Of Cornwall To Stay In?
Cornwall is a beautiful county in southwestern England with a diverse range of landscapes and history.
The best part of Cornwall to stay in depends on your interests and what you’re looking for in your vacation. Here are some popular areas to consider:
✅ St. Ives: [MY FAVORITE] Known for its stunning beaches and picturesque harbor, St. Ives is a popular destination for artists and beach lovers. It’s a charming town with a Mediterranean feel and is perfect for a relaxing seaside getaway.
📍 Check out: Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa
✅ St. Mawes: [MY SECOND FAVORITE] This is a charming coastal village located on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. It’s known for its picturesque harbor, stunning views of the sea, and a relaxed, quintessentially Cornish atmosphere. Super small-town feel!
📍 Check out: Hotel Trestanton, The Idle Rocks
✅ Padstow: This fishing village is renowned for its food scene, with several excellent restaurants owned by celebrity chef Rick Stein. It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby Camel Estuary and coastline.
📍 Check out: Padstow Townhouse
✅ Falmouth: Falmouth is a historic port town with a bustling waterfront and a maritime museum. It’s a great spot for sailing and water-based activities and has a lively arts and culture scene.
📍 Check out: The Sandy Duck
✅ Penzance: Located in the far west of Cornwall, Penzance is a gateway to the stunning Land’s End region. It’s a good base for exploring the rugged coastline and historic sites like St. Michael’s Mount.
📍 Check out: Artist Residence, Penzance
Ultimately, the best part of Cornwall to stay in depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your visit.
Where Is The Prettiest Place In Cornwall?
I think St. Ives is the prettiest place in Cornwall, but that’s because I’m partial to a Mediterranean vibe.
Where Should I Stay in Cornwall for the First Time?
If it’s your first time in Cornwall, and you only have 2-3 days, I would recommend picking one coastline and one little town to home-base in.
One of my favorite towns in Cornwall is St.Mawes on the south coast of the island because it has quite a few cute boutique hotels and a charming little village. What’s more, according to the townspeople, the Queen loved coming here (and I can see why)!
There are quite a few hiking trails and access to even more quaint little towns up the river by boat, including lively Falmouth.
And to top it all off, there are some gem restaurants (from fancy to delicious hole-in-the-walls).
Cornwall Travel Guide
Now let’s get into a few travel tips about Cornwall.
Is Cornwall worth going to?
Fook Yes! Cornwall is definitely worth visiting, and it’s a popular destination for both UK and international travelers.
Cornwall boasts some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the UK. From dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches to charming fishing villages and lush countryside, the region’s natural beauty is a major draw.
It is also a haven for outdoor people. You can enjoy activities such as surfing, hiking, cycling, sailing, and fishing. The South West Coast Path, which runs along the coastline, has some of the most scenic walks in the country.
Cornwall has a unique cultural identity with its own language and traditions. You can explore its historic sites, including castles, ancient monuments, and tin mines. What’s more, the county also has a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries and festivals.
And did I mention FOOD! Cornwall is known for its excellent seafood, pasties (a type of savory pastry), and cream teas. You can indulge in fresh seafood, enjoy Cornish ice cream, and go all out on the traditional Cornish cuisine.
While summers are the most popular, Cornwall’s beauty can be appreciated year-round. Just be prepared for varying weather conditions, as it can be quite changeable, even during the summer months.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, Cornwall has plenty of quiet coves and cute boutique hotels where you can unwind and enjoy the sound of the ocean.
What is the best month to visit Cornwall?
I think the best time to visit Cornwall is in the early summer time or fall. So, if I were to plan a trip, I might go in June, July, or September.
Many visitors find that late spring and early autumn strike a balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds, but each season has its own unique charm in Cornwall.
How Many Days Is Enough In Cornwall?
If you have limited time, a short getaway of 2-3 days can give you a taste of Cornwall’s beauty and charm.
For this, I would pick one town, stay in one of the cute boutique hotels in the countryside, and really get to know the landscape, the people, and most importantly, the food!
Can you get around Cornwall without a car?
If you’re just going for a short 2-3 days, I think you can get around without a car just fine, especially if you’re staying in one town.
However, if you have more time and want to make it a road trip, renting a car and exploring Cornwall in its splendor is the best way to do it.
How Do You Get to Cornwall From London?
There are a couple of ways to get from London to Cornwall. The best way to get from one to the other is either by going on a road trip via car or taking the train.
Last Thoughts: Best Hotels In Cornwall
The best hotels in Cornwall are outlined above, but I want to leave you with this little nugget of knowledge. No matter where you decide to go in Cornwall, or when, this land is riddled with the best coastline I’ve seen in all of England!
