The hotel
This contemporary hotel boasts an enviable location,
overlooking Fistral Beach – and its sister hotel, the adults-only Fistral Beach
Hotel & Spa is only down the road, with both hotels sharing amenities, so
you won’t be short of things to do if you’re happy staying in and relaxing.
What I loved: you can’t beat the location and it’s the perfect base for exploring Cornwall. Looks are also very deceiving – the hotel may look slightly dated from the exterior, but inside is a completely different story!
The location
As mentioned, the beach location is ideal if you’re into
surfing or other water sports. You’re close to the headland for stunning walks
and views. It’s only a 20-minute walk to the town centre (which wasn’t all that
if I’m honest), and a short drive to the prettier Perranporth, which has some
lovely restaurants.
Arriving by car? There is paid parking at the hotel on a first come, first served basis. But there is also plenty of free parking on the main road outside the hotel, as well as surrounding side streets (which are more residential).
Other modes of transport? The nearest rail station is Newquay (a 20-minute walk, or 5-minute taxi ride), and Newquay airport is a 20-minute drive away.
The décor
It’s really giving beach vibes, befitting of its place on
the beachfront – think light woods and neutrals, as well as blues depicting the
beautiful waters. It’s all very modern, light, and airy. The bedrooms also
follow suit, with blue feature walls, and photos and paintings of the beach.
The Elements cocktail bar was the only area to really break
the mould – with dark décor and furnishings creating a more cosy, intimate, and
understandably, adult vibe. Perfect for romantic evenings, the lush velvet
seats and booths couple with secluded corners.
What I loved: the little motifs – for example, the ‘Beach This Way’ sign with the arrow as you come down the stairs to the reception area.
The facilities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Games room
- Outdoor seating/play area
- Indoor swimming pool
- Cinema
- Surf school
- Free Wi-Fi
The Cove Restaurant is a large space with the soft play and
games room connected to it – meaning those without children can sit away from
it all. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
We had breakfast included each morning, which was a two-course affair with an unlimited
continental selection at the bar, followed by a choice of one cooked meal. We
also ate dinner twice at the hotel. The Elements cocktail bar is adults-only,
with a fantastic cocktail menu and hosts events such as live music.
We didn’t visit the cinema, but there re four screenings a
day (in the holidays). The pool was quite small, with a separate area for babies/young
children, as well as a jacuzzi and sauna. Places are limited and guests are
required to sign in and out and collect a pass from reception for entry. Alfie
loved the pool tables (50p per game) and table football. There really is so
much for children, including activities and a small craft and book corner near
the reception area.
The room
We had a family room, which had enough space for a double
bed, a pull-out sofa bed and a travel cot (we brought our own, although you can
hire one from the hotel for £15 a night, I think it was).
The facilities really were fantastic – for a selection of
teas, coffees and biscuits for the adults, and sachets of squash and hot
chocolate (with marshmallows) for the children. The boys even received Build-My-Bear
toys, complete with birth certificates, which was super cute.
The bathrooms are equipped with toiletries by Gaia and
Child’s Farm, which can also be purchased on-site – and the hairdryers are
decent quality (a hotel rarity).
Room types: Standard, Sea View, Quiksilver, Roxy, Sea View & Balcony, Best, Family, Family Sea View
Standard amenities: toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi
The verdict
The Esplanade gets a 9/10 from me. It’s the ideal base for
families looking to explore Cornwall or wanting to surf. As we hadn’t booked
the parking, I thought it would be an issue, but most days and nights, we
managed to get parked out the front – ideal with a baby, and when unpacking or reloading
the car. The staff were really friendly and helpful, and I just loved the
little luxuries and touches – including bedtime bottles of milk and a cookie jar
at reception in the evenings for the children. We were very well looked after
and I wouldn’t hesitate returning if staying in the area (or at the sister
hotel, sans-children).
No comments
Post a Comment
Enjoyed this post? Let me know. Leave a comment, or find me on social!
Love, Lucy xx